Indiana Sports Betting

Indiana passed sports wagering legislation in May 2019, and the first retail sportsbooks launched just four months later. Online sports betting in Indiana followed shortly after, with industry veterans DraftKings and BetRivers debuting their betting apps on October 3, 2019.

Today, nearly all of Indiana’s 13 land-based casinos have retail sportsbooks, and more than a dozen Indiana online sports betting operators are taking legal real-money wagers. The Indiana sports betting industry generated $3.83 billion in sports wagering handle in 2021, comparable to the larger state of Michigan.

BettingUSA has been monitoring the industry’s development from day one to provide up-to-date listings and reviews of the best Indiana sports betting sites. In addition, bettors can claim promo codes with a total value surpassing $10,000.

Legal Indiana Betting Sites

BetMGM Sportsbook$1500 Second Chance BetBetMGM Bonus Code: BUSABONUS Get Bonus
DraftKings SportsbookNo Sweat Bet up to $1,000DraftKings Promo Code: Not Needed Get Bonus
FanDuel SportsbookBet $5 Get $150FanDuel Promo Code: Not Needed Get Bonus
BetRivers SportsbookSecond Chance Bet Up To $500BetRivers Bonus Code: BUSA Get Bonus
Caesars Sportsbook$1000 Bonus BetCaesars Sportsbook Promo Code: BUSA1000 Get Bonus
BetWay SportsbookUp to $150 Bonus BetBetway Promo Code: Not Required Get Bonus
Bet365 SportsbookBet $5 Get $150Bet365 Bonus Code: Not RequiredGet BonusGambling problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IN/LA/NC/NJ/OH/VA) 21), (KY) 18+. New Customer Offer Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.
TwinSpires$200 Deposit BonusTwinSpires Offer Code: BET200Get Bonus
AmWager$150 Deposit BonusAmWager Promo Code: BUSA150Get Bonus
DRF Bets$200 Deposit BonusDRFBets Promo Code: STAKESGet Bonus
PrizePicks$100 Deposit BonusPrizePicks Promo Code: BUSAGet Bonus
Underdog Fantasy$100 Deposit BonusUnderdog Fantasy Promo Code: BETUSAGet Bonus

21+ and present in Indiana. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT.

Indiana offers several other forms of legal, well-regulated online betting. State law also permits online horse racing betting and daily fantasy sports apps. The success of online sports betting in Indiana has also spurred efforts to legalize online casino gambling.

Best Indiana Sports Betting Apps

Indiana law permits licensed casinos and OTBs to partner with sports betting sites to operate up to three individually branded online sportsbooks, also known as “skins.” There’s a total of 14 licensed operators, so in theory, Indiana could support over 40 sports betting apps. However, most licensed properties have settled on one partner.

Indiana sports bettors do not have to visit casinos to register online sportsbook accounts. Users 21 or older may register, deposit, and place wagers from anywhere in state lines.

Below is a list of approved Indiana online sports betting apps:

BetMGM Sportsbook$1500 Second Chance BetBetMGM Bonus Code: BUSABONUSGet Bonus
  • Launched: February 2020
  • Partner: Belterra Casino Resort
  • Expert Review: BetMGM Indiana

BetMGM launched in Indiana in February 2020 with a full sports betting menu. BetMGM Indiana features a slick but perhaps overly busy online sports betting app and extensive sports coverage of sports.

Regular BetMGM boosted odds promotions, “bet and get” offers, insurance on select wagers, and integration with MGM Rewards make BetMGM Sportsbook an attractive option for Indiana bettors. Between its wagering catalog, emphasis on value-added promotions, and feature rich interface, BetMGM easily ranks among the best Indiana betting sites.

Note: BetMGM tends to push highly -EV bets such as “one game parlays” and other multi-leg parlays through its Parlay Generator feature.

The BetMGM bonus offers Indiana bettors a valuable first bet offer.

Use the BetMGM Indiana bonus code BUSABONUS when registering to claim the latest signup offer.

DraftKings SportsbookNo Sweat Bet up to $1,000DraftKings Promo Code: Not NeededGet Bonus
  • Launched: October 2019
  • Partner: Ameristar East Chicago
  • Expert Review: DraftKings Indiana

DraftKings is partnered with Ameristar East Chicago to offer online sports betting in Indiana. DraftKings was among the first wave of Indiana sports betting apps to roll out after the state legalized sports wagering, launching in October 2019.

The DraftKings Sportsbook app in Indiana offers a full online sports betting menu to Hoosier State residents and visitors including standard pre-game wagers, in-play betting, and special promotions. The DraftKings Indiana app scores well in stability, range of betting markets, generosity of bonuses, variety of deposit methods, and overall usability.

