Indiana casinos are located in the "Hoosier state," a Midwest state at the "crossroads of America." Indiana, with a population of over 6,000,000 and an area of 35,867 square feet, is known for agriculture, manufacturing, and mining of decorative limestone. The capital of Indiana is Indianapolis, the "amateur sports capital of the world," with a population approaching 2,000,000. The largest single-day sporting event in the world, the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, is held in Indianapolis. Gambling in Indiana casinos is very popular and there are a number of riverboat casinos in the state, where the minimum age for gambling is 21. Some of the casinos are open from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 Midnight, seven days a week, and others stay open for 24 hours. Indiana casinos offer a variety of table games, such as blackjack, roulette, craps, and several types of poker, including Pai Gow, Draw, Stud, Let It Ride, and 3 Card, as well as frequent poker tournaments. The majority of the larger Indiana casinos are open for 24 hours, such as Caesars Indiana, in Elizabeth, with 93,000 square feet of gaming area, 2,349 slots, 120 table games, including poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat, 10 restaurants, and a hotel. Another large Indiana casino, the Argosy Casino and Hotel, in Lawrenceburg, is open 24 hours and has 74,300 square feet, 2,384 slots, 87 table games, and five restaurants. In addition, the Resorts East Chicago Hotel and Casino has 53,000 square feet, 1,966 slots, and 50 table games. There are several smaller Indiana casinos, as well, including the Majestic Star in Gary, also open 24 hours, with 43,000 square feet, 1,600 slots, and 47 table games, and the Horseshoe Casino, in Hammond, with 42,573 square feet, 2,000 slots, 49 table games, several bars, and restaurants. Another popular Indiana casino is the Grand Victoria Casino and Resort, in Rising Sun, open Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., and Friday through Sunday, open for 24 hours. This 40,000 square foot casino has 1,497 slots, 36 table games, and four restaurants. Indiana casinos bring an enormous amount of revenue to the state and the enthusiasm for gambling in Indiana is widespread. It is estimated that Indiana casinos in Northwest Indiana rank third in the gambling market of the United States. The worldwide appeal of poker tournaments and the excitement of gambling in Indiana casinos continue to attract more travelers, boosting the economy at a remarkable rate. |
