Indiana Casinos

Indiana Gambling History

• 1851: The Indiana constitution banned lotteries, which the courts generally interpreted as banning gambling. This led to gambling going to the ‘black market’ with no gambling form legalized in the state.
• 1988: The IN voters approved an amendment that saw the lottery ban lifted. Thus, the state established the Hoosier Lottery.
• 1989: The Hoosier Lottery began its operations in the state by selling scratch-off tickets. Additionally, Indiana legalized pari-mutuel betting in the state. Still, in the same year, Thomas Barnes, mayor of Gary, brought an initiative to allow casinos to operate. The state’s legislature did not initially approve the initiative but allowed the voters to vote for or against the initiative through a referendum. The initiative would pass with 60% of the votes.
• 1990: Following the initiative’s success, Mayor Thomas Barnes embarked on finding land for future casino use. While at it, the lawmakers opted to legalize riverboat casinos across the entire state. However, the bill was unsuccessful, similar to the 1991, 1992, and 1993 attempts. The attempts were from Rep. Charlie Brown of Gary (Democrat) that called for authorization of riverboat casinos on the Ohio River and a casino in West Baden Springs and French Lick. In addition, Indiana became part of the Multi-State Lottery Association in 1990.
• 1992: The Hoosier State became a co-founder of the popular Powerball product.
• 1993: The state lawmakers did not pass a budget before the expiration of the spring session. As a result, Gov. Evan Bayh summoned a special session that became a perfect hub for Democrats. The Republicans agreed to approve Brown’s bill in exchange for the state not raising income and property tax rates.

The law allowed the state to host eleven (11) riverboat casinos, with five (5) allocated to the Ohio River, five (5) to Lake Michigan, and one (1) to Patoka Lake. Licensing required local voting, which was majorly successful.

• 1994: The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians gained federal recognition. Its members would also vote for the approval of casino gaming for their economic development. In addition, Indiana established the Hoosier State as the first racetrack.
• 1995: The first riverboat casino opened its doors in Evansville, with the first off-track betting parlors (in Merrillville, Fort Wayne, and Indiana Polis) opened in the same year.
• 1996: Trump Princess and Majestic Star, two Gary casinos, opened their doors. Additionally, Grand Victoria II and Argosy, two Ohio River casinos, launched.
• 1997: Blue Chip Casino opened.
• 1998: Caesars Casino opened.
• 2000: Belterra Casino opened.
• 2002: Indiana Downs racetrack opened, becoming Indiana’s second racetrack.
• 2005: A legislative session saw an amendment to the existing gambling regulations proposed. The law made internet gambling illegal.
• 2006: Four Winds Casino opened in New Buffalo. The casino was a product of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. 
• 2007: Another amendment was made that allowed Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs racetracks to host up to 2,000 slot machines each.
• 2015: The law allowed the riverboat casinos to move into the land to compete with other states.
• 2016: Indiana legalized daily fantasy sports (DFS), with Gov. Mike Pence signing the bill. The new law defined DFS contests as games of skill.
• 2018: The US Supreme Court made a landmark ruling that lifted the ban on the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) and allowed the states to legalize sports betting at will. As a result, the journey to legalize sports betting in the Hoosier State started in 2018, with several bills appearing in the chambers.
• 2019: Sports betting was made legal in Indiana, allowing players to bet on physical sportsbooks and online (mobile). The bill signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb also tasked the Indiana Gambling Commission with regulating the sportsbooks.

Is it Legal to Gamble Online in Indiana?

IN defines gambling as a means of ‘risking money or other property for gain, contingent in whole or in part upon lot, chance, or the operation of a gambling device.’ The state makes gambling legal, provided one of the elements in the definition is removed. A gambling device is loosely defined as a mechanism in which a party can credit money for consideration. Indiana goes a notch higher to describe an electronic gambling device as one that meets the following requirements:

1. Slot machine or its variation.
2. A lineup or matchup game
3. A video game equipment/machine used for consideration.
4. A gadget/device used to obtain money or anything of value based on chance.

