FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New laws on gambling will protect
Hoosiers and legitimate charity efforts
Gambling in Indiana will be fairer, better regulated and ultimately do more good now that new Senate-driven legislation takes effect July 1.
As many as 30,000 cherry masters, video poker and other unregulated gambling machines will officially be illegal on July 1.
In their place will be sensible regulations that not only protect those who enjoy gaming, but the many worthwhile public service organizations that depend on this revenue to bolster community projects.
House Enrolled Act 1510 will create an “Annual Charity Game Night” License that allows legitimate organizations to host up to three gaming events per week, but no more than two in a row. The new law also creates a new PPT license, allowing not-for-profits to sell pull tabs, punch boards and tip boards on their property year round.
Other key provisions include:
- Limiting charity gaming nights throughout the year to organizations in existence for ten years or longer;
- Increasing manpower for Gaming Commission enforcement of illegal gambling laws.
- Permitting the Gaming Commission to require independent audits of licensees; and
- Increasing penalties to include possible loss of lottery contracts, retail merchant permits and state licenses for sale of tobacco and alcohol.
The new law also includes money to hire 16 new gaming commissioner officers to help with enforcement. This has the added benefit of allowing local law enforcement and prosecutors to focus on local needs instead of trying to catch illegal gambling operations. |
