Indiana is relatively open to various forms of gambling, including land-based casinos, racetracks, and daily fantasy sports. The state legalized online sports betting in 2019 but has not yet permitted online casinos and poker rooms. This page offers a comprehensive guide to online gambling in Indiana, reviewing legal and safe options for sports betting and discussing the state’s gambling laws. While online casinos are not legal, the page also explores alternatives for those interested in slots, table games, and poker.
Key Things You Need to Know
- Online gambling isn’t legal in Indiana, so no state-licensed online casino wagering sites exist.
- You can play online casino games at any of the sites we’ve listed from Indiana without getting on the wrong side of the law.
- Pari-mutuel horserace wagering is legal in the state.
- Daily fantasy sports and online sports betting are legal gambling options in Indiana.
- Indiana’s legal casino gambling age is 21, but you can buy lottery tickets at 18.
Types of Legal Gambling in Indiana
Indiana has a diverse gambling landscape, regulated primarily by the Indiana Gaming Commission. Indiana was one of the pioneers in legalizing Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), offering these services to its residents as early as 2016.
In terms of age requirements, you must be at least 21 years old to participate in online sports betting, whereas the legal age for DFS is 18. Also, it is obligatory for individuals to be physically present in Indiana to legally gamble on any regulated sites.
Casino gambling has a longer history in Indiana, dating back to 1993 when riverboat casinos were authorized by the state legislature, despite a gubernatorial veto. These riverboat casinos are situated on Lake Michigan, the Ohio River, and Patoka Lake. As of now, the state has a total of ten riverboat casinos, plus an eleventh that was authorized in 2004.
Additionally, Indiana houses two racetrack casinos. These venues are operated mainly by local businesses, with the exception of two Horseshoe casinos owned by Caesars Entertainment.
However, it’s worth noting that online casinos and poker rooms remain unregulated and illegal in the state. Although there has been recent legislative activity aimed at legalizing online gambling, spearheaded by Sen. Jon Ford, the pathway to full legalization is still long. For now, residents seeking online casino gameplay must either travel to a state where it is legal, like Michigan, or visit Indiana’s land-based casinos.
As for poker, Indiana hosts ten live poker rooms, with the largest being operated by Caesars-owned Horseshoe Casino Hammond. This venue frequently hosts WSOP events. Unfortunately, online poker is currently illegal in Indiana, and playing on offshore sites could result in a misdemeanor charge.
Paid DFS contests were given the green light in 2016. Indiana residents have unrestricted access to major DFS platforms, such as FanDuel, DraftKings, Fantasy Draft, and Yahoo DFS.
Finally, the Indiana Lottery, also known as the Hoosier Lottery, offers a variety of in-state and multi-state drawing options, including Powerball and Mega Millions. Scratch-off, instant win, and fast play games are also available.
The lottery is operated by the State Lottery Commission and has an official mobile app offering features like 2nd chance promotions and ticket scanning. However, tickets can only be purchased through licensed land-based retailers.
Charitable Gambling
Charitable gambling is permitted in Indiana and is regulated by the Indiana Gaming Commission. These activities are usually conducted by religious, educational, or veterans’ organizations, and include games such as bingo, raffles, and charity game nights. It’s mandatory for charitable entities to secure the necessary licenses to operate these events, ensuring that they are conducted within the framework of the state’s laws.
Indiana Bingo
Charitable organizations are allowed to organize Indiana bingo games. Indianapolis alone is home to over a dozen bingo halls. Unfortunately, Indiana residents don’t have any legal options for internet play. In the eyes of the law, playing on an offshore bingo platform isn’t any different than playing at an online casino, and it may lead to misdemeanor charges.
Indiana Online Casinos vs. Local Casinos
It’s essential to note that Indiana currently does not have legal online casinos. While online sports betting and daily fantasy sports are regulated and operational, online casino gaming remains illegal.
When it comes to local casinos, Indiana offers a variety of choices, including riverboat casinos and racetrack casinos.
Indiana is home to three Native American-owned casinos: Four Winds Casino South Bend, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, and Caesars Southern Indiana. Each operates under different regulatory frameworks, offering a variety of gaming experiences to patrons.
Offshore online casinos are also considered a grey area under Indiana law, leaving residents with limited options for online play. However, no one has ever been prosecuted for playing at our top recommended offshore platforms.
