View source for Gambling in Indiana

{{short description|Types and locations of gambling allowed in Indiana, US}}
{{Location map+ | Indiana | caption=Locations of casinos in Indiana<br /><span style="font-size:95%;">[[File:Blue pog.svg|10px|link=]]Riverboat [[File:Pink pog.svg|10px|link=]]Land-based [[File:Red pog.svg|10px|link=]]Racino</span> [[File:Yellow pog.svg|10px|link=]]Indian |places=
{{Location map~ | Indiana | lat=41.653 | long=-87.436 | mark=Blue pog.svg | link=Ameristar Casino East Chicago }}
{{Location map~ | Indiana | lat=38.781 | long=-84.939 | mark=Blue pog.svg | link=Belterra Casino }}
{{Location map~ | Indiana | lat=41.720 | long=-86.893 | mark=Blue pog.svg | link=Blue Chip Casino }}
{{Location map~ | Indiana | lat=37.973 | long=-87.580 | mark=Pink pog.svg | link=Tropicana Evansville }}
{{Location map~ | Indiana | lat=41.693 | long=-87.508 | mark=Blue pog.svg | link=Horseshoe Hammond }}
{{Location map~ | Indiana | lat=41.567 | long=-87.404 | mark=Pink pog.svg | link=Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana }}
{{Location map~ | Indiana | lat=39.096 | long=-84.843 | mark=Blue pog.svg | link=Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg }}
{{Location map~ | Indiana | lat=38.179 | long=-85.901 | mark=Pink pog.svg | link=Caesars Southern Indiana }}
{{Location map~ | Indiana | lat=38.952 | long=-84.846 | mark=Blue pog.svg | link=Rising Star Casino }}
{{Location map~ | Indiana | lat=38.553 | long=-86.621 | mark=Pink pog.svg | link=French Lick Casino Resort }}
{{Location map~ | Indiana | lat=40.069 | long=-85.639 | mark=Red pog.svg | link=Hoosier Park }}
{{Location map~ | Indiana | lat=39.600 | long=-85.825 | mark=Red pog.svg | link=Horseshoe Indianapolis }}
{{Location map~ | Indiana | lat=41.645 | long=-86.291 | mark=Yellow pog.svg | link=Four Winds South Bend }}
{{Location map~ | Indiana | lat=39.436 | long=-87.348 | mark=Pink pog.svg | }}
}}
[[Indiana]] law authorizes ten land-based or [[riverboat casino]]s on [[Lake Michigan]] and the [[Ohio River]], one land-based casino in [[French Lick]], and [[racino]]s at the state's two [[horse racing|horse tracks]]. In addition, there is one [[Indian casino]] in the state. Other forms of legal gambling are the [[Hoosier Lottery]], [[parimutuel wagering]] on horse races, and [[sports betting]].

==Lottery==
The [[Indiana Constitution]] of 1851 included a ban on lotteries,<ref>{{cite book|last=Howard|first=Timothy Edward|title=A History of St. Joseph County, Indiana|url=https://archive.org/details/historyofstjosep01howa|year=1907|publisher=Lewis Publishing Company|page=[https://archive.org/details/historyofstjosep01howa/page/98 98]}}</ref> which was broadly construed by courts as a prohibition on gambling in general.<ref>{{cite report|title=Taxation of Set Aside Amounts under Slot Machine Wagering Tax Law|publisher=Indiana Office of the Attorney General|date=March 7, 2012|page=2|url=http://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/files/Official_Opinion_2012-1.pdf|accessdate=2012-07-08}}</ref> In 1988, state voters approved a constitutional amendment lifting the lottery ban, establishing the [[Hoosier Lottery]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Voters lift state curb on lottery|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|date=November 9, 1988|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1085387A6A5E387C.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326043621/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1085387A6A5E387C.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 26, 2016}}  </ref>

The Hoosier Lottery sells scratch-off tickets since October 1989. It is a member of the [[Multi-State Lottery Association]] since 1990. and co-founder of [[Powerball]] in 1992. It joined [[Mega Millions]] in 2010 and [[Cash4Life]] in 2016. Other draw games include Hoosier Lotto, Cash 5, and Poker Lotto.

==Horse racing==
Pari-mutuel betting was legalized in 1989. Harrah's [[Hoosier Park]] opened in [[Anderson, Indiana|Anderson]] in 1994, and off-track betting parlors opened in the state in 1995. [[Indiana Downs]] (now Horseshoe Indianapolis) opened in [[Shelbyville, Indiana|Shelbyville]] in 2002. Hoosier Park became a [[racino]] on 2008 and Indiana Downs did the same in 2009.

