Online Poker in Indiana & The Best Poker Sites in IND 2021

If you want to involve yourself in Online Poker in Indiana, we’ve got the details that you need. Like one or two other steadfast US states, Indiana has been one of the locations in the country to remain adherent to its insistence on gambling not being made legal within. While many other locations have taken to expanding their gambling opportunities, The Hoosier State hasn’t made such progress. That being said, it did opt to legalize sports betting in 2019 after the PASPA law had been overturned, and while there are some legal land-based opportunities for poker fans, this hasn’t quite reached the online scene as of yet.

So, what do online gamers do when they want to engage in poker play? That’s what we’re here to inform you of today. The best locations for accessing online poker from the state of Indiana. We’ll give you some recommendations on the best online poker sites, information on the gambling laws surrounding residents of Indiana, and everything surrounding participation in this activity.

Top 4 Poker Sites for Players from Indiana

Despite the fact that the sites we’re recommending here are focused on the best experience for Indiana poker players, these platforms are actually accessible from most US states. Because poker isn’t specifically legal online in The Hoosier State though, these poker rooms are all found offshore. However, they all bring something different to the table, allowing you to benefit from excellent promotions, a variety of poker games and exciting tournaments to enter. So, what are the top four US poker sites for players in Indiana?

  • Slot Title
  • Pay Back
  • Key Features
Poker bonus: $2,000 in deposit bonuses

  • Superb player traffic
  • Payout Speed: Instant
Poker bonus: $2,000 in deposit bonusesPlay NowOur score:
Poker bonus: $2,000 in deposit bonuses
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Poker bonus: 100% first deposit bonus up to $3,000

  • Anonymous Tables
  • Payout Speed: <24 hours
Poker bonus: 100% first deposit bonus up to $3,000Play NowOur score:
Poker bonus: 100% first deposit bonus up to $3,000
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Welcome Bonus: 100% Up to $500

  • Support for 98% of Countries Worldwide
  • Payout Speed: 1-2 Business Days
Welcome Bonus: 100% Up to $500Play NowOur score:
Welcome Bonus: 100% Up to $500
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Poker bonus: 100% first deposit bonus up to $500

  • Fast-Fold Zone Poker Options
  • Payout Speed: Instant
Poker bonus: 100% first deposit bonus up to $500Play NowOur score:
Poker bonus: 100% first deposit bonus up to $500
Read more

Is Online Poker Legal in Indiana? No!

Poker itself isn’t specifically illegal within Indiana. After all, the state features 10 poker rooms within its land-based casinos. However, when it comes to online poker gameplay, The Hoosier State has some hang-ups in relation to it. With this being the case, it’s uncertain as to whether or not it will ever be introduced to residents officially. Fortunately, with the introduction of legal sports betting to the state, the future looks a little brighter for fans of poker game play.

online poker IndianaSomething else that works in the favor of such Indiana players is that the nearby state of Pennsylvania just recently debuted its own poker options. If this continues to be a success in PA, then perhaps Indiana will recognize the potential for it within, too. That’s all just speculation at the moment, though. For the time being, Indiana players will have to settle for the offshore sites and the sweepstakes poker platform that exists within.

This is known as Global Poker, and that online site operates as a free-to-play poker room. Therefore, it doesn’t work as a real money online poker Indiana site, meaning that you can’t win real money from it, either. But what exactly are the gambling laws (and more specifically poker laws) surrounding online poker play?

Well, according to official law it’s a crime to wager over the internet at a poker site operated from within the state. The law refers to professional gambling over the internet as:

“a person who knowingly or intentionally conducts any banking or percentage games played with cards, dice, or counters, or accepts any fixed share of the stakes therein; or accepts, or offers to accept, for profit, money, or other property risked in gambling; commits professional gambling, a Class D felony. However, the offense is a Class C felony if the person has a prior unrelated conviction under this subsection.”

Therefore, charges for being caught participating in such can range from a simple misdemeanor where players are concerned, but a larger felony for operators of such. That being said, it is federally legal for Indianans to participate in poker gaming at offshore sites.

What else can be considered legal and illegal gambling within The Hoosier State, though?

