Indiana has a long history of control that keeps in place a more conservative approach towards maintaining order, including gambling. From no carry out liquor sales on Sunday to a strict ban on lotteries that lasted from 1851 until 1988 when the statewide Hoosier lottery took hold, that has been the law of the land for Indiana.

Washington is one of the only states to explicitly prohibit all types of online gambling, poker included, having passed an amendment to its criminal code in 2006 to include any type of placing or receiving bets over the internet. As such, the amendment to Section 9.46.240 expressly states under ‘Gambling information, transmitting or receiving’: Whoever knowingly transmits or receives gambling information by telephone, telegraph, radio, semaphore, the internet, a telecommunications. Is playing online poker legal in the United States? This is probably the question most commonly asked by new players. The short answer is yes, online poker is legal in the United States on the individual level.It’s certainly not illegal federally, despite many misleading statements over the years from government officials and those in favor of online gambling prohibition. So people in Virginia who wish to gamble at gambling establishments either have to travel to a casino or card room located in another state, or gamble online. Whether or not it is illegal to play online poker in Virginia, no one seems to care and no one is being charged with any crimes for doing so, and as is always the case, due to the nature of this gambling occurring purely in private, it would be extraordinarily difficult to prosecute, which is the main reason why this has never happened.

It was in 1993 that five riverboat casinos were approved following an emergency session in congress. The hope was to stimulate $100 million a year in tax revenue. One year later Hoosier Park horse racing track opens offering on-track pari-mutuel betting. One year later five additional licensed remote horse race tracks galloped on to the gambling scene.

Although there has been little said to advance the prospect of online gaming since 2004, there has been a Bill passed to expand casinos with the licensing of dry-land casinos. As it stands now online casinos are not a part of the gaming world for Hoosiers. As things stand in 2015, Indiana still considers online gambling illegal. Actually, under state law, not only is it illegal to gamble online in Indiana, but it’s a class D felony. However, there are some 2020 gambling sites that accept Indiana residents. It is good to understand that these sites are owned, operated, regulated and licensed by offshore companies. [1]

Nestled in The Crossroads of America, Indiana gamblers are not so out of luck when it comes to online wagering. Discover real money US poker sites that offer accounts to those of you in The Hoosier state.

Indiana iGaming: Recent Headlines

Quick Jump

• 4 The Facts

In recent years there has been very little to move forward with online gaming. Because Indiana is predominantly a conservative state and the history of gaming has been a slow one, there have been numerous changes in the past 20 years that keep step with neighboring states.

Anti-online gambling laws were put into place in 2005. Since then, not much is in the works to move towards embracing online gaming,even now in 2015. While Indiana has a large population that would support an online gaming industry, the conservative tilt shows little signs of moving in that direction. With current Governor Mike Pence at the helm, he shows little signs of increasing or decreasing the current gambling scene in Indiana. [2]

Indiana is beginning to feel pressure to expand. While neighboring states are experiencing expansion so has their revenues, while Indiana’s gaming revenues saw a steep decline in recent years.

Can Players From Indiana Play Poker Online?

Although Indiana is moving into the modern age of gaming, in 2020 online gaming is still a very sensitive subject. Live games established outside of the casino walls draws the line as it is considered illegal. Law IC 35-45-5-1 states: “Gambling means risking money or other property for gain, contingent in whole or in part upon lot, chance, or the operation of a gambling device.” Factor in that according to the state of Indiana lawmakers, poker is not a game of skill, but a game of chance and by such definition is illegal. [3]

Is Online Poker Legal In Indiana?

While it is possible for online players to play by way of approved online offshore sites, it is important to remember that online poker playing in general in Indiana is illegal. However, it is widely known that no legal action is taken against those who choose to play online through legit providers and there are many reliable ones available to the avid player.

Again, the only 2020 online poker sites available to players from Indiana are ones that operate offshore. Fortunately, there are several offshore sites happy to accept Hoosier online gambling enthusiasts.

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The Facts

The History Of Gambling In Indiana

Gambling for a conservative state like Indiana is a slow moving train. In 1851 the first constitution of Indiana bans lotteries. It wasn’t until 1988 did the Hoosier State lottery kick off. The profits from this lottery go directly to education, and the overall social welfare of the state.