DraftKings Sportsbook’s latest welcome bonus in Indiana is automatically applied to all new accounts, and bettors can claim this offer by completing the registration process and making a first deposit.

A DraftKings Indiana promo code is NOT needed to claim the latest promotions.

FanDuel SportsbookBet $5 Get $150FanDuel Promo Code: Not NeededGet Bonus
  • Launched: October 2019
  • Partners: Blue Chip Casino and Belterra Casino Resort
  • Expert Review: FanDuel Indiana

FanDuel Sportsbook received an Indiana sports betting license on August 8th, 2019, and launched online sports betting two months later.

FanDuel Sportsbook partnered with Blue Chip Casino and Belterra Resort as part of a larger agreement with Boyd Gaming.

The FanDuel Indiana app looks good but can be hard to navigate. The notable absence of a FanDuel rewards program and poor teaser pricing adds to its cons. Highlights include regular FanDuel odds boosts promotions, solid in-play pricing, and strong derivative, alternative line, and prop betting menus.

FanDuel Indiana welcomes new users with a valuable welcome promotion: anyone who registers, deposits, and places a wager receives the latest signup offer automatically.

A FanDuel Indiana promo code is NOT needed to claim the current offer.

Bet365 SportsbookBet $5 Get $150Bet365 Bonus Code: Not RequiredGet BonusGambling problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IN/LA/NC/NJ/OH/VA) 21), (KY) 18+. New Customer Offer Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.
  • Launched: January 2024
  • Partner: French Lick Resort
  • Expert Review: Bet365 Indiana

The Bet365 app is one of Indiana’s most understated online sportsbooks, but bettors who look will find there’s a lot happening under the hood.

Beneath the plain exterior, Bet365 Indiana provides an almost an almost absurd degree of sports coverage, market depth, bet boosts, and super boosts. Plus, longstanding promos like Bet365’s early payouts provide additional value by paying customers’ bets the instant their selected teams get ahead by X number of points.

Bet365’s other strong points include consistently best-in-market in-play betting pricing, live-streams for more than 780,000 events per year, integrated “Daily Lineups” fantasy sports leagues, and simple but value-added promotions.

Weak points include an unintuitive betting interface with minimal navigation cues, merely average lines on the major US sports leagues, and no rewards program.

BetRivers SportsbookSecond Chance Bet Up To $500BetRivers Bonus Code: BUSAGet Bonus
  • Launched: October 2019
  • Partner: French Lick Resort
  • Expert Review: BetRivers Indiana

BetRivers parent company Rush Street Interactive secured an Indiana sports betting license in partnership with French Lick Resort. BetRivers launched online sports betting in Indiana in October 2019.

BetRivers has one of the most beginner-friendly signup bonuses available at Indiana online sportsbooks and was the first U.S. licensed betting app to begin live-streaming certain sports so fans can watch live while they wager. The lines and app layout have something to be desired, but that’s understandable given how many betting markets and formats BetRivers Indiana offers.

The latest BetRivers Indiana bonus offer is valuable for one simple reason: no wagering requirements.

Use the current BetRivers Indiana bonus code BUSA to claim this offer.

Caesars Sportsbook$1000 Bonus BetCaesars Sportsbook Promo Code: BUSA1000Get Bonus

Caesars Sportsbook Indiana launched in October 2020 in partnership with Tropicana Evansville. Caesars Sportsbook app has a smooth user interface, tons of betting markets, and an extensive in-play betting lineup.

Caesars Sportsbook in Indiana is also the Emperor of Odds Boosts, frequently rolling out new boosted odds promotions (often on a daily basis). Low moneyline vigorish and tie-ins to Caesars Rewards further elevate what was already a strong offering.

Caesars Sportsbook offers one of the most generous sports betting bonuses in Indiana. New customers can claim the offer by signing up with the Caesars Sportsbook Indiana promo code BUSA1000.

Other Indiana Online Sportsbooks

  • Launch Date: September 2022
  • IGC Status: Approved
  • Partner: Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
  • Expert Review: Hard Rock Bet Indiana

Hard Rock Sportsbook in Indiana received an online sports betting license in early 2022 and launched later that year. The Hard Rock Bet app in Indiana provides a simple but easy-to-use sports betting platform but lacks the advanced features of its more established competitors.

Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana also operates a retail sportsbook featuring multiple betting windows, self-serve kiosks, a 24-foot LED video screen, and food and drink service.

  • Launched: November 14th, 2023
  • Partners: Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg & Ameristar East Chicago
  • Expert Review: ESPN Bet Indiana

ESPN Bet in Indiana operates an online sports betting app and retail sportsbook locations at Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg and Ameristar East in Chicago through a partnership between ESPN and Penn Entertainment.

