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HB1038 • 2026

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning gaming.

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning gaming.

Children Elections Labor Taxes Technology
Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Representative Craig Snow
Last action
2026-03-04
Official status
Enrolled House Bill (H)
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The effective date of the law is not specified in the provided source material.

Indiana Gaming Law Changes

This law changes Indiana's gaming rules by limiting satellite licenses for horse racing and allowing voters in three counties to decide if they want inland casinos.

What This Bill Does

  • Limits the number of satellite facility licenses that can be issued to three instead of four per permit holder.
  • Requires Allen County, DeKalb County, and Steuben County to ask their voters if they want inland casino gambling.
  • Allows the Indiana gaming commission to give a new riverboat license for an inland casino in those counties if approved by voters.
  • Sets rules for applying for a casino license, including needing local government support and a plan to invest at least $500 million.
  • Requires applicants who get approval to pay $150 million to the gaming commission.

Who It Names or Affects

  • The horse racing commission
  • Allen County, DeKalb County, and Steuben County voters
  • The Indiana gaming commission

Terms To Know

satellite facility licenses
Special permits for additional locations related to horse racing.
shuttered riverboat fund
A fund used to help areas affected by the closure of riverboats or inland casinos.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The law does not specify when it will take effect.
  • It is unclear how many applications for casino licenses might be submitted.

Amendments

These notes stay tied to the official amendment files and metadata from the legislature.

HB1038.02.COMH.AMH11

Committee House Bill (H) • Representative Craig Snow

Filed

Plain English: This amendment changes how tax revenue from gaming is distributed in Indiana.

  • Modifies the way tax money collected from gaming activities is shared among different parts of Indiana.
  • The exact details on how the distribution will change are not provided, making it hard to explain specific changes.
HB1038.02.COMH.AMH12

Committee House Bill (H) • Representative Gregory Porter

Filed

Plain English: The amendment adds a new section to the Indiana Code that requires casinos to provide funding for child care services.

  • Adds a requirement for casinos to contribute funds towards child care services.
  • The exact amount and method of contribution are not specified in the provided amendment text.
HB1038.02.COMH.AMH14

Committee House Bill (H) • Representative Gregory Porter

Filed

Plain English: This amendment adds a new section to the Indiana Code that allows gaming facilities to contribute money to child care development funds.

  • Adds a provision allowing gaming facilities to donate money to child care development funds.
  • The exact details of how these donations will be managed and used are not specified in the amendment text.
HB1038.05.COMS.AMS33

Committee House Bill (S) • Senator Ryan Mishler

Filed

Plain English: This amendment makes various unspecified changes to the Indiana Code concerning gaming.

  • The amendment alters parts of the Indiana Code related to gaming, but does not specify what those changes are.
  • The official text only states 'Various changes' without providing details about which sections or aspects of the law will be modified.
HB1038.01.INTR.AMH08

Committee Introduced House Bill (H) • Representative Justin Moed

Filed

Plain English: This amendment adds new rules about pari-mutuel betting in Indiana.

  • Adds a new section to the Indiana Code that defines what pari-mutuel wagering is and sets up regulations for it.
  • The exact details of how pari-mutuel wagering will be regulated are not provided in this amendment text.
  • It's unclear which specific part of the Indiana Code concerning gaming this new section would be added to.
HB1038.01.INTR.AMH09

Committee Introduced House Bill (H) • Representative Ethan Manning

Filed

Plain English: This amendment would allow gaming facilities to move their operations to a new location under certain conditions.

  • Adds rules for relocating gaming operations, including requirements and limitations on where and how gaming facilities can be moved.
  • The exact details of the relocation process and specific conditions are not fully explained in the provided amendment text.
HB1038.03.COMH.AMH001

Filed House Bill (H) • Representative J.D. Prescott

Failed

Plain English: This amendment aims to modify the Indiana Code regarding gaming, but the provided information does not specify the exact changes it intends to make.

  • The official text of the amendment is incomplete and does not provide specific details about the proposed changes.
HB1038.03.COMH.AMH002

Filed House Bill (H) • Representative Ben Smaltz

Passed

Plain English: This amendment changes the Indiana Code to allow certain gaming establishments to offer new types of games.

  • Allows specific gaming facilities to introduce additional game options.
  • The official text does not specify which gaming establishments or what new types of games are allowed, making it hard to provide more details.
HB1038.03.COMH.AMH003

Filed House Bill (H) • Representative Gregory Porter

X

Plain English: This amendment proposes to change the Indiana Code regarding gaming.

  • The exact changes are not specified in the provided amendment text.
  • The official amendment text does not provide specific details about what changes will be made to the Indiana Code concerning gaming.
HB1038.03.COMH.AMH004

Filed House Bill (H) • Representative Gregory Porter

X

Plain English: This amendment changes the Indiana Code to add new requirements for gaming facilities.

  • Adds new rules for gaming facilities in Indiana.
  • The official text does not provide specific details about what these new rules are, making it hard to explain exactly how they will change current laws.
HB1038.03.COMH.AMH005

Filed House Bill (H) • Representative Justin Moed

Failed

Plain English: This amendment would add new rules about how gaming facilities can use their profits.

