Indiana HB 1052 Hearing January 6: Sweepstakes Ban Would Affect Stake.us, All Operators

Indiana lawmakers will hear testimony on House Bill 1052 when the House Public Policy Committee convenes January 6, marking another front in the nationwide crackdown on sweepstakes casinos that saw six states enact bans in 2025.

What Indiana’s HB 1052 Would Ban

HB 1052 targets sweepstakes casinos that use a dual-currency payment model allowing players to exchange virtual currency for cash prizes. The bill defines these platforms as any service that simulates casino-style gaming including slot machines, video poker, table games, lottery games, bingo, and sports wagering. These platforms have faced mounting legal challenges nationwide.

The bill language closely mirrors New York’s statute signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in December 2025. Promotional contests that offer only non-cash items such as merchandise, coupons, or novelty prizes would remain legal. Understanding RTP and house edge helps players evaluate these platforms before potential bans take effect.

Rep. Manning’s Gaming Background

Rep. Ethan Manning brings significant gaming policy experience to HB 1052. As chair of the House Public Policy Committee, Manning previously authored Indiana’s sports wagering legalization bill and filed an iGaming bill earlier in 2025 that would have established regulatory oversight through the Indiana Gaming Commission.

Manning’s involvement signals the bill has strong committee support. Co-authors Rep. Peggy Mayfield and Rep. Justin Moed provide bipartisan backing for the measure.

California’s Blueprint

Indiana follows California’s sweepstakes ban approach. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 831 in October 2025 after unanimous passage (63-0 Assembly, 36-0 Senate). California’s law takes effect January 1, 2026, and major operators like Stake.us have already exited the state.

California’s law stands out for extending liability to vendors and partners including geolocation providers, payment processors, content suppliers, and media affiliates who “knowingly and willfully” support sweepstakes platforms. Analysts estimate the California ban will eliminate roughly 20% of the sweepstakes industry’s US revenue. Players should also be aware of federal gambling tax changes that took effect recently.

Florida and Maine Bills for 2026

Florida’s HB 591, filed December 2 by Rep. Berny Jacques, takes the strictest approach. The 86-page bill makes operating internet gambling a third-degree felony and would strengthen the Seminole tribe’s gaming monopoly. The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance estimates Florida accounts for 8.5% of sweepstakes operator revenue—over $1 billion annually. Players in affected states should use our variance survival calculator to assess their risk exposure.

Maine’s LD 2007, introduced December 5 by Sen. Craig Hickman, proposes fines between $10,000 and $100,000. Penalized operators would become ineligible for any gaming licenses in the state. The bill was referred to the Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs.

2025 State Crackdown Summary

Six states enacted sweepstakes casino bans in 2025:

Including existing restrictions in Washington and Idaho, nearly a quarter of US states now have formal or de facto bans against sweepstakes casino operations. Use our bankroll calculator to plan your gaming budget regardless of which platforms remain available in your state.

What to Watch January 6

The House Public Policy Committee hearing will feature testimony from stakeholders on both sides. Key questions include whether Indiana will follow California’s vendor liability approach and whether criminal penalties will be added to the current civil-only structure.

Manning’s dual role as bill author and committee chair gives HB 1052 a clear path forward. The bill’s bipartisan co-sponsorship suggests it could advance without significant opposition.

Sources

• House Bill 1052 — Indiana General Assembly
• Assembly Bill 831 — California Legislature
• House Bill 591 — Florida Legislature
• LD 2007 — Maine Legislature