Indiana Senate approves electronic pull tabs for charity gaming despite regulatory concerns

Indiana’s Senate passed legislation on Tuesday to expand charity gaming by allowing the use of electronic pull tabs, a move that has sparked debate over regulation and fairness in the state’s gambling sector. Senate Bill 209, which was approved in a 37-13 vote, would permit charitable, civic, and veterans’ organizations to operate electronic versions of pull tabs, modernizing their fundraising efforts.  

Currently, these organizations are limited to paper pull tabs, bingo, and raffles. If enacted, the new law would introduce electronic pull-tab devices in the form of freestanding cabinets, tabletop units, and tablets. Proponents argue that the change would provide a much-needed revenue boost for nonprofit groups struggling to sustain their operations.  

Sen. Kyle Walker, R-Lawrence, who authored the bill, defended the legislation as a natural progression of existing gaming laws. “Allowing these groups … to grow and flourish will pay dividends to our state that simply cannot be measured by dollars alone,” Walker said. “This bill is a responsible modernization of an already-established method of gaming that is very narrow in its application.”  

Despite bipartisan support, concerns over regulation and oversight led to heated opposition. Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, argued that the charity gaming industry operates with far less scrutiny than Indiana’s commercial casinos, calling the sector the “Wild, Wild West.”

She claimed that some organizations exploit gaming laws by setting up multiple gambling entities under the guise of charitable operations. Brown also referenced a case in her district where a charity casino was accused of racketeering.  

Sen. Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, questioned whether the revenue generated truly benefits charitable causes, stating that only a small percentage of the money raised by some organizations actually goes to charitable programs. “We should all be concerned about that,” Taylor said.  

In response, Sen. Ron Alting, R-Lafayette, pushed back against criticism, emphasizing that veterans’ groups and community organizations depend on these gaming revenues to survive. “When’s the last time one of you walked into an American Legion … and you thought you were in Las Vegas? Give me a break,” Alting said. He argued that the bill is intended to support local organizations, not expand full-scale gambling.