Online Gambling in Indiana: Legality & Top Picks

Online poker is not legal in Indiana. The state considers internet-based poker to fall under the category of online gambling, which is prohibited under IC 35-45-5. This means platforms like PokerStars and WSOP.com cannot legally operate in Indiana. Unlike sports betting or DFS, poker has not been classified as a game of skill, so legalization seems unlikely in the short term. Land-based casinos do host poker rooms, offering legal in-person options for fans of Texas Hold’em and Omaha. For now, Indiana poker enthusiasts must stick to live venues or travel to states where regulated online poker is legal.

The Hoosier Lottery has been running since 1989 and remains one of Indiana’s most popular gambling formats. Tickets are available to players 18 and older, with games including draw-style jackpots, instant scratch-offs, and multi-state favorites like Powerball and Mega Millions. Revenue from the lottery goes directly to the Build Indiana Fund, supporting infrastructure, pensions, and education initiatives. While online sales are not permitted, players can find tickets at thousands of authorized retailers across the state. The lottery represents one of the most accessible and socially accepted forms of gambling in Indiana, drawing millions in ticket sales every year.

Bingo is fully legal in Indiana and widely played through licensed charities and organizations. Players as young as 18 can participate, and proceeds often support local causes, making bingo a socially acceptable form of gambling. Charitable bingo operations are regulated by the Indiana Gaming Commission, which oversees licensing and compliance. Both traditional paper-card bingo and electronic variants are allowed under state law, provided the games are tied to charitable fundraising. The social nature of bingo, combined with its accessibility and community benefits, makes it a staple gambling option for Hoosiers seeking entertainment without stepping into a casino.

Indiana has a strong tradition of charitable gambling, allowing licensed organizations to run raffles, pull-tabs, and charity game nights. These activities are tightly regulated to ensure that profits benefit nonprofit organizations, not individuals. Players can join in raffles or charity poker tournaments, provided the event is sanctioned and licensed. The Indiana Gaming Commission sets the rules, requiring full transparency from organizers. This category of gambling strikes a balance between regulation and social benefit, giving communities an approved outlet for fundraising through games of chance. For Hoosiers, charity gambling represents one of the most community-driven formats of legal play.

Indiana was one of the first states to formally recognize Daily Fantasy Sports as legal, declaring it a “game of skill” in 2016. Major DFS platforms operate openly in the state under regulatory oversight. Players must be at least 18 years old to participate, making DFS more accessible than sports betting or casinos. Games revolve around drafting virtual teams and competing for cash prizes based on real-world sports performance. Indiana’s proactive stance helped cement its reputation as a state willing to innovate in controlled ways, giving residents a safe and legal online gaming outlet.

Social gambling, such as home poker games or casual betting among friends, is legal in Indiana under limited conditions. The activity must not involve a “house” taking a cut, and all participants must be playing on equal terms. As long as it remains private, small-scale, and non-commercial, social gambling falls within the law. However, once money is collected for profit or games are organized in a business-like manner, it crosses into illegal territory. The law is designed to distinguish between friendly games among friends and professional gambling operations. Social play remains a safe, low-risk form of entertainment for Hoosiers.

Casinos are one of the strongest pillars of Indiana’s gambling economy. Since the 1990s, riverboat casinos have drawn players statewide, and in 2015, legislation allowed them to transition to permanent land-based facilities. Today, Indiana hosts a mix of tribal casinos, racinos (racetrack casinos), and commercial properties offering slots, table games, and poker. The Indiana Gaming Commission regulates the industry, ensuring compliance and tax collection. Players must be at least 21 to enter casino floors. These venues contribute significant tax revenue and jobs, while also serving as entertainment hubs. Casinos remain the crown jewel of Indiana’s gambling industry.