==Casinos==

===Legalization efforts===
Critics of lottery legalization said the measure would lead to casino gambling,<ref>{{cite news|title=One of the hottest issues voters will face in November is deceptively simple: Should the Indiana Constitution be amended to remove the language that prohibits lotteries?|newspaper=USA Today|first=James|last=Grass|agency=Gannett|date=May 4, 1988|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:USTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=12825C285D93B760&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> while legislators said there would be little support for casinos.<ref>{{cite news|title=No sure thing in lottery vote|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|first=Chris|last=Isidore|date=November 4, 1988|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10853875AE594222&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref>

Within months of the amendment's passage, [[Gary, Indiana|Gary]] mayor Thomas Barnes proposed opening up the economically depressed city to high-rise resort casinos.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gary mayor touts casinos|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|first1=Norman|last1=Parishand|first2=Nancy J.|last2=Winkley|date=January 12, 1989|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=108532BF9ECDAFE6&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Gary mayor putting bet on casinos|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=January 26, 1989|first=Laurie|last=Goering|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1015360162/137CAA77E20D4BECDE|id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}|url-access=subscription}}</ref> The [[Indiana General Assembly]] rejected a Gary casino bill in 1989,<ref>{{cite news|title=Despite defeat, Gary to push casino fight|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|first=Audra D.|last=Strong|date=March 8, 1989|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1015366100/137CEEBEC9E1F2B0003|id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}|url-access=subscription}}</ref> but did assent to a non-binding referendum,<ref>{{cite news|title=Gary casino referendum clears both chambers, heads to Bayh|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|first=Nancy J.|last=Winkley|date=April 27, 1989|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=108533270E736989&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5|url-access=subscription}}</ref> which city voters approved by 60 percent.<ref>{{cite news|title=Battle in Indiana looms on gambling|newspaper=New York Times|agency=AP|date=November 7, 1989|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/11/07/us/battle-in-indiana-looms-on-gambling.html}}</ref> The city began talks to acquire 350 acres of land at the [[Gary Works]] for as many as five casinos.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gary near deal with U.S. Steel on lakefront site for casinos|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|first=Ronald|last=Koziol|date=December 5, 1989|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1017495882/137CAA77E20D4BECDE|id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

Gaming companies from Nevada and Atlantic City flocked to join in lobbying efforts to support a second attempt in the 1990 legislative session,<ref>{{cite news|title=Trump hints he's player in Gary casinos|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|first=Ronald|last=Koziol|date=December 9, 1989|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1019018300/137CAA77E20D4BECDE|id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}|url-access=subscription}}</ref> but it was blocked by Senate Republican leaders.<ref>{{cite news|title=Casino effort dead for session; bill not called to Senate floor|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|first=Nancy J.|last=Winkley|date=February 27, 1990|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10852F8F8BD40954&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Casino issue dead for 1990|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|first=Nancy J.|last=Winkley|date=March 13, 1990|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10852FA14E31A302&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5|url-access=subscription}}</ref> In the 1991 session, state Rep. [[Charlie Brown (Indiana politician)|Charlie Brown]] of Gary introduced an expanded bill authorizing riverboat casinos on the [[Ohio River]] and a casino in the resort area of [[French Lick]] and [[West Baden Springs]], to attract broader support.<ref>{{cite news|title=Downstate areas included in casino bill|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|first=Nancy J.|last=Winkley|date=January 29, 1991|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10852BEA65DA4B2C&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5|url-access=subscription}}</ref> The mayor of [[Hammond, Indiana|Hammond]] floated the idea of converting the [[Milwaukee Clipper|SS ''Clipper'']] into a casino,<ref>{{cite news|title=Clipper could become floating casino|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|date=October 19, 1990|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10853098668618F1&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5|url-access=subscription}}</ref> but it was not included in the bill. The proposal passed the House but was rejected by a Senate committee.<ref>{{cite news|title=Senate committee defeats legalized casino gambling|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|first=Nancy J.|last=Winkley|date=April 4, 1991|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10852C4DF2346EF1&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Many local bills faded, fell|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|first=Nancy J.|last=Winkley|date=May 6, 1991|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10852C7C86683FBF&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref>

