Online Poker in Indiana 2024 – Compare the Best Real Money Poker Sites

Comparing Poker Sites in Indiana 

Below is a quick summary and comparison of our top five Indiana online poker sites.

Is Online Poker Legal in Indiana?

Indiana online poker players can enjoy a host of tables, titles and tournaments when signing up for one or more offshore poker platforms. These platforms are fully licensed, accredited and regulated gaming entities with licenses held outside of the US. Each of the aforementioned platforms readily accepts players from Indiana and surrounding territories. 

Playing poker online in Indiana is still unregulated – unlike online sports betting, which was legalized in 2019. However, an ongoing bill for the legalization of online gambling (House Bill 1356) will be resubmitted to the IN statehouse in January 2023, and, if successful, will permit online casino gambling, including online poker. 

According to Indiana online poker laws, the legal gambling age is 21. No person under the age of 21 may enter a land-based casino in-state. That said, individuals 18 years or older may wager on the state lottery, or take part in charitable events. 

Indiana Poker Laws

Comparatively speaking, Indiana takes a rather hardline towards gambling and heavily regulates the practice in most cases. Indiana online poker laws allow for poker to be played in licensed land-based casinos, poker rooms and riverboat casinos – however, new licenses are rarely issued and the discussion for the legalization of online poker is still in motion. 

• Offshore poker – You are permitted to play at licensed offshore poker sites in Indiana, such as the ones listed on this page.
• Live poker – Indiana permits live poker play at any of its twelve land-based/riverboat casinos dotted throughout the state. As long as they are over 21, anyone may participate in live poker for real money.
• Home-based poker – No member of the public may run a game of home-based poker for real money, as per section 2, IC 35-45-5-2 of the Indiana Unlawful Gambling Act. 
• Online poker – The Indiana Gaming Commission still considers online poker to be illegal and, while there are two existing bills currently circulating through the state regulatory commission – sports betting is the only legalized form of gambling currently available online.  

When Will Online Poker be Legal in Indiana?

Indiana is widely regarded to be the next state to legalize online poker. Throughout the course of 2022, online casino betting (including poker play) was a hot topic of debate – where a bill for the provision of online gambling was submitted and reviewed, 

At this time, online poker has not been legalized. However, with Rep Ethan Manning chairing the IN House Public Policy Committee for the year ahead, we may see online poker legalized by the end of September 2023, if not sooner. 

The 2024 Ballot to Legalize Online Poker in Indiana

In order to expedite the legalization process for IN online poker –  two separate bills have been submitted for approval. 

• Indiana Online Poker Bill 1356 – Authored by Rep. Doug Gutwein and Rep Ethan Manning intended for the legalization and growth of interactive, online gaming (including online poker). 
• Indiana Online Poker Bill 1337 – Authored by Rep. Alan Morrison, intended for the legalization of online poker play and other online gambling structures – submitted to the House Committee on Public Policy and pending final deliberation. 

Supporters/Opponents of the 2024 Ballot for Legal Online Poker

Indiana online poker laws have been in motion since 2021 and, with two new bills recently added to the fray – all eyes are on Indiana’s governing and regulatory bodies to legalize the pastime by September 2023. 

Those For Online Poker Expansion in Indiana

Senators. Jon Ford, Chris Garten, Ronald Grooms, and most recently Ethan Manning have been advocating for the legalization of IN online poker since 2021. They have been reelected and, with House Bill 1356 and House Bill 1337 having been submitted for discussion, it’s likely playing poker online in Indiana will be legalized by the end of September 2023. 

Those Against Online Poker Expansion in Indiana

While the general public and gaming community at large is primed and ready to accept online poker as a valid gaming format, some house representatives are still on the fence. In 2021 alone, gross gaming revenue totalled $2.72B, with online casino gambling set to significantly contribute to YoY gaming revenue. 

Previous Online Poker Bills in Indiana

There have been a few recent attempts to legalize online poker in Indiana – and while nothing has yet come to pass, most are hopeful that 2023 will be the year online poker gets accepted. Below is last year’s Indiana online poker bill – submitted for approval unsuccessfully. 