Well, online casinos are not active within the state, despite there being land-based options to access. No laws have been introduced or suggested as of yet that will allow online casinos, either. With the exception of online sports betting, Indiana residents have nothing else to participate in, although daily fantasy sports (DFS) can be accessed at various online sports betting platforms. The sites offering sports betting include the following:

  • DraftKings Sportsbook
  • FanDuel Sportsbook
  • BetRivers Sportsbook
  • BetAmerica Sportsbook
  • BetMGM
  • PointsBets
  • Caesars Sportsbook
  • theScore

Our Recommended Online Poker Site in Indiana

Our Rating

  • Well-respected platform
  • 200% first deposit bonus up to $1,000
  • Great range of tournaments
  • 400+ players per hour
everygame

The Top 4 Poker Sites Overview

Despite the fact that online poker isn’t something that is available from within Indiana’s state borders, this doesn’t mean that offshore platforms aren’t available. They absolutely are, and there are various ones that welcome gamers from the state. Providing live poker to players, poker tournaments, cash games and various other perks, these recommendations are the best four poker rooms for Indianans. At the same time, they exist as four of the best for United States players, too.

1. Everygame Poker – The Best for Supporting a Range of Payment Methods (Welcome Bonus: 200% up to $1,000)

Everygame is a brand that has been operational for a large number of years already. Providing sports betting, casino gaming and online poker to avid players, the company has been offering its services for over 30 years. The welcome bonus of 200% up to $1,000 is a truly inviting part of what makes it so special. But not only that, there are various reload and promotional offers as you continue playing there. The site is easy to navigate around, it supports numerous payment methods and 36% rakeback is paid on a daily basis to members, too.

everygame casino

What we like:

  • Over 30 years in the gambling industry
  • Up to $1,000 in welcome bonus funds
  • Attached sportsbook and casino sections
  • 36% daily rakeback provided

What we don´t like:

  • Smaller stakes gaming has a heavy focus
  • Lower table limits in action

2. Ignition Poker – The Best for Anonymous Table Gaming (Welcome Bonus: 300% up to $3,000)

With up to $3,000 in welcome bonus funds to claim, as well as a variety of exceptional tournaments to engage in, Ignition Poker is a wonderful site. If you deposit $20 with Bitcoin each week, you’ll be issued with a ticket for the Bitcoin Depositor’s Freeroll, too. That gives you a shot at obtaining a piece of the $2,500 prize. It’s not all about the promotions, though. Ignition offers some amazing Jackpot Sit & Go games, has a marvelous mobile client for you to download and allows you to partake in the most fixed Limit Texas Hold’em action found anywhere in the world.

online poker Indiana at Ignition Casino

What we like:

  • Anonymous table gaming
  • $3,000 welcome bonus
  • Excellent mobile client for Android and iOS
  • Amazing tournaments every month

What we don´t like:

  • Very strict Know Your Customer process requiring ID
  • Fewer poker reload bonuses than other sites

3. Americas Cardroom – The Best for Allowing Registrations from Multiple Locations (Welcome Bonus: 100% Up to $500)

Americas Cardroom operates as part of the Winning Poker Network (WPN), which is one of the most respected networks online. The poker room accepts registrations from about 98% of the world’s countries and supports Bitcoin transactions, too. A total of 27% rakeback is available to players and there are numerous multi-million-dollar tournaments to involve yourself in, too. When you throw lottery-style Jackpot Poker into the mix alongside, Americas Cardroom has so much to offer to Indiana residents.

online poker Indiana at Americas Cardroom

What we like:

  • Support for various cryptocurrencies
  • 27% rakeback available
  • Excellent tournament schedule
  • Jackpot poker on hand

What we don´t like:

  • Mobile client needs a bit of work
  • Late registration in MTTs extends to 3 hours!

