The Indiana Gaming Commission has issued 12 temporary sports betting permits to casinos and off-track betting facilities in the state, ahead of the anticipated launch of its legal sports wagering market later this year.
The Temporary Certificate of Authority can be issued by the state regulator while their license applications are processed, allowing them to launch wagering while the Commission decides whether or not to issue a full license, per Indiana’s Sports Wagering Statutes.
Twelve of the state’s licensed gaming venues were handed out temporary operating approval last week (July 12). The Penn National Gaming-operated Ameristar Casino East Chicago, Boyd Gaming’s Belterra Casino Resort and Blue Chip Casino and four Caesars Entertainment properties have been cleared to launch from September 1.
The Caesars venues to be given initial approval to operate sports betting are the Caesars Riverboat Casino, Harrah’s Hoosier Park, Horseshoe Hammond, Indiana Grand Racing & Casino.
In addition Blue Sky Casino’s French Lick Resort and the Indiana Gaming Company’s Hollywood Casino have also been approved, alongside three three off-track betting facilities.
Harrah’s Hoosier Park’s Winner’s Circle OTBs in Indianapolis and New Haven will be able to operate sports betting, as will a Clarksville-based OTB for the Indiana Grand.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed sports betting into law in May, with the legislation setting September 1 as the day from which bets can legally be placed. Licenseholders will face a tax rate of 9.5% on adjusted gross receipts from sports betting, with licences to cost an initial $100,000 (£79,614/€88,640).
Earlier this month, the Commission launched a public consultation on the state’s sports betting regulations, with stakeholders and members of the public able to submit comments on the proposed framework until August 1. Such regulations will formalise the framework set out in the bill signed by Holcomb, and will be discussed at a Commission meeting scheduled for August 28.
Meanwhile, in connection with expanded sports betting services in Indiana, the Commission has opted renew a number of daily fantasy sports licences.
DraftKings, FanDuel and FantasyDraft have all had their permits extended for at least a further 12 months. All three operators have been licensed in the state since June 2017.