Real Money Indiana Poker Sites

Indiana has relatively lenient gambling laws. With over a dozen land-based casinos scattered across the state, it has long been a poker hotspot. The venues are on riverboats, combinations of racetracks and casinos, or Native American land. They represent a testament to the booming land-based poker industry.

Contrastingly, online poker is still unregulated, and its legalization is not yet in the works. Thus, options for playing online poker for real money in Indiana are somewhat limited. Hoosiers can visit sweepstakes sites or register in one of the numerous offshore poker rooms operating from abroad.

You can look at our list of some of the best ones below.

Is Real Money Poker Legal in Indiana?

Real money poker in Indiana is legal, provided Hoosiers play at state-licensed land-based casinos. These gambling venues were legalized in 1993, and the first three opened their doors in 1995. Currently, Indiana players can test their poker skills at ten riverboat casinos, one tribal casino, and one racino. Hammond, South Bend, and Shelbyville are major gaming hubs.

Most casinos have cardrooms, but the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond stands out. It features a 34-table poker room and often hosts the World Series of Poker Circuit. It also has a high-roller VIP private area, Benny Binion. Video poker fans will be happy to know that this establishment offers more than 300 machines featuring popular games like Double Bonus, Jacks or Better, and Deuces Wild.

On the flip side, sweepstakes are another poker alternative for Indiana patrons. Instead of real money, they use virtual currency — Sweeps Coins and Gold Coins. You can’t purchase Sweeps Coins, but only Gold Coins for entertainment. You can obtain Sweeps Coins in a few ways and later redeem them for cash prizes. They may offer a limited number of poker variations, but they include No-Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha and Crazy Pineapple.

Poker Laws

Online poker and casino gambling are still waiting to make the law books. Unlike some states, the Hoosier State addresses online gambling within its statutes. However, the law only targets operators, not players. Although no player has ever been prosecuted for participating in a virtual game, this class B misdemeanor might cost them up to $1,000 or 180 days in jail.

Poker enthusiasts prefer offshore casinos due to a richer selection of poker games. These platforms are considered legal since no law prohibits them from joining them.

Nevertheless, before starting your real money poker adventure in Indiana, you should acquaint yourself with the following laws:

• Indiana Riverboat Act 
• Indiana Code 3-45-5 — Gambling 
• Indiana Code 35-45-1 — Criminal Law and Procedure

Best Real Money Online Poker Sites in Indiana

Hoosiers are not permitted to play online poker in Indiana, and regulating them is not on the horizon.

My list of the best poker sites which I consider to be the best rooms to play in 2024:

How to Register on a Real Money Poker Site

Regardless of the poker site you pick, you need to register to play real money poker games. The registration process is pretty similar across casinos, and you only need to follow these steps to complete it:

Real Money Mobile Poker Apps

Poker sites offer native Android and iOS apps to users from Indiana, but you probably won’t find them on the app stores due to their offshore status. And those that don’t have dedicated apps usually have mobile-friendly poker websites you can access from your phone.

If your chosen operator sports an app, you need to download it and install it on your phone. Then, follow the instructions to register. This process is usually no different than registering and playing through your browser.

Apps are convenient for poker enthusiasts as their favorite casino is just one click away. To learn more about them, check out our Indiana poker apps page.

Other Resources

Final Thoughts 

Since the Hoosier State legalized sports betting, its residents are optimistic that online poker will follow in its footsteps. However, Indiana players are not left without options for playing poker. For now, players can enjoy real money poker at land-based casinos, sweepstakes, and social sites where they can win gifts and cash prizes.

Additionally, numerous offshore poker sites accept Indiana players. Many do not hesitate to play their real money poker games as they operate from abroad and don’t fall under the Indiana Gaming Commission’s jurisdiction.

FAQs