Indiana Lawmaker Files Bill To Ban Online Sweepstakes Gaming
United States (Indiana) – December 11, 2025 – www.zonadeazar.com A new bill aims to outlaw dual-currency sweepstakes casinos in Indiana, signaling a strong regulatory shift against unlicensed online gaming models.
Overview
Indiana State Representative Ethan Manning introduces HB 1052, a bill designed to prohibit online sweepstakes gaming platforms that simulate casino play and allow players to win cash-redeemable prizes. The proposal marks one of the most assertive steps taken by the state toward tightening control over unregulated online gaming activity.
Details / Context
-
The bill classifies sweepstakes gaming as any online platform offering casino-style content — including slots, video poker, table games, bingo, lottery-type games, or sports-bet-like mechanics — operating through dual virtual currencies.
-
HB 1052 proposes a civil penalty of up to $100,000 for operating such platforms within Indiana or conducting transactions involving users located in the state.
-
The initiative reflects a national trend: in recent months, multiple U.S. states have moved to restrict or fully ban sweepstakes casinos as they increasingly resemble unlicensed real-money gambling.
Key Subtopics
-
Consumer protection amid rising concerns about unregulated digital gambling.
-
The growing legislative push to differentiate legal iGaming from sweepstakes-based models.
-
Indiana positioning itself within a broader nationwide crackdown on dual-currency gaming ecosystems.
Future Outlook
Should HB 1052 advance, Indiana would strengthen its regulatory perimeter, effectively closing the door on sweepstakes casinos and prompting larger conversations about what a future regulated iGaming framework may look like. The ban could also redirect player activity toward fully licensed operators — or inadvertently push some users toward offshore alternatives, increasing the need for clear, modern regulation.
🔗 Editó: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com