Indiana allows several forms of gambling with some restrictions. But it also has a firm stance on online gambling in general.
While some states don’t address the topic, the Hoosier state clearly defines its illegality.
Interestingly enough, it has also danced with the idea of legalization in the past few years.
So, what does this back-and-forth mean for its residents?
In this guide, we will outline all the nuances of online gambling in Indiana and will show you where you can gamble in the state.
Summary of Indiana Gambling Laws
Indiana permits several forms of gambling, including land-based casinos and social gaming.
It’s one of the few states that allows online sports betting but explicitly prohibits any other type of online gambling. Here is a summary of Indiana gambling laws.
| Gambling | Indiana |
|---|---|
| Is Online Gambling Legal? | No |
| Playing at Online Casinos | Grey Area |
| Legal Age Online | 18+ |
| Land-Based Casinos | Yes |
| Legal Age Land-Based | 21+ |
| Online Sports Betting | Yes |
| Charitable Gambling | Yes |
| State Lottery | Yes |
| Social Gaming | Yes |
Is Gambling Legal in Indiana?
Yes, gambling is legal in Indiana with some restrictions. The table below outlines the laws regarding land-based and other forms of gambling in further detail per the Indiana Code.
| Gambling | Indiana Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Online Casinos | The law clearly states it’s illegal to gamble online in Indiana (excluding sportsbooks), and there are no state-regulated online casinos. Individuals playing at offshore sites can get a misdemeanor if caught, although no one has ever been prosecuted. |
| Casino Gambling | Land-based casino gambling is legal in Indiana, with 12 locations around the state. |
| Poker | Poker is legal at state-regulated casinos, racinos, and riverboats. Standalone poker rooms are not legal. |
| Horse Racing Betting | Horse race betting is legal in Indiana. The state has several racinos and pari-mutel betting sites. |
| Dog Racing Betting | Dog racing is illegal. |
| Lottery | State lotteries are legal in Indiana and include Powerball, Mega Millions, and Cash4Life. |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Fantasy sports are legal in Indiana, and residents can access numerous DFS sites online. |
| Sports Betting | Indiana sports betting is legal both at retail sites and online. The state permits its 13 land-based sportsbooks to partner with three internet platforms each. |
| Charitable Gaming | Charitable gambling is legal but requires a permit and must not exceed $2,500 in prizes per event and $7,500 per year. |
| Social Gaming | Social gambling is illegal in Indiana, even private card games that are rake-free. However, the law is not enforced. |
Best Indiana Online Casinos
There are only a few states in the US that explicitly outlaw gambling online, and Indiana is one of them. However, the law is pretty gentle compared to others.
While it’s a felony to operate an online casino in the state, it’s only a misdemeanor to gamble on the Internet. In addition, no individual has ever been prosecuted for doing so.
With that said, some excellent online casinos licensed outside of the state will accept players from Indiana. Take a look at top gambling sites that accept popular US banking methods and have valuable offers for new players.
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Where to Gamble in Indiana
Residents of the Hoosier State have a variety of options when it comes to gambling. From land-based casinos and riverboats, we will go over all of your options in detail.
Land-Based Casinos in Indiana
Indiana has 12 land-based casinos throughout the state. A few are racinos, but they also offer a full-service selection of games, including slots, blackjack, roulette, craps, and more.
Here are all of the casino locations:
– Ameristar East Chicago Casino Hotel
777 Aldis Ave, East Chicago, IN 46312
East Chicago
– Belterra Casino Resort
777 Belterra Dr.
Florence, IN 47020-9402
Southeast/Ohio River
– Blue Chip Casino Hotel
777 Blue Chip Dr. Michigan City, IN 46360
Northwest/Lake Michigan
– Caeser’s Southern Indiana Hotel and Casino
11999 Casino Center Dr. SE, Elizabeth, IN 47117
Southern Indiana/Ohio River
– French Lick Resort Casino
8670 IN-56, French Lick, IN 47432
Southwest
– Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
5400 W 29th Ave, Gary, IN 46406
East Chicago
– Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing and Casino
4500 Dan Patch Cir, Anderson, IN 46013
Indianapolis Area
– Hollywood Casino and Hotel Lawrenceburg
777 Hollywood Blvd, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
Southeast/Ohio River
– Horseshoe Hammond Casino
777 Casino Center Drive
Hammond, IN 46320
East Chicago/Lake Michigan
– Horseshoe Indianapolis Racing and Casino
4300 N Michigan Rd, Shelbyville, IN 46176
Indianapolis Area
– Rising Star Casino
777 Rising Star Dr. Rising Sun, IN 47040
Southeast/Ohio River
– Bally’s Evansville
421 NW Riverside Dr, Evansville, IN 47708
Southwest/Ohio River
Horse & Dog Tracks
Horse racing has been popular at county fairs in Indiana since the 1800s, but they only introduced the first official race track in 1994.
