Indiana’s push to ban sweepstakes casinos is moving again, and this time it is close to the end. On Feb. 24, 2026, lawmakers announced that HB 1052 cleared a conference committee with only small, technical edits. That means the bill is now ready for final votes in both the House and Senate, just days before Indiana’s session ends on Feb. 27, 2026.
The sweepstakes ban language stayed the same. If the bill passes both chambers again, the ban would take effect on July 1, 2026, and Indiana would have a new way to fine operators who keep taking players from inside the state.
Why HB 1052 Went to Conference Committee
HB 1052 already passed both chambers once. The House passed it earlier in February, and the Senate approved it later, but senators added an amendment that was not about sweepstakes casinos. Because the bill was changed, it had to go back to the House.
Instead of accepting the Senate changes, House members filed a motion to dissent. That triggered the conference committee process, where a small group of lawmakers from both chambers meets to agree on one final version.
According to the conference committee update, the changes were technical and did not alter the sweepstakes ban. One example lawmakers mentioned was removing unrelated language because it was handled in a different bill. Now that the committee work is done, the full House and full Senate must vote again on the final version.
What The Sweepstakes Casino Ban Would Do
HB 1052 creates a legal definition for a sweepstakes game and treats it as illegal when it is offered online to people in Indiana in a way that looks like casino gambling.
The bill targets online platforms that use a dual-currency or multi-currency model and allow players to exchange certain credits for a prize, cash, a cash equivalent, or a chance to win those things. It also focuses on games that simulate casino-style or lottery-style gambling, like slots, video poker, table games, bingo, and similar products.
The main enforcement tool is financial. The bill allows the state to impose civil penalties of up to $100,000 per violation for a person or operator who knowingly conducts a sweepstakes game involving someone located in Indiana. The goal is to make it harder for sweepstakes casinos to keep operating in Indiana without a license.
Lawmakers also discussed regulation as an alternative. Some senators said they would have been interested in a framework that would regulate and tax sweepstakes casinos. But they said leadership was not interested, and the bill kept moving as a ban.
What Happens Next Before The Session Ends
The key detail now is timing. Indiana’s session is scheduled to end on Feb. 27, 2026, so lawmakers have a short window to finish the process.
Here’s what must happen next:
- The House must vote on the conference committee report.
- The Senate must vote on the same report.
- If both pass, the bill goes to the governor.
For sweeps casino players, nothing changes today. Sites may still be accessible unless an operator chooses to block Indiana users early. But if HB 1052 becomes law, many platforms would likely exit Indiana or shut off prize redemptions for Indiana residents before July 1, 2026.
For operators and affiliates, the final votes are the biggest moment to watch. A clear ban, backed by $100,000 penalties, would make Indiana one of the stricter states in 2026 when it comes to sweepstakes casino-style gaming.