Delaware online poker. Delaware is the smallest US state with legal online poker, though a liquidity-sharing agreement with Nevada does help the numbers. Thee state’s three casinos all operate their own branded skins on a shared 888 Poker network. Online Poker in Indiana. Indiana has some of the most strict anti-online poker laws of any state in the USA. When online gambling started to become popular, the state of Indiana was one of the first to move to make it illegal. With just a few tweaks to the state code, Indiana made all forms of online.

1. Can You Play Online Poker In Indiana

Let‘s start with the definition of gambling in Indiana:

“(d) “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, but it does not include participating in:
(1) bona fide contests of skill, speed, strength, or endurance in which awards are made only to entrants or the owners of entries; or
(2) bona fide business transactions that are valid under the law of contracts.” (1)

So we know that poker would fit the definition itself, as it states that this need only be in part contingent upon lot, and the outcome of risking money at poker is certainly contingent upon lot to some degree, as the lay of the cards does end up being a determining factor.

So whether this element of chance is substantial enough for the game to be found to be substantially one of chance isn’t of any consequence here, at least to the game fitting the definition itself.

As far as the stated exclusions go, it certainly doesn’t fit the one referring to business contracts, but is it saved by being a bona fide contest of skill? Well while some may argue that skill is an important element in the game of poker, and that it may indeed be a bona fide contest of skill in spite of the element of chance present, the second part of this, the part about awards being made to the participants would at least disqualify cash game poker from being saved by this exclusion.

On the other hand, poker tournaments may be seen as games of skill and also have the element of awards being given to the participants, so at least an argument could be made that tournament poker would therefore not consist of gambling in Indiana

The definition of bona fide skill could be understood as referring only to those contests which did not include any element of chance, but if so, we may wonder why it would be necessary to make such a provision as this already would not fit the definition of gambling.

How This May Apply To Real Money Online Poker

Operating a gambling device also consists of gambling in Indiana, so let’s look at their definition of that:

“(4) It is a video game machine or device operated for consideration to play poker, blackjack, any other card game, keno, or any simulation or variation of these games, including any game in which numerals, numbers, pictures, representations, or symbols are used as an equivalent or substitute for the cards used in these games.” (2)

So this is worded in such a way as to at least seem to include playing poker on a computer, as it would not normally be considered a gambling device but it may be when it is operated as such, to play poker for money that is. So this may end up making all poker playing online illegal in Indiana.

So the law also addresses operators, but not players, from using the internet to gamble, although players doing so may already qualify as operating a gambling device:

(a) A person who knowingly or intentionally engages in gambling commits unlawful gambling.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c), unlawful gambling is a Class B misdemeanor.
(c) An operator who knowingly or intentionally uses the Internet to engage in unlawful gambling:
(1) in Indiana; or
(2) with a person located in Indiana;
commits a Class D felony (3)

So while the law against playing poker and playing online poker in Indiana isn’t as clear as it is in some states, there is every reason to believe that playing online poker is illegal, playing live cash game poker would be as well, and possibly live tournament poker. People from Indiana continue to play online poker though as even if it is illegal the law is not being enforced as it isn’t in any state right now actually.

Playing Poker In Indiana

There are a total of 9 poker rooms where you can play live poker in Indiana. They include the Ameristar Casino in East Chicago (12 tables), the Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City (8 tables), the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond (34 tables), the Indiana Grand Casino in Shelbyville (10 tables), the Tropicana in Evansville (10 tables), the Belterra Casino in Florence (9 tables), the Hollywood Casino Indiana in Lawrenceburg (19 tables), the Horseshoe Casino Southern Indiana in Elizabeth (30 tables), and the Majestic Star Casino in Gary (21 tables). (4)

So the live poker scene in Indiana is pretty thriving, with several larger venues and several large casino operations being represented.

Apart from these live poker rooms, residents of Indiana also have access to all of the major online poker rooms that offer play to Americans these days.

Our top recommendations for online poker players from Indiana, or for those who have yet to experience the fun and excitement of online poker but want to give it a try, are Ignition Poker and America’s Cardroom.

Both of these online poker rooms have been offering a very good poker experience to players from Indiana for several years now and they make it easy to get started if you don’t already have an account at one or both.

Both sites offer generous welcome bonuses for first time depositors, with Ignition offering a really nice 100% up to $1,000 bonus for new players, as well as a FREE $5 casino chip just for signing up. It’s out most recommended poker site for users out in Indiana.

References:

(1) Gambling, Definitions

(2) ibid.

(3) Gambling, Unlawful Gambling

(4) All Online and Live Poker Rooms in Indiana

#1 Editor's Choice All-in-One Gambling Site: BetOnline.ag

BetOnline.ag is one of the most reputable online poker sites that still cater to United States players and ALL grinders worldwide. Claim your 100% poker bonus and/or FREE $25 sports bet!

• New players can earn up to $1,000 in bonus cash on their 1st deposit.
• Ridiculously crisp software and graphics - no lag whatsoever online or on your mobile device.
• Super easy to deposit on - #1 credit card acceptance rate ANYWHERE; Cryptocurrency also accepted!
• 24/7 live support, VERY FAST payout speeds and built-in sportsbook and casino.
• $25 FREE BET available and other perks you can use at their online or LIVE DEALER casino.

EDITOR'S NOTE: BetOnline welcomes players from ALL 50 states and from ALL OVER THE WORLD w/ limited restrictions.

Things are changing fast for online poker.

There are four states that have regulated games — Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania – plus legal, sweepstakespoker games in other areas. While the boom of 10 years ago is over, online poker for real money in the US is on the rise again.

This is a detailed guide to legal poker sites in the United States. We’ll provide you with information on the current legislative landscape, the best sites to play online poker and the different types of poker bonuses.

Best US Poker Sites in 2021

Free poker vs. real money poker

As soon as real money is at stake, the game of poker transforms.

Play money poker involves seeing a flop, hitting hands and never folding when there is even a shot at winning the pot. With no incentive to fold or think strategically, it provides light entertainment at best.

Once real cash is involved, poker changes into a mental battle. Playing every hand and trying to hit, will quickly become a losing strategy.

Conversely, playing too few hands becomes predictable and easy to exploit. You’ll need to play a position, work out what your opponents’ bets mean and understand math concepts like odds and equity.

You can play online poker games for real money or for free. I can assure you that once you try for real money, free games will quickly lose its appeal. The beauty of real money poker is that you’ll never stop learning.

Even the biggest stars of the game are working on their strategy; poker takes five minutes to learn and a lifetime to master.

Is online poker legal in the US?

Poker has a long tradition in the US, from boom to bust. There is a new era in real money USA poker games as individual states license and regulate the games.

Can You Play Online Poker In Indiana

So far, there are four legal states for real money online poker: Nevada, Delaware, Pennsylvania (where PokerStars launched in 2020 and PartyPoker is expected to follow) and New Jersey. These states require that a brick-and-mortar casino licenses the poker sites.