Now, there are two race tracks and three off-track betting sites for nationwide simulcast races, or you can wager online.
Dog racing is illegal.
Online Sports Betting
In 2019, online sports betting in Indiana was legalized.
Each land-based casino is permitted to partner with three online sports books, and currently, over a dozen have entered the state. Hoosiers can bet on FanDuel, DraftKings, Barstool, and more.
Bingo Halls and Charitable Gambling
Bingo halls are legal in Indiana as long as they are for charity, and there are locations in just about every state county.
Other types of charitable gaming are allowed, like raffles and casino game nights, but the organization must obtain a license, and the event prize cannot exceed $2,500.
Social Gaming at Home
Social gaming at home is considered illegal gambling if there is money involved.
However, the state doesn’t enforce the law, and no one has ever been prosecuted for playing a game in their private residence.
Also, legislation aimed at decriminalizing social gaming is currently being processed.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
Standalone poker rooms and clubs are illegal in Indiana. You can only legally play poker at regulated casinos and racinos.
Online poker is also prohibited, but there are still offshore gambling sites with poker games that accept players from Indiana.
Eight-Liners
Electronic games are only legal at licensed land-based casinos and racinos in Indiana.
You won’t find eight-liners or anything resembling a slot machine outside of these approved locations in this state.
Casino Cruises
Initially, Indiana required many of its casinos to be on board river boats, limiting guests’ playtime to several-hour cruises.
That law has since changed, and now that the boats aren’t required to be navigable, they are permanently moored as stationary casinos over the water.
Real Money Online Casino Games for Indiana
Hoosiers can find many games at online casinos licensed outside of the state. From table games to slots and live dealers, let’s take a look at what may be available to you.
Online Slots
State-regulated casinos are the only places you’ll find slots in Indiana. If spinning the reels is your thing, online slots offer much more variety and allow you to play from home.
You can access endless slot games with wild themes, bonus rounds, and higher RTPs than their land-based counterparts.
Leading online casinos frequently have hundreds of slots to choose from. Plus, gambling sites will often offer promotions, free spins on popular titles, and progressive jackpots that can reach millions of dollars.
Online Poker
Online poker is illegal in Indiana, and there are no poker rooms or clubs outside of state-licensed casinos. However, many offshore gambling sites accept Hoosier poker players.
You can find all your favorite poker titles at these online casinos like Texas Hold ‘Em, Caribbean Stud, and Omaha. There is also video poker, regular tournaments, and live dealer games.
Blackjack
Due to its low house edge, Blackjack is a hot game at casinos worldwide, including Indiana. The same can be said for the internet. Online blackjack has all the standard advantages plus some.
You can access any variation you want, like single-deck, Perfect Pairs, and Spanish 21, and you can even use bonuses to play at many sites.
Join a tournament, hop into a live dealer game, or practice your strategy on traditional titles.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games are the next best thing to being at a land-based casino. Instead of traveling, log in from your couch and play a game in real-time with a human dealer.
Watch as they deal the cards or shoot the ball in an actual roulette wheel. You can play just about any table game imaginable, like blackjack, baccarat, poker, and more.
Plus, you can socialize with your fellow players in the live chat.
Other Available Games at Online Casinos in Indiana
Table games and slots aren’t the only way to have fun at online casinos. You can also play bingo, keno, scratch cards, and craps. Take a look at what else you might find below.
Top Indiana Online Casino Bonuses
One significant benefit to playing online is the never-ending supply of promotions. Many will match a percentage of your deposit and put extra funds in your account.
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Indiana Online Gambling Laws
Gambling is illegal in Indiana outside of certain restrictions.
Betting at land-based casinos, racinos, licensed off-track sites, and online sportsbooks is permitted. Charitable gambling and bingo halls are also legal.
Anything outside of that, including online casinos and private at-home poker games, is prohibited.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Indiana?
In Indiana, the law specifically states gambling on the internet is illegal. If you get caught, it’s a misdemeanor, and operating an online casino in the state is a felony.
With that said, no one has ever been prosecuted for gambling online.
Unlawful Gambling
It is a Class B misdemeanor to engage in unlawful gambling in Indiana.
It’s a Level 6 felony for an operator to use the internet to engage in unlawful gambling in Indiana or with a person in Indiana. (Indiana Code 35-45-5-2)
Possession of an Electronic Gaming Device
Possessing an electronic gaming device is a Class A infraction, while profiting off a gaming device is a Level 6 felony.
Exception: This does not apply to anyone who owns or displays an antique slot machine for decorative, historic, or nostalgic purposes as long as they don’t profit from its use.
(Indiana Code 35-45-5-3.5)
Bingo Event Prize Limits
The prize value for a single bingo event may not exceed $1,000 or $2,000 for a progressive bingo game.
Exception: The Gaming Commission may authorize a prize of $6,000 or more to qualified organizations.
