A push to legalize online gambling games won’t move forward this legislative session, House Speaker Todd Huston

Huston called it a complex bill with a “lot of different moving parts.” He continued, “And I think, you know, just trying to find something there was some consensus on, felt like it was a pretty tough spot to be.”

The legislation would have allowed Indiana’s licensed casinos to offer interactive electronic gaming alongside the Hoosier Lottery. Supporters said Hoosiers are already gambling online so it makes sense to regulate and tax it.

Rep. Ethan Manning, R-Logansport, authored the bill and estimated that the digital lottery and casino games, coupled with sports wagering tax hikes, could bring the state of Indiana more than $300 million annually in new revenue.

Huston complimented Manning on his stewardship but said the bill would impact members of the gaming industry differently. At least one casino opposed the move.

“There’s all sorts of moving parts about how it impacts certain communities, what it does to the overall gaming environment in Indiana. I think all those things just make it complex to work through,” Huston said.