2021

Senate Bill 417 – authored by Sen. Jon Ford, Sen. Chris Garten, and Sen. Ronald Grooms with legislation in place to offer online poker and casino gaming. 

Tax on Online Poker Winnings in Indiana 

Your winnings will not be taxed in any way, shape or form while playing online poker in Indiana at one or more of the offshore casino sites listed on this page.

Elsewhere, Indiana’s current gambling tax rate is 3.23%, applicable for both sports betting and casino gambling. Since the legalization of IN online poker is yet to happen, we can only speculate whether the going taxation rate will be applicable in this case. 

Regulated Poker Sites vs Offshore Poker Sites

While online poker Indiana titles, tables, bonuses and incentives may be similar in many different ways – there are a few key differences between playing regulated online poker vs. wagering at offshore poker sites. Key differences include: 

• Taxation – A  3.23% (or similar) governmental tax will need to be paid on all winnings derived from regulated online poker sites, while there is no taxation for playing offshore.
• Title variety – Regulated sites cater their poker offering towards a particular state or jurisdiction. Offshore sites, on the other hand, have a vast poker title selection catered to global audiences. 
• Bonuses and promotions – Due to higher market competition, offshore IN poker sites tend to offer higher welcome bonuses and loyalty incentives, as opposed to state-bound casino sites. 
• Location restrictions – Offshore Indiana poker sites are multi-national, cross-border gaming entities, meaning they can be accessed at any time and from anywhere in the world. 

Will Indiana be Ring-Fenced or Shared Player Pool?

Ring-fencing dictates that online poker in Indiana may only be played within the state, as opposed to a shared pool, where players from multiple states may compete with one another. 

Since online poker has not yet been legalized in Indiana, the state will not form a part of the MSIGA (Multi-State Internet Gaming Association), and while multiple representatives within the Indiana House Committee are petitioning for ring-fencing IN online poker, it’s yet to be seen whether this will come to pass or not. 

How to Play Online Poker in Indiana

Ready to play Indiana online poker for real money? The below steps will take you through the registration process for how to play online poker in Indiana – using BetOnline as an example. 

Step 1 – Create Your Player Account 

First thing’s first – you’ll need to register your account. Head over to the site’s homepage and click the “Join Now” button at the top right-hand corner of the screen. You’ll be directed to the sign-up page where you’ll need to fill in a few details.

Step 2 – Confirm Your Email Address

Here you’ll need to fill in a few details, including your name, email address, location, phone number and unique password. Click confirm and you’ll be directed to a double opt-in where you’ll need to confirm your email address. 

Step 3 – Make a First Deposit

With your account fully registered and approved – you can now make your first deposit. Head over to the cashiers (or banking) page – usually at the top of the homepage. Select your preferred payment method, which includes Visa/Mastercard and a variety of cryptocurrencies. Add your account details and don’t forget to claim your welcome bonus. 

Step 4 – Find You Next IN Online Poker Title

With your account set up and your funds fully reflected – it’s time to make the most of online poker in Indiana. Navigate over to the site’s poker category and find your preferred table. Click through to the game and wait for it to load. Then, place your wager and let the games begin! 

Types of Poker Games available at Indiana Poker Sites

While there are a number of niche titles and poker variants available online for Indiana players – three stand the test of time. 

Texas Hold’em

Texas Hold’em is the world’s leading poker variant. The game itself is easy to learn and easy to play, where you’ll be dealt two cards, and from round to round, five more cards will be added to the table. The goal of the game is to build the best 7-card hand and win the pot. 

Omaha

Similar to Hold’em – in Omaha, you’ll get dealt four cards (to start) and over the course of the game, five more cards will be added to the table. The goal here is to create the best hand using two of your previously dealt cards and three cards from the table.

Omaha Hi-Lo 

The gameplay for Omaha Hi-lo will mirror standard Omaha – however, the pot structure will be split in two, with half being reserved for the player with the best hand and half being reserved for the player with the winning low hand. One exception is that if everyone happens to fold, the last player standing will win the entire pot. 

Poker Site Bonuses available for Indiana Players

A good IN online poker bonus needs to be favorable – with reachable rollover criteria, higher Rakeback and, of course, larger payouts. Bonuses reserved for poker specifically carry extra points. Here are some common bonuses you’ll find when playing Indiana online poker. 

