Indiana Lawmakers Put Brakes on Gaming Bills Amid Corruption Scandal

In a shocking turn of events, Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston and Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray announced the suspension of any new gaming bills during the upcoming 2024 legislative session. This decision follows the recent guilty plea of former state legislator Sean Eberhart to federal corruption charges.

Eberhart, who served as a Representative from Shelbyville, confessed to accepting a bribe from Spectacle Gaming, linking it directly to his support for a gaming bill in 2019 that notably favored the said gaming company. His tenure, spanning 16 years, concluded in November 2022 with his resignation.

Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that there should be no expectation of gaming legislation in 2024. Both Bray and House Speaker Todd Huston acknowledged that Eberhart's corruption case has cast a dark shadow over any prospects of advancing gaming-related legislation in the upcoming session.

The fallout from Eberhart’s guilty plea extends beyond the legislative calendar, raising questions about the overall trustworthiness of the Statehouse. Lawmakers are keenly aware of the need to address these issues before considering any new gaming bills. The corruption scandal has effectively derailed the gaming industry’s efforts to push for the legalization of online casino gambling in recent years.

Despite these setbacks, the gaming landscape in Indiana has witnessed positive developments. Sports wagering became legal in September 2019, contributing significantly to the state’s economy. Additionally, a new casino, the Terre Haute Casino Resort, is set to open in March 2024, expanding the state’s gaming industry despite recent legislative setbacks.