Staying Afloat: Indiana's Casino Boat Keeps The Fun Going

Indiana is home to several riverboat casinos, which are casinos on riverboats. These types of casinos first became legal in the late 20th century when states that generally prohibited gaming on land looked for ways to enable gambling while limiting where casinos could be constructed. In Indiana, riverboat casinos were authorized by a 1993 law that required them to be navigable and self-propelled. The law brought economic development to poorer areas of Indiana while attracting gamblers from other states. While these casinos were originally required to go on cruises several times daily, in 2002 the law was changed to allow the casinos to remain docked, making gambling more convenient for customers and boosting tax revenue. Today, there are several riverboat casinos in Indiana, including Horseshoe Hammond, French Lick Casino, and Rising Star Casino. These casinos offer a variety of gambling options, including slot machines, table games, and card tournaments. While the casinos were originally required to have motors and marine crews, legislation passed in Indiana now allows them to be permanently docked and eliminates the need for motors and crews.

Riverboat casinos in Indiana are mostly located on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan

Indiana has a rich history of gambling, with riverboat casinos being a prominent feature. The state's constitution included a ban on lotteries and gambling in 1851, which was lifted in 1988 when state voters approved a constitutional amendment. This amendment paved the way for the establishment of the Hoosier Lottery.

Indiana law authorises up to ten land-based or riverboat casinos on Lake Michigan and the Ohio River. Additionally, there is one land-based casino allowed in French Lick and racinos at the state's two horse tracks. The first riverboat casino in Indiana, Casino Aztar Evansville, opened its doors on December 7, 1995, marking the beginning of a new era for gambling in the state.

Over the years, several riverboat casinos have sprung up along these waterways, providing entertainment and economic boosts to their respective regions. One notable example is the Horseshoe Southern Indiana, formerly known as the Caesars riverboat, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024. This casino has generated over $1.1 billion in state gaming and admissions taxes, with a significant portion benefiting Harrison County.

• Belterra Casino Resort
• Argosy Casino and Hotel - Lawrenceburg
• Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa
• Casino Aztar
• French Lick Casino and Resort
• Grand Victoria Casino and Resort
• Harrah's East Chicago Casino and Hotel
• Horseshoe Casino Hammond
• Majestic Star Casino
• Trump Casino Indiana

Indiana casinos are open 24/7

Casinos in Indiana are open 24/7, offering gamblers an always-on entertainment experience. The state's casinos are located on boats or by the water, with Indiana law authorizing ten land-based or riverboat casinos on Lake Michigan and the Ohio River. These casinos are a significant source of revenue for the state, with the Horseshoe Southern Indiana riverboat alone generating over $1.1 billion in state gaming and admissions taxes.

The history of Indiana's casinos is rooted in economic development efforts. In the 1980s, state voters approved a constitutional amendment that lifted a ban on lotteries, paving the way for the Hoosier Lottery. This sparked further discussions about casino gambling, and in 1993, legislation was passed to authorize riverboat casinos. These casinos were initially required to be navigable and self-propelled, with daily cruises, but changes in the law over time allowed them to remain docked, providing more convenience for customers and boosting tax revenue.

The riverboat casinos in Indiana offer a unique gambling experience, with some located on actual boats, while others are built more like barges or buildings by the water. These casinos provide a range of games, including slot machines and table games, attracting both locals and out-of-state gamblers.

One notable aspect of Indiana's casinos is their contribution to the local economy. The casinos have brought significant tax revenue to the state and have been a catalyst for development in their respective areas. For example, the arrival of the Horseshoe Southern Indiana riverboat was credited with transforming a mostly rural Hoosier county and modernizing the Churchill Downs property, leading to new amenities and investments.

While Indiana's casinos have faced competition from neighbouring states and have had to adapt to changing demographics and customer preferences, they remain a popular entertainment destination. With their 24/7 operating hours, Indiana's casinos offer a round-the-clock gaming experience for visitors seeking excitement and the chance to try their luck.

