1. Are There Any Good Online Casinos
2. Online Casino Reviews
3. Which Online Casinos Are Legitimate

• Pennsylvania bettors make out great when they join BetRivers Online Casino. In addition to a wide selection of slots and table games, top-notch customer service, and the security of the site being state-regulated, BetRivers offers first-time players a deposit match of up to $250.
• In any business where a lot of cash changes hands, there will be people willing to go outside the law to game the system. Slots in live casinos, where cheats can work on the physical device, have been more vulnerable to scams than slots in online casinos. The law in jurisdictions with licensed casinos takes a very dim view of cheating the slots.

Red Dog Overview

There’s a new dog in the online casino fight, and it goes by the name of Red Dog Casino. While some real money online casinos come out of the gate sluggish, Red Dog came out with the bite to back up its bark. They offer over 200 high-quality casino games from RealTime Gaming and Visionary iGaming, extensive banking options, deposit match bonuses upwards of 285%, and a real knack for proper site security.

As of today in 2021 I have helped 97,000+ people find an online casino, sportsbook or poker room to play at. My expertise is in the US friendly online casinos. You can learn more about me and the good casino list, but the short answer is that the casinos that make it on my good list are the most reputable in the industry. Casino stocks are contagious amongst investors for many reasons. Gambling is as good a business model as you can find right? In fact, the house always wins. These businesses have strong earnings growth in most cases. Moreover, most of these stocks pay dividends to shareholders. For many people, online casino gambling is a waste of time. What could be worse than placing your wager.

If you’re wondering whether this new online casino is worth wagging your tail over, stay tuned for our complete Red Dog Casino review.

Ratings Breakdown

Overall

Bottom line, Red Dog Casino is a great real money gambling option, especially for players looking for a quality mobile betting experience. If you like playing casino games from your phone or tablet, the experience here is great. We did dock one point overall during our Red Dog review because it’s what we standardly do for casinos that are new to the market. But, nothing to fear, as Red Dog’s team eliminates issues with an intense focus on safety, security, and game fairness. With room to grow and clear indicators that they’re continuing to innovate, we recommend you check out Red Dog Casino.

Casino

The best phrase to describe the Red Dog casino is “pretty good.” If you’re looking for a casino that won’t overwhelm you with too many options but still has all the favorites, you’ll like Red Dog. We took off a point and a half because we’d like to see a little more variation in game choices and live dealer options added. Most of you will look at their offerings and think we’re crazy, but we’re notorious for being nitpicky. Overall, Red Dog Casino is a good fit for those looking for a simpler online casino experience.

Banking

Red Dog Casino is one of the few gambling sites on the web that has completely fee-free withdrawals. Many sites will give you one fee-free withdrawal a month, but still with limitations. Any money you want to cash out should come off in under five business days for no additional fee.

Bonuses

It’s easy to get carried away looking for the most complex online gambling site bonus codes and programs. But sometimes, when it comes to free cash, simplicity is best. At Red Dog, they have welcome bonuses of up to 245% (with no max!), and existing player bonuses up to 185% with no max winnings cashout. The site also runs special monthly promos and comp player points you can convert to cash.

Customer Support

You don’t have to jump through hoops at Red Dog Casino to get help or assistance with any questions or issues that may arise. The gambling site offers live chat, email, and phone support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. We tested some of the options and were able to get a real human on the line within a matter of seconds.

User Interface

The user interface at Red Dog is what you might expect from a brand-new casino looking to be a real competitor—slick, graphics-heavy, and easy to navigate. If you’re using the native web client, there are a few limitations, but those all disappear with the Windows download or the mobile platform. It’s clear the company put the heart and soul of its user interface focus on mobile, and we are 100% okay with that.

Mobile Compatibility

Judging from our Red Dog review, all of Red Dog Casino’s games are available to play on mobile devices. Specifically, the gambling site guarantees their games are compatible with most versions of iOS and Android software. Games should be compatible with most other modern devices, though, they are not explicitly mentioned.

Banking

Deposit Methods

Withdrawal Methods

• No fees on any withdrawal methods (unless your bank charges a fee for some reason)
• Maximum withdrawal limits may be raised depending on your level of play; contact customer support if you’d like to request this
• Withdrawal documents will be required (proof of ID, address, or credit card ownership) and can be submitted at any time prior to the cashout

Bonuses Offered by Red Dog

The betting site offered several different bonuses to new and existing players with additional perks for cryptocurrency transactions. Overall, the bonuses were nothing flashy, but simplicity is fine when it comes to free money. There are a few interesting terms and conditions you want to be aware of before taking advantage of these bonus codes but nothing to scare you off. These are detailed below.