Brown introduced a Gary casino bill in the 1992 session, but it drew little support due to legislators' aversion to controversy in an election year.<ref>{{cite news|title=Casino effort seems to be over|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|date=January 14, 1992 |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EDEC755D30FB.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409173112/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EDEC755D30FB.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 9, 2016}}</ref> Southern Indiana legislators introduced a bill to allow riverboat casinos on the Ohio River, which passed the House,<ref>{{cite news|title=Riverboat bill floats through Ind. House|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|date=January 28, 1992 |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EDFE369AC717.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125040602/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EDFE369AC717.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 25, 2013}}  </ref> and was then expanded, with support from Gary lawmakers, to include boats on Lake Michigan,<ref>{{cite news|title=Riverboat bid gets backing|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|date=January 30, 1992|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EE015A9B17F2.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125064934/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EE015A9B17F2.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 25, 2013 }}  </ref> which were seen as less controversial than land-based casinos.<ref>{{cite news|title=New casino push: Legislators know odds are long|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|date=December 9, 1991 |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-10852D911427884D.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409173126/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-10852D911427884D.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 9, 2016}}  </ref> The bill was rejected by the Senate.<ref>{{cite news|title=Senate pulls plug on riverboat gambling|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|date=February 5, 1992 |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EE0AC2DE78C2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314065827/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EE0AC2DE78C2.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 14, 2016}}  </ref>

With new backing from Republican entrepreneur [[Dean White (businessman)|Dean White]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Gary gets last roll of dice for casinos|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|date=January 3, 1993 |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EAC309EAB512.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409173049/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EAC309EAB512.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 9, 2016}}  </ref> Brown reintroduced his bill in the 1993 session, with land-based casinos in Gary and French Lick, and riverboats on the Ohio River, and it passed the House,<ref>{{cite news|title=Casino passage marked by last-minute lobbying|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|date=March 5, 1993 |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EB11CB3C7FB5.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409173056/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EB11CB3C7FB5.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 9, 2016}}  </ref> but was again voted down in Senate committee.<ref>{{cite news|title=GOP to Northwest Indiana: No dice!|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|date=March 24, 1993 |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EB28C806F50E.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309185156/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EB28C806F50E.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 9, 2016}}  </ref> A measure was introduced later in the session to allow four riverboats each on Lake Michigan and the Ohio, but it was killed by Senate leaders.<ref>{{cite news|title=Riverboat bill torpedoed in Senate battle|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|date=April 24, 1993 |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EB4A8415DF6B.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125034148/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EB4A8415DF6B.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 25, 2013}}  </ref>

Because it failed to approve a budget,<ref>{{cite news|title=Split happens: lawmakers must meet again|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|date=May 2, 1993 |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EB53E3F3ACAE.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125050648/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EB53E3F3ACAE.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 25, 2013}}  </ref> the Assembly convened for a special session in June 1993.<ref>{{cite news|title=Legislators start OT session|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|date=June 9, 1993 |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EB7C00DAA61C.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326044055/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EB7C00DAA61C.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 26, 2016}}  </ref> After weeks of wrangling, a compromise was reached on a Republican budget with no tax increases, with a few side issues to appease Democrats, including authorization of riverboat casinos.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lawmakers reach budget compromise|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|date=June 30, 1993 |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EB92F228021F.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125042547/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EB92F228021F.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 25, 2013}}  </ref> The law allowed up to five sites on the shore of Lake Michigan (including two in Gary), five on the Ohio River, and one on [[Patoka Lake]], near French Lick.<ref name=simpson>{{cite news|title=Riverboats shoot for early '94|newspaper=Evansville Courier|first=Cam|last=Simpson|date=July 1, 1993|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:EVCB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAE47DE778262C6&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Casinos were expected to raise at least $100 million in taxes per year.<ref name=simpson />

===Licensing and construction===
The first round of gaming license applications in September 1993 attracted 27 proposals for sites in 12 cities.<ref>{{cite news|title=Industrious proposals|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|first=John|last=Ellis|date=September 19, 1993|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1084EBEAB862FC60&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Local referendums, required to authorize casinos in each city or county (except Gary),<ref>{{cite news|title=Casino referendums face tough deadlines|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|agency=AP|date=July 22, 1993|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1084EBA968EE6399&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> were held in November; voters in [[Clark County, Indiana|Clark]], [[Floyd County, Indiana|Floyd]], [[Porter County, Indiana|Porter]], and [[Warrick County, Indiana|Warrick]] counties rejected casinos, while voters in Hammond and [[East Chicago]] and in [[Dearborn County, Indiana|Dearborn]], [[LaPorte County, Indiana|LaPorte]],  [[Ohio County, Indiana|Ohio]], [[Switzerland County, Indiana|Switzerland]], and [[Vanderburgh County, Indiana|Vanderburgh]] counties approved them.<ref>{{cite news|title=No one files to recount casino votes|newspaper=Evansville Courier|agency=AP|date=November 10, 1993|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:EVCB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAE485F98004BD9&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref>

