does this mean we can go to jail for placing bets in Indiana??? 
July 1, 2005
New state law halts Internet bets
California-based company stops taking online wagers on horse races from Indiana customers.
By Michael Pointer
INDY STAR
A provider of Internet wagering on horse racing has suspended operations in Indiana because of recently passed legislation that makes conducting such operations a felony.
Los Angeles-based Television Games Network (TVG) informed its Indiana customers this week their accounts were being canceled and any remaining balance would be refunded.
"We think TVG's activities have been lawful under federal and state laws," TVG vice president John Hindman said. "This law is new. We're going to work with legislators to clarify the intent of it and take the appropriate measures."
Hindman declined to release how many subscribers TVG has in Indiana. It is available on most satellite systems.
The move comes following the passage of Senate Enrolled Act No. 92 during the General Assembly session earlier this year.
Sponsored by Sen. David Ford, R-Hartford City, the measure made it a Class D felony instead of a misdemeanor to provide an Internet gambling site in the state except when it is specifically allowed by statute, such as the state lottery.
Ford noted gambling on horse racing in Indiana is only allowed at Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs -- the state's two parimutuel tracks -- and their five off-track betting facilities.
"They've (Internet betting providers) known it's been illegal," Ford said. "They just winked at the law. Now, this puts a little teeth in it."
The measure received strong support. It passed the Senate 46-0 and the House 74-21 before being signed into law by Gov. Mitch Daniels.
Racing officials believe the measure was meant to provide stronger oversight of sites that offer wagering on college and professional sports, which is illegal in every state except Nevada. But horse racing was drawn in because of the way the statute was worded.
"We have never seen a law like this one passed . . . that expressly contains broadly worded language concerning this type of activity," Hindman said.
TVG shows races from Hoosier Park in Anderson. It does not show races from Indiana Downs in Shelbyville.
TVG customer Jim Davis found it more convenient to bet on the races at his Northside home than heading to one of the tracks or the Downtown betting facility, which is owned by Hoosier Park. He said he was surprised when he learned of TVG's decision.
"I'm 65 years old and I have diabetes and I have emphysema," Davis said. "I don't like to walk from the parking lot at either place and I don't like the smoke in either place.
"They don't really make any provisions for people like me."
July 1, 2005
New state law halts Internet bets
California-based company stops taking online wagers on horse races from Indiana customers.
By Michael Pointer
INDY STAR
A provider of Internet wagering on horse racing has suspended operations in Indiana because of recently passed legislation that makes conducting such operations a felony.
Los Angeles-based Television Games Network (TVG) informed its Indiana customers this week their accounts were being canceled and any remaining balance would be refunded.
"We think TVG's activities have been lawful under federal and state laws," TVG vice president John Hindman said. "This law is new. We're going to work with legislators to clarify the intent of it and take the appropriate measures."
Hindman declined to release how many subscribers TVG has in Indiana. It is available on most satellite systems.
The move comes following the passage of Senate Enrolled Act No. 92 during the General Assembly session earlier this year.
Sponsored by Sen. David Ford, R-Hartford City, the measure made it a Class D felony instead of a misdemeanor to provide an Internet gambling site in the state except when it is specifically allowed by statute, such as the state lottery.
Ford noted gambling on horse racing in Indiana is only allowed at Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs -- the state's two parimutuel tracks -- and their five off-track betting facilities.
"They've (Internet betting providers) known it's been illegal," Ford said. "They just winked at the law. Now, this puts a little teeth in it."
The measure received strong support. It passed the Senate 46-0 and the House 74-21 before being signed into law by Gov. Mitch Daniels.
Racing officials believe the measure was meant to provide stronger oversight of sites that offer wagering on college and professional sports, which is illegal in every state except Nevada. But horse racing was drawn in because of the way the statute was worded.
"We have never seen a law like this one passed . . . that expressly contains broadly worded language concerning this type of activity," Hindman said.
TVG shows races from Hoosier Park in Anderson. It does not show races from Indiana Downs in Shelbyville.
TVG customer Jim Davis found it more convenient to bet on the races at his Northside home than heading to one of the tracks or the Downtown betting facility, which is owned by Hoosier Park. He said he was surprised when he learned of TVG's decision.
"I'm 65 years old and I have diabetes and I have emphysema," Davis said. "I don't like to walk from the parking lot at either place and I don't like the smoke in either place.
"They don't really make any provisions for people like me."