So, can I gamble online in IN, and is online gambling legal in Indiana? The simple answer is online gambling is not legal in Indiana unless authorized by the state’s law. Illegal gambling in the Hoosier State is a Class B misdemeanor and is punishable by law. Currently, IN legalizes several online gambling forms while illegalizing others, as shall be seen below:

Online Casino

Online casinos are not legal in Indiana. So how does one gamble online in Indiana? Suppose one wishes to play online slots or other casino games. In that case, they will only access social casinos with no monetary rewards or sweepstakes casinos that may give rewards not based on results but convenience. The beauty about the sweepstakes casinos is that they do not set any entry fees. Therefore, any Indiana player can join to play online casino games.

Other options are offshore online casinos, albeit illegal in the state. They offer online casino games for real money, and while it may be enticing to play at one’s convenience, it remains illegal gambling to play on those sites.

The only legal casinos for real money in Indiana are the land-based casinos.

Online Poker

Online poker is not legal in the Hoosier State. Therefore, it is illegal gambling for any person to gamble poker online for real money. However, some sweepstakes poker sites operate within the state and follow the same model as sweepstakes casinos. Besides that, some offshore poker sites accept IN players. Remember, all online gambling sites/forms not legalized by the state constitute illegal gambling, should any party opt for them.

The only legal poker sites for real money in Indiana are the live poker rooms hosted on various casinos.

Online Sports Betting

Online sports betting is legal in Indiana since Gov. Eric Holcomb signed the bill into law. Today, Indiana bettors can choose legal online sportsbooks such as DraftKings, BetMGM, PointsBet, Caesars, WynnBET, Unibet, BetRivers, and FanDuel to bet on the popular pro and college sports. The beauty of online gambling is that users can either use desktops or mobile phones to access the websites or access special mobile apps from the operators. 

Online sportsbooks provide more gambling options, including betting markets and features. Below is a brief breakdown of the IN sports betting law:

• One can bet anywhere within the state borders.
• One must be aged at least 21 years.
• An online sportsbook must have a land-based facility or partner with one.
• The gross gaming revenue is taxed at 9.5%.
• The state doesn’t legalize Esports or wagers for amateur athletes under 18 years.
• The Indiana Gaming Commission oversights sports betting.

Online Lottery

Online lottery is not legal in Indiana. Besides Indiana having the Hoosier Lottery, players cannot access the services online. The services include purchasing tickets, checking draw numbers and results, among others. However, according to a 2019 excerpt from the Indiana Business Journal, the state might incorporate an online lottery in the future. If successful, players can access in-state lottery draws and instant games, besides multi-state lotteries, including Powerball and Mega Millions.

Online Bingo

Online bingo is not legal in Indiana. However, Indiana legalizes charitable organizations to run bingo games on various bingo halls in the state. Thus, offshore bingo sites are the only option on the table for those who wish to play commercial bingo online. The drawback is that Indiana doesn’t perceive them differently from online casinos and poker. Therefore, one is liable for a Class B misdemeanor is found gambling bingo online.

Online Horse Race Betting

Online horse race betting is legal in Indiana on top US-based operators such as TVG and BetAmerica. Players can wager on several both local and international racetracks while enjoying several betting options at their comfort. Besides betting, the legal sites also provide bonuses for both new and existing players to claim.

Indiana is home to two racetracks and several off-track betting parlors that allow betting on top events, including Preakness Stakes, Kentucky Derby, and The Breeders’ Cup.

Online Sweepstakes

Sweepstakes are legal in the Hoosier State, provided awards are based on skill. Additionally, the sponsor must not charge any fee for any participant. However, online sweepstakes are currently a bone of contention, with the gambling law not clear.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily fantasy sports are legal in Indiana since 2016. They are defined as games of skill, and players are legally allowed to play contests for real money on licensed operators. Among them include DraftKings and FanDuel. Coincidentally, there has been a massive influx of DFS across the US, with the mentioned operators reigning supreme.

