Find Your Favorite Indiana Casinos 2026
Updated by Lynsey Thompson
Casino Expert
Fact Checked by Michael Graham
Content Editor
Indiana is known as the "Crossroads of America" due to its location and large transportation network to other parts of the US. It also has a proud sporting culture as the host state of the Indianapolis 500.
When it comes to Indiana gambling, particularly casinos, it’s fair to say that state authorities were a little reluctant to allow casinos in Indiana at first. After several bills died in the senate over many years, a breakthrough finally came in 1995, allowing riverboat casinos, and then land-based casinos were legalized in 2015.
What that means is that Indiana today has a mix of riverboat, commercial, and tribal casinos for players to enjoy.
Indiana Land-Based Casino Operators
There are some big names when it comes to casino operators in Indiana, including:
- Caesars Entertainment – One of the biggest casino companies in the world, Caesars runs four casinos in Indiana: Caesars Southern Indiana, Harrah’s Hoosier Park, Horseshoe Indianapolis, and Horseshoe Hammond.
- Bally’s – A well-known casino company across the U.S., Bally’s owns Bally’s Evansville in Indiana.
- Penn Entertainment – They run two Indiana casinos: Ameristar Casino East Chicago and Hollywood Casino and Hotel Lawrenceburg.
- Hard Rock – The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is part of the Hard Rock International group of properties, which is now owned by the Seminole Indian Tribe of Florida.
Indiana Casinos at a Glance
Indiana Casinos
Casinos in Indiana are spread out across the state in 13 different locations and comprise a mix of land-based and riverboat casinos, so it can be hard to know which is best. Here’s a brief summary of our top three resorts.
Land-Based Casinos
Indiana’s land-based casinos operate in permanent, full-scale resort facilities offering extensive gaming floors, dining venues, entertainment spaces, and hotel accommodations. These properties are not tied to riverboat licensing and represent the state’s modern expansion into traditional brick-and-mortar casino gaming.
Racinos
Indiana is home to two racinos – unique venues that combine live horse racing with full-scale casino gaming. These properties allow visitors to enjoy pari-mutuel betting on live races alongside slots, table games, poker, dining, and entertainment all in one location.
Tribal Casinos
Indiana’s only tribal casino operates under federal tribal gaming regulations rather than state commercial licensing. It offers a large gaming floor, hotel accommodations, and entertainment while serving as an important economic driver for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.
Riverboat Casinos
Indiana originally legalized land based casinos through riverboat gaming in 1995. While many of these properties have since transitioned to land-based facilities, they remain historically classified as riverboat casinos and are primarily located along the Ohio River or Lake Michigan.
Poker Rooms in Indiana
Indiana offers a variety of live poker rooms inside licensed casinos where players can enjoy cash games and tournaments. From bustling northern venues near Chicago to central and southern stops, the Hoosier State delivers solid poker action for both casual players and serious grinders.
- Horseshoe Hammond (Hammond, IN) – One of the Midwest’s biggest poker rooms with regular cash games, tournaments, and WSOP Circuit events.
- Horseshoe Indianapolis (Indianapolis, IN) – Central Indiana’s premier poker room with steady action and scheduled events.
- Caesars Southern Indiana (Elizabeth, IN) – Well-known room that hosts cash games and series tournaments.
- Hollywood Casino (Lawrenceburg, IN) – Popular with regional players; offers a mix of Hold’em and Omaha games.
- Ameristar Casino (East Chicago, IN) – Northern poker room with daily cash game options.
- Blue Chip Casino (Michigan City, IN) – Consistent poker action in a smaller, friendly setting.
- Belterra Casino Resort (Florence, IN) – Southern Indiana poker destination with regular tables.
- Four Winds South Bend (South Bend, IN) – Tribal casino room with a variety of game options.
- Rising Star Casino (Rising Sun, IN) – Offers poker tables alongside its broader gaming floor.
These rooms require players to be 21+ and are spread across key regions, making it easy to find a game whether you’re in northern, central, or southern Indiana.
Did You Know?
When casino gambling was first legalized in Indiana in 1993, the state required casinos to operate as riverboats on Lake Michigan or the Ohio River. Early casinos even had to take short “cruises” while people gambled. Today, many have moved onto land, but their riverboat origins remain a unique part of Indiana’s casino history.
Racetracks in Indiana
Indiana is home to a rich racing culture, from world-famous motorsports venues to horse racing facilities and historic short tracks. Whether you’re into high-speed auto racing or cheering on the ponies, the Hoosier State offers plenty of options for race fans and bettors alike.
Horse Racing Tracks
- Horseshoe Indianapolis (Shelbyville, IN) – Premier Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, and Standardbred racing with live meets and simulcast wagering.
- Hoosier Park Racing & Casino (Anderson, IN) – Standardbred and select Thoroughbred racing with year-round simulcast betting.
