Indiana Governor Vetoes ADW Legislation

Saying the bill would have expanded gambling in Indiana, Gov. Mike Pence has vetoed a bill that would have allowed state residents to use advance deposit wagering to bet horse races.

ADW allows bettors to deposit funds into an account and then place pari-mutuel wagers through the Internet or via phone wagering. On May 8 Pence vetoed HEA 1270, which would have allowed such wagers in Indiana.

"This legislation is contrary to my longtime position against online gaming," Pence said in a release. "Advance deposit wagering, not currently permitted in Indiana, would also violate my position on expanding gaming here in Indiana."

The governor did allow two other gambling-related bills to become law without his signature.

One piece of legislation will allow riverboat casinos to move on land within their current footprint, outlines procedures for legislative ratification of a tribal gaming compact negotiated between the governor and the Pokagaon Band of the Potawatomi Indians, and establishes caps for casinos and racetracks with casinos. 

The other bill that becomes law increases the per diem for Indiana Horse Racing Commission members, allows the IHRC 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 IHRC. 

"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," Pence said. "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."