  • Launched: July 2020 (Closing in 2024)
  • Partner: Horseshoe Hammond
  • Expert Review: Unibet Indiana

Unibet struck a deal with Caesars Entertainment in February 2020 to partner on sports betting in Indiana. Under the agreement, Unibet Sportsbook in Indiana is partnered with Caesars Horseshoe Hammond.

Unibet Sportsbook offers extensive in-play markets and easy-to-clear bonuses but does not offer as many promotions as other Indiana betting apps. The latest Unibet Sportsbook signup bonus for Indiana sports bettors is a $100 bonus bet, which lacks compared to the competition.

Betway Indiana launched statewide online sports betting in mid-2021. With extensive online betting experience and a large marketing budget, Betway Sportsbook has the key ingredients it needs to be a competitive player in the Hoosier State.

Betway Indiana strong points include a ton of in-play betting events each day and a very large event wagering catalog. The Betway Indiana app also stands out for being simple to use and full of features and betting markets.

Unfortunately, the Betway Indiana bonus offer doesn’t stand out in comparison to other Indiana online sportsbooks. Betway offers Indiana bettors a $250 bonus bet offer that is worth taking advantage of but probably shouldn’t be a bettor’s first choice.

Fanatics Sportsbook was a late entrant into the Indiana sports betting market and faces considerable competition, but it hasn’t yet shown much to make it stand out from the pack. Fanatics Sportsbook has an attractive welcome bonus and a regular lineup of odds boost but appears to have reduced its promotional output overall.

The Fanatics betting app is a pleasure to use because it responds instantly to user input, but some of the design choices needlessly complicate navigation and crowd the home screen. For example, the home screen displays a hodgepodge of popular games, trending parlays, featured athletes, and odds boosts interspersed between upcoming game lines. It’s well-executed but overwhelming.

However, Fanatics Sportsbook has an underrated rewards program that returns more to players than most of its competitors’ overly complicated loyalty programs.

  • Launched: December 2021
  • Partner: Bally’s Casino Evansville
  • Expert Review: Bally Bet Indiana

Bally’s Corporation entered the Indiana sports betting market when it acquired and rebranded Tropicana Evansville, launching the Bally Bet Indiana app in December 2021. Less than two years later, Bally Bet temporarily ceased operations in Indiana and several other states to regroup and completely overhaul the app amid struggles to achieve any significant market share.

Bally Bet Indiana relaunched in November 2023, featuring a significantly improved interface and many more betting markets. Whereas the old Bally Indiana betting app looked outdated and was short on features, the new app debuted with a modern interface, many more wagering options, daily odds boosts, same game parlays, and live in-play betting data.

  • Launch Date: TBA
  • IGC Status: Pending
  • Partner: Harrah’s Hoosier Park
  • Expert Review: Tipico Indiana

Tipico Sportsbook plans to enter the Indiana sports betting market in partnership with Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Indiana bettors will likely appreciate the Tipico Sportsbook approach to sports betting: providing frequent bonuses, promotions and many wagering options for each event.

The Tipico Indiana app will be available for iOS and Android devices and should stand out for its simple and responsive interface.

  • Launch Date: October 2022
  • IGC Status: Approved
  • Partner: Full House Resorts (Rising Star Casino)
  • Expert Review: SBK Sportsbook Indiana

SBK Sportsbook Indiana is a unique betting site operated by Smarkets, an international exchange betting operator. What makes SBK different than other Indiana online sportsbooks is the ability to offer much lower-than-average commissions compared to traditional sports betting sites, taking odds straight from the Smarkets exchange and importing them into SBK to give customers better odds.

SBK Sportsbook also includes a social element allowing customers to share and view tips among one another. This will allow customers to track and view winning picks and compete against one another on leaderboards.

Smarkets announced a partnership with Full House Resorts in September 2019 and launched in Indiana in October 2022.

  • Launch Date: TBA
  • IGC Status: Approved
  • Partner: Spectacle Entertainment
  • Read more: BetIndiana preview

BetIndiana received an Indiana sports betting license in January 2020, but has yet to launch. The delay is likely the result of ongoing legal issues concerning its partner, Spectacle Entertainment. Additionally, Spectacle Entertainment closed its Majestic Star Casino in April 2021 to pave the way for the launch of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. BetIndiana initially partnered with Majestic Star Casino for an Indiana sports betting license, and the status of the license is currently unclear.

  • Launch Date: TBA
  • IGC Status: Pending
  • Partner: Caesars Entertainment
  • Expert Review: PlayUp Indiana

PlayUp Sportsbook partnered with Caesars Entertainment in 2021 to offer online sports betting in Indiana, but it has yet to launch.