Red Dog Welcome Bonus – 225% + Additional 20% for BTC or Neosurf

Bonus Code: WAGGINGTAILS

• No posted maximum!
• Minimum deposits required to qualify are:
• $10 for Neosurf
• $20 for BTC
• $25 for Instant Gift Card
• $30 for Credit Card
• You can use the code for up to five deposits at which point you’ll need to switch to a bonus code designed for existing players
• Playthrough requirement is 35x (deposit + bonus amount)
• Maximum cashout of bonus winnings is 30x deposit
• Maximum allowed bet for bonus clearing is $10

24/7 Casino Bonus: 120% – 185%

Bonus Code: SUPERDOG

• Different bonus match percentages depending on deposit size:
• 120% on $30
• 135% on $75
• 160% on $150
• Additional 25% on top for deposits through BTC or Neosurf
• Playthrough requirement is 35x (Deposit + bonus amount)
• No cashout limit!
• Maximum allowed bet for bonus clearing is $10

Monthly Special Bonuses

Every month, Red Dog runs some sort of special deposit bonus for all existing players. Typically, this bonus is a match bonus with free slot spins as well. To find the current offer, please check the promotions page of the website. Most of the time, these monthly special bonuses are better than the 24/7 casino bonus, but not quite as good as the welcome bonus. If you’re a new player, stick to the Red Dog welcome bonus. Existing players, make sure to double-check the promotions page before using a code.

Perks Points

While not mentioned on their promotions page, we did find language in the FAQ outlining a perks rewards program. For every 100 points you earn in comps, you can convert them to $1 in cash. This bonus cash carries no restrictions or wager requirements.

Important Things You Must Know From Red Dog’s Terms of Service

Playing a game that’s not included in the bonus before you clear it will result in winnings being voided. Progressive jackpots are NOT included. These games are:

• Aztec’s Millions
• Caribbean Hold’em Poker
• Caribbean Stud Poker
• Caribbean Draw Poker
• Jackpot Cleopatra’s Gold
• Jackpot Pinatas
• Let’ Em Ride
• Megasaur
• Shopping Spree II
• Spirit of the Inca

Making a wager over $10 during the bonus period will result in forfeiture of your bonus.

Only inside bets are allowed for roulette bonuses.

Yes, some of these terms seem a little over the top, but it’s the casino’s right to hand out free money in the way they see fit. What we recommend is that you take the time to read all of the terms of service for a bonus before choosing to use it or stick to playing without a bonus. Additionally, if you have questions on a particular term, please reach out to the website’s customer service for clarification.

Red Dog Casino

The Red Dog Casino is fairly new on the market, but they’ve certainly come in with some expertise as is evident by the quality of the offerings. Gameplay is available via a web client, a downloadable client, or through the company’s mobile platform. All three mediums offer a slightly different experience but offer the same games and the same jackpots.

Available Casino Games

• 180 slots
• 16 video poker
• 21 table games
• 11 specialty games

The availability of games at the Red Dog Casino is good—not over-the-top great, but certainly not bad. With a little over 200 total options, it puts the betting site on par with the industry standard. One major positive that stands out is the casino is still adding newly released games to their arsenal.

During the last sweep-through for our Red Dog review, we noticed they released the T-Rex II slot, which was just released last month. A real money gambling site that is still spending money on bettering the experience for its players is a major positive.

When it comes to the variety of table game offerings, the best descriptive term we can think of is adequate. Do they offer all of the major casino games like craps, roulette, and blackjack? Yes. Do they have multiple variations of these games? Very limited. Do they offer live dealer versions of these casino games? No.

While these are not deal-breakers, they do leave room for improvement. If you’re a gambler who likes to keep things simple and don’t want to be overwhelmed, Red Dog Casino could be a great fit. If you’re a player who needs every option under the sun, you may have better luck at a different online casino.

While we still don’t see live dealer games at Red Dog Casino, we do see Terms of Service for live dealer games on their site. It’s possible they may be adding these in the near future, or they’re tucked away somewhere within the site where our review team was unable to find them. If they exist or they add them, that’s a big win for the site.

Software and User Interface

The majority of Red Dog Casino’s games are built by RealTime Gaming (RTG), with a few built by Visionary iGaming (VI). Both of these companies are well-known in the industry for providing safe, trusted, and high-quality games. Additionally, both of these providers are still releasing new games and updates to existing games which mitigates the risk of your experience going stale.

