Indiana Sports Betting Guide 2021

Indiana Sports Betting Guide 2021
The Hub for Mobile Sports Betting In The Hoosier State. Legal, Safe, Fun.

In September 2019 Indiana’s first brick and mortar sportsbooks went live, with the Hosier State going live with online sports betting a month later in October 2019. If you live in Indiana or just visiting the state, you now have many great options at your fingertips for placing bets on all the major US sports.

Sports betting in Indiana is fun, easy and 100% legal. Check our expert reviews and special bonuses, and start betting safely and legally in Indiana today!

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Indiana’s Sports Gambling History

In May 2019, the State of Indiana signed into law the bill that legalizes gambling in the Hosier state. By this, it joined the prestigious club of US states that now offer legal gambling. But Indiana has a long history of gambling that started much prior to the recent law. In fact, the history of gambling in Indiana spans over 160 years.

Indiana was voted by the US Congress on December 11, 1816 to become the 19th state in the Union. There was no law referring to gambling in the state until almost 4 decades later, when in 1851 the people of Indiana voted to amend the constitution and ban lotteries. The state’s courts then followed through and outlawed all forms of gambling.

As happens in many places around the world when gambling is banned, Indiana gambling was offered in illegal markets for the next 130 years.

Initial Changes Begin

In 1988, Indiana voters approved a constitutional amendment which repealed most of the 1851 bans on state-regulated lottery.  A year later the Hoosier Lottery, which is Indiana’s state lottery launched its operations. Along these amendments, Indiana State legislators also authorized pari-mutual horserace betting. This loose interpretation of the law inspired more ambitions by those who wanted to see gambling being regulated in the state.

Indiana Casinos

In 1989 Thomas Barnes who was then mayor of Gary, Indiana came up with an initiative to bring casinos to his town. The state legislature rejected the initiative but the assembly allowed Gary voters to hold a referendum on the issue. It was passed with 60% of the votes.

While Barnes begun steps to acquire land and set up the casino, state legislators introduced a bill that legalizes riverboat casinos in Indiana in 1990. However the bill never reached the Senate, despite more attempts in 1991 and 1992 to reach the Senate floor, it was voted down.

The Brown Bill

In 1993 the Brown Bill was passed which was named after Charlie Brown – a Democrat state representative from Indiana’s 3rd district who was the biggest supporter of legalizing gambling in the state. The bill approved 11 wager-based casino game licenses in Indiana. Lake Michigan and Ohio River received 5 licenses each, and 1 more license was allocated to Patoka Lake. In 1994, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians gained Federal recognition which gave a push for Tribal casinos in Indiana as well.

The Surge in Indiana’s Gambling

Since then, the Hoosier State saw explosive growth in legal gambling offered in its borders. In 1994, Hosier Park opened as Indiana’s first racetrack. The first off-course betting parlors were soon to follow and opened on the same year.

The first riverboat casino opened in Evansville in December 1995. Shortly thereafter in June 1996 two casinos opened in Gary, the Trump Princess and Majestic Star.  This followed by the Agosy, Grand Victoria II and Blue Chip riverboat casinos that launched in 1997. Caesars on the Ohio River followed in 1998, and in October 2000 the Belterra was opened as well. In 2002 Indiana Downs became the state’s second racetrack.

In 2005 another gambling bill was proposed, which deemed any use of internet for gambling illegal. By 2006 legislation changed again, with the state allowing the two racetracks to add slots and table games. As a result over the next two years Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs turned into ‘racinos’.

2012 saw the operators of the Four Winds Casino announcing that they will open Indiana’s first land-based casino, and in 2015 the state approved casinos to operate in permanent brick and mortar structures. To date, Indiana has 16 brick and mortar casinos with nearly 30,000 slots and 900 table games.

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Legal Sports Betting In Indiana

In May 2019 Indiana signed into law a bill that legalizes sports betting in the state. The bill legalized both online gambling and brick-and-mortar sportsbooks. Both to be under the supervision of the Indiana Gambling Commission.

Land Based Indiana Sports Betting

On September 1, 2019 the first land-based Indiana sports betting venues began to operate with Governor Eric Holcomb placing the state’s first legal bet at Grand Racing Casino in Shelbyville. Gov. Holcomb’s first bets were on the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts winning the Super Bowl, and on NBA’s Indiana Pacers winning the league. In addition, he placed a wager on WNBA’s Indiana Fever to win a game they played that night against the Minnesota Lynx.

