Indiana is always on the short-list for the next state to legalize online casinos. Presently, the state offers multiple forms of legal gambling, including legal online sports betting. Today, we will look at the history of gambling in the state, and what options for online casinos Indiana currently offers.
Legal Gambling in Indiana
Legal gambling in Indiana dates back to the late 1980s. During the November elections of 1988, 62% of state citizens voted on a lottery referendum.
- The Indiana Lottery Act: In May 1989, the Lottery Act was ratified by the Indiana General Assembly and signed into law by the governor. The lottery officially went live in October 1989.
- Indiana Pari-Mutuel Betting: The referendum that legalized the state lottery also allowed lawmakers to legalize pari-mutuel betting activities, such as horse racing. The first horse track in the state opened in 1994.
- Indiana OTBs: Off-track horse betting parlors started Sportsbook in 1995.
- Riverboat Gaming Act: Casino gambling was the next form of gambling to become legal in the state. On July 1st, 1993, the Indiana Riverboat Gaming Act passed, allowing for up to 10 riverboats. The first of those casinos started Sportsbook in 1995.
- Indiana Racino Slots Betting: Racinos became legal in 2007 when the Indiana legislature passed a bill to allow slot machines at horse racing tracks.
- Sports Betting Legalized: Sports betting is the latest expansion of legal gambling in Indiana. On May 8, 2019, Governor Eric Holcomb signed a bill that legalized both live and online sports betting. Live sports betting at retail locations began in September, and online sports betting started in October 2019. Players can wager on sporting events and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). Online sportsbooks are as close to an online casino that Indiana residents will see - at least for now.
- Legal Gambling Age in Indiana: If you want to gamble in Indiana, you need to be of legal age. For the state lottery and pari-mutuel parlors, you must be 18. For casinos and sports betting, you must be 21 to play. Also, for online sportsbooks, you must be physically located in Indiana to gamble. Access to the sites or apps through VPN is prohibited.
Sweepstakes Casinos
Indiana is one of many states where you can play at sweepstakes casinos. Sweepstakes casinos are sites that offer casino-style gaming, but you never play with real money. Prizes are awarded in a sweepstakes model based on the redemption of points or tokens.
- Sweepstakes Casinos' Currency: You can play at Sweepstakes casinos using two forms of currency. The first is Sweepstakes coins, sometimes called premium tokens or coins. These coins are free to players and are either given away as a free incentive or won via games in the casino.
- Currency at Sweeps Casinos: The other currency used at casinos is the standard coins or points. These coins have no value and cannot be exchanged for cash prizes. You can purchase these points at the casino and use them as buy-ins for the games. Generally, when you purchase regular coins, you will also receive sweepstakes coins as a free gift. For example, you buy 1,000 standard points and are given 250 premium points.
- Standard Coins: Standard coins and tokens are used to play in Sweepstakes games, and these games award both standard and sweeps coins as prizes. Sweeps or Sweepstakes coins can then be exchanged for real money.
- Sweeps Coins: Sweeps coins or tokens have no monetary value and don't constitute money. As such, you are not gambling for real money at the casino. This technicality is a loophole in gambling laws in many states, including Indiana. The key is that players never have real money in their casino accounts. When you exchange Sweeps coins or tokens, you will be sent money to a different, non-casino account.
- Gambling Age at Sweeps Casinos: Sweepstakes casinos require that you be at least 18 years of age to play. Some sites may require you to be 21. Check the terms and conditions of your preferred site to learn more.
Indiana Lottery
Indiana has a legal state lottery known as the Hoosier Lottery. It was legalized back in 1988 when voters approved a state constitutional amendment allowing the lottery. The referendum was overwhelmingly successful, with 62% of voters supporting the measure.
- Hoosier Millionaire Tickets: The amendment allowed for live lottery sales only. Hoosier Millionaire was the first scratch-off game launched in the state, going on sale in May 1989.
- Indiana Offers Powerball Tickets: Indiana also offers three multi-jurisdictional lottery games. Powerball is one of America's most popular lottery games, and Indiana began offering it in 1992. Jackpots in Powerball start at $20 million and grow after each unsuccessful drawing.
- Indiana Offers Mega Millions Tickets: The state began to offer Mega Millions in 2009. In 2016, gamblers could play Cash4Life, where top prizes are $1,000 a day for life and $1,000 per week for life.
- The Hoosier Lottery: Players can learn more about the lottery at the Hoosier Lottery website. You can check the results and learn more about various scratch-offs, fast play games, or results for live draws. Presently, you cannot buy online lottery tickets, even for multi-state games.