The graphics quality of the games we inspected during our review of Red Dog Casino varies based on what you are playing. We’ve included a few screenshots below. The slots graphics and animations are amazing as would be expected with RTG or VI games. The casino table games, though, seemed to lack a little of the pizzazz we’re looking for. It’s still adequate, just nothing to write home about.

For those of you interested in playing slots at Red Dog Casino, here are the major takeaways.

• 180 slot offerings from RTG and VI; no branded slots
• Alphabetical listing and search function to find games; no categorical breakdowns
• Progressive jackpots available
• Unable to zoom games to full screen in the web version; no issue in mobile or download

While a long track record is something Red Dog lacks, they make up for that with their dedication to security. Sometimes, online gambling sites that have been around for decades may have gained favor in the industry, but they might be behind the curve with new security technology. At Red Dog, security is a priority with cutting-edge technologies and processes including:

• 256-Bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption
• Premium anti-virus programs and integrations
• Fraud-prevention systems and processes
• Licensing through the Government of Curacao and ArbathSolutions OU

Mobile Compatibility

Red Dog Casino boasts a mobile gaming version compatible with most iOS and Android devices. The quality of the mobile experience is on par with the downloadable version and superior to the web-based client. For those looking to play predominantly on mobile, Red Dog Casino is a solid option.

Casino Wrap Up

Overall, our review of the Red Dog Casino unearthed a gambling site with a lot of potential. As the company is brand new to the market, we don’t expect everything to be perfect. But it’s clear the site has set a roadmap for success. Game selection should continue to grow as they expand their footprint in the market.

Customer Support

• Live Chat: Offered 24/7/365
• Email Support:[email protected]
• Phone Support: +1-850-400-3758

Our Red Dog Casino review would not be complete without a thorough look at the customer service options available to users. Anytime you’re trying out a new product or service, the chances are high that you’ll need some assistance. Whether that’s help with a deposit or cashout, explanation of a bonus, or just a suggestion on the best game to play, Red Dog is there for you 24/7/365.

No, we’re not trying to sound like a hype-man or an infomercial for the company; we’re simply pointing out that they equip you with the ability to talk to a real human in a matter of seconds. You won’t need to worry about chasing the proverbial Red Dog around the yard to get assistance.

We tested the company’s live chat function and were able to get someone on the line within a matter of seconds. Thanks for your help!

Conclusion – Do We Recommend Red Dog?

Yes! While we’re usually hesitant to recommend newer gambling sites, this is all the more reason to try them out. We’re not going to give our seal of approval to a new site unless were 110% sure they’re trustworthy, running a fair operation, and have something innovative to offer you. With over 200+ games to choose from, lucrative bonuses for new and existing players, and a mobile experience you’ll rave about, the Red Dog Casino review revealed a winner.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Dog

Is Red Dog Casino Safe to Play At?

Yes, Red Dog’s staff takes security very seriously and has integrated cutting-edge technology to keep you safe. The only caveat we would mention is the casino does have some strict bonus requirements. They’re upfront about them, though. Just make sure if you take advantage of a bonus at the site, you read our bonus section listed in this review.

Can I Sports Bet at Red Dog Casino?

Currently, no. Red Dog Casino is only a casino, and we have no reason to believe they will be adding a sportsbook anytime soon.

Can I Try the Games out for Free at Red Dog Casino?

Yes! Red Dog Casino gives you the ability to play all games for free without even creating an account. If you’re not sure if online gambling is a good fit for you, this is a great way to get your feet wet without any risk.

How Do I Get Help If I Am Having a Problem With a Deposit?

The Red Dog Casino has extensive customer service available 24/7/365. You can talk to an agent in seconds via live chat, phone support, or through email. Contact information is listed in this Red Dog review under the customer service section.

Can US Players Gamble for Real Money at Red Dog Casino?

Yes, Red Dog Casino is currently accepting US-based players. Players from the following countries are not allowed to play at the casino:

• Afghanistan
• Azerbaijan
• Belarus
• Costa Rica
• Curacao
• Estonia
• Hungary
• India
• Iran
• Iraq
• Israel
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Macedonia
• Malaysia
• Netherlands
• Netherlands Antilles
• Pakistan
• Poland
• Romania
• Russia
• Turkey
• Ukraine

Indiana, like much of the Midwestern United States, has plenty of gambling options for citizens and tourists alike. Casinos do exist in Indiana, however, they are a bit different from casinos you might find in Las Vegas or Atlantic City. Regardless of this, the gambling experience is unexpectedly high quality.

