Looking to learn about betting in the Hoosier State? Read this guide for info on markets, gambling laws, and the top Indiana sports betting sites.
If you’re keen to get started at one of the leading Indiana sportsbooks but don’t know where to begin, you’re on the right page. We’ll talk you through the world of sports betting in the Hoosier State, dealing with everything from the markets you’ll be able to place wagers on to the popular banking methods available. We’ll also provide a detailed answer to the question ‘is sports betting legal in Indiana?’ and list our top recommended sites, so you can quickly compare options and sign up. Let’s dive in.
Are online betting sites legal in Indiana?
Yes. Ever since Governor Eric Holcomb signed House Bill 1015 back in May 2019. Land-based sportsbooks started taking bets in September that year, with Indiana online sports betting launching shortly after that.
All sportsbooks that operate in this corner of the Midwest need to be checked and licensed by the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC). Players need to be over the age of 21 and physically located within state lines to place wagers at online sportsbooks.
Why play at a licensed Indiana online betting site?
There are lots of reasons why you should limit your gaming to licensed sites only. For one thing, Indiana sports betting online is much safer when it’s done through a provider that’s been vetted by the IGC. The regulator verifies the integrity and character of gambling operators and stipulates that sportsbook sites must be independently audited and provide clear terms and conditions as well as responsible gambling tools. On top of that, the IGC gives you a formal avenue for escalating any complaints you might have about a licensed sportsbook in the state.
Why should I avoid offshore online sportsbooks?
While it’s possible to go searching for offshore sportsbooks to join while you’re in Indiana, we’d suggest steering well clear. First up, these offshore operators aren’t necessarily regulated by reputable authorities, which can leave you vulnerable to negligent or outright fraudulent practices. In addition, you won’t have an easy way to lodge formal complaints if, for example, the offshore sportsbook doesn’t honor the terms of its bonus deal or doesn’t pay out money in a timely way. So, while offshore sites may look appealing, they aren’t worth the risk.
How to identify a legal online betting site in Indiana
That shouldn’t be too hard. Licensed betting sites in the Hoosier State will display the relevant licensing info on their homepage, so you can quickly see that they’re legitimate. You can also head over to the IGC website to check the most up-to-date list of licensees. Here at Gambling Spotlight, we only list Indiana sportsbooks that have been approved by the Commission, so you can rest assured you’ll be in safe hands.
Which online betting sites can Indiana residents play at?
There are several Indiana betting sites to choose from. Here are some of the biggest brand names taking wagers right now:
DraftKings
One of the original daily fantasy sports (DFS) sites in the USA, DraftKings is now a firmly established leader in the world of online sports betting. The site offers a wide array of markets, from US major league events to English Premier League soccer, with bet types that range from parlays to in-game props. You can get the ball rolling at the DraftKings sportsbook with a 20% matched deposit bonus on your initial deposit up to a max of $1,000, while an invite-only VIP scheme promises personalized promotions for loyal customers.
BetMGM
Slick, stylish, and modern, BetMGM ticks all the boxes for visual impact. Look beyond the surface and you’ll find an online bookmaker with sprawling sports coverage, so you can bet on everything from boxing to baseball. Indiana bettors can try the site out with a risk-free welcome offer that effectively insures your opening wager. If you’ve backed a loser, you’ll get the full value back as bet credits, up to a $1,000 max. BetMGM also offers a feast of ever-updated promos for returning customers, from parlay insurance deals to promos tying in with major dates like Thanksgiving.
BetRivers
A relative newcomer to the world of Indiana sports betting, BetRivers is making a name for itself by offering one of the most generous welcome bonuses in the Hoosier State. By signing up as a new member, you can get a matched deposit of 100% up to a total of $250. The kicker? There’s a mere 1x wagering requirement, so you can turn that bonus cash into real winnings quicker than you might elsewhere. Expansive betting markets, live streaming of top events and the ability to cash out certain bets before the outcome is decided are among the perks you can look forward to as a BetRivers bettor.
FanDuel
Standing alongside DraftKings as a much-loved DFS site that’s made the successful transition to sports betting, FanDuel wins plaudits for its easy-on-the-eye betting interface. It’s easy to access all the listed sports events, including NBA, NFL, and NHL games, and handy tools like the same game parlay creator make everything run smoothly. Newcomers to the site can place their first wager feeling comfortable in the knowledge that a losing stake up to $1,000 will be returned as bonus credits. You can also take advantage of regular odds boosts and parlay insurance on specified markets.
Caesars
Caesars is a legendary name in the world of American betting, mainly thanks to its flagship casino on the Vegas Strip. The operator is now also licensed to provide sports betting opportunities in Indiana, and new members can enter a promo code to receive free credits equivalent to their first qualifying wager, up to a $1,001 max. The site itself is well laid out, decked out with bet types including in-play parlays, futures, and simple moneylines. Regular competitions also provide prizes like tickets to the Super Bowl and more.
