Indiana has been a state that was in a long slumber when it came to legalized gambling. But with the passing of recent laws, the state of Indiana is wasting no time in rapidly expanding its friendly gambling industry. Since the 1980’s things have been turning out favorably for those who are pro-gambling, but not without its battles. From land and riverboat casinos, to the arrival of sportsbooks; the Hoosier State is making moves into the future that we’re all going to want to watch.
Updated – FanDuel and DraftKings are now Active in Indiana. Get Started!
IN Legal Gambling History
Legal gambling in the state of Indiana was in hibernation for a long time. That is until the 1980’s when IN legalized both horse betting and the state lottery scratch-off tickets in 1989. While made legal, it was still a few years wait to see a race track open its doors. This first happened in 1994.
Things in Indiana began to pick up relatively fast after the ’80s when riverboat gambling was made legal in 1993. This was due to the River Boat Gambling Act being passed which allowed 10 boat casinos, and eventually one land-based casino in 2003.
Indiana is home to one tribal casino as well. 2007 ended a decades-long fight for the Pokagon Band of Pottawatomie Indians when they finally saw the construction of their land-based tribal casino begin.
Once the PASPA act was lifted by the Supreme Court in 2019, Indiana immediately approved legislation to allow sports betting into the state.
Today Indiana is home to a total of 14 casinos.
IN Gambling Legal Status
In Indiana the legal gambling age is 21, which means those of age can play at land-based and riverboat casinos and bet on sports. To play the state lottery, bet on horses, and bingo; players must be at least 18 years of age.
Indiana Physical Casinos
After a long and drawn-out battle, the state of Indiana has eventually become casino friendly. The state is now home to 14 casinos; including tribal, commercial, and riverboat based; including:
- Ameristar East Chicago
- Belterra Casino Resort and Spa
- Blue Chip Casino & Hotel
- Four Winds Casino South Bend
- French Lick Resort & Casino
- Hollywood Casino & Hotel Lawrenceburg
- Hoosier Park Racing & Casino
- Horseshoe Casino Hammond
- Horseshoe Casino Hotel Southern Indiana
- Indiana Grand Casino
- Majestic Star Casinos & Hotel
- Rising Star Casino Resort
- Tropicana Evansville
Indiana Sportsbooks and Sports Betting
Indiana passed its sports betting law immediately after PASPA was lifted at the federal level. IN law allows for sportsbooks to partner with licensed casinos in the state to offer players their sportsbooks, as we patiently await their launch. Though it is hard to be patient knowing that sports betting heavyweights have already been approved, like:
- FanDuel
- DraftKings
- William Hill
- Caesars Casino
- BetRivers
- BetAmerica
- Hollywood Casino
With Fox Bet, PointsBet, and TheScore all trying to make their way in.
Indiana players will have the opportunity to take advantage of the great features we’ve come to know and love from the above sportsbooks like in play living betting; with IN law allowing for sports betting on major American sports, boxing, MMA, minors, college, international, the Olympic games, and so much more.
Indiana Daily Fantasy Sports
FanDuel and DraftKings go live with their sportsbooks, but they are not newcomers to the state of Indiana. In 2016 Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed into law Senate Bill 339 which made daily fantasy sports legal. This allows for all who are not involved in sports to wager on DFS with real money.
IN Legal Gambling FAQ’s
What can I bet on legally in the state of IN?
In the state of Indiana, it is currently legal to gamble at land-based, tribal, and riverboat casinos. This includes slots, poker, and table games. Daily fantasy sports, horse betting, and the lottery are legal in the state of IN as well.