When people think of Indiana there is often not all that much that comes to mind. The state itself is relatively flat and barren compared to states like California and Florida. As such, tourism is not a huge draw. Thanks to the growing casino industry, however, this is something that is slowly but surely changing.

Indiana Online Casinos

According to Indiana Code, engaging in unlicensed gambling as a player is a punishable offense – specifically, a class B misdemeanor. However, none of the current regulations address the issue of internet gambling. No internet gamblers have been prosecuted so far, so the lack of legal precedent makes it impossible to determine whether these general rules apply to offshore sites’ customers or not.
All things considered, countless Indiana residents have been frequenting online poker, casino or sports betting sites over the past couple of years and none of them were charged with illegal gambling, so most experts agree that playing on offshore sites in Indiana is perfectly safe.
Whether you’re a recreational player or a high-roller, picking the right site is crucial for a satisfying online gambling experience. Fortunately, making the right choice isn’t all that hard, especially in the US market. If you’re looking for good poker rooms, you should to the networks that have the best traffic stats, as this will allow you to take part in larger tournaments with bigger prize pools.
When it comes to casinos and sportsbooks, you should focus on the sites that have already proven to be reliable and trustworthy due to the number of rogue sites that target inexperienced American gamblers and try to scam them out of their hard-earned money.

Indiana Online Gambling FAQ

Are There Any Good Online Casinos

How Do I Get Started?
Opening a gambling account on an offshore site doesn’t require you to be present in Indiana – some sites might even allow you to register from abroad. You’ll need to enter some basic personal information and provide the site’s staff with proof of identity if you want to play for real money.
If you want to deposit money as soon as you’re done, open the cashier menu, pick the deposit option, select the preferred method and simply confirm the transaction.
How Do I Get My Money if I Win?
Your money remains under your control at all times, so you’re free to request a cash out whenever you deem it necessary. The request can be placed from the cashier menu – all you need to do is pick one of the supported banking methods, enter the amount that you’d like to withdraw and wait for the site to process your request. In most cases, you should get your money within 2 weeks if you decide to go for a wire transfer.
What is the minimum age to gamble online in Indiana?
Offshore sites require Indiana customers to be at least 18 years old even though the local gambling age for casinos is 21.
How do I open an account?
Simply fill out the registration form, which should be available on the site that you’d like to join. If you want to gamble for real money, you’ll have to verify your identity, usually by providing a scan of a photo ID.
Where can I open my account from?
Anywhere inside the United States should be fine.
From where can I access Indiana online gambling sites?
Offshore sites can be accessed from anywhere in the US, but you have to remember that playing real money games over the internet is a serious offense in Washington and Utah.
Where can I familiarize myself with the official regulations over gambling in Indiana?
We recommend reading the entire Section 35 of Indiana Code.
How do I deposit to my online gambling account?
In most cases, you’ll have to make a debit/credit card payment. We recommend Visa and MasterCard, as those brands are more reliable than American Express.
How do I withdraw my winnings?
Open the cashier menu, enter the amount that you’d like to withdraw and confirm your cash out request. Wire transfers and checks are supported by most Indiana-friendly sites.
Is my money safe?
Yes, all the reputable sites listed here are 100% safe to use. Keep in mind that there are some rogue sites targeting inexperienced US gamblers out there, so you should be extra careful when dealing with iGaming sites that haven’t been tested by our experts.
What body regulates gambling in Indiana?
Gambling in Indiana is regulated by the Indiana Gaming Commission and Indiana Hoosier Lottery.

Indiana Casino Reviews

Ameristar
Belterra Casino
Blue Chip Casino
French Lick Casino Resort
Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg
Hoosier Park
Horseshoe Southern Indiana
Horseshoe Casino
Indiana Grand Casino
Majestic Star
Majestic Star II
Rising Star Casino Resort
Tropicana Evansville

Gambling in Indiana

Indiana used to have a set of strict gambling laws, but the local lawmakers have started introducing new gambling-friendly regulations back in the eighties. As a result, Indiana currently has a rapidly developing land-based gambling Industry and the local real money gaming aficionados are free to play their favorite games in both commercial and riverboat casinos. Pari-mutuel wagering and charity gambling events are allowed.