Indiana Sportsbook Promo Codes

The following table outlines all current Indiana sports betting promo codes and their associated welcome offers for new customers:

Online SportsbookPromo CodeBonus Offer
BetMGM Indiana Bonus CodeBUSABONUSBet $5, Get $150
DraftKings Indiana Promo CodeNot NeededNo Sweat Bet up to $1,000
Bet365 Indiana Bonus CodeNot NeededBet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
BetRivers Indiana Bonus CodeBUSASecond Chance Bet up to $500
FanDuel Indiana Promo CodeNot NeededBet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
Caesars Sportsbook Indiana Promo CodeBUSA1000$1000 Bonus Bet
Betway Indiana Promo CodeN/A$250 Bonus Bet
Hard Rock Bet Indiana Promo CodeN/AUp to $200 in Bonus Bets

When you sign up for an account or go to make a deposit at some sportsbooks, you will be asked for a promo code, bonus code or offer code. What you’re being asked for is a certain phrase or word in order to claim the bonus of your choice.

For example, DraftKings Indiana asks for a promo code on the initial signup page:

DraftKings promo code

Indiana law allows sportsbooks to offer many types of promotions, but state regulations (pg. 19) require operators to accurately describe their offers:

All bonus offers must… not be described as free unless they are absolutely free. If the customer has to risk or lose their money or has conditions attached to their own money, then the offer or bonus must disclose those terms; not be described as risk free if the customer needs to incur any loss or risk their money to use or withdraw winnings from the free bet; and not restrict the customer from withdrawing their own funds or withdrawing winnings from bets placed using their own funds.

Indiana Sports Betting Bonuses

Sports betting bonuses are a byproduct of the competitive mobile sportsbook industry now operating in Indiana. Sensible legislation and the hard work of the people at the Indiana Gaming Commission have established an industry ripe for innovation and competition.

“Competition” is the key word there because when business compete for customers, it is the customers who win. This holds true in online betting as well, and the best Indiana sportsbooks have brought out the big guns as they fight for your attention.

Deposit bonusesbonus bet offers and other promotions of all different stripes have become the order of the day in Indiana lately. Here’s a brief look at how they work:

  • Bonus bet offers: Bettors wager their own money, but if their first bet loses, they receive a refund up to a certain amount, either as a bonus bet or sportsbook site credit.
  • Deposit match offers: New players place an initial deposit, and the sportsbook matches part or all of their deposit with bonus funds. The bonus is always subject to a wagering requirement, which can range from as low as 1x up to 25x or higher. The lower the turnover requirement, the better.
  • First bet match offers: Similar to deposit matches, except instead of matching a bettor’s first deposit, the sportsbook matches their first wager with a matched bet of equal size, up to a predetermined maximum amount.

How to Bet Online in Indiana

There is no in-person registration requirement for Indiana sports betting. Bettors ages 21 and over can initiate registration from any eligible device, even from outside Indiana. The entire process usually takes no more than a couple of minutes.

The Indiana sports betting registration process varies slightly from book to book, but here’s the basic outline of what it entails:

  • Navigate to a site’s homepage, either directly or through one of the promo code links on this page.
  • Select “Sign Up” or an equivalent message to start registering.
  • State law requires Indiana sports betting sites to collect certain personal information from every bettor, including their e-mail address, full name, home address, date of birth, mobile phone number, and the last four digits of their SSN. Sportsbooks use this info for verification purposes and to curtail fraud and money laundering.
  • Agree to the terms and conditions, and verify that you’re over the age of 21 and permitted to wager in the state of Indiana.
  • Enter any relevant promo code to ensure you receive the maximum bonus. The optional promo code field may be found on the first or last registration page. Occasionally, sportsbooks ask for promos codes when bettors make deposits.
  • Submit your registration, and wait until your account is verified. This shouldn’t take longer than a few seconds.

Anyone wanting to wager from a mobile device can search for their preferred sports betting app in the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS). Alternatively, they can point their mobile browsers to any sportsbook’s website for the latest download links.

Bettors can conduct most functions from anywhere. The only thing they can’t do from outside the physical confines of Indiana is place bets. Bettors must be geolocated within state lines, either via 4G/5G coverage or a WiFI connection before they may place real-money wagers. Desktop users may be asked to download a small GeoComply plugin, while mobile users must enable location services.

Depositing at Indiana Sports Betting Sites

The first interaction of any consequence you have with a new online sportsbook is funding your account for the first time. Ideally, making a deposit is a fast and simple experience so you can quickly move on to the fun part: placing wagers and winning money.

