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Indiana Sports Betting: Best IN Online Sportsbook Sites Nov. 2024

With 11 online and 15 retail sportsbooks to choose from, the Hoosier State is a hotbed for action, and Indiana sports betting sites — like FanDuel, DraftKings, bet365 and Caesars — are eager to earn you business by offering exclusive and generous welcome bonuses to new players.  

Indiana sportsbooks

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

#1

Up To $1,500 Back In Bonus Bets

Bonus bets will expire in 7 days. One new customer offer only. Additional terms and conditions apply.

Features

  • Some of the best live-betting odds.
  • Great deposit options.
  • Earn MGM Rewards from betting activity.
Bet Now

BetMGM Review

BetMGM is one of the top-rated sportsbooks in the U.S. offering some of the best live betting odds in the industry. They’re also the largest iGaming operator across the U.S.

Features

#2

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT

Features

  • Extensive live betting options.
  • More markets than any other sportsbook.
  • One of the best apps in the industry.
Bet Now

bet365 Review

Terms and conditions: Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.

bet365 is one of the largest and most popular sportsbooks globally. With a well-received mobile app, popular same-game parlays, and a wide variety of sports leagues to bet on it’s no wonder 80 million sports bettors worldwide continue to use bet365.

Features

#3

Bet $1, Get 10x 100% Profit Boosts

New users only. Must use promo code. Min. $10 deposit. Max. additional winnings $2.5K per token. Tokens expire in 14 days. Void where prohibited. Full terms.

Features

  • Earn Caesars Rewards from betting activity.
  • Live streaming of NFL games.
  • User-friendly mobile app.
Bet Now

Caesars Sportsbook Review

Caesars is proving to be one of the most aggressively expanding brands in sports betting. Unfortunately, like all major U.S. sportsbooks, they are quick to limit you if you go on a tear and their odds boost promos offer low maximum bet limits.

Features

#4

Win $150 + NBA League Pass 🏀

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of $5+ and win $150 in Bonus Bets (within 72 hours).

Features

  • Top-tier app experience.
  • Same Game Parlays and SGP+.
  • Extensive promos and odds boosts.

FanDuel Review

FanDuel reigns supreme right now as the No. 1 betting site in America. And it has largely earned that spot on the strength of superior brand recognition, an easy-to-use product, an overwhelming number of markets for North America’s most popular sports, and representation in every state in which it is permitted to offer legal sports betting.

Features

#5

Bet $5, Get $150 + $1K Deposit Bonus

Terms and conditions apply.

Features

  • Lots of promos and odds boosts.
  • Wide range of sports and bet types.
  • Seamless integration with DFS.

DraftKings Review

DraftKings had a solid reputation as the leading DFS provider in the country, so the shift to legal sports betting felt natural. They offer one of the most voluminous collections of ongoing promos and odds boosts in the industry as they cater to the beginner crowd.

Features

Each product featured on our website has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission.

Indiana betting promos and bonuses

The sports betting industry is a cutthroat business. Each operator is eager to earn new players’ trust and business. This competition is why the best Indiana online betting apps mostly offer enormous welcome promos as a marketing incentive to generate sign-ups. Below are the best Indiana sportsbook promos for the state’s 11 online sportsbooks and sports betting apps.

Indiana mobile sportsbooks 🏆Welcome bonus 💰 Promo Code ✅
BetMGMUp to $1,500 in bonus betsSBRBONUS
FanDuelBet $5, win $150 in bonus betsNo Code Required
bet365Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets or $1,000 first betSBRBONUS
CaesarsBet $1, get 10x 100% profit boostsSBRBONUSDYW
FanaticsUp to $1,000 in bonus betsNo Code Required
DraftKingsBet $5, get $150 in bonus betsNo Code Required
BetRiversSecond chance bet up to $500No Code Required
Bally BetBet $25, get $150 in bonus betsNo Code Required
Hard RockUp to $100 backNo Code Required
SBKBet $20 get $100 in bonus betsNo Code Required
ESPN BETUp to $2,000 in bonusesNo Code Required

While the best sportsbook promos appeal significantly to new players, what about veteran bettors who may already have an account with one or more mobile sports betting sites? For those cagey vets, there are daily odds promotions, loyalty rewards, and exclusive VIP experiences that operators like to promote to keep players around longer.

Top Indiana betting sites

All Indiana betting sites work tirelessly to stand out in a crowded field. So, they must offer unique user experiences on their platforms. Here are what sportsbooks in Indiana are best known for and what you should look into before signing up for a new account.

