Indiana lawmakers unanimously passed a piece of legislation on Wednesday that would make drastic changes to the state’s gambling industry, including bringing legal sports betting to the Hoosier State.
The Indiana Senate Public Policy Committee approved Senate Bill 552 by a unanimous 10-0 vote. The bill set up a regulatory framework for the Indiana Gaming Commission to oversee sports betting in the state’s casinos, as well as moving two of the casinos in Gary.
The bill would allow one of the casinos to move to a different area of the city and the other would move a few hours south to Terre Haute.
The legislation has support from two of the state’s larger sports entities. Executives from the Indianapolis Colts, the state’s NFL franchise, and IndyCar racing were at the hearing to show lawmakers their support for the bill.
After passing in the Public Policy Committee, the piece of legislation will go to a vote in the Senate Appropriations Committee next week. It is expected to vote on the bill on Feb. 14. If the bill passes its second Senate committee, it would go to the floor and then to the House.
If the bill doesn’t pass through the three remaining hurdles, there are two other sports betting bills for the state in the pipeline. The other two bills only focus on sports betting and do not look to relocate any existing casino properties.
Regardless of which bill passes, most state lawmakers think sports betting will be legal in the state eventually.
“If I were a betting man, I’d bet we’ll have sports wagering in Indiana,” Rep. Earl Harris Jr. told the Chicago Tribune. “I wouldn’t be surprised if it happens this year.”