Indiana’s land-based bookmakers
Sports betting in Indiana was originally only permitted at retail sportsbooks. So there are plenty of physical locations to place your wagers:
| Name of venue | Address |
| Ameristar Casino East Chicago | 777 Aldis Ave, East Chicago, IN 46312 |
| Bally’s Evansville | 421 NW Riverside Dr, Evansville, IN 47708 |
| Belterra Casino Resort | 777 Belterra Dr, Florence, IN 47020 |
| Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa | 777 Blue Chip Dr, Michigan City, IN 46360 |
| French Lick Casino | 8670 IN-56, French Lick, IN 47432 |
| Grand Victoria Casino & Resort | Rising Star Dr, Rising Sun, IN 47040 |
| Hollywood Casino & Hotel | 777 Hollywood Blvd, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 |
| Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino | 4500 Dan Patch Cir, Anderson, IN 46013 |
| Horseshoe Casino Hammond | 777 Casino Center Dr, Hammond, IN 46320 |
| Caesars Southern Indiana | 11999 Casino Center Dr SE, Elizabeth, IN 47117 |
| Indiana Grand Racing & Casino | 4300 N Michigan Rd, Shelbyville, IN 46176 |
| Rising Star Casino Resort – Rising Sun | 777 Rising Star Dr, Rising Sun, IN 47040 |
How to bet on sports with real money
It’s a cinch to get registered and start wagering at Indiana betting sites. Just follow the simple steps below:
- First off, you need to pick your ideal Indiana sports betting site. You’ll want to weigh up what sports markets are available, the quality of the user interface, and the kinds of welcome bonuses on offer. This can be done right here at Gambling Spotlight.
- Once you’ve decided where you want to bet, follow our link to the registration page where you’ll have to enter some basic personal details. There also might be an ID check at this stage to make sure you are who you say you are. Remember to enter any promo codes needed to score the optional welcome bonus.
- Unless you’ve scored free bet credits with no deposit required, money needs to be added to your account before you can bet. Navigate over to the cashier area and choose the payment method that suits you. A minimum amount may be required to activate the welcome bonus offer.
- Most money deposits take a matter of seconds to be credited to your account, so you should be good to start betting right away. Good luck!
Which sports can I bet on in Indiana?
Sports betting in Indiana covers a wide range of sports from all over the world. Here’s just a taster of what’s on offer:
- Football (incl. NFL)
- Basketball (incl. NBA)
- Baseball (incl. MLB)
- Hockey (incl. NHL)
- Soccer (incl. MLS)
- Boxing
- Golf
- Tennis
- Motorsports (incl. NASCAR)
- Cricket
- MMA
You can also bet on a range of college leagues in Indiana, but you won’t be able to place props bets on single players under state law.
Local sports teams to bet on
Indiana has a proud sporting heritage and is famous for its association with basketball. There are two major league teams you can back if you want to bet local:
- Indiana Pacers (NBA)
- Indianapolis Colts (NFL)
College teams also inspire big fan followings in the Hoosier State:
- Ball State Cardinals
- Butler Bulldogs
- Evansville Purple Aces
- Indiana Hoosiers
- Indiana State Sycamores
- IUPUI Jaguars
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- Purdue Boilermakers
- Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons
- Valparaiso Beacons
Betting Markets
New to online sports betting? Here’s a snappy rundown of the kinds of wagers you can place at Indiana betting sites.
- Moneylines – The simplest bet of all is the moneyline, which is where you pick who you think will win an event. That’s it.
- Point Spreads – This bet effectively gives one side or player a handicap. This evens the odds and means things could be more exciting in contests where one team or competitor is the runaway favorite.
- Props – Bets placed on specific outcomes within an event, such as the number of corners in an MLS soccer game or how many strikeouts an MLB pitcher will earn.
- Totals – With this market, you’ll bet on whether a certain statistic – such as the number of points in an NFL game – will be over or under a threshold figure.
- Live Betting – You don’t have to get all your bets in before the game starts, as in-play betting markets let you jump on the odds as they rise and fall during an event.
- Futures – If your crystal ball is telling you that a certain team will win the World Series or soccer World Cup, futures bets are what you’re after.
- Parlays – You can combine multiple bets on one ticket with a parlay. This has the benefit of rolling odds together for a bigger potential return, but your risk also increases as all the selections must come good for you to win.
Mobile betting apps in Indiana
You don’t have to hang around the office or have the laptop with you on the couch to place wagers at Indiana betting sites. That’s because top operators like DraftKings, Caesars, and FanDuel all have mobile-optimized versions of their sites that you can access on the go.
