VIGO Co., Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Governor Eric Holcomb said he’s not surprised by the success of sports betting in Indiana.
“I’m convinced and was convinced that, I guess you can say that was my vote when I signed it into law,” he said.
Since bringing in over $34 million in wagers in the first month the governor says the state can become a model for responsible and successful sports betting.
“Understanding the world of gaming and how it’s expanded around us, we want to make sure that we have one of the most modern and regulated systems in the country,” he said.
With a referendum in November that if approved would bring a casino to Vigo County, Holcomb said betting will be a positive benefit to the local economy.
“I’m convinced that this will not only be good for economic development in the Wabash Valley, quite frankly, that it’s on the perfect path stretching across the country,” Holcomb said.
Local bar owner Tom Hellmann said while he believes the draw of a possible casino will be good for Vigo County, sports betting could not succeed on its own.
“I think the economic impact of tourism is a positive. The sports betting, I don’t think would make that kind of an impact,” said Hellmann.
Although mobile betting is happening, Hellmann said he doesn’t see a difference in patronage or interest in sports watching at his bar.
I can track the game on my phone through ESPN or whatever app you want to use. So, I think the people that are interested in betting will be doing that regardless of where they are in terms of watching the T.V.
Mobile sports betting first went live in Indiana on October 3.
Wagers can be placed on professional, collegiate, and international sports events.