February 2, 1994 was the application deadline for licenses in the communities where referendums had passed; by that day, the number of applications had risen to 50.<ref>{{cite news|title=Indiana popular with casino operators|newspaper=Evansville Courier|first=Cam|last=Simpson|date=February 3, 1994|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:EVCB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAE48CF5755737F&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Officials in some cities conducted extensive hearings to decide which applicants to endorse, though the final decisions were in the hands of the Gaming Commission. City leaders examined 25 proposals in Gary,<ref>{{cite news|title=Barnes pares down choices|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|first1=John|last1=Ellis|first2=Susan|last2=Brown|date=November 19, 1993|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1084EC3576E2A7E6&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> 6 in [[Evansville, Indiana|Evansville]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Riverboat panel running tight ship|newspaper=Evansville Courier|first=Kim|last=Husk|date=March 7, 1994|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:EVCB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAE48D6A7778A43&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> and 8 in [[Lawrenceburg, Indiana|Lawrenceburg]].<ref>{{cite news|title=City weighs gaming proposals|newspaper=Cincinnati Post|first=Douglas|last=Bolton|date=February 28, 1994|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:CNPB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB0315172685C0E&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref>

After the Porter County referendum failed, several businessmen from [[Portage, Indiana|Portage]] had sued the state, arguing that the riverboat law violated the state constitution's ban on special treatment for particular cities, because it called for citywide votes in Hammond and East Chicago, but countywide votes in all other localities.<ref>{{cite news|title=Portage businessmen seek to stall gambling|newspaper=The News-Sentinel|location=Fort Wayne|agency=AP|publisher=via NewsBank|date=January 5, 1994|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:FWNB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB6CC867B176987&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> A judge agreed with them in May 1994, enjoining the Gaming Commission from issuing licenses.<ref>{{cite news|title=Boats rocked|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|date=May 20, 1994|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1084E80C24E79123&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> The [[Indiana Supreme Court]] overturned that ruling six months later,<ref>{{cite news|title=Riverboat law survives ruling|newspaper=Evansville Courier|first=Cam|last=Simpson|date=November 22, 1994|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:EVCB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAE49FD20D6195D&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> but some developers had already withdrawn their proposals because of the stalled process.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gambling delay costs Indiana|newspaper=USA Today|agency=Gannett|first=Meghan|last=Henterly|date=November 8, 1994|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:USTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=127ED993AD38B8A0&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref>

Four more local referendums were held in 1994, with [[Crawford County, Indiana|Crawford]], [[Harrison County, Indiana|Harrison]], and [[Perry County, Indiana|Perry]] counties approving casinos, and [[Jefferson County, Indiana|Jefferson County]] rejecting them.<ref>{{cite news|title=Crawford County votes for casinos|newspaper=Evansville Courier|first=Cam|last=Simpson|date=May 4, 1994|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:EVCB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAE492D6B452AFF&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Perry County OKs casino|newspaper=Evansville Courier|first=Byron|last=Rohrig|date=November 10, 1994|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:EVCB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAE49F35D9918AC&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref>

The Gaming Commission issued its first preliminary licenses, for the two boats in Gary, in December 1994. One went to [[Donald Trump]]'s company, [[Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts]], and the other went to a joint venture between Detroit businessman [[Don Barden]] and [[President Casinos]].<ref>{{cite news|title=It's Trump, Barden: Firms pledge about $300M in waterfront development|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|first=Rich|last=James|date=December 10, 1994|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1084E91C5F7F0273&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> The commission next visited Evansville, awarding a license to [[Aztar|Aztar Corp.]] in February 1995,<ref>{{cite news|title=Opening state's first casino would give Aztar edge|newspaper=Evansville Courier|first=Greg|last=Andrews|date=February 12, 1995|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:EVCB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAE4A54E727D508&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> and then southeast Indiana in July, where it selected a [[Hyatt]]-affiliated project in [[Rising Sun, Indiana|Rising Sun]] and a group led by [[Argosy Gaming]] and [[Conseco]] to build a casino in Lawrenceburg.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rising Sun, Lawrenceburg casinos OK'd|newspaper=Evansville Courier|agency=AP|date=July 1, 1995|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:EVCB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1084E62B1557E70C&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> In Hammond, the panel gave the nod in November to Empress River Casino, operator of two riverboats in [[Joliet, Illinois]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Charters will drop anchor in Hammond|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|first=Rich|last=James|location=Gary|date=November 18, 1995|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1084E683ABFF1AC2&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref>

Development of the Gary boats was delayed by disputes over the acquisition of land at [[Buffington Harbor]] and the withdrawal of President Casinos from its partnership with Barden.<ref>{{cite news|title=Deal ordered: Boats could float in spring|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|first=Rich|last=James|date=July 1, 1995|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1084E62B1557E70C&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> As a result, [[Casino Aztar Evansville]] was the first riverboat to open, on December 7, 1995.<ref>{{cite news|title=Riverboat off and running|newspaper=Evansville Courier|first=Tim D.|last=Barker|date=December 8, 1995|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:EVCB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAE4B7012ED612B&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref>

