By Whitney Downard | Indiana Capital Chronicle
A coalition of Indiana veterans groups said Monday they wanted to “modernize” charitable gaming by expanding the state definition of pull tabs to include electronic versions, adding options other than the traditional paper format currently used.
Collectively known as PlayIN for Charity, leaders say the addition of e-tabs will both generate more funds for nonprofits like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) as well as attracting new, younger members to the veteran service organizations.
“We want to donate to all the organizations that we support; we want to increase our scholarship funds further. We give out thousands of dollars in scholarships every year, but it’s not enough,” said Richard Leirer, a former state commander for the VFW.
Leaders with the veterans service organizations, who gathered together at the American Legion Post 64 in Indianapolis, explicitly said this change shouldn’t count as an expansion of charitable gaming, but simply adjusting the current state definition of pull tabs.
Leirer said the veterans service organizations provide a much-needed community and support space with “people who know what they’ve been through,” but membership with younger veterans has faltered.
“One of the things we’re really hoping for is a gain in membership. Because right now, most of our posts are older — I mean, the average age is probably in the high 60s,” Leirer added. “We need to get the younger members in and digital, electronic gaming will get them. That’s what they’re used to. They’re not used to paper pull tabs.”
Leirer said both Ohio and Kentucky, which have incorporated e-tabs into their charitable gaming, saw membership growth with younger veterans. Additionally, some states saw paper pull tab use grow with the introduction of e-tabs.
“Of course, the older guys like me — they’re still there. But it draws in the younger people,” Leirer said. “In Minnesota, the paper (pull tab) actually grew. Electronic still grew but the paper actually grew too.
“That was great because the older people like me can still do our paper pull tabs with the electronic.”
Proceeds from charitable gaming
The nonprofit organizations that operate charitable gaming keep a portion of revenue for operations, as regulated by state law, but distribute the rest of the proceeds to the community.
“The more money (veteran service organizations) make as a nonprofit, (the more) we can donate to charitable organizations … to support our community and support our youth,” said Mark Gullion, the department of Indiana commander for the American Legion.
Gullion said he used to oppose including e-tabs until he learned more about it. Operating the standalone machines or tablets will be beneficial for the organizations that implement them, he said.
From left: Richard Leirer, the former state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Mark Gullion, the department of Indiana commander for the American Legion, speak in favor of e-tabs in Indianapolis on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
“I was totally against this for a couple of years. I thought it was the dumbest idea. But the more I’ve gotten involved …,” Gullion said. “It’s a fun and responsible form of entertainment that will help veterans and the community.”
Glen Hawkins, the commander of American Legion Post 64, highlighted some of the donations his organization funded thanks to charitable gaming: 48 families sponsored and fed at Christmas, $110,000 to the Legacy Foundation, $50,000 to the American Legion families, tin cans for Riley Hospital and more.
A local organization combating veteran homelessness, Helping Veterans and Families of Indiana, Inc., got $15,000 — a sum that CEO Emmy Hildebrand said provided “life-changing, life-saving assistance” to 1,349 veterans last year.
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“Post 64 is a longtime friend of HVAF and a reliable partner in the fight to end veteran homelessness. With the thousands in donations over the last four years, we are better able to assist veterans in our community …,” Hildebrand said Monday. “Through their gaming donations, as well as their other support, we are able to meet the needs for housing and emergency assistance for veterans.”
Any change would need the support of the General Assembly, which has been hesitant to tackle gaming following a casino scandal that involved former state lawmaker Rep. Sean Eberhart.
Veterans leaders acknowledged the need to get legislators onboard and noted that the General Assembly, along with the Indiana Gaming Commission, would need to come up with appropriate regulations.
Gullion said the coalition would host three other education events for lawmakers to promote the change, but emphasized that “we don’t want to be like other states” and expand gaming to multiple, non-casino locations such as gas stations.
Rather, the e-tabs would still be limited to veterans service organizations and charitable gaming efforts which would benefit local communities.
“It’s a win-win situation for everybody,” Gullion said.
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A native of upstate New York, Whitney Downard previously covered statehouse politics for CNHI’s nine Indiana papers, focusing on long-term healthcare facilities and local government. Prior to her foray into Indiana politics, she worked as a general assignment reporter for The Meridian Star in Meridian, Mississippi. Whitney is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University (#GoBonnies!), a community theater enthusiast and cat mom.
ndiana Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization. For more, visit indianacapitalchronicle.com.