Match Deposit Bonuses

A vast majority of online poker platforms offer match deposit bonuses as welcome incentives for new players. As in the name, the house will match your first deposit up to a certain percentage – where having met certain rollover/wagering criteria, you’ll be able to withdraw your bonus or use it on-site. Match deposit bonuses can also be given out on future deposits.

No Deposit Bonuses

No deposit bonuses are a fun and risk-free way to enjoy Indiana online poker. These bonus types require no initial deposit and are rewarded for completing certain actions such as wagering a certain amount on a particular game, reaching a new loyalty tier, and similar. 

Free Roll Tickets

Some Indiana online poker platforms offer freeroll incentives. These usually take the form of weekly tournaments and require no entry fee to get in on the action. Ignition Casino currently offers a $2,500 weekly freeroll tournament. 

Making Deposits & Withdrawals at Indiana Poker Sites

Funding your IN online poker account should be simple, with fast-reflecting payments and lower fees. Below are some preferred online poker banking methods, including key cryptocurrencies, which we specifically recommend for having ultra-fast processing times with non-existent fees. 

Crypto at Poker Sites

Cryptocurrencies are becoming ever more popular for online poker in Indiana. Fast, safe, decentralized, and anonymous – players can assure their funds are protected and their fees remain microscopic when wagering in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, or similar. 

Traditional Payment Methods

Traditional banking methods such as wire transfers, credit/debit card transactions and similar will continue to be used online in conjunction with cryptocurrencies. That said, both the platform and third-party financial institutions tend to charge higher processing fees. So, with this in mind, we recommend depositing and withdrawing in cryptocurrency instead. 

eWallets at Poker Sites

While safe, convenient and fast, eWallet banking is seldom available at Indiana online poker sites – mainly due to third-party processing restrictions. Methods such as Skrill and PayPal are currently not processing transactions at any offshore IN poker sites. 

Deposit Options Available at the Best Indiana Poker Sites

Here are some key depositing methods available at leading online poker platforms, such as BetOnline, Bovada, Sportsbetting.ag and similar.

Withdrawal Options Available at the Best Indiana Poker Sites

Playing on Indiana Poker Apps & Mobile Sites

Nothing beats the convenience, accessibility and speed of playing online poker from your smartphone – and while they’ll almost never have a standalone app – the top five Indiana online poker sites do go the extra mile to optimize their desktop offering for Android and iOS. 

Head over to sites like BetOnline, or Bovada – download the casino/poker software from the homepage, or mobile dropdown category – and that’s it. You’ll be ready to enjoy all the latest poker tables, collect bonuses and perfect your game – straight from your smartphone. 

Tips for Playing Online Poker for Real Money in Indiana 

Right, so reviews and legalities unpacked, it’s time to take to the table and play to win. While poker is multi-faceted and takes time to master – there are a few key tips and strategies to keep in mind when learning how to play online poker in Indiana.

1. Learn the ropes and know the odds – Before placing a wager, learn the game and understand the odds. Study different hand combinations, watch previous games, and check out FAQs and similar to understand the gameplay. Then, check the table odds, and analyze the return to player percentage (RTP), buy-ins, wagering requirements and similar. 
2. Analyze your starting hand – Examine your starting hand and compare it to the first (or possibly second) community card. If you feel your hand is weak, then cut your losses and rejoin the next game.  
3. Avoid Side Bets: Certain IN online poker variations may give you the option to place side bets or take part in progressive gameplay. These bets are usually geared heavily toward the house and we recommend avoiding them. Rather double down on the action at hand.  
4. Don’t limp – Continuously calling from round to round (known as limping) may signal to other players that you’re holding a weak hand, as well as give away your strategy (or tells). Rather opt for a combination of calling and raising. 
5. Start on lower stakes – Manage your bankroll and build up to bigger buy-ins by starting with smaller wagers. Betting smaller amounts (to start) will give you an opportunity to build up your bankroll and increase your confidence by seeing more hands.  

Playing Online Poker vs Poker Live in Indiana

While playing poker in person makes for a fun night out – it’s never been easier to wager and win from the comfort of your own home. These days, playing online or wagering in person really does depend on your own unique preferences, but to help you make the right choice, here are some key pros and cons between playing poker online vs. live in Indiana. 