Motorsport Racetracks (Auto & Oval)
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Indianapolis, IN) – Legendary 2.5-mile speedway hosting the Indy 500 and major racing events.
- Indianapolis Speedrome (Indianapolis, IN) – Historic figure-8 and oval track hosting local races and endurance events.
- Winchester Speedway (Winchester, IN) – Half-mile paved oval known as the “World’s Fastest Half Mile.”
- Salem Speedway (Salem, IN) – Long-running paved oval track hosting regional racing series.
- Kokomo Speedway (Kokomo, IN) – Quarter-mile dirt oval with sprint, late model, and midget racing.
- Terre Haute Action Track (near Terre Haute, IN) – Half-mile dirt track hosting USAC and sprint car events.
- Tri-State Speedway (Haubstadt, IN) – Quarter-mile dirt oval featuring sprint and modified series.
Note: Beyond these major venues, Indiana also has numerous local dirt ovals, drag strips, and short tracks for grassroots racing across the state.
More Than Gambling
Indiana is an amazing place to visit, particularly if you enjoy sports, and it has a small-town charm that makes you feel welcome. Top things to do and see include:
- Indianapolis 500 – One of the most famous auto races in the world, held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. If you’re not there when the event is happening, you can still tour the stadium and the museum.
- Sports – Take your pick from seeing one of the state teams, such as Super Bowl XLI champions Indianapolis Colts (NFL), Indiana Pacers (NBA), Notre Dame Fighting Irish (NCAA Football), and don’t forget the Indiana Hoosiers.
- Natural Beauty – Get back to nature by visiting Indiana Dunes National Park, which has a stunning beach along Lake Michigan. Alternatively, take a hike or mountain bike ride around Brown County State Park, or enjoy the scenic trails and rugged canyons of Turkey Run State Park.
- Local Cuisine – The Sugar Cream Pie is Indiana’s state dessert and is known as the Hoosier Pie, so you have to try it when you’re there. Another sweet treat is Persimmon Pudding, which is both delicious and delightful, sweet and spicy too. Meat lovers will enjoy a Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, which is a giant, breaded pork sandwich that is bigger than the bun.
The Indianapolis 500 Tradition
The winner of the Indianapolis 500 celebrates in a unique way – by drinking a bottle of milk in Victory Lane. This tradition started in 1936 when winner Louis Meyer asked for buttermilk after the race. Fans loved it, and the milk celebration has remained one of the most famous traditions in motorsports.
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Responsible Gambling
Gambling should be enjoyed as entertainment, not treated as a way to make money. If you feel your gambling habits are becoming difficult to control, help is available.
For free and confidential support, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Set a spending limit before you begin playing, gamble only with money you can afford to lose, and avoid chasing losses. If gambling stops being enjoyable, consider taking a break and seeking support.
Legal Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Gambling laws and regulations in Indiana may change over time.
For official and up-to-date information, refer to the Indiana Gaming Commission or relevant tribal gaming authorities. Always ensure you meet the legal age requirements before participating in any gambling activity.
Meet The Author
Experience
Lynsey is a regular Las Vegas visitor and a keen slots and roulette player. As well as significant experience as a writer in the iGaming and gambling industries as an expert reviewer and journalist, Lynsey is one half of the popular Las Vegas YouTube Channel and Podcast 'Begas Vaby’. When she is not in Las Vegas or wishing she was in Las Vegas, Lynsey can usually be found pursuing her other two main interests of sports and theatre.
Read Full BioDisclosure
FAQs
Indiana offers a mix of land-based, riverboat, racino, and tribal casinos. The state originally legalized riverboat casinos in 1995, and land-based casinos followed in 2015. Today, visitors can enjoy 14 casinos across Indiana, ranging from large resorts with hotels to racinos that combine horse racing with full casino gaming.
The legal gambling age in Indiana is 21 years old for casino gaming. This applies to slot machines, table games, poker rooms, and sportsbooks inside licensed casinos. Visitors must present valid identification to enter gaming areas, and all Indiana casinos strictly enforce age verification policies.
Some of the best casinos in Indiana include Ameristar Casino East Chicago, Horseshoe Hammond, and Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. These properties feature expansive gaming floors with thousands of slot machines, dozens of table games, poker rooms, restaurants, entertainment venues, and hotel accommodations.
Yes, several Indiana casinos offer live poker rooms. Popular locations include Horseshoe Hammond, Horseshoe Indianapolis, Caesars Southern Indiana, Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg, and Ameristar East Chicago. These venues host regular cash games, tournaments, and occasionally larger series events, making the state a solid destination for live poker players.
Yes, Indiana has two racinos: Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville and Harrah’s Hoosier Park in Anderson. These venues combine live horse racing with casino gaming, allowing visitors to enjoy pari-mutuel wagering alongside slots, table games, sportsbooks, dining, and entertainment all in one place.
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