The Gaming Commission continued its work in 1996, approving in January the only applicant for the East Chicago license, a group led by [[Showboat, Inc.]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Politics played part in E. Chicago casino, riverboat foes claim|newspaper=The Journal-Gazette|location=Fort Wayne|agency=AP|first=Thomas P.|last=Wyman|date=January 9, 1996|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:FWJB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB7827165A354E8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> a [[Michigan City, Indiana|Michigan City]] casino in April, to be built by the operator of an [[East Dubuque, Illinois]] riverboat,<ref>{{cite news|title=A new casino to sail|newspaper=The Journal Gazette|location=Fort Wayne|agency=AP|first=Thomas P.|last=Wyman|date=April 18, 1996|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:FWJB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB7829DC428C45D&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> and in May, a [[Caesars World]] casino in Harrison County.<ref>{{cite news|title=Churchill Downs looking over shoulder at riverboat|newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader|first1=Ameet|last1=Sachdev|first2=Bill|last2=Estep|date=May 22, 1996|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:LHLB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB7406D13C38CDE&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref>

The two Gary riverboats, [[Trump Casino]] and Barden's [[Majestic Star Casino|Majestic Star]], opened on June 11, 1996,<ref>{{cite news|title=Casinos' opening day lures thousands to Gary|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|first=Michelle|last=Campbell|date=June 12, 1996|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB422AA994EED70&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> and the [[Horseshoe Hammond|Empress Casino]] in Hammond followed weeks later.<ref>{{cite news|title=Empress Casino open for business|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|date=June 29, 1996|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1084D909B02952CA&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> They were initially prevented from leaving dock by the Johnson Act, a federal law prohibiting gambling on U.S. territorial waters such as the Great Lakes.<ref name=clinton>{{cite news|title=Clinton signs bill allowing riverboats to cruise on Lake Michigan|newspaper=Associated Press Political Service|publisher=via Factiva|date=October 23, 1996|url=http://global.factiva.com/redir/default.aspx?P=sa&an=aprs000020011210dsan03eob&cat=a&ep=ASE}} {{subscription required}}</ref> The boats ran "phantom cruises", allowing gamblers to board only at scheduled cruise times.<ref name=clinton /> Congress amended the Johnson Act in October, allowing the boats to cruise as required by Indiana law.<ref name=clinton />

With three Ohio River casinos set to open, the Gaming Commission postponed a decision on granting the fifth Ohio River license to Crawford or Switzerland County, deciding to wait to observe the results of the other casinos.<ref>{{cite news|title=Decision on final riverboat casino postponed|newspaper=Evansville Courier|first=Doug|last=Sword|date=September 7, 1996|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:EVCB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAE4BE348DAB4AB&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Hyatt opened its Grand Victoria II casino in Rising Sun in October 1996,<ref>{{cite news|title=Rising Sun rolls the dice; casino opens|newspaper=Cincinnati Post|first=Laurie|last=Petrie|date=October 4, 1996|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:CNPB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB032A73B8782E5&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> and the [[Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg|Argosy Casino]] in nearby Lawrenceburg followed in December.<ref>{{cite news|title=Argosy license OK'd|newspaper=Cincinnati Post|date=December 13, 1996|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:CNPB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB032C572FFE76D&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> The Caesars project, meanwhile, was continually delayed by environmental concerns and archaeological work.<ref>{{cite news|title=Louisville casino faces more delays|newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader|agency=AP|date=January 6, 1997|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:LHLB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB740CC98277498&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Caesars' casino riverboat hits snags|newspaper=Evansville Courier|agency=AP|date=May 4, 1998|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:EVCB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAE4DF5A8B9A445&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref>

Michigan City's [[Blue Chip Casino]], moored in a channel of [[Trail Creek (Lake Michigan)|Trail Creek]] where it was built on-site,<ref>{{cite news|title=Blue Chip Casino set to sail channel in state's northeast|newspaper=The Journal Gazette|location=Fort Wayne|agency=AP|date=July 15, 1997|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:FWJB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB783C864699620&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> opened in August 1997.<ref>{{cite news|title=New NWI casino boat afloat|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|first=Carole|last=Carlson|date=August 23, 1997|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=108498784D437715&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref>

