Indiana Could Be Months Away From Legalizing Online Casinos

Posted on August 5, 2022 - Last Updated on September 29, 2022

Indiana will try to legalize online casinos soon. The legislative push will heat up right at the start of 2023.

Hoosiers can already bet on sports online, but they don’t have access to other types of internet gaming. That could finally change if Indiana online casinos finally make their debut next year.

As an update to this post, a recent study conducted by Spectrum Gaming Group helps to show the benefits of and disprove concerns about legalizing online casinos in Indiana.

How do online casinos work?

Internet casinos offer an incredible level of convenience.

Gamblers in states with legal iGaming can play classic casino games from the comfort of their homes. That includes games like blackjack, roulette, slot machines and poker.

Online casinos would work very similarly to sports betting in Indiana. Anyone of age would be able to wager using their smartphone or computer.

Smartphone apps make the process easy for gamblers since it only takes a few minutes to sign up and start wagering.

Some companies even use the same app for both sports betting and online casinos. That adds another layer of simplicity for gamblers who won’t need to download a second app.

Indiana online casinos 2023

Indiana has a decent chance of passing online casino legislation next year.

Lawmakers gave things a shot in 2022 and 2021, but outside factors ended up killing progress before things really picked up steam.

However, obstacles like the Spectacle Entertainment scandal are out of the way now. Casino advocates have also had a few years to educate lawmakers on the benefits of iGaming.

That should go a long way for Indiana’s online casino bill in 2023. Things will pick up right at the start of 2023 when Indiana’s next legislative session gets underway.

Indiana’s internet casino bill

Gambling expansion is usually a tough sell in conservative states. Indiana is no exception to that rule.

It might be an uphill battle, but lawmakers will try to pass to an online casino bill next year. That bill will look very similar 2022’s legislation. Here’s a quick glance at some of the key features:

  • 3.33% of tax revenue goes towards Addiction Services Fund
  • Casinos can offer legal online poker
  • iGaming revenue taxed at 18%, including 3% for local governments

Legal online poker will be a key part of the state’s push.

Poker has its own set of rules and regulations to have to be tackled on their own. Because of that, some states opt to legalize it separately from the rest of the online casino lineup.

Thankfully, poker is included in Indiana’s efforts. If the state legalizes online casinos next year, then Hoosiers won’t have to wait extra time to play poker online.

Photo by Shutterstock
Jake Garza Avatar
Written by
Jake Garza

Jake Garza is a US Gambling Industry Analyst for Catena Media. He specializes in Midwest sports betting and casino content. Prior to covering the legal gambling industry, he spent time as a professional sports writer, reporting on teams such as the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers. Garza is currently working as a Managing Editor for PlayIndiana and PlayOhio, with previous stops at other well-known brands such as PlayIllinois and PlayMichigan. He has been covering the gambling industry since 2019, and currently works with a team of other journalists to provide comprehensive coverage of the legal U.S. gambling industry.

View all posts by Jake Garza