Online sportsbooks in Indiana accept a wide range of betting deposit methods that run the gamut from instant debit and credit card deposits to in-person cash deposits. In most cases, making a deposit through a mobile betting app is no different than making any other type of purchase online.

The Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) regulates the types of deposit methods licensed betting sites may accept. Additionally, the Commission requires all online sportsbooks to provide “easy and obvious” methods to impose deposit limits, wagering limits and time-based limitations.

Page 23 of IGC regulations lays out the rules that govern licensed betting providers when it comes to payments:

A patron’s sports wagering account for sports wagering may be funded through the use of:

  • A patron’s credit or debit card;
  • A patron’s deposit of cash or vouchers at a cashiering location approved by the executive director or executive director’s designee;
  • A patron’s reloadable prepaid card, which has been verified as being issued to the patron and is non-transferable;
  • Promotional credit;
  • Winnings;
  • Adjustments made by the sports wagering operator with documented notification to the patron;
  • ACH transfer, provided that the operator has security measures and controls to prevent ACH fraud regarding failed ACH deposits;
  • Wire transfer; or
  • Any other means approved by the commission

Numbers 1-8 cover the most common deposit methods that are accepted by mobile sportsbooks in other states like online banking transfers, PayPal, Play+, and PayNearMe, while number 9 leaves the door open for the IGC to approve additional options as needed.

Many of the aforementioned payment methods are also eligible for withdrawals, with the caveat that a payment method usually must be first used for a deposit before it can be used for a payout.

Indiana Sportsbook Locations

Every casino in Indiana operates a retail sportsbook. Several off-track betting locations that once focused exclusively on horse racing betting have also added sports betting to their menus.

Indiana Sports Betting Law

Indiana legalized sports betting in May 2019 after Governor Eric Holcomb signed HB 1015 into law.

Online sports betting is available to anyone 21 or older, located within the Hoosier State’s borders, allowing them to safely and legally bet on sports online. The Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) also regulates retail sportsbooks at casinos and off-track betting facilities (OTBs).

Under the law, casinos and horse racing satellite facilities may apply for licenses to operate retail sportsbooks and mobile betting apps.

State law puts the IGC in charge of reviewing licensing petitions and issuing licenses to operators who qualify. The IGC also regulates retail sportsbooks at casinos and off-track betting facilities (OTBs).

Key things to know about Indiana sports betting:

  • Minimum age of 21 to participate
  • Customers may register from anywhere but must be located in Indiana to place wagers
  • Sportsbooks may accept bets on professional and college sports
  • In-play betting is permitted

Types of Sports Wagers Allowed in Indiana

Indiana sports betting law allows licensed operators to accept wagers on professional and college sports but not on esports or amateur competitions involving minors.

The Indiana Gaming Commission also maintains a complete catalog of sports events upon which sportsbooks may accept bets. The catalog does not necessarily mean sportsbooks accept wagers on all listed events, only that they may do so if they choose.

The current list of events authorized for betting by the IGC includes:

  • Aussie Rules Football: AFL
  • Auto Racing: Constructors’ Championships, F1, IndyCar, MotoGP, NASCAR
  • Baseball: MLB/MLB Draft, MLB All Star Game, Home Run Derby, MLB Futures Game, NCAA D1, Minor League AAA, Australian Baseball League, Nippon Professional Baseball, KBO, World Baseball Classic
  • Basketball: NBA/NBA Draft, NBA Lottery, NBA All-Star Game, NCAA D1, WNBA/WNBA Draft, Big3 League, IBF, EuroLeague, Euro Cup, The Basketball Tournament: TBT, FIBA Champions League/Qualifiers, First Tier FIBA Leagues from Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, Turkey
  • Bowling: Pro Bowling Tour
  • Boxing: Association of boxing Commission and Combative Sports, WBO, WBC, WBA, IBF, BBBofC
  • Bull Riding: Professional Bull Riding, Inc.
  • Competitions: Nathan’s Famous Hotdog Eating Contest
  • Cricket: ICC, Men’s and Women’s World Cup, South Africa Momentum One Day Cup
  • Cycling: Men’s and Women’s World Tour and Grand Tour
  • Darts: BDO, PDC
  • Football: NFL/NFL Draft, NCAA D1, AFL, CFL, USFL
  • Golf: PGA, PGA Tour Champions, LPGA, Champion’s Tour, European Tour, international events such as Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup, World Golf Championships, Korn Ferry Tour, NCAA Division I, The Match Series
  • Handball: Top league/domestic cups in Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Spain, Sweden, European Handball Federation Champions League, International Handball Federation World Championship
  • Hockey: NFL, NHL Draft, NHL Lottery, NHL All-Star Game, IHF, KHL, NCAA D1, World Championships, SM-liiga (Finland), Swedish Hockey League, Switzerland National League
  • Lacrosse: Premier Lacrosse League, NCAA D1
  • Mixed Martial Arts: UFC, Bellator, Legacy Fighting Alliance, ONE Championship, Professional Fighters League
  • Olympics: Summer and Winter Games, trials
  • Specials: Academy Awards/Category Winners
  • Rowing: FISA
  • Rugby: European Champions and Challenge Cup, Four Nations, NRL, Premiership Rugby Cup, Six Nations, Super League, Super Rugby, World Cup, World Rugby, PRO14
  • Sailing: Americas Cup, International Sailing Federation
  • Skiing & Snowboarding: US Ski & Snowboard
  • Soccer: MLS, MLS All-Star Game, NWSL, NCAA D1, US Open Cup, FIFA, and many international leagues/tournaments
  • Softball: NCAA D1
  • Table Tennis: ITTF and ETTU
  • Tennis: ATP, WTA, ITF, NCAA D1, USTA, World Team Tennis, Austrian National Series, German National Tennis Series, Spanish Liga MAPFRE
  • Track & Field: International Association of Athletics Federations, NCAA D1
  • Volleyball: Men’s and Women’s Euro Volley Tournament

