Indiana group pushes support to “modernize” charitable gaming

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) — The Indiana group PlayIN for Charity is pushing to add key words to the state law regarding pull tabs. It’s an effort they say will monitor charity gaming.

The group believes legislative change will make a lasting impact for Hoosiers.

Pull tab gaming has been a long tradition at organizations like veteran service organizations across the country. In Indiana, PlayIN for Charity is rallying support to make electronic pull tab machines lega l .

Since August, representatives like Mark Gullion from The American Legion and Richard Leirer from the Veterans of Foreign Wars work to gain support for their mission.

Gullion and Leirer believe electronic pull tabs — better known as e-pull tabs — will help veteran service organizations like VFW and The American Legion.

They predict both membership numbers and the community impact to grow.

“Being a nonprofit, we have to donate most of our money that we make through gaming,” Gullion says. “We believe this will help us generate more funds to help the community.”

VFW 1114 Post Commander Jerry Blake tells me he’s on board.

The post has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to organizations like the Boy Scouts and the Honor Flight campaign.

He says they’ll be able to donate more with e-pull tabs at the post.

“Our money stays in the community, and — when we modernize gaming to allow us to have e-pull tabs — that’s more money, more charitable money in each community,” Leirer says. “It doesn’t go out of state. It stays right here in the State of Indiana.”

Getting a bill through the 2025 General Assembly session is among the next steps.

Indiana State Senator Jim Tomes was in attendance.

“According to what I’m seeing on this paper about Ohio and Kentucky, it looks like it’s really benefitted them. And I understand trying to encourage some of the members — some of the veterans — to participate and support their local post. So, I get it, and we’ll see how it goes,” Senator Tomes says.

Though some like Gullion and Leirer want to “modernize” gaming in Indiana, they do not want to get rid of the traditional paper pull tabs.

More from Ben Walls

• Henderson assisted living executive director works with residents after deciding to close facility
• Indiana group pushes support to “modernize” charitable gaming
• Legacy Mausoleum at Alexander Memorial Park nearly complete
• Catholic communities, donors raise $26,000 for St. Vincent de Paul food pantry
• Evansville Philharmonic celebrates 90th anniversary with opening night

Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).