Can You Play Slots Online in Indiana?

One can play online slots IN on social casinos. The only drawback is that they will not include real money in their transactions. Instead, players gain points to enjoy an additional playing time. However, they host tons of online slots, including classics and video slots in their live form. Therefore, the experience doesn’t differ from the regular online casinos. 

But what happens to those interested in playing Indiana online casinos for real money? Unfortunately, the law doesn’t legalize any real money online casino. As a result, those wagering slots online for real money will be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor and liable for charges that may include jail, fine, or both.

However, even while the law is clear on illegal gambling on the internet, some offshore sites accept Indiana players. From these sites, they will come across top-rated slots from some of these providers:

• NextGen Gaming: The provider launched in 1999 has stood the test of time, with 2011 providing a huge milestone after merging with NYX Gaming. Bettors can expect highly-rated titles accessible on desktops and mobile phones. Among them include Enchanted Mermaid, Jackpot Jester, and Fairies Forest.
• Play’n Go: The Swedish provider focuses on innovation in its slot by combining both new and old ideas for the player’s benefit. All its products are easy to integrate, with many offering 30+ languages and supporting various currencies. Among top Play’n Go slots include Irish Gold, Tower Quest, Reactoonz, and Book of Dead.
• Aristocrat: The provider foothold has been majorly in Australia and Las Vegas. From its blend of graphics and gameplay, its slots have been touted among the most innovative. Among the top ones include Queen of the Nile II, Zorro, and Lucky 88.

Gambling Age Law

The current Indiana gambling law stipulates the age requirements for those wagering on the Hoosier Lottery, charity gaming, including bingo, and pari-mutuel at 18 years and above. However, betting on sports, daily fantasy sports, casinos, and poker requires the party to be aged at least 21 years. 

However, while the law clearly states the age requirements, many offshore sites accept players aged at least 18+. It is always important to let the laws of the land prevail, and even so, gambling online is illegal in Indiana unless the law legalizes the gambling form.

Most Reputable 18+ Online Casinos for Indiana Players

Even while we review and list the online casinos that are reputable for 18+ Indiana players, it is vital to adhere to all gambling laws set in the state. Contravening them means that one commits a misdemeanor that is punishable by law.

Below is the list of the casinos:

Land-Based Casinos in Indiana

For a wholesome traditional experience of enjoying slot machines, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, live poker rooms, and retail sportsbooks, Indiana hosts a good range of land-based casinos. Most of these facilities operate 24/7 and have more to offer besides gaming. One can access dining, accommodation, entertainment, conference facilities, and so much more. 

The law signed in 1993 allowed 11 casinos to be constructed along the Ohio River, Lake Michigan, and Patoka Lake. Additionally, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indiana constructed a tribal casino in 2007 at South Bend. Finally, Indiana hosts two horse racetracks (Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs) that also host slot machines since 2007.

Below are five of the casinos:

Other casinos include:

Will Indiana Regulate Online Gambling in the Future?

The chances of legalizing IN online gambling are looking great. As it stands, online sports betting is out of the way after its legalization in 2019. Consequently, this year has already seen an attempt by Sen. Jon Ford, who introduced bill SB 417 that would allow the existing land-based casinos and racetracks to offer online casinos. The bill did not only encompass online casino legalization but also called for the legalization of online poker. This is one of the most recent bills, with many others brought up in the past, albeit unsuccessful. 

It is too early to speculate on the progress, but it would be a major milestone in Indiana if the bill was successful. The potential revenue the state would generate would be massive, considering the bill allows up to three online casinos to be operated by one casino. In addition, with operators such as BetMGM, BetRivers, Unibet, among others operating in the state, integration would be easier for players to enjoy games directly on websites or on the special IN online casino apps. What remains is a little patience to see what the law births!