How To Gamble Online in Indiana
Step 1: Pick a Site
If you’re in Indiana, we think Cafe Casino is a solid choice to start your gaming adventure. We’ve reviewed tons of sites, and this one stands out. If you want more options, we’ve got plenty of other reviews you can check out.
Step 2: Set Up Your Account
Go to the Cafe Casino site and look for a button that says “Join.” Hit that button, and a form will show up. You’ll need to enter fundamental info like your name, email, and date of birth. After you’re done, check your email. There’ll be a message with a link—click it to confirm you’re the actual owner of that email address.
Step 3: Add Funds to Your Account
Once you’ve verified your email, there’s a part of the site called “Cashier.” This is where you’ll add money to your account so you can start playing. Cafe Casino offers an excellent bonus: if you use cryptocurrency like Bitcoin for your first deposit, they’ll toss in some extra cash, up to $2,500. Choose your preferred way to pay and follow the steps to deposit your money.
Step 4: Time to Play
You’ve got money in your account and any bonus offers you claimed. Now, you’re set to play. The site offers a wide spectrum of gaming options like card games, live-hosted games, and even slot machines with big prizes. Choose a game that grabs your interest, place a bet, and get started.
Gambling in and Near Indiana
Indiana boasts a diverse range of local casinos, each with its own unique mix of traditional table games, modern slot machines, and luxurious amenities to cater to various interests.
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
Address: 5400 W 29th Ave, Gary, IN 46406
Hard Rock Casino offers a variety of slot machines and table games including blackjack, poker, and roulette. The casino also features dining options and live entertainment.
Four Winds Casino South Bend
Address: 3000 Prairie Ave, South Bend, IN 46614
This casino is known for its Vegas-style slots and table games. They also have a poker room and multiple dining establishments on-site.
Caesars Southern Indiana
Address: 11999 Casino Center Dr SE, Elizabeth, IN 47117
Caesars Southern Indiana features a large gaming floor with slots, table games, and a poker room. The property also includes a hotel, spa, and several restaurants.
Ameristar Casino East Chicago
Address: 777 Ameristar Blvd, East Chicago, IN 46312
Ameristar provides a variety of slot machines and table games, including baccarat and blackjack. The casino also offers dining options and a hotel for guests.
Belterra Casino
Address: 777 Belterra Dr, Florence, IN 47020
Known for its expansive gaming floor, Belterra offers a variety of slot machines, poker tables, and other table games. The property also includes a hotel and spa.
Blue Chip Casino
Address: 777 Blue Chip Dr, Michigan City, IN 46360
Blue Chip features a large gaming space with a variety of slots and table games. There’s also a hotel, spa, and several dining options available.
Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg
Address: 777 Hollywood Blvd, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
This casino is known for its large selection of slot machines and table games, as well as a poker room. Dining and entertainment options are also available.
Horseshoe Casino Hammond
Address: 777 Casino Center Dr, Hammond, IN 46320
This casino offers a variety of table games and poker rooms. Dining options and live entertainment are also available.
Indiana Grand Racing & Casino
Address: 4300 N Michigan Rd, Shelbyville, IN 46176
Besides the regular casino games, this establishment also offers horse racing. A variety of dining options are available as well.
Majestic Star II
Address: 1 Buffington Harbor Dr, Gary, IN 46406
Majestic Star II offers a range of slot machines and table games, with dining options on-site.
Tropicana Evansville
Address: 421 NW Riverside Dr, Evansville, IN 47708
Tropicana offers a variety of games including slots and table games, as well as multiple dining options and a hotel for guests.
Other Forms of Gambling in Indiana
Read our guides to delve deeper into the various forms of legal gambling available in Indiana:
- Indiana online casinos
- Indiana online sportsbooks
- Indiana poker rooms
- Indiana online racebooks
- Indiana casinos
- Indiana bingo
- Indiana lottery
- Indiana sportsbooks
- Indiana race tracks
- Indiana poker rooms
Casino Games You Can Play in Indiana
While online casinos are not yet legal in Indiana, players still have the option of accessing offshore online casinos. These sites often feature a wide array of games to satisfy any gaming enthusiast’s needs. Here are some of the games available for play at offshore casinos:
Slots
Slot games serve as a mainstay at offshore casinos, available in various themes and formats, including video slots, classic slots, and progressive jackpots.
Table Games
Traditional table games like Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat are widely available at offshore sites.