Indiana mobile sportsbooksBest known for
Bally BetEarly cash out
bet365Frequent bet boosts
BetMGM‘’King of Parlays’’
BetRiversAward-winning parent company
CaesarsCaesars rewards
DraftKingsIndustry leader
ESPN BET Unique personality-driven promos
FanDuelTop-rated Apple/Android app ratings
FanaticsFanCash Rewards program
Hard RockSelect live streaming
SBKPrice + best odds

Why FanDuel is the best sportsbook in Indiana 🔵

FanDuel may have cut its teeth in the daily fantasy sports realm, but it has proven to be stiff competition for DFS rival DraftKings and every other online sportsbook in Indiana. The current welcome offer is a bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets reward — no FanDuel promo code is necessary. This promo expires on December 22, 2024.

When you search for FanDuel on Apple and Android devices, you’ll quickly realize that it’s the best of the sports betting apps in the country by users of both devices. FanDuel has built trust among its users by offering strong sign-up promos, daily odds boosts, and loyalty rewards, and it is also one of the best live betting sites. In fact, both new and existing users will earn a daily boost or bonus throughout the rest of the summer.

FanDuel is also one of only a few sports betting sites currently offering live video streaming of select events so you can track your wager while watching it all within the app. Lastly, account security is second-to-none and offers world-class customer support to help you get answers to your most pressing questions on your schedule, not theirs.

Check out our full FanDuel review to learn more. See how FanDuel compares to another popular sportsbook: FanDuel vs. DraftKings.

Other Indiana online sportsbooks

Caesars Indiana 🏛

A legendary name from Nevada has found its way to Indiana. Caesars offers new players a bet $1, get double your winnings on next 10 bets offer when they input Caesars Sportsbook promo code SBRBONUSDYW during sign-up.

Consistently ranked among the top five sports betting sites and apps, Caesars is also known for its elite customer service of players, new and old.

Where to bet on sports in Indiana: Caesars Review

DraftKings Indiana 👑

DraftKings has recently embraced a more subtle tone regarding its welcome bonuses for new players. New customers can enjoy a bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets offer. No DraftKings promo code is required, either.

Where to bet on sports in Indiana: DraftKings Review

BetMGM Indiana 🦁

By now, you’ve seen the Jamie Foxx commercials. If he’s done his job, you also refer to BetMGM as the “King of Parlays” with more parlay betting markets than any other operator in Indiana.

However, BetMGM is more proud of its up to $1,500 in bonus bets welcome offer. Just remember to enter BetMGM bonus code SBRBONUS during registration. If your initial bet loses, BetMGM will credit your account with bonus bets equal to the amount of that bet. Initial bets of $49 or less will be awarded as a single bonus bet, whereas bets of $50 or more will be split into five equal parts. For example, a $200 initial bet that loses will grant five separate $40 bonus bets.  

  • App Store ratings: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
  • Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets
  • Payout speed: 1-2 business days

Where to bet on sports in Indiana: BetMGM Review

BetRivers Indiana ⚡

One of the first online sportsbooks to launch in Indiana, BetRivers is offering new players up to a $500 second chance bet when they use BetRivers bonus code SBRBONUS. If your first bet loses, BetRivers will issue you $500 in bonus bets for you to use.

Where to bet on sports in Indiana: BetRivers Review

Fanatics Indiana 🧢

Fanatics, a major sports merchandiser in the U.S., hopes to climb the ladder and reach the same level of popularity as DraftKings, FanDuel, and others. First-time users don't need a Fanatics Sportsbook promo code to earn up to $1,000 in bonuses. They can take advantage of 10 daily No Sweat Bet offers. This means that if any of their first daily bets for 10 days, up to $100, loses, they'll be awarded bonus bets equal to the amount wagered and lost.

Indiana sportsbooks honorable mentions

Although they didn’t crack our top five Indiana mobile sportsbooks, these other operators are worthy of your time. Check out their sportsbook reviews authored by SBR’s editorial team.