By May 1998, the two Cincinnati-area casinos were reporting strong results, so the commission decided to lift its unofficial moratorium on issuing a fifth license.<ref>{{cite news|title=Riverboat license moratorium reconsidered by commission|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|agency=AP|date=May 8, 1998|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10848F9D0C5191C3&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> [[Isle of Capri Casinos|Casino America]], the sole applicant for Crawford County, dropped its bid,<ref>{{cite news|title=County loses only applicant for riverboat|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|agency=AP|date=August 13, 1998|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1084906E6FA40D10&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> leaving just one proposal for the commission to consider, a joint venture of [[Pinnacle Entertainment|Hollywood Park]] and Boomtown in [[Vevay, Indiana|Vevay]], which it approved in September.<ref>{{cite news|title=Switzerland County lands casino|newspaper=Cincinnati Post|first=Barry M.|last=Horstman|date=September 15, 1998|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:CNPB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB0343E541F0B97&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref>

[[Caesars Indiana]] finally opened in November 1998.<ref>{{cite news|title=Let the games begin|newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader|first=James|last=Prichard|agency=AP|date=November 22, 1998|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:LHLB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB741E932078857&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> After being delayed by damage from a mid-river collision en route to Vevay,<ref>{{cite news|title=Accident delays casino opening|newspaper=Cincinnati Post|first=Barry M.|last=Horstman|date=August 10, 2000|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:CNPB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB18E8489CD5203&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> the [[Belterra Casino]] opened in October 2000.<ref>{{cite news|title=Viva, Las Vevay! Sleepy river town gets a dose of casino caffeine|newspaper=Dayton Daily News|first=Bob|last=Batz|date=November 5, 2000|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DDNB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0F51F482CF330D00&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref>

===Later developments===
The Patoka Lake license went unused because the [[United States Army Corps of Engineers|Army Corps of Engineers]], which claims ownership of the reservoir,<ref>{{cite news|title=Corps opposes Patoka casino|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary |date=August 15, 1993|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EBC25F7AB242.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924171623/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-1084EBC25F7AB242.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref> had a regulation against gambling on its property.<ref>{{cite news|title=Patoka Lake casino backers still hopeful: Deadline today, but no one applies|newspaper=Evansville Courier|first=Tom|last=Raithel|date=March 4, 1994|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:EVCB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAE48D4AEB622F9&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Legislators in 2003 authorized an eleventh casino to instead be built in a man-made lake in the area of French Lick and West Baden Springs.<ref>{{cite news|title=Orange County to vote on gambling operation: French Lick casino bill signed|newspaper=Evansville Courier|first=Jennifer|last=Whitson|date=April 30, 2003|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:EVCB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FB6F9F936A5CDB7&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> The casino's conversion to a land-based facility was retroactively authorized in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|title=House Bill 1276 (2010)|publisher=Indiana General Assembly|accessdate=2012-07-08|url=http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2010&session=1&request=getBill&docno=1276}}</ref>

A law passed in 2007 allowed the state's two racetracks, [[Hoosier Park]] and [[Indiana Downs]], to install up to 2,000 slot machines each.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bills get Daniels' signature - Parties laud compromises for budget, education, taxes|newspaper=The Journal Gazette|location=Fort Wayne|publisher=via NewsBank|first=Mike|last=Smith|date=May 12, 2007|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:FWJB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1195496A61FFF6D8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref>

In 2015, the legislature amended the casino law to allow the state's riverboat casinos to move into land-based facilities on their existing sites, to help them remain competitive with casinos in neighboring states.<ref>{{cite news|title=Land-based option gets mixed reviews from casino operators|newspaper=Post-Tribune|location=Merrillville, IN|author=Karen Caffarini|date=May 1, 2015|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-land-base-side-st-0503-20150501-story.html|accessdate=2017-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Jackpot! Land-based casinos win at Statehouse|newspaper=The Times of Northwest Indiana|author=Dan Carden|date=May 8, 2015|url=http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/jackpot-land-based-casinos-win-at-statehouse/article_064151a1-15c9-5639-b816-d20398d155cf.html|accessdate=2017-10-20}}</ref> Tropicana Evansville (formerly Casino Aztar) was the first to take advantage of the new law, opening its land-based facility in 2017.<ref>{{cite news|title=$50 million on-shore Evansville casino opens to gamblers|newspaper=U.S. News & World Report|agency=AP|date=October 20, 2017|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/indiana/articles/2017-10-20/50-million-on-shore-evansville-casino-opens-to-gamblers|accessdate=2017-10-20}}</ref>

An unintended consequence of legal gaming was the burden on charity gaming by non-profit organizations.

