Indiana governor signs law to allow sports gambling, expand casinos

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Gov. Eric Holcomb has signed a gaming bill to allow sports betting in the state.

The Associated Press reported Indiana sports wagering could start in September. Bets could be placed by anyone 21 or older at a casino or by mobile devices after a bettor has registered at an Indiana casino.

The law also will allow patrons of Shelbyville and Anderson casinos to play table games with live dealers starting Jan. 1.

The law also will allow the owner of the two Gary casino boats on Lake Michigan to build a new casino along heavily traveled Interstate 80-94 in the city, after paying a one-time $50 million state fee.

The new law also sets up a competitive process for casino operators to be picked for opening a casino in Terre Haute.

Statements

The governor issued this statement late Wednesday afternoon after signing the bill into law:

“Gaming is a highly regulated industry that once had little competition, but now does from surrounding states and new technology. By modernizing our laws, this legislation will spur positive economic growth for our state and for an industry that employs over 11,000 Hoosiers. Additionally, it will bring in new revenue and create hundreds of new jobs – both permanent and in construction. I will direct the Indiana Gaming Commission to monitor for potential effects of this bill so that we can make necessary changes in future legislative sessions.”

State Senator Eddie Melton, a Democrat from Gary”

“I am pleased that the governor chose to sign this monumental bill into law. The impact it will have on Gary, Northwest Indiana as well as the entire state is widespread, and I look forward to the historic changes that will take place. This is something our community has been working on for over a decade, and with this signature, hundreds of Hoosiers will find employment. Gary now has the opportunity to become an intermodal gateway for the United States.”