Indiana

Indiana Gambling Overview

While the 1851 Indiana Constitution explicitly prohibited lotteries, it was also interpreted to ban all other gambling forms. Since then, Indiana laws have been relaxed, beginning in the 1980s.

Today, Indiana has legalized a state lottery, tribal & commercial gambling (including riverboat), charity games, sports betting, and pari-mutuel betting.

Although illegal, video poker machines are widespread throughout Indiana in bars, truck stops, and private clubs. Internet gambling, card games for money, bookmaking are considered a prohibited activities.

At the start of 2021, Jon Ford, a state senator, submitted a bill proposing to legalize online casino betting. Another senator introduced Bill 267, proposing to authorize video gaming terminals.

Sports Betting

Indiana sports betting on NCAA and professional leagues are permitted at off-track betting locations, online, and licensed casinos. However, wagering is not allowed on high school and youth events.

Lotteries

Indiana has the Hoosier Lottery, offering scratch tickets and draw games. It is also a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL). This means that players from Indiana can participate in interstate lotteries like Mega Millions.

Charity Games

Qualifying organizations in Indiana, including religious, veterans, educational, civic, and senior citizens, are permitted to host charity gaming events. These must be nonprofit to be tax-exempt under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code. Charities may provide bingo, pull-tab, punch card, raffle, game nights, and special bingo events. The Indiana Gaming Commission must provide approval in prize values exceeding $1,000 for a single event or $3,000 total in a calendar year.

Fantasy Sports

Paid fantasy sports and sports wagering is regulated by the Sports Wagering and Paid Fantasy Sports Division. Permitted operators include DraftKings Inc., FanDuel Inc., FantasyDraft LLC, SportsHub Games Network Inc., Underdog Sports Inc., and Yahoo! Sports LLC.

Pari-Mutuel

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission regulates horse racing in the state, including off-track horse racing parlors. The first track was opened in 1994 in Anderson, Indiana. There are two types of pari-mutuel wagering in Indiana: live races and simulcast.

Commercial and Tribal Casinos

Indiana has 11 licensed commercial casinos, including land-based and riverboat on Lake Michigan and the Ohio River. Furthermore, there are 2 racetrack casinos (racinos) and 1 tribal casino (Class III Gaming). Indiana casinos offer hundreds of slots and dozens of gaming tables, such as roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and sports betting.

Indiana Gambling History

Indiana voters approved a state lottery by 62% on November 8, 1988, through a referendum. On May 3, 1989, the Indiana General Assembly approved the Lottery Act, signed into law a week later. The same year, pari-mutuel betting was legalized, extending to off-track betting parlors in 1995.

From June 1992 to July 2006, the Indiana Department of Revenue was responsible for regulating charity gaming in Indiana. Responsibility was then transferred to the Indiana Gaming Commission.

Riverboat gaming in Indiana was legalized on July 1, 1993, through the passing of the Indiana Riverboat Gaming Act. In 2015, legislation was passed allowing casinos to move on land adjacent to boats. At the time, the Pokagon Band in South Bend was given the approval to operate a Class II gaming Casino. In January 2021, the tribe negotiated a compact with Indiana State to offer Class III gaming.

Legislation was passed by the Indiana Legislature in 2007, allowing 2,000 slot machines at two horseracing tracks. In 2008, Hoosier Park became a racino, followed by Indiana Downs in 2009.

The legislature voted to pass legislation to enable low-stakes gambling in taverns and bars in 2008. The Indiana Tobacco & Alcohol Commission regulates Type II gambling in bars and pubs.

Fantasy sports betting legislation (Act 339-2016) was passed in 2016. In September 2019, casinos accepted sports betting wagers after a new law (Act 1015-2019) in May 2019. In October of that same year, sports betting online was legalized.

Indiana Gambling FAQ

Are gambling winnings taxable in Indiana?

Yes, gambling winnings in Indiana are considered taxable income. This includes income from horse racing, lotteries, and casinos.

What are the legal forms of gambling in Indiana?

Indiana has passed legislation that legalizes sports betting, pari-mutuels, fantasy sports betting, charity games, land-based & riverboat casinos, and lotteries.

Are lotteries legal in Indiana?

Yes, Indiana operates the Hooser Lottery, offering state and multistate tickets.

Is sports betting legal in Indiana?

Yes, Indiana allows sports betting at land-based and online sites.

Does Indiana have land-based casinos?

Yes, Indiana has 11 state casinos, 1 tribal casino, and 2 racinos.

Does Indiana allow fantasy sports?

Yes, Indiana allows licensed operators to provide fantasy sports to players in the state. Major operators include DraftKings, FanDuel, and Yahoo! Sports.

Is sportsbook legal in Indiana?

Yes, sportsbook is legal and available at Indiana casinos, off-track betting facilities, and racinos. Online sports betting is also permitted.