Like most US states, Indiana has its own lottery but does not allow online ticket sales. The Hoosier State doesn’t have a regulated intrastate online gambling market, which means that iGaming enthusiasts have to play on offshore sites.

Online Casino Reviews

Casinos in Indiana

Starting with riverboat casinos in the ’90s, and moving to a restricted number of land-based casinos more recently, Indiana is currently home to 12 fully outfitted casinos sanctioned by the Indiana Gaming Commission:

• Ameristar Casino East Chicago (East Chicago): 1,700 slot machines, table games like blackjack, craps, roulette, pai gow, and high card flush, plus an expanded baccarat room that contains 19 tables
• Hollywood Casino (Lawrenceburg): More than 1,400 slot machines, table games like blackjack, craps, and high card flush, plus a poker room with 19 tables
• Tropicana Evansville (Evansville): Over 1,000 slot machines, table games like blackjack, craps, roulette, high card flush, and Mississippi Stud, plus a poker room with ten tables
• Belterra Casino (Florence): Slot machines, table games like blackjack, craps, roulette, pai gow, Let It Ride, and high card flush, plus a poker room with daily tournaments
• Blue Chip Casino (Michigan City): Slot machines, 40 table games that include blackjack, roulette, craps, Mississippi Stud, and high card flush, plus a poker room with eight tables
• Horseshoe Southern Indiana Hotel and Casino (Elizabeth): 1,650 slot machines, table games like blackjack, craps, roulette, and mini-baccarat, plus a poker room with 30 tables
• Rising Star Casino (Rising Sun): 1,000 slot machines and table games like blackjack, craps, roulette, Spanish 21, and Let It Ride
• Hoosier Park Racing Casino (Anderson): Slot machines, electronic table games, and video poker
• Horseshoe Casino (Hammond): The most slot machines in the Chicago area, including 1,500 penny slots, table games like blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, and high card flush, plus a poker room with 34 tables
• Indiana Grand Racing Casino (Shelbyville): Slot machines, electronic table games, and electronic poker
• Majestic Star Casino (Gary): Six floors of gaming space that includes slot machines, table games like blackjack, craps, roulette, Spanish 21, and Let It Ride, plus a poker room open 24/7
• French Lick Resort Casino (French Lick): Slot machines and 37 table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, mini-baccarat, and high card flush

There is also one tribal casino in South Bend called Four Winds Casino. It features 1,600 slot machines and a poker room with ten tables.

You must be 21 years of age or older to play at any of the Indiana casinos.

In regards to online gambling casinos, state code reads:

Which Online Casinos Are Legitimate

“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.”

Indiana Riverboat Casinos

As was mentioned previously, there is only one type of gambling that can take place in Indiana, and that is riverboat gambling. Initially, this type of casino gambling was only able to happen so long as the boat was on a body of water and in motion. Since then, state laws have changed such that riverboats need not be in motion to offer casino games. Most of them are docked nowadays.

In Indiana, riverboat gambling is able to be found in the far South on the Ohio River as well as the far North on Lake Michigan. Of the 13 casinos in Indiana, 10 of them are of the riverboat variety.

Racinos

Racinos are labeled as such due to their existence at horse and dog race tracks. In Indiana, racinos are able to offer betting on horse and dog racing as well as slot games. The addition of slot games is a somewhat new venture as the state expands legal casino-style gambling.

Land-Based Casinos

There is only one traditional, land-based casino located in the state of Indiana. The story behind this casino (French Lick Resort Casino) is interesting because it was originally intended to be a riverboat casino. Before French Lick opened for business, it was intended to be a riverboat casino as it was to be situated in the middle of a man-made pond. The legal situation surrounding French Lick, in particular, shifted in a hurry, and the need to create a pond no longer existed. It still stands as the only land-based casino in the state.

Indiana Sportsbooks & Sports Betting

Legalized sports betting is coming to Indiana. It’s just not quite there yet.

Two bills were proposed in the state in 2018, one in the House and one in the Senate. Included in the bills were a 1% integrity fee paid to professional sports leagues based on the wager amount and a 9.25% tax on sports betting revenue.

The legislative session ended before any votes could be held or the two bills could be reconciled in committee. That’s expected to be a priority when the new session opens in 2019.

