Online Gambling Making Strides
At the moment, the only form of online gambling that is regulated in Indiana is sports betting. But just because the state hasn’t regulated the practice of gambling online, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t available to those who seek it out. Indiana is one of many states in the US that has lots of options, though none are licensed by the government. Players here have an array of offshore operators to choose from with the majority licensed by reputable jurisdictions in the Caribbean.
There are a number of different aspects to consider if you want to play casino games online in Indiana. First and foremost, you want to choose an Indiana online casino that ticks all of the boxes in terms of your favourite game types. This could be mean having games from leading software developers such as NetEnt or Microgaming. You may want to have certain blackjack or roulette variants, video poker options, offers no deposit bonuses or a live dealer casino. Whatever the case may be, make sure that an online casino in the Indiana market has a great games library before signing up for an account to ensure a great gaming experience.
The next step is to make sure that the platform is reputable. While no online casino will be regulated by the state of Indiana, you can have a look at our recommendations for the safest online casinos and welcome bonuses page and pick the best option for you. This will give you peace of mind that your money and data are safe, while you’re getting more bang for your buck.
Another important thing to consider is the different payment options on offer. Most online casinos in Indiana, similar to any other country, will offer the likes of Visa, Mastercard and bank transfers, as well as e-wallets such as Neteller and Skrill. This is a sure sign that the casino is safe and reputable. Always check terms and conditions for e-wallet deposits and withdrawals as some may come with a charge or a small fee. Checking the deposit and withdrawal timescales is also important.
One of the best things about signing up for an online casino in Indiana is the welcome bonus. These come in many different shapes and sizes. A no deposit bonus is great because you get free spins or a monetary bonus to get you started on your gaming journey. Just create an account and the bonus offer is yours. Some online casinos in Indiana may also have loyalty or VIP programs, and regular offers for existing customers, like free spins and regular cash prize draws.
Casinos, Horse Racing, Popular in the Hoosier State
Indiana’s gambling history began in 1988, when state voters overwhelmingly approved a state lottery. The very next year, both the state legislature and the governor were on board with the idea, and in October 1989, scratch cards started being sold in the state. Today, a range of drawings and instant games are offered to players, and the state also participates in Mega Millions and Powerball.
But as in so many other states like California, a lottery didn’t put an end to the appetite for gambling expansion. During the mid-1990s, horse racing also came to Indiana, with Hoosier Park being the first track to open in 1994. Off-track betting wasn’t far behind, and a second track – Indiana Downs – opened in 2002.
The most significant addition to the state’s array of gambling opportunities came in 1993, when the Indiana Riverboat Gambling Act was passed. The idea was to allow for up to 10 riverboats to offer table games and slots. These still operate today in areas including Michigan City, Gary, Evansville and Hammond. Some of the better-known locations are:
- The Horseshoe
- Tropicana Evansville
- Majestic Star (and Majestic Star II)
- Ameristar
In 2006, the first land-based resort, known as French Lick Resort Casino, opened its doors to the public. The facility was originally yet another riverboat venture, taking the state’s final license after one originally intended for an operation in Patoka Lake was transferred.
Since it was supposed to be water-based, the venue was originally surrounded by a small pond, but that was taken away after just a couple years and the boat that originally housed the casino was converted into a land-based resort in 2008. Today, the French Lick features not only a fairly sizable floor that hosts more than 1,300 slot machines, table games, and poker, but also includes restaurants, hotels, and several golf courses.
Around the same time, the legislature also took the time to give the racing industry tools to keep up with the riverboats and resorts beginning to proliferate throughout Indiana. In 2007, they agreed to allow both tracks to host up to 2,000 slot machines, turning them into ‘racinos’.
There is currently only one Native American gaming facility in the state - the Four Winds Casino in South Bend. This is owned by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians who had sought the right to offer gambling on its lands, especially after the tribe gained federal recognition in 1994. Ultimately, following several legal battles, the tribe opened a facility in 2018.
Limited Expansion Possible
It’s unlikely that anything dramatic will change in Indiana’s gaming industry in the next few years. However, there are a few minor changes that could see the situation continue to evolve in the state.
While former Governor Pence was not in favor of anything that resembled expansion of casinos, he was willing to allow more minor changes that helped venues compete with those in surrounding states like Illinois. One such measure was passed in 2015, allowing the riverboats to move their operations onto land.
That bill wasn’t all about commercial operators, however. It also explicitly authorized the governor’s office to negotiate a compact with Native American tribes in the state, which paved the way for the Potawatomi Indians resort in South Bend.
At the time, this legislation caused controversy. According to tribal officials, some parts of the bill actually make it harder for the state to negotiate a compact by setting preconditions for any Native American resorts, which they say might violate the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
At least one state senator also made remarks that the tribe felt it was derogatory, and potentially poisoning the well for future negotiations. The lawmaker, however, defended his statements. He said that telling the existing industry that “The Indians are coming” was simply an acknowledgment that Native American operations have some built-in advantages over their commercial counterparts, such as potentially paying much lower tax rates.
The prospects for Internet expansion are looking a bit better than when Governor Pence was in office. With online sports betting coming to fruition and being a reasonable success so far, lawmakers may go a step further and allow legal Indiana online casinos in the future. That means that Indiana is now higher on the list of states that could potentially regulate online casinos.
Join a Reputable Indiana Online Casino Today
While online casinos may not be licensed by the Indiana authorities, locals still have the chance to play their favorite casino games from the comfort of their own homes. check out our safe online casinos list to find a reputable site that fits your needs, and you’re good to go.
Signing up for an account only takes a couple of minutes, and you’ll be heading into your new gaming experience before you know it!
