According to Indiana’s gambling laws, there are now 14 casinos operating in the state. There are eight casinos on riverboats. There is one Native American casino and three commercial casinos on land. Two of Indiana’s horse racetrack also include casinos on the premises.
Although no laws have been passed to govern online casinos in Indiana, some are hopeful that this will change in the near future. Indiana’s 2019 legalization of online sports betting is a major factor in the state’s upbeat outlook.
A sports betting license may be applied for by legally operating casinos under the new law. The license allows them to operate a brick-and-mortar sportsbook and an online sports betting service.
Interesting Nuggets About the Hoosier State
It’s only natural that a state called Indiana would be home to a large number of tribal casinos. However, there is just one casino in South Bend, and it’s called Four Winds.
The state’s lack of a sizable Indian population belies its moniker. By the middle of the 18th century, when European settlers arrived, they had indeed established a sizable population in this area. Native Americans make up less than 1% of the current population of Indiana.
There are a few different theories as to where Indiana got his moniker. For instance, Hosier’s origins are a mystery. No one knows for sure what a Hosier is, although the phrase Hosier State has been in use since the early 19th century.
Indiana’s official motto, in contrast to its moniker, is self-evident. This state in the center of the country is known as “The Crossroads of America” because of all the highways that converge there.
Casinos in Indiana
Commercial casinos in Indiana require either being on water (riverboat casinos) or being in close proximity to a body of water in order to qualify for an operating license under the state’s gambling laws.
This is why you will find the majority of Indiana’s casinos along the Ohio and Michigan coasts. The only physical casino that is not associated with any of them is the one in French Lick. The same-named brook runs right next to the casino.
The Four Winds South Bend Casino is Indiana’s lone gambling establishment far from a body of water. The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians owns and manages this casino on tribal land. Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, yet another tribal casino, is now being built.
Casino gaming is available in two additional Indiana locations. Two racinos in the state of Indiana are Hoosier Park and the Indiana Grand Casino. This means that the establishments in question are actually horseracing tracks that provide patrons with free access to a few slot machines and tables. Visitors to these establishments can partake in casino games and put wagers on horse racing.
The majority of the above-mentioned gaming establishments permit sports betting. Some of those locations have even partnered with internet bookmakers to launch their own online sportsbooks.