House Bill 1052 was read into the record of the State of Indiana House of Representatives on Dec. 5. The bill addresses several issues, including Horse Racing Commission policies, changes to the sports wagering voluntary exclusion program definitions, and alcohol and tobacco commission policies.
Tucked inside the bill is a detailed definition of a sweepstakes game:
(1) utilizes a dual-currency system of payment allowing a player to exchange currency for a cash prize, cash award, or cash equivalents or a chance to win a cash prize, cash award, or cash equivalents; and (2) simulates casino-style gaming, including slot machines, video poker, table games, lottery games, bingo, and sports wagering.
HB 1052 calls for a possible $100,000 fine for operators found to be offering a sweepstakes game. Notably, HB 1052 does not lay out civil penalties for other parties (like affiliates or payment processors).
The bill also establishes a clear line between online sweepstakes games that use a dual-currency system and other sweepstakes games that do not rely on a “device played for amusement that rewards a player exclusively with a toy, a novelty, candy, other noncash merchandise, or a ticket or coupon redeemable for a toy, a novelty, or other noncash merchandise that has a wholesale value of not more than the lesser of ten (10) times the amount charged to play the amusement device one (1) time or twenty-five dollars ($25).”
Manning, a Republican who represents District 23, is the chair of the House Public Policy Committee. According to the state’s website, no meeting is scheduled to discuss HB 1052 yet, though the House is in session this week and next.
Manning has helmed legislation in the past that would have legalized online gaming in Indiana. Last January, he introduced HB 1432, but that bill petered out in the Ways and Means Committee. Four times since 2021, Indiana has failed to bring to a vote bills that would have legalized some form of online casinos or so-called iGaming.
State representatives Peggy Mayfield, a Republican, and Justin Moed (Democrat), joined Manning as co-authors of the bill.
Several states have taken notice of sweepstakes gaming online that uses dual-currency systems that critics argue straddle the legality of gambling.
A bill banning sweepstakes games was signed into law in California, effective January 1, 2026. The legislation passed unanimously (79-0 in Assembly).
Last week, Governor Kathy Hochul signed S5935, taking effect immediately.
Florida’s HB 591 (Rep. Berny Jacques) was filed for the 2026 session beginning March 2026 and Maine’s LD 2007 (Sen. Craig Hickman) was filed December 3, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs.
Only seven states have legal online casino gaming: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. Each of those states have taken some form of action to restrict or prohibit sweepstakes casinos, either through legislation or cease-and-desist action.