Despite the slow build of legal gaming in Indiana, it has been the tendency of players to travel from neighboring states in order to get their game on in Northeast Indiana as well as Southern Indiana. East Chicago hosted the Big House and by the time prohibition became the rule, gaming establishments that would also provide illicit drink, so did they provide a man’s game.

Al Capone was known to flee Chicago for safety in French Lick and West Baden, Indiana. Both locations provided gaming options as well as luxurious stays. The resort area was a premier getaway destination — famed author William Faulkner even sent a character there on her honeymoon in his influential novel, “The Sound and The Fury.”

After much public outcry against such unsavory behavior in the state, much effort by lawmakers sought to bring illegal gaming to a halt in the early 50’s. By 1989 a statewide referendum is voted in with 60% of the vote. However, Republican leadership blocked it and two years later a proposal for riverboat casinos passes the House only to be rejected by a State Senate committee.

Following more failed attempts at licensing for up to five riverboat casinos was given with the belief that significant tax revenues would roll in. It didn’t stop there. A year later, Hoosier Park opens for on-track betting. Following this boost to the gambling industry came the release of five more licensed remote horse race betting sites.

Despite the constant lobbying efforts of the gambling industry as well as lawmakers, little movement has been made in establishing land casinos even after the passing of a Bill in 2011 to expand land casinos. However, Indiana has been one of only a few states that put in place specific wording that specifically targets online gambling. [4]

Regulated Gambling Options In Indiana

The Indiana Gaming Commission oversees the legal implementation and maintenance of gaming for the State. They are responsible for overseeing the 11 authorized casinos/gambling sites as well as ensuring that all gambling in Indiana be of the approve legal variety.

Indiana is quite regulated. For well over 100 years there was no increase in legal gambling in the state. Until 1988 when the Hoosier lottery came to be. All types of social gaming are deemed illegal by Indiana state law. Gambling in and of itself must be done only in those facilities that have been deemed legal by the State legislature. Although it is unlikely that online gaming would be the focus of a raid in 2020, in-home gambling has been known to be the focus of such raids.

Poker players in Indiana will find action at online poker rooms although Internet poker is not legal in the state.

The Future Of Regulated Online Gambling In Indiana

The future for Indiana iGaming and the fact that legal statements specifically pointed at a moratorium against online gambling is pretty specific. “(b) An operator who knowingly or intentionally uses the Internet to conduct any banking or percentage games played with the computer equivalent of cards, dice, or counters, or accept any fixed share of the stakes in those games”. (From: IC 35-45-5-3)

There are currently multiple influences that could alter this in in 2020. One factor that could stand in the way is Governor Mike Pence’s stance that he has little intention of either increasing or decreasing the current gaming climate. One key factor is the recent loss of revenue to bordering states. As bordering states continue to increase their gaming options and have made movements towards improved environments by enacting no-smoking bans, Indiana must respond or continue to lose their much relied upon gaming based tax-revenues.

Fun Fact

In the state of Indiana playing cards could cost you money. “A three dollar fine per pack will be imposed on anyone playing cards in Indiana under the Act for the Prevention of Gaming.”

The Bottom Line

Indiana may one day regulate online gambling, however there isn’t much rapid movement towards that at present. The reality is that as more and more gamblers turn to iGaming, and offshore online organizations for their online convenience that the state would be hard press to ignore the potential tax-revenues.

As neighboring states continue to expand gaming and make available up-to-date improvements, it is our belief that Indiana would be wise to follow suit and legalize online poker.

References

[1] Indiana Laws and Regulations (//www.gambling-law-us.com/State-Laws/Indiana/)

[2] Indiana Lawmakers Consider Gaming Expansion (//www.ibj.com/articles/49834-gambling-fight-set-to-test-governor-s-power)

[3] Indiana Gaming FAQ’s (//www.in.gov/igc/files/Gaming_Control_FAQs.pdf)

[4] Indiana Gambling History (//www.in.gov/legislative/ic/2010/title35/ar45/ch5.html#IC35-45-5-3)

What States Have Legalized Online Poker

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Table Of Contents

Is Online Poker Illegal

The United States has been a precarious place for online poker since 2011. Only a handful of states have legalized and regulated the activity, leaving thousands of poker enthusiasts looking for a place to enter real-money online games.