Fantasy Sports Gambling and eSports

In 2016, Indiana made daily fantasy sports (DFS) legal within the state. The law signed by Governor Mike Pence laid out the following regulations:

• A licensing fee of $50,000 with an annual renewal rate of $5,000
• Players must be at least 18 years old
• Contests involving amateur and college sports are prohibited
• Fantasy sports are officially designated a game of skill, and therefore aren’t gambling

The Indiana Gaming Commission oversees DFS companies operating in the state, and lists the following operators as license holders:

• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• FantasyDraft
• SportsHub
• StarStreet
• Yahoo

Gambling on eSports is still considered a game of chance, making it illegal.

Animal Racing

Indianapolis is well known as the home of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”– the 500-mile motorsports race held every Memorial Day weekend at the Brickyard. If you venture just outside the city limits, you can access both of the state’s legal live horse racing venues, which also double as casinos.

• Hoosier Park Racing Casino: Harness racing from the end of March through early November
• Indiana Grand Racing Casino: Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing from April through early November

Off-track betting (OTB) is limited to sites owned and operated by the two race tracks. The four OTB locations are in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Clarksville, and Shelbyville.

There is no greyhound racing in Indiana. You must be at least 18 years old to place a parimutuel wager.

Indiana Poker Games

Eight of the casinos listed above have live poker rooms:

• Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg
• Tropicana Evansville
• Belterra Casino
• Blue Chip Casino
• Horseshoe Southern Indiana Hotel and Casino (Elizabeth)
• Horseshoe Casino (Hammond)
• Majestic Star Casino
• Four Winds Casino

There are no other poker rooms in the state.

Online poker is illegal.

Lottery

The Hoosier Lottery was passed by Indiana voters in 1988, and it began selling tickets the next year. Along with scratch-off tickets and two instant win/nightly draw games, the following draw games are available:

• Daily 3
• Daily 4
• Quick Draw
• Cash 5
• Hoosier Lotto
• Cash 4 Life (multistate)
• Mega Millions (multistate)
• Powerball (multistate)

All winning tickets must be claimed within 180 days of the game date. You must be 18 years of age or older to buy a ticket or claim a prize.

Bingo

Indiana does have charitable gaming laws that allow qualified nonprofit organizations to host bingo games as fundraisers. If the prize is less than $1,000, or $3,000 over a calendar year, qualified organizations do not need a license from the state.

For those who do need a license, the initial fee is $50. Renewal rates are on a graduated scale based on the adjusted gross income from previous events. Along with bingo, a charitable gaming license allows organizations to conduct charity game nights, which may include card, dice, and roulette games.

You must be at least 18 years old to buy a bingo card in Indiana.

Indiana Casino History

The casino history of Indiana extends back to the mid-1800s when the newly drafted state constitution explicitly banned a state lottery. Though the constitution itself only made mention of lotteries and nothing else, it was widely believed that this really meant that all forms of gambling were illegal.

Flash forward more than 100 years to 1988. At this time, the longstanding ban on lotteries was lifted thanks to an amendment to the state’s constitution. Shortly after the amendment was made, the Mayor of Gary, Indiana—an economically depressed town due to the departure of manufacturing—introduced a bill to the state’s General Assembly that would allow for a casino to be built in the city. The bill did not make it very far and was shot down, but shortly thereafter a referendum was held which showed that more than 60% of Gary residents supported the idea of bringing casinos to the city.

A second pro-casino bill was introduced to lawmakers in 1990, but a Republican-dominated state government shot this bill down as well. Over the course of the next three years, no less than 3 new bills were introduced to state lawmakers only to eventually be shot down and thrown out.

Thanks to the state of Indiana delving into a budget crisis in 1993, a special session of the state’s General Assembly was held in June of that year. Despite the raising of taxes seeming like the only way by which the state of Indiana would be able to claw its way out of the ongoing budget crisis, Republicans wanted nothing to do with that. As a compromise, Republicans were able to refrain from raising taxes so long as they met certain Democratic demands; which included an expansion of casino gambling. Because of the compromise, Indiana was able to host 5 riverboat casinos on Lake Michigan as well as 5 more on the Ohio River. Another casino was licensed and was supposed to be docked on Patoka Lake, but a license transfer ensured that the casino was eventually built in French Lick.

In 2007, state law was changed once more and allowed for slot machines to exist at horse and dog racetracks. This took the total number of official casinos up to 13 from 11. What it also did was open up the central part of the state to gambling. Before this measure was approved, the only casino gambling that one could partake in Indiana was either on Lake Michigan or the Ohio River, which are located at the Northernmost and Southernmost parts of the state. Despite Indiana not necessarily being considered a gambling mecca, it holds its own and is becoming more accepting to casinos as the years move forward.