Indiana sports betting summary

🚀 Launch date       October 2019
➡️ Legal sports betting age21
🔔 Indiana regulatorIndiana Gaming Commission (IGC)
▶️ Number of sports betting licenseUp to 45
📱 Online sports betting  Yes 
🎰 Retail sports betting  Yes
🖥️ Online casinos  No
🃏 Online pokerNo
🏆 Sports betting sites11
🌎 State population  6.8 million
💵 Projected 2024 handle More than $5 billion

How we rate and review Indiana sportsbooks

The SBR editorial team puts dozens of hours into rating and reviewing each Indiana sportsbook that enters the market. The editorial team’s goal is to make you – the player – an informed sports bettor that knows what each operator offers, what makes them unique, and why they are among the best sports betting sites in the Hoosier State today. While there are several nuances to rating online sportsbooks, here are the top categories we focus on during our review process:

Welcome bonuses and promotions

What’s that saying, “You only get one chance to make a first impression”? Indiana’s sportsbooks have come out swinging with massive welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions that entice new players to stick around for the long haul. Hoosier State players will see the most common welcome bonuses: first deposit match bonuses, first bet insurance, and bonus bets. The most common ongoing promos for existing customers are odds boosts, reduced vig (juice), free bets, and loyalty reward programs offering unique experiences and VIP getaways.

User experience

To each their own, but when it comes to the online sportsbook and the sports betting app user experience, we’re talking about several things. These reasons include how easy the sign-up process is, whether the operator offers a great welcome bonus, whether they offer the banking method best suited for my needs, whether it is safe to wager on the platform, whether the site is easy to navigate, and whether the site is easy to navigate how accessible the customer support team is.

Sports bet variety

This reason is often overlooked as a priority when rating online sportsbooks in general. We all know that Indiana’s operators will make NFLMLBNBA, and NHL betting markets available to players. However, what does the rest of the odds board look like? Are there UFC fights to wager on, PGA golf tournaments, international tennis majors, European soccer like the UEFA Champions League, Aussie rules football, and what pop culture award shows are upcoming? These markets separate a “good” sportsbook from a “great” product. You want to keep the betting markets fresh because the big four leagues in the United States can sometimes become stale.

Banking options

Before legal sports betting in Indiana and throughout the United States, a barrier to entry for new players was finding a trusted and easy-to-use banking method. Today, Hoosier State sports betting sites accept major credit and debit cards, Paypal, ACH bank wire transfers, and other e-wallet options for deposits and withdrawals.

Payout speed

Waiting is the hardest part. So, Indiana’s mobile betting sites are eager to brag about being the fastest with withdrawal processing times and payout speeds. Most operators take less than 48 hours to process a request and less than five business days for the funds to reach your linked account. Always remember that if you request a physical check, a 15-business-day waiting period is likely before it arrives in the mailbox.

Security and customer support

The Indiana Gaming Commission oversees sportsbook oversight and emphasizes personal and financial data security. You want legal Indiana sportsbooks using the latest encryption software to protect your information when beaming data between bank and sportsbook accounts.

Suppose you encounter an issue related to your account, banking, betting markets, odds, or lost password. In that case, a solid sportsbook will offer around-the-clock customer support via email, phone, and live chat. The sports betting world doesn’t sleep. So, elite sportsbooks provide around-the-clock support for every player.

How to start betting in Indiana

So, you’ve reviewed all the best Indiana online sportsbooks, learned how SBR’s editorial team rates each operator’s products, and now you’re ready to start betting, right? Well, before you wager on the Colts to shock the world and win Super Bowl 58 or like the Indiana Hoosiers as a Cinderella Story to cut down the nets at the end of March Madness, we’ve provided a quick rundown of what you need to do to get the proverbial bankroll rolling.

1. Select a sportsbook licensed in Indiana

Congrats, you found a preferred online sportsbook or sports betting app. If you’re still seeking more information on Indiana’s 11 operators, don’t hesitate to check out SBR’s independent and thorough reviews. When ready, download the Apple or Android sports betting app to your smartphone or tablet.

2. Register online

Registering at Indiana online sportsbooks / via sports betting apps is extremely easy and should take less than five minutes to complete. Operators will require you to provide basic personal information like full name, home address, email address, date of birth, and social security number. Now, many wonder why they have to share a social security number. That’s because it does verify identities to avoid multiple accounts from being made in your name and also helps speed up payouts when you’re ready to ring the register.

The operator will likely send you an email verification, too. Be sure to click on that to activate your account. You’ll also need to create a unique username and password. The most secure passwords are at least eight characters and a combo of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols.

3. Deposit and claim a bonus

Once you’ve completed the registration process and verified your account, it’s time to head over to the cashier and sync up your preferred banking method. Most Indiana sportsbooks accept major credit and debit cards, Paypal, and ACH bank wire transfers. Once your banking method is linked to your sportsbook account, you’ll make a first deposit. Remember that some sports betting sites require a promo code to redeem the welcome bonus. Have that handy because you don’t want to make a first-time deposit, forget the promo code, and lose out on free bonus bets, deposit matches, or your first-bet insurance.