  • Adds a requirement for gaming facilities to spend at least 1% of their gross gaming revenue on community development projects.
  • The specific details and types of community development projects are not defined in the amendment text, so it's unclear what kinds of projects would qualify.
HB1038.03.COMH.AMH006

Filed House Bill (H) • Representative Justin Moed

Failed

Plain English: This amendment would add new rules about how gaming facilities can use their profits.

  • Adds a requirement for gaming facilities to spend at least 5% of their annual profits on community development projects.
  • The specific types of community development projects that qualify are not detailed in the amendment text, so it's unclear what kinds of projects would be eligible.
HB1038.03.COMH.AMH007

Filed House Bill (H) • Representative Justin Moed

Failed

Plain English: This amendment would add new rules about how gaming facilities can use their profits.

  • Adds a requirement for gaming facilities to spend at least 5% of their annual profits on community development projects.
  • The specific types of community development projects that qualify are not detailed in the amendment text, so it's unclear what kinds of projects would be eligible.
HB1038.03.COMH.AMH008

Filed House Bill (H) • Representative Justin Moed

Failed

Plain English: This amendment would add new rules about how gaming facilities can use their profits.

  • Adds a requirement for gaming facilities to spend at least 5% of their annual profits on community development projects.
  • The specific types of community development projects that qualify are not detailed in the amendment text, so it's unclear what kinds of projects would be eligible.
HB1038.06.COMS.AMS001

Filed House Bill (S) • Senator Randy Maxwell

Failed

Plain English: This amendment proposes to change the Indiana Code regarding gaming, but does not provide specific details about what changes would be made.

  • The exact nature of the proposed changes is unclear from the provided information.
  • The official text does not specify the concrete changes this amendment aims to make.
  • Further details are needed to understand the impact and specifics of the amendment.
HB1038.06.COMS.AMS002

Filed House Bill (S) • Senator Liz Brown

Failed

Plain English: This amendment would add new requirements for gaming facilities in Indiana, including background checks and security measures.

  • Adds a requirement that gaming facility employees undergo background checks before starting work.
  • Requires gaming facilities to implement specific security measures to prevent unauthorized access.
  • The amendment text does not provide details on the exact nature of the security measures or how background checks will be conducted, which limits a full understanding of these requirements.
HB1038.06.COMS.AMS003

Filed House Bill (S) • Senator Aaron Freeman

Failed

Plain English: This amendment would add new rules about how gaming facilities can use their profits.

  • Adds a requirement for gaming facilities to spend at least 5% of their annual profits on community development projects.
  • The specific types of community development projects that qualify are not detailed in the amendment text, so it's unclear what kinds of projects would be eligible.
HB1038.06.COMS.AMS004

Filed House Bill (S) • Senator Ryan Mishler

Passed

Plain English: This amendment changes the Indiana Code to allow certain gaming establishments to offer new types of games.

  • Allows specific gaming facilities in Indiana to introduce additional kinds of gambling games.
  • The official text does not specify which gaming establishments or what exact types of games are allowed, making it hard to provide more details.
HB1038.06.COMS.AMS005

Filed House Bill (S) • Senator Jeff Raatz

Failed

Plain English: This amendment would add new rules about how gaming facilities can use their profits.

  • Adds a requirement for gaming facilities to spend at least 1% of their annual profits on local community projects.
  • The specific types of community projects that qualify are not detailed in the amendment text, so it's unclear what kinds of activities would be eligible.
HB1038.06.COMS.AMS006

Filed House Bill (S) • Senator Tyler Johnson

Failed

Plain English: This amendment aims to modify the Indiana Code regarding gaming, but does not provide specific details about what changes it intends to make.

  • The exact nature of the change is unclear due to lack of detailed information in the provided text.
  • The official amendment text does not specify any concrete changes or updates to the Indiana Code concerning gaming.
HB1038.06.COMS.AMS007

Filed House Bill (S) • Senator Tyler Johnson

Failed

Plain English: This amendment would add new rules about how gaming facilities can use their profits.

  • Adds a requirement for gaming facilities to spend at least 5% of their annual profits on community development projects.
  • The specific types of community development projects that qualify are not detailed in the amendment text, so it's unclear what kinds of projects would be eligible.
HB1038.06.COMS.AMS008

Filed House Bill (S) • Senator Tyler Johnson

Failed

Plain English: This amendment would add new rules about how gaming facilities can use certain technology.

  • Adds requirements for gaming facilities to use specific security measures when using remote deposit capture and mobile banking services.
  • The exact details of the security measures required are not specified in this amendment text, making it unclear what specific technologies or procedures would be mandated.
  • It is unknown how these new requirements will affect existing gaming facilities' operations.
HB1038.06.COMS.AMS009

Filed House Bill (S) • Senator Tyler Johnson

Failed

Plain English: This amendment would add new rules about how gaming facilities can use their profits.

