There was a lot of momentum for Indiana to legalize online gambling in the 2023 session. But a bill to do so – and allow online lottery – went nowhere this session.

Indiana legalized online sports gaming in 2019. But table games – like poker and blackjack – are still only legal at casinos. Rep. Ethan Manning’s (R-Denver) bill, HB 1536, would’ve legalized online table games and online lottery. But he never even brought the measure for a hearing this session.

He said he needs to better educate lawmakers and the public on the importance of legalizing i-gaming.

“We know that we have a very large black market for i-gaming now – it’s been shown in other states," Manning said. "And we know that, by bringing it into the light, we can add consumer protections and do a lot of things with responsible gaming that we’re not able to do right now.”

Join the conversation and sign up for the Indiana Two-Way. Text "Indiana" to 73224. Your comments and questions in response to our weekly text help us find the answers you need on statewide issues throughout the legislative session. And follow along with our bill tracker.

Manning said the state also needs to determine whether online gambling will hurt brick-and-mortar casino revenues. Industry studies say it won’t – but a fiscal analysis of Manning’s bill by the state’s nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency predicted it would.

Brandon is our Statehouse bureau chief. Contact him at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.