Online Casino Legislation Introduced in Indiana, Wyoming

Online Casino Legislation Introduced in Indiana, Wyoming

Could 2025 be the year of legal online casino gaming expansion? Don’t bet on it.

In recent months, state lawmakers in several states have filed bills to legalize online casino gambling. While these efforts are still in their early stages, they represent a significant step forward for the iGaming industry.

Indiana iGaming Details

The Hoosier State is on track to become one of the first states to launch online casinos. Indiana Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Cass) has introduced House Bill 1432, which would allow commercial casinos, riverboats, and racinos to pursue up to three online gaming skins.

Each iGaming licensee would be required to pay a one-time fee of $500K and an annual $250K payment to the state. The yearly charge would be allocated to responsible gaming and problem gambling services.

Manning’s Tax Plan

Manning proposes taxing iGaming revenue on a graduated scale from 22% for gross revenue less than $4 million, to 24% on revenue ranging from $4 million to $8 million, to 26% on revenue from $8 million to $10 million, and to $28% on revenue from $10 million to $12 million, and to $30% on revenue upwards of $12 million.

Each iGaming operator would be allowed to deduct no more than $5 million in free play and promotional incentives each year. HB 1432 would also permit the Indiana Lottery to run instant games online.

A study from Spectrum Gaming Group published last year projected that Indiana could receive between $413 million to $929 million in new tax revenue during the first three years of legal iGaming.

Wyoming Mulls Online Casinos

The Cowboy State is also considering an online gaming bill. House Bill 162 comes from Rep. Bob Davis (R-Sweetwater) and would allow commercial iGaming entities like FanDuel and BetMGM to pursue online gaming privileges.

Licenses would cost an initial $100K, with annual renewals at $50K. The Wyoming Gaming Commission would give preference to iGaming firms already licensed and operating in three legal online casino states.

Gross Revenue Taxation

The gross revenue won by the iGaming operators would be subjected to a 16% flat tax. The first $300K received by the state each year would go to the Wyoming Department of Health to fund programs related to the prevention and treatment of problem gaming.

iGaming Has Many Foes

Last year, London-based regulatory intelligence firm Vixio issued a report suggesting that states are leaving $15 billion in untapped tax revenue on the table each year by keeping online casinos illegal. States that have tried to join the seven iGaming jurisdictions have faced much backlash from responsible gaming advocates.

Responsible gaming experts say in-person casino staff are trained to limit a person who is gambling erratically. Gambling while drunk, high, or under the influence of another substance is also prohibited in every legal gaming state. iGaming critics say consumer safeguards are limited online.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the introduction of online casino legislation in Indiana and Wyoming marks an exciting development for the iGaming industry. While there are challenges to be addressed, such as consumer protection and tax revenue allocation, these states represent a significant step forward for responsible gaming practices.

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