Indiana’s iLottery Future Hangs in Balance as Hoosier Lottery Waits on Lawmakers
Indiana’s Hoosier Lottery is eyeing online games but playing a cautious hand, with iLottery’s fate resting on lawmakers’ next move, per Indiana Public Media.
A Cautious Stance on iLottery
Indiana Public Media spotlighted the Hoosier Lottery’s hesitant push for online games, or iLottery, amid shifting player habits. Executive Director Sarah Taylor told the outlet, “Folks have changed. We’re looking to sustain the lottery for quite some time.”
Yet, the lottery isn’t actively lobbying for online expansion. A 2022 law requires legislative approval for iLottery, forcing the lottery to adopt a passive, “educational-informational” approach. With no online ticket sales allowed, players can only scan tickets or join promotions via the Hoosier Lottery app.
Indiana came close to launching iLottery a few years ago, but lawmakers pumped the brakes. In 2025, a House committee greenlit a bill to legalize online lottery sales, but it fizzled out before reaching a full vote. Indiana Public Media notes that similar legislation is “likely” to resurface in 2026.
The Hoosier Lottery, which has sold scratch-offs and draw games the same way for 35 years, generates $1.8 billion annually, with $360 million for state pensions and teacher retirement funds. iLottery could boost that, but lawmakers remain wary.
Challenges and Opportunities
Nationwide, iLottery is booming. States like Michigan and Pennsylvania pull in over $600 million yearly from online sales. Indiana’s brick-and-mortar model limits growth as younger players demand digital options.
iLottery could draw new players, especially with mobile-first games like eInstants, popular in states like Illinois. But critics, including some retailers, fear online sales could cut into their $1.2 billion in-store revenue
The 2022 law reflects Indiana’s cautious gaming culture, balancing revenue needs with concerns about addiction and retail impact. Michigan’s iLottery, launched in 2014, shows what’s possible: $5.4 billion in school funding since inception.
Indiana’s lottery, while robust, missed a chance to lead the digital shift. Taylor’s team is educating lawmakers, but without active lobbying, progress stalls. A 2026 bill could hinge on proving iLottery’s economic upside while addressing responsible gaming.
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