Is Poker legal in Indiana (in)? Online Poker Laws in Indiana Explained
Indiana
- Live Poker is allowed
- Sports Betting is allowed
- Sports Betting is legal since 2019
- Online Poker is forbidden
- Online Casino is forbidden
Can You Play Online Poker in Indiana?
There is currently no legislation permitting online poker in the state.
Current Indiana Gambling Laws
More than a dozen land-based casinos legally operate in Indiana. While most are riverboat casinos, the Hoosier State also has land-based casinos, a Native American casino, and two racinos which also allow horse racing on the properties.
Indiana is a conservative red state which presented major obstacles for any positive iGaming movement. Former Governor Mike Pence, now Vice President, has long been an opponent of iGaming. With Pence moving to the White House as the Vice President of the United States, online gambling may have a greater chance in the state with new Governor Eric Holcomb more open to gaming expansion measures with hundreds of millions in potential tax revenues on the line.
While in the early part of the decade gambling tax income was on the decline, it has steadied off in recent years with the fiscal year 2016 bringing in $554 million, 2017 bringing in $549 million, and 2018 witnessing $556 million added to the state's coffers.
This is still far from the heyday when a decade ago in 2009 the state brought in $876 million in casino-related taxes.
With this in mind, in April 2019 the Hoosier State passed a bill which allows for sports wagering at state casinos, horse tracks, and off-track betting parlors. Bets can also be placed online after registering at one of the land-based licensed operators.
While online casino and poker hasn't been in the forefront in recent years, it is possible with recent movement on another gambling front this will change in the future.
Best Online Poker Sites for Indiana Players
None at present. But you can always play poker for free with the WSOP Social App.