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    AGA Statement on Proposed Indiana Sports Betting Legislation

    Press Release
    January 9, 2018

    Washington, D.C. – Indiana State Representative Alan Morrison has introduced a bill that would legalize sports betting if the federal ban – the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act – is lifted. 

    A provision in Morrison’s bill mandates that sports betting operators pay sports leagues 20 percent – before the state receives its proceeds. 

    Below is a statement from American Gaming Association President and Chief Executive Officer Geoff Freeman regarding the legislation:

    “While we applaud Representative Morrison’s efforts to bring legal, transparent sports betting to Indiana, handing sports leagues 20 percent of what’s left over after winnings are paid out, undercuts its economic viability. Doing so will ensure the illegal market continues to thrive in the state, and gut the tax revenues available to fund essential public services. We believe Indiana taxpayers deserve better.

    “We encourage Indiana to reject this short-sighted, misinformed idea, which simply replaces a failed federal prohibition with bad state policy. Our goal is to eliminate the illegal market, protect consumers and strengthen the integrity of the game. We invite all stakeholders to join us in working together in a thoughtful and transparent fashion.”


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