Online Indiana Sports Betting

In October 2019 the first online sports betting sites and apps were launched in Indiana. One of the first Indiana sports betting apps that debuted was BetRivers Sportsbook that was launched through a partnership between Rush Street Interactive and French Lick Casino. DraftKings launched another Indiana sportsbook app and website through Ameristar East Chicago in partnership with Penn National Gaming. Soon after, FanDuel Sportsbook became the third Indiana sports betting app through a partnership with Blue Chip Casino and Balterra Casino.

Indiana Sorts Betting Laws

On April 25, 2019 Indiana’s sports betting bill H 1015 was cleared by both House and Senate, to be signed into law by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb on May 8. The bill gave the state’s current gambling licensees the right to open sportsbooks at their physical premises, as well as setting up the framework for remote sports betting in Indiana. Online casino and poker games are excluded from H 1015.

The following are key points of the Indiana sports betting laws:

  • A 5% tax on gross revenues. This is considerably lower than other states.
  • Betting on eSports or any sport there the participants are under 18 is not allowed.
  • In-Play Betting in Indiana is limited, where the Indiana Gaming Commission has powers to restrict this type of betting to limited, specified data feeds.
  • Anyone over 21 within the state will be able to enjoy Indiana sports betting. You don’t need to be a state resident.
  • Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is legal in Indiana since 2016, and is regulated under a separate bill – S 335.

Indiana Sports Betting Operators

Indiana online sports betting opened for business as soon as the bill was signed into law in 2019 with two early starters, BetRivers and DraftKings. The other DFS-giant-turned-sportsbook FanDuel also joined the party shortly thereafter. But many more operators were quick to launch in the Hoosier State. Currently there are nine operators that offer in Indiana sports betting via their website or mobile app:

  • DraftKings: The first online sportsbook in Indiana, where the DFS giant has been capitalizing on its presence in the state since DFS was legalized in 2016. DraftKings Indiana operates in partnership with Ameristar Casino Resort.
  • BetRivers: One of the biggest operators in the US, BetRivers has been in Indiana since the first day of sports betting there. Its Indiana sports betting app and website are operated under a partnership with French Lick Resort Casino.
  • FanDuel: The country’s second DFS powerhouse quietly became one of the biggest names in Indiana sports betting. For Indiana sports betting, FanDuel partnered with Blue Chip Casino and Belterra Casino Resort.
  • BetMGM: The fourth Indiana sports betting operator to launch in the state. It is owned by one of the world’s largest casino and entertainment companies: MGM Resorts International.
  • PointsBet: The Australian operator that brings a wealth of experience and its staple Points Betting product was the fifth to launch its Indiana sports betting website and app.
  • Unibet: the established Swedish gambling operator that is famous in Europe for its online gambling products was the fifth to launch its sports betting app and website in Indiana.
  • BetAmerica: Owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated and being one of the most revered sportsbook brands in many US states, Bet America is also live in Indiana with a sports betting website and mobile app. It is operating in Indiana in partnership with Rising Star Casino Resort and Wynn Resorts.
  • Caesars Sportsbook: Being slow to the gate in many states, but once launched the state of the art Scientific Games platform makes it worth the wait for the seventh operator to launch its Indiana sports betting mobile app and website.
  • TheScore: The award-winning sportsbook which is available in New Jersey and Colorado is the most recent addition to the launch its Indiana sports betting website and mobile app.

Retail Sports Betting in Indiana

Indiana has 13 physical gambling venues including riverboat, land-based and tribal casinos. Many of these have partnered with world-renowned sports betting brands to offer a sportsbook at their venue, as well as apps and websites that facilitate sports betting in Indiana. The first sports betting venues to open in the state were:

  • Ameristar Casino Resort
  • Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg
  • Indiana Grand Racing & Casino
  • Winner’s Circle Indianapolis
  • Horseshoe Hammond Casino

Since then, more gambling operators followed suit and are now also offering Indiana sports betting:

  • Belterra Casino Resort
  • Blue Chip Casino
  • French Lick Resort Casino
  • Harrah’s Hoosier Park
  • Horseshoe Southern Indiana Hotel & Casino
  • Tropicana Evansville Casino
  • Winner’s Circle Clarksville
  • Winner’s Circle New Haven

Types of Bets Offered in Indiana

If you are placing sports bets in Indiana in a physical venue, through a website or on a sports betting mobile app, you can choose from a wide range of bets: 