- Legal Age to Buy Lottery Tickets: To play in the Hoosier Lottery or any associated games, you must be 18 or older.
Other Forms of Legal Gambling in Indiana
Indiana is one of many states that allow charitable gambling. Here are the details you need to know.
- Illinois Charitable Gambling: Charitable gaming is any form of "pay to play" gambling. This includes bingo, raffles, game nights, door prizes, and drawings. Before an organization can offer charitable gaming, it must acquire a gaming permit from the Indiana Department of Revenue. There are limits on prizes that can be awarded. Limits are $1,000 per event or $7,500 annually. Organizations needing higher limits can apply for a special license for each event.
- Indiana Games of Skill: Games of skill are also considered to be legal in Indiana. Under state law, skill games are “bona fide contests of skill, speed, strength or endurance in which awards are made only to the entrants or the owners of entries.” For example, you can hold a fishing tournament or pool tournament. However, you cannot bet on individuals or matches as part of the event. Also, charitable gambling laws do not apply to games of skill; they are their own category.
- Legal Age for IN Charitable Gambling: For charitable gaming or games of skill, you have to be 18 or older. The exception would be for organizations that set different legal age limits.
- Indiana Racebook Betting: Pari-mutuel betting is also legal in Indiana. Players can either gamble at pari-mutuel parlors or at racinos. Racinos are horse racing parlors that have slot machines. Gamblers will be able to bet on a variety of horse races. Races can be local, national, or international. Pari-mutuel betting is conducted separately from sports betting, so you will not be able to bet on horse races at online sportsbooks in Indiana. You must be 18 or older to bet on horses in IN.
- Indiana Daily Fantasy Sports: Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is another form of legal gambling available in Indiana. With DFS, players assemble rosters for sports teams and compete against other players for a cash prize. Games can be held daily, weekly, or for up to an entire season. DFS falls under the umbrella of sports betting and is usually available at mobile sportsbooks or at retail sportsbooks at live casinos. You must be 21 or older to wager on DFS contests.
History of Legal Gambling in Indiana
Indiana became a US state in 1816. Initially, there were no laws pertaining to gambling. That changed in 1851, when citizens voted to amend the state constitution to ban lotteries. While the law was written to stop lotteries, lawmakers and judges used this ban to block all forms of gambling.
This continued until 1988, when the first form of legal gambling was allowed under the state constitution. Here's a timeline of legal gambling in Indiana.
- November 8, 1988 - Indiana citizens vote to legalize a state lottery. The measure was approved with 62 percent of the vote. Lawmakers would use the authority given from this vote to also legalize pari-mutuel betting.
- May 3, 1989 - Lottery Act ratified by the IN General Assembly. Governor Evan Bayh signed the bill into law a week later.
- October 13, 1989 - Scratch-off ticket sales for the Hoosier Lottery began at 12:10 PM.
- June 1992 - The Indiana Department of Revenue is given the responsibility to oversee charity gambling in the state.
- July 1, 1993 - The Indiana Riverboat Gaming Act passes. Citizens also voted on referendums to allow these games to be offered in various areas of the state.
- September 1, 1994 - Hoosier Park becomes the first legal horse track in Indiana.
- 2007 - The Indiana Legislature passes legislation to allow slot machines at horse race tracks, making them racinos.
- May 10, 2019 - Governor Eric Holcomb signs a bill to legalize sports betting. Both live and online sports betting are allowed.
- September 1, 2019 - First retail sportsbooks launch in Indiana.
- October 3, 2019 - First online sportsbook launches in Indiana.
Indiana Casino Mobile Apps
Indiana players can enjoy a full range of mobile casino games on their Android and iOS devices. Because Bitcoin and crypto deposits are the safest with mobile phones when you’re out in the public, it's often best to choose Bitcoin or other crypto payments when you make play mobile casino apps in public.
Top Indiana Land-Based Casinos
There are 15 different casinos in Indiana. Eight casinos are riverboat casinos, four are land-based, and one is a Native American casino. The other two casinos are classified as racinos.
Indiana cities like Gary and Hammond are suburbs of Chicago, so any Illinois gamblers in Chicago have easy access to Indiana casinos like the Horseshoe Hammond, Ameristar Casino, and Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.
| Indiana Casino Name | City | Gambling Options |
| Bally's Evansville | Evansville | 973 slots, 55 table games, poker room |
| Belterra Casino Resort | Florence | 1178 slots, 55 table games, poker room |
| French Lick Casino | French Lick | 913 slots, 42 table games, poker room |
| Blue Chip Casino | Michigan City | 1668 slots, 64 table games, poker room |
| Rising Star Casino | Rising Sun | 650 slots, 21 table games, poker room |
| Horseshoe Hammond | Hammond | 3000 slots, 100 table games, poker |
| Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana | Gary | 1800 slots, table games |
| Sportsbook Southern Indiana | Elizabeth | 1100 slots, dozens of table games, poker |
| Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg | Lawrenceburg | 1200 slot machines, 60 table games, poker room |
| Ameristar Casino | East Chicago | 1700 slots, 45 table games, sportsbook |
| Four Winds Casino | South Bend | 1200 slots, 16 table games, sportsbook, poker room |
Below is more information on the top casinos in Indiana.
