INDIANAPOLIS — As many veterans service organizations struggle to attract younger members, several VSO leaders have suggested modernizing charity gaming in Indiana could be a valuable recruiting tool.
On Monday, Indiana American Legion and VFW leaders launched the “PlayIN for Charity” alliance to begin the conversation of updating the state’s charitable gaming laws specifically for VSOs.
“It’s a no-brainer,” Mark Gullion with the American Legion said.
”We need to get the younger members in, and digital electronic gaming will get them in because that’s what they’re used to,” Richard Leirer, past state commander for the VFW, said.
If the alliance’s proposal succeeds, legislators would authorize the Indiana Gaming Commission to regulate paper and electronic pull tab machines, including how many machines could be located in each post.
”Like Ohio and Kentucky, their membership has grown significantly because they’re getting the younger veterans, and that’s our goal to get the younger veterans,” Leirer said.
But Leirer and Guillon said the move is about much more than fun and games.
”The more money they make as a non-profit, we can donate to charitable organizations,” Guillon said.
Emmy Hildebrand, the CEO of Helping Veterans and Families of Indiana, said her organization assisted more than 1,300 Hoosier veterans last year—made possible in part through charitable gaming donations.
”We’re able to use that to fill critical gaps in funding for housing,” Hildebrand said. ”Making it easier for veterans and potentially expanding the audience of veterans that participate should trickle down and serve more nonprofits just like us around the state.”
”That’s up to the legislative body what the split will be, but it will make money, and all they have to do is plug it in,” Gullion said. “It’s a win-win situation for everybody.”
In a statement, the Indiana Gaming Commission said it had not spoken with the alliance about electronic charity gaming.
