Vote Smart's Synopsis:

A vote to pass a bill that authorizes sports betting.

Highlights:

• Defines sports wagering as wagering on athletic and sporting events involving human competitors and Specifies that this does not include fantasy sports or e-sports or pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing  (Sec. 46, Article 38).

• Requires vendors to conduct background checks on newly hired employees, as well as annual background checks on all existing employees, that are engaged in activities related to sports wagering (Sec. 46, Article 38).

• Specifies that this background check must include a search for criminal history, specifically any charges or convictions involving corruption, manipulation of sporting events, and any association with organized crime.

• Specifies that employees at least 18 years old may be present in an area where sports wagering is conducted, but may not place wagers.

• Authorizes sports wagering and specifies that an application for a sports wagering license costs $100,000 and the annual fee will be $50,000 (Sec. 46, Article 38).

• Prohibits vendors from accepting wagers from the following (Sec. 46, Article 38):

• Non-individual entities, such as corporations or associations;

• Anyone under 21 years old;

• Certified vendors and sports wagering service providers, their employees, or their relatives;

• Individuals convicted of state or federal crimes relating to sports wagering; and

• Employees and relatives of sports governing bodies, including;

• Game officials employed by or under contract with the governing body;

• Coaches, managers, or other personnel employed by or under contract with the governing body;

• Employees of a union representing athletes or game officials; and

• Any athlete who is:

• Under contract with a member club of the governing body (such as a sports team); or

• Eligible to participate in events conducted by the governing body.

• Prohibits vendors from accepting wagers on the following (Sec. 46, Article 38):

• High school or other amateur youth sporting events; or

• A sporting event that has not been approved for wagering by the commission.

• Defines an “amateur youth sporting event” as any sporting event in which the individual is (Sec. 46, Article 38):

• Younger than 18 years old; and

• Prohibited from receiving direct or indirect compensation for their performance.

• Requires the gaming commission to consist of governor-appointed members and specifies that (Sec. 9-10):

• Each member be a resident of Indiana and have a reasonable knowledge about gambling operations;

• At least one member have experience in law enforcement and criminal investigation;

• At least one member be a certified public accountant with experience in auditing;

• At least one member be an attorney admitted to the practice of law in Indiana;

• One member be a resident of a county that is contiguous to Lake Michigan;

• One member be a resident of a county that is contiguous to the Ohio River; and

• Not more than four members may be affiliated with the same political party.

• Requires that the commission file a written annual report with the governor before September 1st and specifies that this report shall include the following (Sec. 9-10):

• Receipts and disbursements of the commission;

• Actions taken by the commission;

• The development and fiscal impact of sports wagering; and

• Any additional informations that the commission considers useful or that the governor requests.

Full Bill Text