Horseshoe Hammond
777 Casino Center Dr, Hammond, IN 46320
- Over 3,000 Slot Machines, 250 Video Poker Machines, 100 Table Games, and Poker.
- Games include craps, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, 3-Card Poker, and Sic Bo.
- Sportsbook available.
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
5400 W 29th Ave, Gary, IN 46406
- Over 1,800 slot machines and table games.
- Games include craps, roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat, Pai Gow, and Let It Ride.
Sportsbook Southern Indiana
11999 Casino Center Dr. SE, Elizabeth, IN 47117
- Over 1,100 slot machines, dozens of table games, and poker.
- Games include craps, blackjack, roulette, and mini-baccarat.
- Sportsbook available.
Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg
777 Hollywood Blvd, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
- Over 1,200 slot machines, 60 table games, and a poker room.
- Games include blackjack, roulette, craps, and mini-baccarat on electronic tables.
- Barstool sportsbook available.
Ameristar Casino East Chicago
777 Aldis Ave, East Chicago, IN 46312
- 1700 slot machines, 45 table games, and a baccarat room
- Games include blackjack, roulette, craps, and Mississippi Stud.
- Barstool sportsbook available.
Four Winds Casino South Bend
3000 Prairie Ave, South Bend, IN 46614
- Over 1,200 slot machines, 16 table games, and a live poker room.
- Games include blackjack, baccarat, roulette, craps, and Progressive Stud.
- Sportsbook also available.
When Will Online Casinos Come to Indiana?
Indiana has been on the short-list of the next state to legalize online casinos for a couple of years now.
- Online Gambling Bills: Legislation for online casinos and online poker was filed in January 2022, but efforts failed quickly due to matters surrounding the expansion of live casinos in Gary and Terre Haute.
- 2023 and Beyond: Once those concerns are cleared, we could likely see another attempt made at online casinos in Indiana. Recent bills have been viewed favorably, with a relatively low tax rate for any potential online casinos or online poker rooms.
- Casino Sites in Nearby States: The success of retail and online sportsbooks in Indiana is making the prospect of legislation much more appealing. Furthermore, with states like Michigan, West Virginia, and others recently launching online casinos and online poker rooms, the pressure is on state lawmakers to keep customers in-state.
- iDEA Growth Research: The nonprofit group iDEA Growth believes that tax revenue from online casinos and poker could reach $500 million annually. This doesn’t include any additional liquidity from the online poker network compact between Michigan, New Jersey, Delaware, and Nevada.
- Future Online Gambling Legislation: In Indiana, online casino legislation is as close to an inevitability as you can get in legalized online gambling. We predict legal online casinos in Indiana to arrive within the next two to three years. If you support online casino legalization, we urge you to reach out to your state Representative and Senators and let them know you support legal online gambling.
Responsible Gambling in Indiana
Indiana, like most states, takes problem gambling seriously. In a perfect world, everyone would treat gambling as entertainment and would avoid the pitfalls of gambling. However, we know that’s not the case. As such, all gambling organizations adhere to strict policies and procedures pertaining to problem gambling. Let’s look at some of those policies.
Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program
Like many states, Indiana offers players the option to enter the Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program. This program allows gamblers to opt-out of all gambling for one year, five years, or a lifetime.
How to Self-Exclude from Gambling in Indiana
- Register at Indiana Casinos: To register for the program, you can do so at any casino in Indiana or on any online sportsbook.
- Problem Gambling Treatment: You can also register through any gambling treatment provider in Indiana.
- Indiana Gaming Commission: Finally, you can contact the Indiana Gaming Commission office in Indianapolis to be placed on the list.
How Indiana Self-Exclusion Works
- How Long Does Self-Exclusion Last?: Note that once you join the list, you will remain on it until you request removal or until the ban period ends.
- Banned from Casinos: Once you're on the list, casinos and sportsbooks are charged with banning you from their properties.
- Self-Exclusion in Other States: Furthermore, some casinos may allow you to self-exclude from their properties in other states. For example, if you self-exclude from any Sportsbook property, you can opt to be excluded from all properties nationwide.