Effective Indiana Sports Betting Regulation

Overall, Indiana sports betting law is favorable to gamblers and operators alike. Indiana avoided the twin pitfalls of integrity fees and data mandates while also authorizing mobile betting, which accounts for the lion’s share of the betting handle in all states that permit online and in-person betting.

Online betting also provides convenience to residents and effectively channels players away from unregulated offshore sites onto licensed betting apps that offer consumer safety and generate tax revenue for Indiana.

Furthermore, the effective sports betting tax rate of 9.5% is reasonable and ensures operators and bettors alike are able to thrive. A low tax rate typically equates to better odds and lines, more enticing bonuses and promotions, and a more diverse collection of sportsbook operators.

Indiana’s current sports betting law derives from two bills introduced earlier in 2019 that sought to legalize mobile sports betting and retail sportsbooks at casinos and off-track betting parlors.

HB 1363 called for a reasonable tax rate of just 6.25% and did not include integrity fees or any provisions forcing operators to purchase data from the leagues. In fact, HB 1363 went out of its way to state that licensed sportsbooks may obtain data from any source they please when it comes to determining whether wagers are graded winners or losers.

The bill also specified low license fees of $75,000, followed by an annual $10,000 renewal fee. HB 1363 had a companion bill in SB 439 that sought to authorize sports betting. SB 439 did not specify a tax rate. Its authors wrote it to have much in common with HB 1363 to foster an easy compromise between competing visions of Indiana sports betting.

Going back to 2018, lawmakers introduced HB 1325 to legalize sports betting, pending the yet-undecided Supreme Court case concerning the constitutionality of PASPA. HB 1325 included a deceptively expensive 1% integrity fee, which prompted the American Gaming Association to oppose the bill.

That statement read in part:

While we applaud Representative Morrison’s efforts to bring legal, transparent sports betting to Indiana, handing sports leagues 20 percent of what’s left over after winnings are paid out, undercuts its economic viability. Doing so will ensure the illegal market continues to thrive in the state, and gut the tax revenues available to fund essential public services. We believe Indiana taxpayers deserve better.

In early 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court found that PASPA, a big part of the federal government’s prohibition on gambling, was unconstitutional. In response, Indiana and many other states revisited their gambling and sports betting laws.

In October 2018, one of Indiana’s legislative committees recommended that the Indiana AG consider legalizing gambling.

Stakeholders quickly responded with arguments about the merits and detriments of expanding gambling in Indiana.

The Indiana Gaming Commission weighed in, estimating that Indiana’s yearly economic impact from legal sports betting and ancillary spending could amount to upwards of $466 million.

Lawmakers thoroughly debated Indiana sports betting legislation proposals, including whether they should authorize mobile betting.

One of the bill’s sponsors, State Senator Mark Messmer, described it as one of the hardest bills he had ever worked on.

When Indiana’s Governor signed the sports betting bill into law, he issued an accompanying press-release that read:

“Gaming is a highly regulated industry that once had little competition, but now does from surrounding states and new technology. By modernizing our laws, this legislation will spur positive economic growth for our state and for an industry that employs over 11,000 Hoosiers.”

The governor added, “Additionally, it will bring in new revenue and create hundreds of new jobs – both permanent and in construction.”

Indiana legalized sports betting with the passage of HB 1015 in 2019.

In addition to legalizing sports betting and establishing a licensing process, the law sets a 9.5% tax rate on operators, earmarks funding for problem gambling programs, prohibits wagers on esports, and places the Indiana Gaming Commission in charge of overseeing the industry.