  • Adds a requirement for gaming facilities to spend at least 5% of their annual profits on community development projects.
  • The specific types of community development projects that qualify are not detailed in the amendment text, so it's unclear what kinds of projects would be eligible.
HB1038.06.COMS.AMS010

Filed House Bill (S) • Senator Tyler Johnson

Failed

Plain English: This amendment would add new rules about how gaming facilities can use their profits.

  • Adds a requirement for gaming facilities to spend at least 5% of their profits on community development projects.
  • The specific details and types of community development projects are not defined in the amendment text, so it's unclear exactly what kinds of projects would qualify.

Bill History

  1. 2026-03-04 House

    Signed by the Governor

  2. 2026-03-04 House

    Public Law 77

  3. 2026-02-27 Senate

    CCR # 1 filed in the Senate

  4. 2026-02-27 House

    Rules Suspended. Conference Committee Report 1: adopted by the House; Roll Call 405: yeas 56, nays 37

  5. 2026-02-27 Senate

    Rules Suspended. Conference Committee Report 1: adopted by the Senate; Roll Call 312: yeas 34, nays 16

  6. 2026-02-27 House

    Signed by the Speaker

  7. 2026-02-27 Senate

    Signed by the President Pro Tempore

  8. 2026-02-27 Senate

    Signed by the President of the Senate

  9. 2026-02-26 House

    House advisors appointed: Manning, Lehman, Isa, Miller K, Moed

  10. 2026-02-26 House

    House conferees appointed: Snow, GiaQuinta

  11. 2026-02-26 House

    CCR # 1 filed in the House

  12. 2026-02-25 House

    House dissented from Senate amendments

  13. 2026-02-25 House

    Motion to dissent filed

  14. 2026-02-25 Senate

    Senate advisors appointed: Mishler, Jackson L

  15. 2026-02-25 Senate

    Senate conferees appointed: Busch, Niezgodski

  16. 2026-02-24 Senate

    Third reading: passed; Roll Call 229: yeas 26, nays 22

  17. 2026-02-24 Senate

    Returned to the House with amendments

  18. 2026-02-23 Senate

    Second reading: amended, ordered engrossed

  19. 2026-02-23 Senate

    Amendment #4 (Mishler) prevailed; voice vote

  20. 2026-02-19 Senate

    Committee report: amend do pass, adopted

  21. 2026-02-19 Senate

    Senator Randolph added as cosponsor

  22. 2026-02-12 Senate

    Committee report: do pass adopted; reassigned to Committee on Appropriations

  23. 2026-02-12 Senate

    Senator Maxwell removed as cosponsor

  24. 2026-02-05 Senate

    First reading: referred to Committee on Public Policy

  25. 2026-02-03 House

    Referred to the Senate

  26. 2026-02-02 House

    Third reading: passed; Roll Call 199: yeas 67, nays 30

  27. 2026-02-02 House

    Senate sponsors: Senators Busch, Mishler, Garten

  28. 2026-02-02 House

    Cosponsor: Senator Maxwell

  29. 2026-01-29 House

    Second reading: amended, ordered engrossed

  30. 2026-01-29 House

    Amendment #2 (Smaltz) prevailed; voice vote

  31. 2026-01-29 House

    Amendment #3 (Porter) failed; Roll Call 154: yeas 28, nays 63

  32. 2026-01-29 House

    Amendment #4 (Porter) failed; Roll Call 153: yeas 25, nays 63

  33. 2026-01-28 House

    Representatives Barrett, Isa, GiaQuinta added as coauthors

  34. 2026-01-27 House

    Committee report: amend do pass, adopted

  35. 2026-01-22 House

    Committee report: amend do pass, adopted

  36. 2026-01-22 House

    Recommitted to Committee on Ways and Means pursuant to House Rule 126.3

  37. 2025-12-01 House

    Authored by Representative Snow

  38. 2025-12-01 House

    First reading: referred to Committee on Public Policy

Official Summary Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning gaming.
Gaming matters.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning gaming.

Gaming matters.

Provides that the horse racing commission may issue three satellite facility licenses (instead of four per permit holder under current law). Requires Allen County, DeKalb County, and Steuben County to place a public question on the 2026 general election ballot that seeks approval from the voters to permit inland casino gambling. Authorizes the Indiana gaming commission (commission) to award a new riverboat license for an inland casino in Allen County, DeKalb County, or Steuben County. Prohibits the commission from awarding an owner's license to operate a casino in Allen County, DeKalb County, or Steuben County if the voters of the county do not approve casino gaming in the county. Specifies application requirements, including local government support and the applicant's commitment and plan to invest at least $500,000,000 for the development of a casino and nongaming amenities. Requires an approved applicant to pay $150,000,000 to the commission to be deposited by the commission as follows: (1) $100,000,000 to the state general fund; and (2) $50,000,000 to the shuttered riverboat fund to be used for local units that are affected by a shuttered riverboat or inland casino closure. Provides that if a licensed owner ceases operations or goes out of business, the license issued under this section is terminated effective on that date.