Indiana Senator Jon Ford has been campaigning for the legalization of online casinos in his state. The lawmaker disclosed several days ago that he would resign on October 16.
Still, he hopes that his efforts to introduce iGaming will bear fruit despite his absence from the legislature.
Ford Played a Key Role in Sport Betting’s Approval in Indiana
Indiana bettors visited land-based casinos in the past to wager on sports events. But the House removed online sports gambling from its law in 2019 before passing the legislation. Ford sponsored a sports betting constitutional amendment in the Senate, intending to present it to the Conference Committee.
The Senator helped in growing the state’s land-based casino sector. He supported relocating two riverboat gaming sites inland as a section of the sports gambling amendment. One casino moved to Terre Haute, his district, and boosted its gaming sector.
Ford stated that during his tenure, they have succeeded in relocating the riverboat casinos and allowing daily fantasy sports. However, sports betting’s rapid growth surprised him as it exceeded his expectations.
Reliable Energy, a trade association, is interested in appointing the Senator for a leadership position. Matt Bell started the association to support fossil fuel producers, including the coal sector’s operators in the state.
Bell partnered with the Senator on casinos’ legalization while serving as the Casino Association of Indiana’s CEO and President. The entrepreneur stated in a media interview that Ford has strongly supported online gaming.
He has actively participated in policy deliberations like the riverboats, online sports betting, and fantasy sports. Still, Ford has enlightened other legislators on iGaming’s positive impact in Indiana.
Ford’s Tenure as the National Gaming Organization’s President
Ford has been the National Council of Legislators from the Gaming States (NCLGS) President since 2021. He helped other state senators understand sports gambling’s challenges and benefits after Indiana allowed it.
Bell has been supporting the NCLGS and its format. Lawmakers run the organization, and it has taught Bell more regarding gaming of late. Still, Ford understood various types of gaming, such as modern fantasy PrizePicks and horse racing.
Ford’s recent announcement shocked many people as they expected him to officially join the state’s gaming industry after resigning. But he hinted that he might later change his mind since he wants to continue championing online casino’s legalization. He offered guidance during the responsible betting and problem gambling policy’s formation.
Does Online Casino Have a Promising Future in Indiana?
The lawmaker introduced the online casino bill in 2021, but the Conference Committee hasn’t passed it. Ford stated that Indiana’s gaming challenge is present in other states as the citizens, including legislators, have a murky understanding of iGaming.
He believes that the industry’s shareholders need to educate the public more about their operations to get their support. For example, sports gambling was popular before the state legalized it.
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