4. Bovada – The Best for Its Easy Payout Process (Welcome Bonus: 100% Up to $500)

If there’s one name to take notice of in the online poker world, it’s Bovada. This site is pretty much the go-to brand for many US players, including casino and sportsbook fans. It features anonymous poker tables and a 100% welcome bonus up to $500. The site is compatible with Android and iOS devices, allowing you to participate in poker from any location. Jackpot Sit & Go games allow you to experience both lottery and poker in one go, and the payout process in operation at Bovada is another reason to enjoy what it provides.

online poker Indiana at Bovada

What we like:

  • Anonymous poker tables available
  • Quick and efficient withdrawal process
  • Compatible with mobile devices
  • Features fast-fold Zone Poker

What we don´t like:

  • Bonus funds expire after 30 days
  • Operates without an official license

How We Rate the Best Indiana Online Poker Sites

It’s important for us to know that we’re providing you with accurate and proper information regarding the poker rooms we’re recommending. That’s why we have a team of experts who do all the research and review the sites effectively. Lawmakers in Indiana may not have chosen to support online poker yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t engage in some of the best bona fide poker play around. So, how does this team of experts rate the best online poker sites for the state of Indiana?

  • The team seeks out platforms with great welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions
  • An easy navigation system needs to be in place
  • The poker room needs to be compatible with mobile devices
  • There should be a good range of poker rooms and tournaments to access
  • A friendly and helpful support team should be available
  • The site should hold an official license or have a high level of repute with players
  • Strong security measures should be in place to keep your details safe
  • Various payment methods should be supported
  • The poker room should allow you to participate in a loyalty scheme

What to Consider When Choosing a Poker Site

There are various things to consider when it comes to selecting your favored online poker site. It’s not simply a question of checking into one feature, but various features. And while our team of experts has provided plenty of information on our recommendations in its reviews, there are certain things you should be looking out for. Is it safe to play at offshore platforms? It certainly is if you access a suggested poker room here. But, what else should you be watching out for to ensure your safety?

Licensed and Regulated

Be sure that the platform is licensed or holds a great reputation level with gamers. A license ensures that everything operates in adherence with online gambling regulations. And if a poker room doesn’t possess such, then it should have a high level of repute with players for its self-regulation.

Banking methods

Ensure that the poker room supports your chosen method of depositing and withdrawing. It’s all fine and well to offer a huge number of poker games and so on, but if you can’t utilize your preferred payment method, why bother joining? This means that a site should allow you to choose from card payments, e-wallets, cryptocurrencies and so on. Furthermore, payouts should be as quick and effective as possible.

Safety and Security

Seek out a site with exceptional security measures. You need to realize that your personal details and banking information is kept secure and out of the hands of third parties. So, it’s always suggested to sign up to a poker room with the best data encryption technology for this.

Bonus and rewards

Check into the range of special offers and ongoing promotions that a poker room provides. These should ensure that newcomers are offered an exceptional welcome reward and regular players get to benefit from exciting reload bonuses and so on.

Customer support

It’s important to check into the state of the customer service operations. This means that there should be friendly and knowledgeable agents on hand as frequently as possible. And they should be contactable through various means, too.

Diversity of Poker Games

Look at the number of poker games and tournaments. A site needs to be able to offer you various opportunities for wagering on, with a range of buy-ins and tournaments to engage in. What’s the point in joining a poker site if you’re not going to get the chance to enjoy the online gambling opportunities to the fullest?

The Current Situation With Online Gambling in Indiana

Indiana has witnessed other sportsbooks express their interest in launching within too, so it’s likely that more will be added in the near future.

When it comes to casino gaming, the only legal option within comes from the sweepstakes sites. However, as with the sweepstakes poker gameplay, this variation of casino gaming is not for real money. Therefore, both real money casino and real money online poker in Indiana are not available.

The state is home to a state lottery though, and it is the only one to use its state nickname in its title – The Hoosier Lottery. This has been active since 1989 for players to participate in, and today, it can be accessed via a mobile app as well. However, this is solely accessible as an informational tool, rather than for buying lottery tickets through.

Indiana also has two land-based horse racing tracks, featuring live racing. Both of them are found within Indianapolis and are owned by Caesars Entertainment. They exist as Harrah’s Hoosier Park and the Indiana Grand Casino & Racing. The second of these also operates four off-track betting options, with the Indiana Grand Casino being one of them.  The four off-track locations are in Clarksville, Indianapolis, New Haven and Shelbyville.