But there are options, even if you don't live in one of the states that offer legal online games. In this article we look at some of those options; be sure to check back as more states pass bills to allow us to play the game we love and don't forget to visit this page about online casinos in the USA if you want to play more games too!

New Jersey – The Place Where Online Dreams are Made

888poker NJ

888poker is one of the most trusted brands in poker, and with over 25 million customers around the world, there’s a reason for it.

888 offers large welcome bonuses and $10 free to get started. Players can also enjoy 888poker on their mobile devices. While players can only play one table at a time, cash games, sit & go tournaments and multi-table tournaments are all offered.

Obviously, the only downside to this U.S. poker site is that traffic is relatively low, because, there are only so many people in New Jersey who play poker.

So get going! Take to 888poker for all the games, bonuses and special offers.

PokerStars

Legal Online Poker In California

The best poker software around, PokerStars New Jersey is the real deal!

Play Nowpartypoker

partypoker has seen a major resurgence, and their New Jersey client is just as great.

Play Now888poker

888poker NJ customers can enjoy playing at the site via their favorite Android or iOS powered mobile device.

Play NowBorgata Poker

Property of the world-famous New Jersey land-based Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Borgata Poker is available in New Jersey.

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Borgata Poker

Of all the poker rooms you could choose, BorgataPoker.com is one of the most superb, namely because it’s the official poker site of the famous Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.

Given its large signup bonus and VIP program, players enjoy a brand that’s trustworthy and secure with a free $20 in pocket.

BorgataPoker.com offers a similar range of games as 888poker but it is also home to FastForward poker, or “fast-fold” poker, meaning you can pick up a new table if you don’t like your hole cards and fold.

WSOP.com NJ

Play for a share of $700 for free; get a 100 percent match up to $400 first deposit bonus; and have all of it be legal!

With WSOP.com NJ, online poker rooms take a new form with exciting cash games, an awesome tournament schedule and, last but not least, the opportunity to qualify for the World Series of Poker!

Play on your mobile device or take it to the desktop, but either way, this trusted name won’t let you down. Play now!

PokerStars NJ

PokerStars' unrivaled game selection makes it a top play. Considered to be the best regulated online poker site in the U.S., PokerStars NJ is the market leader with excellent customer service, great software and a lucrative VIP scheme.

There’s a reason PokerStars says “We are Poker.” Their software is available on Mac, PC, iOS and Android devices. Their welcome bonuses are the most robust in New Jersey and they run alongside great promotions.

Download PokerStars today to see what you’re missing in this online poker room!

partypoker NJ

Partypoker NJ, an operator since 2001, is a major player in the online poker tournament scene. Play all your favorite games directly from your smart phone: cash games, FastForward poker, sit & go tournaments and other casino game favorites.

While partypoker does not offer multi-table tournaments, don’t let that stop you from enjoying their major signup package or free $25 bonus. This operator regularly offers value-packed promotions, so stop procrastinating and get going at this great U.S. poker site!

Nevada – Vegas, Baby!

WSOP.com NV

WSOP.com is the only online poker site where you can not only win your way into WSOP live events, but also win a WSOP bracelet. Enough said.

With the backing of Caesars Interacting Entertainment the famous World Series of Poker brand, this U.S. poker site finds favor because it offers almost everything: a wide variety of game types and limits, 888poker software, a player pool linked with Delaware, deposit and withdrawal options at live venues and excellent customer service.

And to top it all off, if you sign up to WSOP.com from PokerNews, you can get a 100 percent match up to $400.

WSOP.com NV will make your online poker experience as enjoyable as possible. So take advantage of this state-of-the-art software and have some fun!

So, have no fear! U.S. gaming is here. These online poker sites are just waiting for you.

What States Allow Online Poker

Anywhere But No Real-Money Element: WSOP's Social Site

States Where Online Poker Is Legal

You can't play for real money, but you can experience the thrill of poker anywhere in the world by logging onto WSOP's social poker site. You can play no-limit hold'em and omaha, and both ring games and tournaments. Sign up for the World Series of Poker social site via PokerNews.com, and receive 250,000 extra chips!

Finding a trustworthy room to play online poker can be a monumental burden. That's all the more true if you're just looking for a place to play poker for free. We've listed five of the best play-money poker sites to enjoy and help hone your skills.

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  888BorgataNevadaNew JerseyOnline PokerpartypokerPokerStarsWSOP

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