  • Spread Betting: You will need to put a bet on a team ‘covering the spread’. Which means you will need to bet on a team winning or losing by the point margin determined by the sportsbook.
  • Moneylines: This bet is usually based on a $100 baseline. The stronger team expected to win is ‘below the line’ and marked with a negative sign. The favorite team team’s number shows how much you need to bet in order to win $100, where the number next to the weakest team is how much you can win on a $100 stake.
  • Totals: Totals are based on the cumulative number of points scored by all teams or players in a game. It’s also known as over/under, where you can wager for the cumulative result to be above or below a certain number.
  • Props: Props, which are also called ‘Proposition Bets’ are bets on events different from the end winning/losing result of the game. These can be goals scored by a certain player, the first to score a touchdown, etc.
  • Live Betting: Live betting will let you place bets during the actual sporting event, when data feeds chance the odds in real time. The Indiana Gaming Commission is still debating the allowed structure of live betting and which data feeds should be allowed.
  • Parlays: A Parlay is one wager that incorporates two or more individual bets (also called ‘legs’). If won, the Parlay will pay out more than the sum of its individual legs. All the legs will need to be won in order for a parlay to pay out.
  • Teasers: A type of Parlay that include spread betting. Although reducing the risk, the payouts are also lower.
  • Future Bets: In this case you will need to bet on an end-of-season outcome. For example which player will win the season MVP, which team will win the Super Bowl, etc.

Betting Markets Offered in Indiana

Indiana has a population of around 6.7 million. The state is home to several of huge franchises of major sports, as well as many college and mid-tier professional leagues. Indiana sports betting operators offer betting on the all American major league action from the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL. And Indiana sportsbook apps and websites also let you bet on college sports like NCAA football and basketball. You can also bet the MLS or world soccer, tennis, golf, MMA, boxing, motor sports, rugby, winter sports and many more International and local events and competitions.  

If you are interested in betting on local teams, there are many choices:

  • Indianapolis Colts (NFL): Founded in 1953 and making it to two Super Bowls and 10 different Playoffs, the colts are part of the AFC South football division. They play in the Lucas Oil Stadium.
  • Indiana Pacers (NBA): The Pacers play in the Eastern Conference Central division. They were formed in 1967 and play in the Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
  • Baseball: There are many different teams that play in different leagues and divisions such as the Fort Wayne Tincaps of the Midwest League, Gary Southshore RaliCats in the American Association, Indianapolis Indians in the International League and more.
  • Ice Hockey: Indiana has the Evansville Thunderbolts in the Southern Professional Hockey League and Indy Fuel in the ECHL.
  • Soccer: Although there’s no MLS team in Indiana, there are the Indy Eleven in the USL Championship.

Final Words on Indiana Sports Betting

Since joining New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Tennessee and many American states where sports betting is now legal, Indiana sports betting is attracting some of the world’s leading sportsbook operators and tech providers. Thus more American and International brands are constantly joining the Indiana sports betting market to offer exciting, legal and safe betting both in land-based venues and online. All you need in order to bet on your favorite sport is to be over 21 and present within state limits. And you can bet from anywhere in the state, using your computer, mobile phone or tablet.

Always remember that sports betting is a form of gambling, and it should never be seen as a sure way to earn money. So set a budget and time limits, and keep a close eye on your bankroll. If you are losing too much and feel things are getting out of control seek help. Always gamble responsibly, so you can come back and enjoy great Indiana sports betting again for great fun and excitement.

Gamble Responsibly

The exciting and fun world of sports betting is now legal and available to anyone in Indiana that is over 21. But keep in mind that fun and excitement is what it’s all about, and sports betting is a form of gambling that should never be seen as a safe way to earn money. Set budgets and timelines, and keep a close eye on your bankroll. If you are losing too much take a break and seek help if things are getting out of control. Always gamble responsibly, so you can keep coming back for more exciting Illinois sports betting.

Indiana Betting FAQs

No, you can also be a visitor to the state. As long as you are over 21 and within Indiana state lines, you can sign up to an Indiana sports betting site and place bets from your computer or mobile device.  

You are not allowed to bet on eSports or any sports where the participants are under 18 years old. So high school sports for example are not allowed to bet on in Indiana.

Yes you can. Indiana sports betting operators offer betting apps that can be installed on any iOS and Android devices. You can also use the mobile-browser betting site on iOS, Android and Windows Phone devices.

Yes. Since passed by the state’s legislator in 2019, Indiana sports betting is 100% legal as long as you are over 21 and within the state borders. However always make sure you use state-licensed operators, as offshore sportsbooks may be fraudulent and they are illegal.