Responsibilities of Casinos and Sportsbooks
Let's look at the responsibilities of casinos and sportsbooks concerning problem gambling.
- Indiana Responsible Gambling: First, every casino and racino must pay a fee of $500,000 each year that's used to help to operate the state's self-exclusion program. This program is a voluntary program that players can use to self-exclude from Indiana casinos.
- Hotlines and Casino Signage: Next, casinos and racinos must display prominent signage that offers website information and phone numbers for problem gambling help organizations.
- Info on Self-Exclusion Programs: Also, there must be information on how players can take advantage of the self-exclusion program. This information has to be near the entrances of Indiana casinos, race tracks, and racinos.
- Casinos Enforcing Self-Exclusion: Furthermore, casinos must take action to enforce the self-exclusion program. If a player tells a casino they wish to join the self-exclusion list, the casino must actively prevent them from gambling at the casino. If they are spotted at the casino, they must be removed immediately.
Responsibilities of Online Sportsbooks
Online sportsbooks are the only form of online casino Indiana residents can gamble at. The operators of each sportsbook have a responsibility to combat problem gambling.
- Online Sportsbook Responsibilities: It starts by displaying help information for problem gambling help organizations on their website or mobile app. This information must be easily accessible to all visitors, not just to paying players.
- Know Your Customer Verification: Next, casinos take action to prevent problem gambling through Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. Through KYC verification, casinos can identify authentic bettors from fraudulent bettors. They can also better track any potential problem gambling behavior from players, such as excessive deposits or playing time.
- IN Sportsbook Self-Exclusion: Finally, online sportsbooks give extra support to players wanting to self-administer their gambling. In addition to providing information for self-exclusion, sportsbooks also offer other administrative tools. This includes betting limits, deposit limits, and questionnaires to help players identify problem gambling behavior.
Responsible Gambling Organizations in Indiana
There are several ways to get help for problem gambling in Indiana. Below is information to help organizations for problem gambling.
Indiana Council on Problem Gambling
309 Washington St #334
Indianapolis IN, 46204
1-800-944-8448
https://indianaproblemgambling.org/
National Council on Problem Gambling
1-800-522-4700
http://www.ncpgambling.org/state/indiana/
Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program
http://www.in.gov/igc/problemgamblinghelp/2332.htm
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Online Casino Indiana FAQ
Can I play online casino in Indiana?
Online casinos are not currently legal in Indiana. There have been repeated attempts to legalize online casinos, as recently as earlier in 2022, but those efforts have not yet borne fruit. However, Indiana is always on the forefront of states to legalize online casinos, so it's likely just a matter of time until they can be played at.
Can you gamble online for real money in Indiana?
You cannot currently gamble online for real money in Indiana, although this is more something that is technically true than actually true. Betting at sweepstakes casinos will eventually allow you to win real money, though it is classified as a prize or bonus for playing, and is not a result of directly playing.
Can you play slots for real money in Indiana?
Yes, though we don't recommend players play slots online for real money. Until Indiana legalizes and licenses online casino gambling, we recommend that players avoid casino gambling online.
Are online slot machines legal in Indiana?
Indiana doesn't allow online casino gambling at the moment. Players can play at sweepstakes casinos and social gaming casinos. These sites offer free coins, though much of the gaming on these sites require payment. Despite these operating in a legal gray area, the Indiana Gaming Commission does not license them.
Is it legal to gamble at a casino in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana has 11 land-based casinos in 11 different cities: East Chicago, Elizabeth, Evansville, Florence, French Lick, Gary, Hammond, Lawrenceburg, Michigan City, Rising Sun, and South Bend. The state has horse tracks in Anderson and Shelbyville, as well as OTBs in Clarksville, Indianapolis, New Haven, and Shelbyville. It also has a lot of charitable bingo halls.
Is it legal to gamble online in Indiana?
No. Indiana has not legalized online gambling at present. Anyone who gambles online does it at sweepstakes casinos, social gaming sites, or offshore online casinos. Given its substantial land-based casino industry, Indiana's legislature isn't likely to legalize online gambling anytime soon.
Does Indiana have mobile casino and gambling apps?
Indiana land-based casinos don't have mobile casino apps at the moment, because online and mobile gambling are not licensed. Indiana mobile casino apps exist for sweepstakes casinos, social gaming sites, and offshore online casinos, but we do not recommend downloading such apps.
Are online casinos in Indiana safe?
The Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) doesn't license Indiana online casinos. Any Indiana casino sites you'll encounter do not have the legal protections and consumer protections that you'd expect in a legal and licensed online gambling environment.
