Indiana edges closer to a permanent ban on online lotteries

Indiana is one signature away from putting a permanent ban on online lottery couriers into law.

Only Governor Mike Braun now needs to sign the proposed bill in order for it to become law. If it does, the permanent ban on online lottery couriers, currently known as Senate Bill 94 (SB 94), would prevent the operation of such companies within the state.

Having already been passed by the General Assembly, this comes after a failed attempt to ban both online gambling and lotteries earlier in the year. The ban defines lottery courier services as for-profit businesses that facilitate the purchase of lottery tickets on behalf of consumers, delivering them via digital images for compensation.

That includes services like Jackpocket, theLotter, and Jackpot, which would all then be considered illegal unless they obtain express written authorisation from the Indiana Lottery Commission. However, the bill also prevents the commission from giving such permissions. Effectively, the ban also ensures there is no framework for such services to operate legally.

Punishment for operating such services would amount to a Class A misdemeanour. As the most serious level of misdemeanour, this would be punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 in Indiana.

SB 94 also adapts several sections of the Indiana Code, updating language to prohibit the Indiana Gaming Commission from operating or authorising digital gaming platforms – including internet-based casino-style games (like poker, slots, and scratch-offs, draw games, and video lottery terminals, as well as online lottery courier services.

The legislation is part of a wider push from the state to both limit access to digital games and preserve focus on physical gambling. The emphasis is on betting where all processes take place in public and can be overseen by independent parties, like accountants.

The bill now lies with the governor and, if signed, will come into effect from July 1. As a permanent ban, it would take further legislative action to reverse or amend it.

Indiana is not alone in pushing for more regulation on online gambling, with Nebraska, Montana, and even legislation at a federal level also taking stronger steps on the topic.

Featured image: Photographs in the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division

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