Indiana has always been pretty pro-gambling, they have always offered plenty of casino gambling, tribal gambling, and horse racing betting markets. So once the Supreme Court overturned the PASPA ruling and allowed states to decide whether they will allow sports betting, many anxiously awaited Indiana lawmakers to legalize sports betting.
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Indiana Sports Betting Timeline Can I bet on sports in Indiana? Indiana Sportsbooks and Casinos Top Online Sportsbooks in IndianaUntil September 2019, sports betting was illegal, and they even had updated betting laws to include online gambling, so the prospect of sports betting, especially online being legalized seemed bleak. The first Indiana sports betting apps launched in October 2019 with BetRivers and DraftKings Sportsbook at the helm.
Now, with almost a year of sports betting under their belt, 15 sportsbooks have opened at casinos and horse racing tracks, and eight sportsbook apps are available to residents of Indiana, with more on the way.
Casinos and Gambling
Indiana boasts approximately 10 casinos, featuring a variety of experiences. Some of these casinos are riverboats, offering a Las Vegas-style ambiance with a plethora of slot machines. Additionally, several of these venues provide table games for added entertainment. It's important to highlight that poker is not legal within the state of Indiana.
Revenue Potential
With a substantial population of six million residents, Indiana has the potential to generate significant tax revenue. The state levies a 9.5% tax on gross gaming revenue, potentially yielding millions of dollars annually.
| Sportsbook | Available In Indiana |
|---|---|
| FanDuel | ✅ |
| DraftKings | ✅ |
| Caesars | ✅ |
| FoxBet | ❌ |
| BetRivers | ✅ |
| BetMGM | ✅ |
| PointsBet | ✅ |
| UniBet | ✅ |
Indiana Sports Betting Timeline
After the landmark Supreme Court decision regarding PASPA, Nevada's monopoly on sports betting was struck down as illegal. Shortly thereafter, Indiana became the tenth state to regulate sports betting. With this, the Hoosier state joined many others at the forefront of legal sports betting in the US.
Early Legalization in 2019
In April of 2019, the legislature sent the bill to Governor Eric Holcomb, who was eager to sign it, aiming to maintain Indiana's competitiveness. Notably, discussions had been underway before the Supreme Court decision, making the bill's passage remarkably smooth and rapid.
Debate Over Mobile Betting
While the bill's approval was virtually assured, a key point of contention revolved around the inclusion of mobile betting. Despite the security measures required, mobile betting ultimately found its place in the final version that received approval from the Indiana government.
Following extensive legislative negotiations, the Governor signed the bill in May 2019. Remarkably, Indiana's official sports betting launch occurred just a few months later, on September 1, 2019, signifying an impressively swift turnaround.
2020 and Implementation
Immediately casinos began accepting sports bets. One month later, DraftKings and BetRivers officially opened up for business in the Hoosier State. They became the first online sportsbooks to open after the regulation of the industry.
More and more sportsbooks are seeking treasured Indiana Sports Betting Licenses issued by the Indiana Gaming Commission. In March 2021, WynnBET got one and began operating. Others are busy filing paperwork and waiting in line.
Can I bet on sports in Indiana?
Yes, you can indeed bet on sports in Indiana.
As long as you meet the minimum age requirement of 21 years, you have two options: you can either visit a land-based casino or racetrack equipped with a sportsbook, or you can sign up for a mobile sportsbook app. As long as you remain within state boundaries, whether you're a resident or a visitor, you're eligible to register and engage with an Indiana sportsbook.
The accessibility of sports betting options in Indiana is particularly noteworthy, considering the limited number of professional sports teams in the state. Indiana's sports betting law includes just one restriction: betting on eSports or amateur athletes under the age of 18 is not permitted.
Indiana Sportsbooks and Casinos
In the state of Indiana, there are 13 riverboats, land-based, and tribal gambling venues with permission to offer legal sports betting. Moreover, many of these venues partner with prominent online sportsbook brands, allowing them to provide their products within the casinos.
Among the first sportsbooks to open their doors in Indiana were the Ameristar Casino Resort, Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg, Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, Winner’s Circle Indianapolis, and Horseshoe Hammond Casino.
Key Venues
- Ameristar Casino Resort East Chicago is partnered with DraftKings Sportsbook, and located in the casino pavilion, near the sports bar. They offer all professional and collegiate sports on five sports betting terminals and 12 sports betting kiosks.
- Belterra Casino Resort is partnered with FanDuel Sportsbook and is located in Florence, Indiana. Their FanDuel sportsbook offering includes five betting windows, ten self-service kiosks, big-screen televisions, and a video wall for viewing the games or matches. You are able to bet on all professional and collegiate sports.
- Blue Chip Casino is also partnered with FanDuel Sportsbook and is located in Michigan City, Indiana. Their sportsbook offers five betting windows, 22 big-screen televisions, and 2 sports tickers.
- French Lick Resort Casino is partnered with Rush Street Interactive and is located in French Lick, Indiana. Sports bettors can wager on any professional sports, including the NFL, soccer, and even bowling. There are three betting windows to place a wager, or you can head to one of eight self-service kiosks. Online betting is also available by downloading the BetRivers app.
Caesars Venues
- Caesars Entertainment manages Harrah’s Hoosier Park, Horseshoe Hammond Casino, Horseshoe Southern Indiana Hotel & Casino, Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, and Winner’s Circle Clarksville, Indianapolis and New Haven and they are all partnered with Scientific Games.
Other Venues
- Rising Star Casino Resort is partnered with BetAmerica and Wynn Resorts and is located in Rising Sun, Indiana. Sports bettors can play online at BetAmerica and receive a bonus of $25 in free betting dollars when they sign up for the online sportsbook option.
- Tropicana Evansville Casino is partnered with William Hill and offers a selection of professional sports to place wagers on. They offer a William Hill rewards card when you sign up at the sportsbook in the casino, and you can place your bets at the betting counter or the William Hill Kiosks.
Top Online Sportsbooks in Indiana
While they have plenty of online sports betting apps that are legal in the state, some sports bettors prefer the online sportsbooks they’ve been using for years. Many online sportsbooks like Bovada and BetOnline have fantastic reputations, great deposit options, unlimited odds on any sport, and huge bonuses.
Whether you decide to play on state-run sports betting sites or offshore, there are plenty of options for sports bettors in Indiana, whether you’re a resident or a visitor to the state.
You will find many markets to bet on Indiana's professional teams, such as the Indiana Fever (WNBA), Indiana Pacers (NBA) and Indianapolis Colts (NFL). You will also find many betting lines for the state's amateur teams, such as the Indy Eleven (USL), FC Indiana (WPSL), Fort Wayne Ants (NBA G-League), and others.
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