Indiana Daily Fantasy Sports

PrizePicks$100 Deposit BonusPrizePicks Promo Code: BUSAGet Bonus

Indiana legalized daily fantasy sports in 2016 after Governor Mike Pence signed a bill into law on March 24th, 2016. In doing so, he paved the way for DFS operators to apply for licenses to offer daily fantasy sports in Indiana.

Daily fantasy sports sites in Indiana operated before the passage of the bill, but their legal status at the time was questionable. Lawmakers finally addressed the issue with a piece of legislation that would later become known as SB 339. That law requires operators to apply for licenses, pay annual licensing fees, and adhere to a standard of conduct designed to protect the integrity of sports, protect the customers of fantasy sites, and protect the vulnerable from risking too much money.

Indiana Horse Racing Betting

TwinSpires$200 Deposit BonusTwinSpires Offer Code: BET200Get Bonus

Horse racing betting is legal in Indiana and regulated by the state Horse Racing Commission (HRC). Residents may bet on horses in-person at authorized racing events or online through licensed ADWs.

Indiana’s two major race tracks, Indiana Grand and Harrah’s Hoosier Park, host live racing seasons most months of the year for thoroughbreds, standardbreds, and quarter horses. Additionally, an array of state and county fairs host races throughout the year.

Indiana Online Gambling

WOW Vegas35 Free Sweepstakes CoinsWOW Vegas Promo Code: None NeededGet Bonus

Indiana does not regulate online casinos and poker sites. The Hoosier State is one of just a few states that explicitly outlaws participating in online gambling, with the exception of some sweepstakes casinos.

IC § 35-45-2 states that “a person who knowingly or intentionally engages in gambling commits unlawful gambling” commits an offense classified as a Class B misdemeanor. Additionally, an operator who offers online gambling in Indiana commits a Level 6 felony.

Since legalizing sports betting, some Indiana lawmakers have come around to considering legislation to authorize online casinos and poker sites. A bill (SB 417) introduced by State Sen. Jon Ford in early 2021 would have allowed land-based casinos to offer online gambling and poker, but it never advanced beyond a first reading.

In 2023, Rep. Ethan Manning introduced HB 1536 to legalize online casinos and poker sites and authorize the Hoosier Lottery to take its games online. That bill also failed early in the legislative process, but proponents seem intent on eventually legalizing online gambling in Indiana. Some operators have even expanded their sports betting partnerships with land-based casinos to include online gambling in anticipation of Indiana passing a bill to legalize online casinos.

If Indiana is to authorize online gambling, it may come about as state coffers reap the full benefit of mobile sports betting. The first Indiana online sportsbooks launched in October 2019, and it did not take long for the industry to generate betting handle measured in the billions.

Additionally, legalizing online sports betting in Indiana will make it easier to implement any new laws authorizing online gambling. Now that regulators are acquainted with vetting mobile betting companies for licenses, overseeing internet security standards, and ensuring effective geofencing, the prospect of legalizing online gambling in Indiana is less daunting from a technical standpoint.

Indiana Online Lottery

Indiana online lottery ticket sales are not yet authorized, but lottery officials have launched a study to consider the implications. IGT, which has extensive experience selling lottery tickets online in other states, manages the Hoosier Lottery. Should officials decide to sell tickets to Powerball, Mega Millions, and instant win games online, IGT will be well-prepared to move quickly.

According to media reports, the Hoosier Lottery doesn’t require additional legislation to authorize online ticket sales. If lottery officials decide to proceed, they would be able to do so on their timeline and without authorization from the legislature.

Responsible Gambling in Indiana

Indiana bettors can use the following resources for information, 24/7 gambling addiction support, treatment options, and more.

Indiana Sports Betting and Gambling Self-Exclusion

The Indiana Gaming Commission offers two independent self-exclusion programs:

  • Internet Self-Restriction Program (ISRP): Individuals may enroll in the ISRP to self-exclude from all Indiana online sportsbooks for one year or five years. ISRP enrollment applies only to online and mobile sports betting in Indiana. However, licensed operators may elect to extend the exclusion to their retail sportsbook locations. Additionally, some operators may extend the exclusion request to their online/retail sportsbooks nationwide.
  • Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP): Individuals may enroll in the VEP to self-exclude from all Indiana sportsbooks, betting sites, casinos, and off-track betting facilities for one year, five years, or life. Some casinos may choose to ban anyone who voluntarily self-excludes permanently. Bettors may enroll in the VEP at any Indiana casino, the IGC office in Indianapolis (appointment only), or designated problem gambling treatment providers.