===Indian casino===
The [[Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians]], a tribe historically located in the [[St. Joseph River (Lake Michigan)|St. Joseph River Valley]] of northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan, regained [[Native American recognition in the United States|federal recognition]] in 1994,<ref>{{cite news|title=Tribe's recognition turns into gaming issue in Indiana|newspaper=Evansville Courier|first1=Cam|last1=Simpson|first2=Doug|last2=Sword|date=October 18, 1994|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:EVCB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAE49E5044D8619&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> and its members soon voted to pursue casino gaming as an economic development measure.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pokagons vote to pursue casinos|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|agency=AP|first=Susan|last=Brown|date=November 13, 1994|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1084E8F48682216E&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Discussions focused on sites in Michigan because state officials were more friendly to tribal gaming than those in Indiana, and the tribe had deeper ties to that state.<ref>{{cite news|title=Michigan better poised for Pokagon Band casino|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|agency=AP|date=December 13, 1994|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1084E920453F6A80&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> A site in [[New Buffalo, Michigan]], near the Indiana border, was selected in May 1996,<ref>{{cite news|title=Harrah's may run Potawatomi casino|newspaper=Commercial Appeal|location=Memphis|first=Laurel|last=Campbell|date=May 4, 1996|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:CMAB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0F7B891BDF176534&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> but reports that the tribe was considering a casino in [[South Bend, Indiana|South Bend]] or [[Elkhart, Indiana|Elkhart]] continued to surface.<ref>{{cite news|title=O'Bannon would talk with tribe on casino|newspaper=The Journal Gazette|location=Fort Wayne|agency=AP|date=February 7, 1997|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:FWJB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB78355AC076264&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Pokagons' game plan generates opposition|newspaper=The Journal Gazette|location=Fort Wayne|agency=AP|date=June 4, 1997|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:FWJB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB784CFA23B6021&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> By 2001, the tribe said it had no plans for a casino in Indiana.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pokagon deny plans for N. Indiana casino|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|agency=AP|date=May 25, 2001|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FF6786CC06E7D87&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> After years of legal battles,<ref>{{cite news|title=Casino blessing: Pokagon tribe breaks ground on long-awaited Michigan gaming resort|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|first=Stan|last=Maddux|date=June 4, 2006|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=11260AF4D4C444D8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> the tribe's [[Four Winds New Buffalo]] casino opened in 2007.<ref>{{cite news|title='I'm coming back': Gamblers like the slots, day care, other amenities|newspaper=The Post-Tribune|location=Gary|first=Danielle|last=Braff|date=August 3, 2007|publisher=via NewsBank|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=11B26ADE11782B00&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required}}</ref> The tribe announced new plans in 2012 for a 164-acre "tribal village" in South Bend, including a casino.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pokagon tribe proposes casino in South Bend|newspaper=Post-Tribune|location=Gary|agency=AP|date=August 29, 2012|url=http://posttrib.suntimes.com/business/14808347-420/pokagon-tribe-proposes-casino-in-south-bend.html|accessdate=2012-09-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012180246/http://posttrib.suntimes.com/business/14808347-420/pokagon-tribe-proposes-casino-in-south-bend.html|archive-date=October 12, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Four Winds South Bend]], a [[Class II gaming]] facility, opened in January 2018.<ref>{{cite news|title=Four Winds South Bend opens, adding 1,800 games to state's casino inventory|newspaper=The Times of Northwest Indiana|first=Andrew|last=Steele|date=January 16, 2018|url=http://www.nwitimes.com/business/gambling/four-winds-south-bend-opens-adding-games-to-state-s/article_a9924dd0-9d14-5108-a379-dd8e66f60c31.html|accessdate=2018-01-16}}</ref>