What’s more, these sites also offer dedicated apps that can be downloaded onto Android and iOS devices. Native apps bring even more convenience, as they let you tap your way to your favorite betting markets without needing to fire up the browser. As sportsbook apps store data on your device, you can also reap the benefits of faster updates and smoother functionality – a handy thing when you’re making breakneck in-game bets. Plus, you can activate push notifications to keep you up to date on the latest promos and bonuses.
Indiana betting payment methods
From e-wallets to classic debit card transfers, there are all sorts of payment methods on the menu at the best Indiana betting sites. Here’s a guide to the options you’re likely to have at your disposal:
Deposit
It’s normal for deposits at Indiana betting sites to go through instantly, so you shouldn’t have to wait around too long to get playing. While the exact range of deposit methods will vary from site to site, the most common routes include:
- Debit or credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard
- E-wallets
- Prepaid Play+ cards
- PayNearMe
- ACH/eCheck
- Cash deposits at a land-based sportsbook
- Online bank transfer
Withdrawal
You’ll usually find there aren’t as many withdrawal options as there are ways to pay into your account. How long you have to wait for your money to arrive will also depend on the withdrawal method and the sportsbook’s internal processing times. Popular options for cashing out include:
- E-wallets
- ACH/eCheck
- Cash withdrawals at a land-based sportsbook
- Prepaid Play+ cards
- Check by mail
- Online bank transfer
History of gambling in Indiana
If you’re curious how and when the Hoosier State started its journey towards legal sportsbook betting online, check our timeline below:
2018 – The US Supreme Court decides that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) is unconstitutional, giving the green light to individual states like Indiana to make up their own minds on sports betting.
2019 – Bill HB 1015, a piece of legislation that would allow sports betting in Indiana, passes the House and Senate before being signed off by Governor Eric Holcomb. The first sportsbooks are allowed to launch at physical casinos in September, followed by online betting sites in October.
2021 – There are record takings at Indiana sports betting sites, totaling a whopping $461 million for October alone.
Problem gambling support in Indiana
It’s important that gambling stays fun, but everyone should stay savvy about the potential risks. If you find that you’re betting more than you can afford, neglecting other areas of your life, or feel that gambling is having a negative impact on your wellbeing, you can contact the following organizations for advice and support.
Indiana Problem Gambling Awareness Program
Phone: 800-994-8448
National Council on Problem Gambling
Phone: 1-800-522-4700
Gamblers Anonymous Indiana Hotline
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/hotlines
Phone: 855-222-5542
Get started with sports betting in Indiana
Ready to enjoy Indiana sports betting online? Now you’ve got all the details about what you can bet on and how to deposit your money, you’re just about set. Use Gambling Spotlight’s comprehensive comparison tables to pick the sportsbook that’s right for you and click on through to begin.
FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Indiana?
Sports betting is 100% legal in the state of Indiana. That’s been the case since 2019, when new legislation came into force allowing in-person and online sportsbooks.
How do I know if I’m playing at a licensed Indiana online sportsbook?
You can check if the sportsbook you’re using is licensed by the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) by looking at the homepage. You can also rely on Gambling Spotlight to do the legwork, as we only list betting sites that are totally legal in the state.
Will I be taxed for my gambling winnings?
Winnings from gambling are taxed at both the state and federal level.
What other forms of gambling are allowed in Indiana?
So far, Indiana has legalized online and in-person sports betting, horse racing wagers , and in-person casino gaming. You can also bet on daily fantasy sports, play real money bingo at land-based venues, and enjoy lottery games. Online casino gaming isn’t yet legal in the Hoosier State.
Do you need to be in Indiana to play at an Indiana online sportsbook?
You will have to be physically located within the state to be able to place a bet. Indiana betting sites use geolocation tools to verify you’re eligible to wager.
Is Indiana online betting fair?
Since Indiana betting sites are regulated by the IGC, you can rest assured that they’re fair and above board. It’s one of the reasons we’d never recommend playing at an offshore bookmaker.
Which is the best online betting site in Indiana?
We have a few ideas on the best betting sites in Indiana, but it’s down to your personal choice. You can use GamblingSpotlight to compare and contrast all the different offers from leading brands like DraftKings, BetMGM, and BetRivers, and decide which operator pushes the right buttons for you.
Are there any new online betting sites in Indiana?
Sports betting is still a young industry in Indiana, so you could argue all the online betting sites are new. One of the latest, however, is WynnBET, which launched in April 2021.
References:
https://rbelaw.com/the-rise-of-sports-betting-in-indiana-and-the-challenges-it-faces/
https://www.lineups.com/betting/caesars-indiana/
https://promo.in.betmgm.com/en/promo/offers/p/sportsbook
https://ia.sportsbook.fanduel.com/promotions
https://www.playindiana.com/october-2021-indiana-betting-handle/
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/hotlines
https://secure.in.gov/fssa/dmha/addiction-services/problem-gambling/