There is no shortage of land-based venues for gambling within, either. One of the land-based casinos in the Four Winds South Bend is operated by a Native American tribe. The remainder exist in the following options:

  • Ameristar Casino, East Chicago*
  • Belterra Casino, Florence*
  • Blue Chip Casino, Michigan City*
  • French Lick Resort Casino, French Lick
  • Hollywood Casino, Lawrenceburg*
  • Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing and Casino, Anderson
  • Horseshoe Casino, Hammond*
  • Horseshoe Casino Southern Indiana, Elizabeth*
  • Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, Shelbyville*
  • Majestic Star I & II, Gary*
  • Rising Star Casino, Rising Star
  • Tropicana, Evansville*

*also feature poker rooms or cardrooms

The Future of Online Gambling in Indiana

It’s not likely that Indiana will become the next Nevada, featuring betting opportunities of all varieties. The state has long held against the pressure of other nearby states like Michigan and so on to succumb to online gambling opportunities. For the time being, it can be said that there haven’t been any moves made to legalize online poker, casino gaming and so on. That being said, with online sports betting becoming legal in 2019, it can be said that anything is possible in the end.

It’s quite a cautiously positive outlook for online gambling of other varieties to become available in The Hoosier State. Poker fans will likely have to stick to the land-based or offshore options for such for the time being. Online poker sites aren’t likely to be set up within Indiana for the foreseeable future, and this is likely the same for online casino sites, too. That’s why it’s fortunate that the offshore poker rooms provide such good varieties of games, including Texas Hold’em and Omaha.

What’s more, the illegal gambling statute in Indiana specifically provides that a card game or an electronic version of a card game is a game of chance and may not be considered a bona fide contest of skill. So, unless this is changed or eliminated altogether, online poker will likely remain illegal from within.

Where Else Is Online Gambling Legal in the US?

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

Best Online Casinos in Indiana

If you have an interest in playing online casino games as well as or alternatively to poker, then why not check out our suggestions? There are various offshore casino sites that cater to Indiana players, so you can read through our reviews to find your favorite one. They host slot games, table games, live dealer options and so on.

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The Bottom Line

It’s a shame that Indiana has yet to move forward with legalizing online poker rooms and other entities. That’s why it’s so fortunate that the offshore platforms remain active and operational. It’s possible that things will change in the future for The Hoosier State, although when that will be remains to be seen. Online poker Indiana is something that will stay as an offshore activity for the most part, it seems.

FAQs

Where Do the Taxes from Gambling in Indiana Go?

Tax revenue from the state’s legal gambling options go to the state itself, which takes the largest portion. It is also put towards various construction projects in Indiana via the Build Indiana Fund, as well as the towns that host land-based casinos. The remainder is handed out to various commissions and initiatives within the state.

Which Nearby States Provide Full and Legal Online Poker Gambling Opportunities?

Indiana is bordered by Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Missouri. Of these surrounding states, Illinois is the only one to provide legal online poker. However, a little further to the east are the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware all provide their own legal poker opportunities.

Are the Casinos in Indiana All Land-Based?

There aren’t any official legal online casinos in the state, and while all are considered as land-based casinos, all 11 of these are actually riverboat casinos that exist on Lake Michigan.

Why Is Online Gambling So Limited in Indiana?

Former Governor of Indiana Mike Pence, who served between 2013 and 2017, was staunchly against the legalization of gambling via the internet in the state. He went on to campaign outside casinos in Carson City and Reno, Nevada in more recent times. Lawmakers did battle against Pence to try and introduce various other legal online betting opportunities, and even though minimal leeway was given on certain options, it remains as a limited sector.

Can Fantasy Sports Be Played for Real Money in Indiana?

Yes, you can access Daily Fantasy Sports in the state. Indiana was the second state to craft its own DFS law following Virginia, with most major operators being active within The Hoosier State for this.

Are There Any Measures in Place to Combat Gambling Addiction in Indiana?

Yes, the state has introduced various resources to assist with those suffering from gambling addiction. The services are free to the public, with the program being completely funded by tax dollars taken from gambling. Visiting the Indiana Problem Gambling Help website provides a plethora of information on this.

 

About Jack Schiffko

Jack S. is a seasoned gambler and writer with over 10 years experience within the iGaming industry. He has written for several online casinos, bookmakers and iGaming news outlets. His favorite subjects are slots and live casino games. Find out what kind of games he recommends and prefers.