(Indiana Code 4-32.3-5-15)
Pari-Mutuel Wagering
Conducting, aiding, or abetting pari-mutel wagering without a permit is a Level 6 felony.
(Indiana Code 4-31-13-3)
Promoting Professional Gambling
It is a Level 6 felony to knowingly receive or transmit gambling information before a race, contest, event, or game.
It’s also the same felony to maintain equipment for that purpose, use a place for professional gambling, or promote professional gambling.
(Indiana Code 35-45-5-4)
Disclaimer: Please be advised that the information provided on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our team strongly recommends you seek professional counsel from a qualified attorney regarding your specific questions or concerns on the topic.
Indiana Online Gambling vs. Neighboring States
Every state is a little different regarding gambling laws. How does Indiana compare to its neighbors? Let’s find out.
| US State | Playing at Online Casinos | State Regulated Casinos | Social Casinos | Online Sports Betting | Lottery | Fantasy Sports | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Ilinois | Grey Area | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Grey Area | Legal |
| Kentucky | Grey Area | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Michigan | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
The states surrounding Indiana have varying stances on gambling, ranging from relaxed to prohibitive. Michigan is one of the most friendly states when it comes to playing on the Internet, with state-regulated online casinos being completely legal.
On the other hand, just across the southern border of Indiana, the landscape is a bit different. Kentucky outlaws gambling sites and has no land-based casinos at all.
Tips for Playing at Online Casinos in Indiana Safely
For the best possible gambling experience, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Follow the tips below when playing for real money at online casinos in Indiana.
Choose an Appropriate Site
Ensure the online casino you pick accepts players from Indiana, and make sure the site has a gaming license from a well-known regulatory body.
Read Reviews
Do plenty of research before signing up. No business is free from bad reviews, but a sign of a good site is numerous positive reviews from multiple sources.
SSL Encryption
SSL encryption will keep your personal information safe, so verify the gambling site uses that technology.
Check the Banking Methods
Before playing, ensure there are multiple popular and reliable banking methods like credit cards, cryptos, and bank transfers.
Transparency is Key
The more information a site gives, the better. Look for easily located terms and conditions, plus stats on games, RTPs, and rules.
Pros & Cons of Gambling in Indiana
There are two sides to every coin.
While gambling in Indiana has some pros, it also has a few cons. Consider both before start playing for real money.
Pros
- There are 12 land-based casinos and racinos throughout the state.
- Online and retail sports betting is legal.
- You can wager on horse races at off-track betting sites or online.
- There are bingo halls all over the state.
- Racinos in Indiana are full-service with table games and slots.
Cons
- You can only play poker at casinos.
- There are no state-regulated online casinos.
- Private card games are illegal.
The Future of Online Gambling in Indiana: Our Prediction
Although Indiana’s laws prohibit online gambling, there is a good chance that it will change in the coming years.
Legislation to legalize online casinos fell short in 2023, but the bill will likely be reintroduced in 2024. After online sports betting brought resounding success to the state since it entered the scene in 2019, the natural progression would be to open things up to all forms of internet gambling.
We will have to wait and see what happens in time. If you’re in Indiana, contact your local representative and let them know how you feel.
Until then, you can find an excellent selection of top-notch online casinos that accept players from the Hoosier State. Sign up at one of our recommended sites and start playing today!
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Answers to Our Readers’ FAQ
Here are the most popular questions about gambling in Indiana.
The minimum age for gambling on lotteries, pari-mutuel wagers, and charitable gambling is 18 years old or older. If you wish to enter a casino or bet in a regulated sportsbook, you must be 21 years old or older.
Since online gambling is illegal in Indiana, there is always a slight risk. On the other hand, people play at offshore sites all the time, and no one has ever been prosecuted for playing at an online casino licensed elsewhere.
Yes, all gambling income is taxable in Indiana, and you must report all qualifying gambling earnings yearly to the Internal Revenue Service.
Gambling winnings in Indiana are subject to state and federal tax, and casinos typically withhold 25% for this purpose.
The money raised from gambling taxation in Indiana totals close to $1 billion annually, and a large portion of the money then goes towards state initiatives such as the Build Indiana Fund and the Teachers’ Retirement Fund.
Always consult a professional before making any tax decisions.
No, real-money online casinos based in the state are prohibited. However, you can find no-deposit bonuses at gambling sites regulated outside of the state.
Disclaimer
As part of our commitment to transparency, it’s important to disclose that this website engages in affiliate marketing. This means that when you click on our links to online casinos and make a purchase or sign up, we may earn a commission.
These commissions contribute to the upkeep of our platform and the creation of valuable content. While we aim to provide accurate and unbiased information, it’s crucial to note that our reviews are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Additionally, we advocate for responsible gambling practices and encourage users to gamble responsibly. If you believe you may have a gambling problem, please seek assistance from relevant support services.