Sweeps Crackdown Accelerates: Indiana House Passes HB1052

Indiana’s HB1052, a bill that defines and establishes civil penalties for sweepstakes game operators, is now in the Senate. It was a swift process for the bill sponsored by Rep. Ethan Manning, which was filed on December 5th, 2025. 

Last January 10th, the Committee on Public Policy voted 10-0 and progressed with some amendments. By Monday, the full House voted 87-11, sending the bill to the Senate. Although Rep. Manning’s bill includes provisions affecting tobacco and alcohol regulation, it highlights possible oversight and enforcement of sweepstakes casino rules.

No official Senate schedule was shared as of February 5th, but this bill is currently the “most advanced sweepstakes casino ban” this year, ahead of similar efforts in Florida and Maine.

HB1052 Redefines Sweepstakes Casino Games, Recommends Penalties

Introduced December 5th, 2025, by Reps. Ethan Manning, Peggy Mayfield, and Justin Moed, HB1052 seeks to define sweepstakes games and recommend civil penalties for individuals who operate these. The bill also aims to expand the state’s exclusion program, allowing players to self-exclude from additional gaming activities.

HB1052 also targets wagering restrictions on horse racing, applying to commission members, racing officials and employees, and their spouses. Violators potentially face Class C infractions, and repeat offenders may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.

During the House debates on sweepstakes casino games, legislators changed the penalties from criminal to civil, with operators facing a $100k fine per violation.

SGLA Expresses Disappointment Over Bill’s Passage

The embattled sweepstakes casino industry in Indiana has found an ally in the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA). In a statement, the trade group explained that “social plus games have been operating lawfully in Indiana since 2012 and are enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers”. The group added that sensible regulation is the best way forward, instead of criminalizing “law-abiding businesses”.

Although no full Senate schedule was shared, the swift approval of HB1052 significantly impacts operators. This bill could put operators in danger, forcing them to re-evaluate their business models, face hefty fines, or initiate full exits.

Sweepstakes casino operators aren’t the only ones facing the pressure in Indiana; the bill’s penalties and strict rules also extend to payment processors.

REFERENCES

• HB1052