Indiana Governor vetoes bill allowing online horse race wagering

Indiana Governor Mike Pence allowed two gaming bills to become law without his signature while vetoing a third bill.

Pence allowed HEA 1540, which allows riverboat casinos in the state to move their gaming on-land. In a statement on Friday, Pence said that his position on the matter was consistent with the bill, believing the shift will allow the casinos of Indiana to remain competitive without actually expanding gambling.

He also allowed SEA 252, which “will increase per diem for Horse Racing Commission members, allows the Horse Racing Commission to use breed development funds to promote the horse racing industry, and codifies the current standards regarding days of racing as previously established by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission.”

“Most Hoosiers know that I oppose an expansion of gaming in Indiana, but I recognize that gaming has become an important part of the economy of many communities in our state and is an important part of our state budget,” said Pence. “From early in the legislative process, I made it clear that I would not stand in the way of reforms that would allow these businesses to remain competitive with surrounding states so long as it did not constitute an expansion of gaming in Indiana. HEA 1540 and SEA 252 meet this standard and, as such, I will permit them to become law without signature.”