Important Indiana self-exclusion points:

  • Self-exclusion does not automatically expire at the end of the selected term; bettors must also submit a request for removal from the self-exclusion list after the term ends
  • After enrolling in the online sports betting self-exclusion program, bettors may withdraw any remaining funds in their accounts
  • Bettors may always increase their self-exclusion periods, but they may not decrease them
  • Anyone who enters an Indiana casino after self-excluding may face trespassing charges and the confiscation of their winnings

Indiana Sports Betting FAQ

In-person and online sports betting are now legal in Indiana thanks to a law passed in May of 2019. The Indiana Gaming Commission has been incredibly responsive to inquiries and maintains a useful website full of information here, but we have put together our own FAQ section here to compile answers to the most common questions all in one location.

State law establishes a minimum age of 21 to bet on sports or to even be present in an area where sports wagering is being conducted.

However, IC § 4-38-5-3 states employees of licensed sports betting facilities who are over 18 and under 21 may be present in areas where sports wagering is conducted but may not perform any functions directly related to sports wagering by the customers.

The Indiana Gaming Commission maintains a list of authorized Indiana online betting sites and authorized apps here.

The sports betting bill that was approved in 2019 is now codified under IC § 4-38. Additional regulations issued by the IGC can be seen here.

An IGC directive outlines the types of wagers that may be accepted by licensed sportsbooks in Indiana. For the most part, Indiana law allows a wide range of wager types.

Key rules regarding accepted and prohibited wager types:

  • Standard pre-game wagers such as point spreads, money lines and props allowed
  • In-play betting allowed
  • Wagers on NCAA D1 games and pro sports allowed
  • In-play proposition wagers on individual college athletes prohibited
  • IC § 4-38-5-4 prohibits wagers on esports

The Indiana Gaming Commission determines which sports leagues upon which licensed sportsbooks may accept wagers. Operators do not necessarily offer wagers on every league featured on the list of approved leagues; they simply have the option if they choose.

Indiana sportsbooks may also petition the IGC to offer wagers on events not currently approved.

Yes. Retail sportsbooks and betting sites licensed in Indiana may accept pre-game and in-game wagers on NCAA Division I games.

The one restriction is sportsbooks may not accept in-play props involving an individual college athlete.

For example, an in-play wager on whether or not the USC quarterback will pass for a TD by the end of the current quarter would not be allowed. However, a pre-game wager on the quarterback’s total number of TDs would be allowed.

IC § 4-38-9-3 prohibits licensed sports betting providers from accepting wagers from any of the following:

  • Anyone under 21 years of age
  • A partnership, corporation, association or any other entity that is not an individual
  • A sports betting licensee, vendor, director, officer or employee of a licensee, or a relative living in the same household of licensee or vendor
  • A sports wagering service provider, director, officer or employee of a sports wagering service provider, or a relative living in the same household of a sports wagering service provider
  • Athletes, games officials, employees and coaches of sports governing bodies and teams, and relatives of such living in the same household, are prohibited from placing wagers on their own sports
  • An individual convicted of a state or federal offense related to sports betting

The Indiana Gaming Commission has also issued regulations prohibiting the following from participating in sports wagering:

  • All of the above individuals prohibited by IC § 4-38-9-3
  • Anyone on the exclusion list as defined by 68 IAC 6-1
  • Anyone who has self-excluded from online sports betting
  • Occupational licensees employed by or associated with a supplier licensee
  • A person whose participation may undermine the integrity of wagering or the sports event

No.

Licensed operators in Indiana make use of geolocation technology to verify the location of every patron prior to accepting each wager. These verification methods are not easily duped with the use of VPNs, for example, and attempting to do so is not recommended.

No.

IC § 4-38-5-4 specifically prohibits wagers on esports competitions.

The IGC has issued sports wagering licenses to 15 casinos or off-track betting locations to date, and each may operate up to three sports betting skins. That means Indiana has room for up to 45 mobile sportsbooks at full capacity.

However, the actual number of betting sites will likely remain well below that number. Indiana is an attractive market, but 45 different mobile sportsbooks is a lot for any state.

Yes, but you cannot place wagers. You’re welcome to browse the odds, make deposits, and request cashouts from any state, but you will need to be in Indiana to place a wager using any legal sports betting app.

Your bet will be treated just like any other. If you place a wager while in Indiana and then leave, you will still be able to log in to the betting app from anywhere else to monitor your bet and cash out any winnings.

Bettors may place wagers at retail sportsbooks located inside casinos or off-track betting facilities (OTBs) and through licensed mobile betting apps.

One of the more controversial issues plaguing states in the run-up to legalization is whether or not to impose integrity fees and mandate the use of official data provided by the leagues. Indiana opted against both measures in favor of letting the free market shape the industry.