===List of casinos===
{| class="toccolours sortable" border="1" cellpadding="3" style="border-collapse:collapse"
|- bgcolor=lightgrey
!Casino
!City
!County
!State
!District
!Type
!Comments
<onlyinclude>
|-
|[[Ameristar Casino East Chicago]]||[[East Chicago]]||[[Lake County, Indiana|Lake]]||[[Indiana]]||Lake Michigan||Riverboat||Formerly Resorts, Harrahs, and Showboat Mardi Gras
|-
|[[Bally's Evansville]]||[[Evansville, Indiana|Evansville]]||[[Vanderburgh County, Indiana|Vanderburgh]]||[[Indiana]]||Ohio River|| Land-based || Formerly Casino Aztar and Tropicana
|-
|[[Belterra Casino Resort & Spa]]||[[Florence, Indiana|Florence]]||[[Switzerland County, Indiana|Switzerland]]||[[Indiana]]||Ohio River||Riverboat||
|-
|[[Blue Chip Casino, Hotel and Spa|Blue Chip Casino]]||[[Michigan City, Indiana|Michigan City]]||[[LaPorte County, Indiana|LaPorte]]||[[Indiana]]||Lake Michigan||Riverboat||
|-
|[[Caesars Southern Indiana]]||[[Elizabeth, Indiana|Elizabeth]]||[[Harrison County, Indiana|Harrison]]||[[Indiana]]|| Ohio River || Land-based ||Formerly Horseshoe
|-
|[[Four Winds South Bend]]||[[South Bend, Indiana|South Bend]]||[[St. Joseph County, Indiana|St. Joseph]]||[[Indiana]]|| || Native American ||
|-
|[[Hard Rock Cafe#Casinos and hotels|Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana]]||[[Gary, Indiana|Gary]]||[[Lake County, Indiana|Lake]]||[[Indiana]]||Lake Michigan|| Land-based ||
|-
|[[French Lick Resort Casino]]||[[French Lick, Indiana|French Lick]]||[[Orange County, Indiana|Orange]]||[[Indiana]]|| || Land-based ||
|-
|[[Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg]]||[[Lawrenceburg, Indiana|Lawrenceburg]]||[[Dearborn County, Indiana|Dearborn]]||[[Indiana]]||Ohio River|| Riverboat ||
Formerly Argosy Casino
|-
|[[Hoosier Park]]||[[Anderson, Indiana|Anderson]]||[[Madison County, Indiana|Madison]]||[[Indiana]]|| || Racino ||
|-
|[[Horseshoe Hammond]]||[[Hammond, Indiana|Hammond]]||[[Lake County, Indiana|Lake]]||[[Indiana]]||Lake Michigan|| Riverboat || Formerly Empress Casino
|-
|[[Horseshoe Indianapolis]]||[[Shelbyville, Indiana|Shelbyville]]||[[Shelby County, Indiana|Shelby]]||[[Indiana]]|| || Racino || Formerly Indiana Live! and Indiana Grand
|-
|[[Rising Star Casino Resort]]||[[Rising Sun, Indiana|Rising Sun]]||[[Ohio County, Indiana|Ohio]]||[[Indiana]]||Ohio River|| Riverboat ||
Formerly Grand Victoria Casino & Resort
|-
|Terre Haute Casino Resort<ref>{{cite press release|title=Churchill Downs Incorporated Opens Terre Haute Casino Resort in Terre Haute, Indiana|date=5 April 2024 |publisher=GlobalNewswire|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2024/04/05/2858724/12388/en/Churchill-Downs-Incorporated-Opens-Terre-Haute-Casino-Resort-in-Terre-Haute-Indiana.html|accessdate=2024-05-14}}</ref>||[[Terre Haute, Indiana|Terre Haute]]||[[Vigo County, Indiana|Vigo]]||[[Indiana]]||Ohio River|| Land-based ||
Opened in 2024
|-
</onlyinclude>
|}

===List of former casinos===
{| class="toccolours sortable" border="1" cellpadding="3" style="border-collapse:collapse"
|- bgcolor=lightgrey
!Casino
!City
!County
!State
!District
!Type
!Comments
<onlyinclude>
|-
|[[Majestic Star Casino]] || [[Gary, Indiana|Gary]] || [[Lake County, Indiana|Lake]] || [[Indiana]] || Lake Michigan || Riverboat || Closed in 2021.
|-
|[[Majestic Star II]] || [[Gary, Indiana|Gary]] || [[Lake County, Indiana|Lake]] || [[Indiana]] || Lake Michigan || Riverboat || Previously Trump Casino. Closed in 2021.
|-
</onlyinclude>
|}

==Sports betting==

In 2019, the Indiana legislature legalized [[sports betting]] starting in September.<ref>[https://www.espn.com/chalk/story/_/id/26703155/indiana-joins-list-states-legalizing-sports-betting Indiana joins list of states legalizing sports betting] - ESPN / AP, 10 May 2019</ref> Casinos, racinos, and off-track betting facilities are eligible for licenses, which allow brick-and-mortar and online betting. The state collects a 9.5% tax. Only professional and college sports competitions can be wagered upon.<ref>[https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2019/07/23/indiana-sports-gambling-casinos-otbs-nfl-nba-indycar/1800742001/ Indiana sports betting: Here's a list of leagues and events you'll be able to bet on] - Andrew Carlk, Indianapolis Star, 23 July 2019</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Indiana Live! Casino.jpg|Indiana Live! Casino
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Portal|Indiana}}
* [[List of casinos in the United States]]
* [[List of casino hotels]]

==References==
{{reflist|35em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Casinos in Indiana}}
{{Lists of casinos by U.S. state}}
{{Indiana}}

[[Category:Casinos in Indiana| ]]
[[Category:Gambling in the United States by state|Indiana]]