Check out our expert reviews and recommendations for the best sports betting operators in Indiana. Once you choose one and sign up, don’t forget to claim a generous welcome bonus available to BestAppBet visitors.

Indiana sports betting sites and apps offer a wide selection of banking methods that are safe and easy to use. These include bank transfer, credit cards, pre-paid cards, e-wallets and even cash at the casino cage.

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Draftkings

Daily fantasy sports giant DraftKings gaining momentum as one of biggest sportsbooks in America.  DraftKings Sportsbook is one live and legal in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and many more states, now also live in West Virginia with DraftKings live sportsbook, as well as mobile sports-betting app.  Open an account now with DraftKings state-of-the-art sportsbook and you can get a free bonus just for signing up.

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Fanduel

FanDuel, the biggest fantasy-sports operator in the world launched its sportsbook in 2018, and has since been busy becoming one of the country’s most successful sports-betting operators.  Following great success in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and more states, FanDuel is now also legal and live in West Virginia, offering a great website and even greater mobile app that lets you gamble online safely and legally from anywhere in the state.  

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BetMGM

Entertainment and gambling powerhouse MGM International extends the excitement of its legendary land-based casinos, enabling you to now place your bets and play on its sportsbook brand BetMGM via their website or mobile app.  After a roaring success in New Jersey, BetMGM is now available in Indiana, West Virginia and soon in Colorado.  It is safe and legal to play from anywhere in West Virginia, so join the BetMGM sportsbook excitement. 

SPORT BETTING APPS

Sports betting has always been an exciting way for fans to buy into the sport, in a way participate and add another dimension of thrill and excitement to the competition, match or any sporting event. With the evolution of remote betting first to phone, and later on to online betting, remote sports-betting not only became available to a wider audience, but also added a whole new level of excitement and magic to sports betting. Today’s mobile sports betting apps, which are readily available on both Android and Apple, are on the front line of technology, and alongside an exceptional slick and user friendly interface, opens to sports betting punters an entire universe of sports events, odds, games and features such as live streaming and in-play betting. Are you into NFL? Are you an NBA fan? Maybe your thing is baseball so you would like to bet on MLB? Or perhaps you are into world sports and want some European Premier Soccer betting? The mobile sports betting apps bring all of this amazing action to your mobile device, so you can bet on what you want, from wherever you are, at any time you choose to.

CASINO APPS

Are you a casino player? Did you always love casino, the atmosphere, the thrill and excitement, and most importantly the dream and sometimes reality of big winnings? You no longer need to wait for your next trip to Vegas, or wherever it is you are planning to go to a casino. Mobile and remote casino gambling has now entered to US, and it is here to stay. Already live in New Jersey, and closely followed by other states, Americans can now join the fun, download a casino mobile app from one of the top, legal and certified US casinos, and have all the magic of casino from their mobile device. Are you a BlackJack player? Or maybe you are into Roulette? Maybe Baccarat or Craps are your game, or are you a fan of slots? Whichever game is for you, you will find it on the mobile casino apps that are now becoming legal and regulated across states, and enable you to have your own private casino on your mobile device. It is legal, it is exciting, and it is magic.

SLOTS APPS

For many, slot machines are the most thrilling part of the casino. The lights, animation, sounds and action take you into another dream world, where you can win huge prizes, jackpots, bonus rounds and what not. The Mobile slot apps that are now available in the US provide the world’s premier slots, all made regulated and fully compliant with the US regulations and laws. So you can safely and securely download the slots mobile app to your mobile device (where it is legal to do so), and have the most amazing slot game experience coming to life on your mobile phone. Are you into progressive slots where you get a chance at winning an amazing jackpot, or perhaps you are into an animated video slot that has branded content with your favourite movie, TV or music stars? All of these amazing titles are just a swipe away, all available on your mobile phone by downloading the mobile slot game app.     

POKER APPS

A lot has changed since the first games of poker were played along the Mississippi River in the 1800s, with Poker becoming a worldwide phenomenon, crossing the boundaries of a card game and considered by many a sport, with tournaments, leagues and champions. Being a game with friends or a professional tournament, the online revolution turned poker to be a game that is played and followed by billions all over the world. And then the latest stage of the poker uprising which is the mobile poker apps, which enable you to access any kind of level, tournament and game from your mobile phone, no matter where you are in the world, and what time it is, you can join in the poker fun and excitement and play against other poker enthusiasts like you around the globe. Poker is now coming home again, and becoming legal to play remotely state after state in the USA also. So now Americans can already download a safe and legal mobile.