Playing Poker Online 

• Multiple online bonuses, promotions and tournaments. 
• A strong welcome offer in exchange for an initial deposit. 
• A variety of poker titles, varieties, buy-ins, and stakes.
• More banking methods are on offer, including cryptocurrencies.
• Better house rake.
• More convenience when playing from mobile or desktop.
• The gameplay can lag due to a bad connection.

Playing Poker Live 

• The chance to socialize with other players.
• Casino ambience, restaurants, bars and live entertainment.
• In person cashouts.
• Fewer tables.

Best Indiana Poker Rooms

Next up – we’ll turn our sights inland and list our pick for the top five land-based casinos and poker rooms in Indiana. 

1. Horseshoe Hammond Indiana Casino

• Address: 777 Casino Center Drive, Hammond, IN 46320
• Phone: +1 219-473-7000
• Opening Hours: 24/7

Horseshoe Hammond is a flagship Indiana casino, hotel and resort. The onsite casino complex houses 1000+ different slots and 100  tables. Guests can enjoy a host of different poker formats, including No Limit Hold’em, Omaha, 7-Card and many more. You can also take part in weekly tournaments with guaranteed prize pools.

2. Caesars Southern Indiana Poker Room

• Address: 11999 Casino Center Dr SE, Elizabeth, IN 47117, United States
• Phone: +1 866-676-7463
• Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 am – Monday to Sunday

The Caesars Southern Indiana Poker Room is chic, stylish, and packed to capacity with all the latest slots, table games, bonuses and promotions. Their poker room has been consistently voted one of the best in the state. Expect comfortable seating, attentive service, and 10+ poker tables for No Limit Texas Hold’Em, 7-Card Stud, and similar.

3. Four Winds Casino South Bend

• Address: 3000 Prairie Ave, South Bend, IN 46614, United States
• Phone: +1 866-494-6371
• Opening Hours: 24/7

Four Winds Casino South Bend is a fun, laid-back destination for some thrilling IN online poker, promotions and loyalty incentives. The casino houses 2,250+ slots, and 27 tables, including multiple poker titles with a keen emphasis on Progressive Stud, and Progressive 3-Card. 

4. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg

• Address: 777 Hollywood Blvd, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
• Phone: (888) 274-6797
• Opening Hours: 24/7

Inspired by the golden age of Tinseltown – Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg has over 1,300 of the most popular slots and table titles, including top-notch poker action across multiple buy-ins, varieties and stakes. You can also play Sit n’ Go electronic tables, with lower limits. 

5. Rising Star Casino Resort

• Address: 777 Rising Star Dr, Rising Sun, IN 47040, United States
• Phone: +1 800-472-6311
• Opening Hours: 24/7

Running since 1996, Rising Sun Casino Resort is another leading in-land casino with a host of different titles and promotions, including slots, video poker, blackjack, roulette and more. In terms of poker play – Rising Star is somewhat limited, with 3-Card and 4-Card Stud, but not too much in terms of Holdem, Omaha and similar. 

Famous Indiana Poker Players

Over the years, the Hoosier State has rolled out its fair share of poker aficionados and World Series champions. Here are some of the more memorable names. 

• John Cynn – 1st in Indiana, and 114th on the Poker All-Time Money List. John’s highest live cash win was recorded at $8,800,000 and forms part of his $10,214,121 total earnings to date. 
• Mike Sexton – The late Mike Sexton has been largely credited for putting Indiana poker on the map and was recently inducted into the poker hall of fame. Mike’s live earnings were $6,708,146 and he was ranked 189th on the Poker All-Time Money list. 
• Roger Teska – Another legendary name in Indiana poker play – Roger Teska has won $3,403,669 in total earnings to date, with a live cash win of $2,000,000. 

The Best Poker Site in Indiana

So, with platforms rated and legalities covered – BetOnline gets our pick for the best Indiana online poker platform in 2024. From leading bonuses and promotions to titles, tournaments and freerolls – BetOnline is a sure-fire bet for IN online poker play. Check them out, and light up the table with the best online poker.