Video Poker
Various versions of video poker are accessible, including Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Aces and Faces.
Live Dealer Games
Many offshore casinos offer live dealer options, giving you the chance to play games like Blackjack, Baccarat, and Roulette in real-time with actual dealers.
Specialty Games
These include games like Keno, scratch cards, and Bingo, offering a different kind of gambling experience.
Poker Rooms
Offshore sites often host their own poker rooms where you can play different variations of poker against other players.
Timeline of Gambling Legislation in Indiana
Timeline of Gambling Legislation in Indiana
The history of gambling in Indiana has been a dynamic one, featuring significant legislative milestones that have shaped the industry in the Hoosier State. Here’s a comprehensive bullet-point timeline to help you understand the evolution of gambling laws in Indiana:
- 1851: The Indiana Constitution effectively bans almost all forms of gambling in the state. Although lotteries are specifically mentioned, courts interpret this as a near-complete prohibition on gambling.
- 1988: Indiana voters approve a constitutional amendment, leading to the establishment of the Hoosier Lottery and paving the way for legal pari-mutuel betting.
- 1989: Pari-mutuel betting is legalized. Hoosier Park, now known as Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, opens in 1994, and off-track betting parlors appear in 1995.
- 1993: The state legalizes casinos, allowing land-based operations in French Lick and Gary, in addition to riverboat casinos on the Ohio River. Additional riverboat casinos on Lake Michigan and Patoka Lake are later included in the legislation.
- 1994: The first racetrack opens, followed by the launching of the first riverboat casino a year later. The Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indian Tribe gains federal recognition and opens the first land-based casino in Indiana.
- 2015: Indiana relaxes its laws to allow riverboat casinos to become permanent land-based establishments.
- 2016: Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are legalized, categorized as “games of skill,” making Indiana one of the first states to do so.
- 2019: Indiana legalizes both online and offline sports betting, regulated by the Indiana Gaming Commission.
- 2020/21: Land-based and online sportsbooks open their doors to the Indiana public.
Indiana Online Gambling FAQs
What types of gambling are available in Indiana?
Indiana doesn’t have any strong gambling traditions, but surprisingly it became one of the most land-based gambling-friendly states in the entire country over the past three decades. The state lacks well-established tribal casinos, but commercial gambling establishments such as Horseshoe Casino or Belterra more than makeup for this shortcoming. Some of the Indiana casinos are based on riverboats, while others are based on land or near IN horse racing tracks. Unfortunately, like so many other states, Indiana suffers from ambiguous online gambling regulations.
What laws cover online gambling in Indiana?
Casino games, poker, sports betting, and all the other forms of gambling are covered by Section 35 of the Indiana code. Please note that those regulations are somewhat outdated, but they do refer to online gambling specifically. All in all, Indiana doesn’t penalize players for taking part in online gambling despite being somewhat strict when it comes to dealing with illegal land-based games, but operating unlawful online games is considered to be a serious felony.
What are the most popular banking options supported by Indiana -facing sites?
Most sites support credit card deposits. In some cases, you might be able to fund your on-site account via Western Union or MoneyGram. Popular payout methods include checks by courier and bank wire transfer.
Are online casinos legal in Indiana?
No, online casinos are not legal in Indiana and the state does not regulate the industry. Some real money online casino websites do accept players from the Hoosier State, but these are run by offshore operators and are not legal nor safe. To play casino games in Indiana for real money, you’ll have to head to one of the state’s land-based casinos or travel across the border to Michigan.
Is online poker legal in Indiana?
No, online poker is not legal in Indiana and it is strictly prohibited. As with online casinos, the only legal place to play online poker in IN is at the state’s licensed and regulated land-based casinos and poker rooms.
Will Indiana see full-fledged online casinos in the future?
Yes, probably. There were a few attempts to legalize online casinos in 2020 and while there was no major progress, it does set up a better chance of online casinos being legalized in the future. The drafter of the most recent online gaming bill, Sen. Jon Ford, hopes to secure a hearing this year and look to legalize the industry in 2021.
I see online casinos accepting IN players – are these safe?
No – as Indiana does not have a regulated online casino industry, any real money online casino accepting IN players operates from overseas. These are called offshore gambling sites and you have no guarantee that these sites are trustworthy. Although prosecution is rare, it is also illegal for anyone to play at offshore internet casinos from Indiana.