Indiana casinos offer a variety of games, including slots, card games, and live dealer table games

Indiana casinos offer a wide variety of games, including slots, card games, and live dealer table games. The state is home to 11 casinos in total, ranging from commercial casinos to riverboat casinos.

For those who enjoy the thrill of spinning reels and chasing jackpots, Indiana casinos feature an extensive selection of slot machines. With over 19000 slot machines across the state, players can choose from traditional reel games, video reel games, and video poker tournaments. Some casinos, like Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, are particularly known for their fun and clean slot machines.

Card game enthusiasts are also well catered to in Indiana casinos. Blackjack, or twenty-one, is a popular option, with casinos offering both the traditional version and unique variations like Double Deck Pitch Blackjack. Poker is another favorite, with casinos providing a range of poker cash games, poker tournaments, and video poker. For those seeking a more intimate gaming experience, some casinos, such as French Lick Casino, offer high-limit rooms with exclusive games.

In addition to slots and card games, Indiana casinos provide a range of live dealer table games. These include roulette, with casinos offering the Double Zero Roulette variant, and dice games. Players can also enjoy baccarat, a game of chance that has gained popularity in recent years.

The diversity of games in Indiana casinos ensures that players of different preferences and skill levels can find something to suit their tastes. Whether you're a fan of the fast-paced action of slots or the strategic challenges of card and table games, Indiana casinos have something for everyone.

Indiana casinos are allowed to eliminate motors and marine crews and be permanently docked

The bill brings Indiana's casinos further away from the original concept of cruising gambling boats. The original law, passed in 1993, required the casino boats to go on cruises several times daily. However, in 2002, the General Assembly changed the law to allow the casinos to remain docked, boosting tax revenue and making gambling more convenient for customers.

The change is particularly popular in Southeast Indiana, where casinos face competition from Ohio casinos in Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo, and Cleveland. A study found that these Ohio casinos could shift more than $100 million in gambling tax revenue out of Indiana if the state made no changes to its casino industry.

The bill also allows casinos to host card tournaments in their hotels, pavilions, and convention spaces, providing more flexibility for casino operations in the state.

While some lawmakers have expressed concern about the incremental movement of casinos from boats to land-based operations, the bill passed with a vote of 58-41.

Indiana casinos have bars and restaurants, with some offering free beverages

Indiana casinos offer a variety of amenities, including bars and restaurants, with some even providing free non-alcoholic beverages. Here is some information about a few of them:

Horseshoe Hammond Casino

Located at 777 Casino Center Drive in Hammond, Indiana, the Horseshoe Hammond Casino features a highly-rated bar and game floor. It also allows smoking and offers free beverages, although alcohol is not complimentary.

Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing & Casino

The Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in Anderson, Indiana, is praised for its cleanliness and variety of fun slot machines. It is unclear if they offer complimentary beverages.

Indiana Grand Racing & Casino

The Indiana Grand Racing & Casino offers both horse racing and a large, updated casino. While it is unclear if they offer complimentary beverages, they do provide food options with good selections.

French Lick Casino

The French Lick Casino is open 24 hours a day and features over 700 slot machines and more than 25 live dealer table games. It is unclear if they offer complimentary beverages.

Caesars Southern Indiana Casino

The Caesars Southern Indiana Casino, located in Elizabeth, has received positive reviews for its slot machines and table games. They offer a variety of food options, including a sports bar. However, some of their restaurants are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. It is unclear if they offer complimentary beverages.

Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg

The Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, is praised for its friendly staff, extensive gambling options, and great music. They offer a variety of slots and allow smoking. Some of their restaurants are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. It is unclear if they offer complimentary beverages.

Four Winds Casino South Bend

The Four Winds Casino in South Bend, Indiana, stands out for its incredible staff who are known for their friendly and welcoming attitude. They offer a range of games and have multiple restaurants, including the Copper Rock Steakhouse. It is unclear if they offer complimentary beverages.

These are just a few examples, but many other casinos in Indiana provide similar amenities, each with its unique atmosphere and offerings. Be sure to check out their websites or reviews for more detailed information.

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