4. Select and finalize your bet

Now comes the fun part. You’ll first want to navigate the online sportsbook or sports betting app to get the lay of the land and learn all the different betting markets your operator provides users. Every Indiana sportsbook offers NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL odds, but don’t forget there are international sporting events to wager on to, such as PGA golf, European soccer, tennis majors, and UFC fights around the globe.

You’ll build your bet slip out of moneyline, point spread, and over/under odds while learning about live in-game betting, parlays, and teasers. Sport-specific player prop odds are also becoming quite popular among new bettors, and these exist in every market except college sports in Indiana.

5. Win and withdraw your payout

Just like that, you’ve hit a three-leg parlay and are ready to cash out. Return to the cashier’s pages where you made the first deposit and request a withdrawal. Enter the amount you’d like to transfer back to your primary account. This process can be done via Paypal, bank wire transfer, and several other e-banking ways, but remember, if you request a physical check be mailed to your home address on file, it’ll take roughly 15 business days to arrive at your door.

Indiana sports betting handle

In 2022, Indiana sportsbooks accepted a record $4.44 billion in wagers. That’s a year-over-year increase of more than 15% and pretty solid considering the Hoosier State lost two online sportsbooks — TwinSpires and MaximBet — during the calendar year. Sports betting generated nearly $37 million in tax revenue for the state.

Interestingly, the January 2023 handle was slightly down year-over-year, which could correlate with Ohio launching legal online sports betting on Jan. 1, 2023. Before that, Ohio residents would sometimes drive across the border to place legal sports bets in Indiana. 

The overall 2023 handle of $4.33 billion was slightly down from the $4.47 billion handle recorded in 2022, but 2024 has started out strong and is on pace to become a record-setting mark.

2024 handle

MonthHandle
January$427.1 million
February$356.1 million
March$433 million
April$321.4 million
May$361.6 million
June$298.2 million
July$261.1 million
August$307.9 million
September$483.8 million
OctoberTBD
NovemberTBD
DecemberTBD
Total$3.49 billion

2023 handle

MonthHandle
January$427.1 million
February$356.1 million
March$433 million
April$321.4 million
May$283.5 million
June$224 million
July$203.8 million
August$238.1 million
September$404.1 million
October$429.7 million
November$513.7 million
December$503.1 million
Total$4.33 billion

Indiana sports leagues and teams to bet on

While the Indianapolis Colts hope Anthony Richardson will be the franchise's next great QB, and the Indiana Pacers look to build on 2024's Eastern Conference Finals run, it’s important to let those new to sports betting know that it’s not the best strategy to always wager on the hometown or local favorites. Why? Personal bias and betting with emotion lead one down a dangerous path where common sense is left at the door. Before wagering on an in-state Hoosier squad, consider weather conditions, injury updates, suspensions, and depth chart changes before hitting submit.

NFL🏀 NBA⚾ MLB🏒 NHL
Indianapolis ColtsIndiana PacersCincinnati RedsChicago Blackhawks

It can also become a habit to only wager on the big-four sports, NFL, MLB, NHL, and NBA. However, all Indiana online sportsbooks offer betting markets like PGA tournaments, international tennis tournaments, UFC main events, and March Madness college basketball. If you aren’t wagering on the NCAA tournament, can you call yourself an Indianan?

Sports bettors can check out the top sportsbooks for specific sports, leagues, playoffs, and categories:

Indiana’s legal online sportsbook marketplace offered 15 options at the start of 2022, but by the end of the year, only 13 remained. TwinSpires closed its mobile sports betting platform in the state, while MaximBet shuttered its entire operation. It was in November 2022 that Betr’s sportsbook and sports betting app would join the field soon. Now, in Nov. 2024, 11 books are available.

Indiana mobile sportsbooksLaunch date
Bally BetDecember 2021
bet365January 2024
BetMGMFebruary 2020
BetRiversOctober 2019
CaesarsDecember 2019
DraftKingsOctober 2019
ESPN BETNovember 2023
FanDuelOctober 2019
FanaticsFebruary 2024
Hard RockMay 2021
SBKOctober 2022

You might not know this, but retail sportsbooks opened their doors only a month before legal online sports betting launched in Indiana in 2019. Today, there are 15 retail sportsbooks around the state, from Gary to Indianapolis and even Larry Bird’s hometown of French Lick, Indiana.

Indiana retail sportsbookLocation
Ameristar Casino (ESPN BET Sportsbook)East Chicago, IN
Hollywood Casino (ESPN BET Sportsbook)Lawrenceburg, IN
Harrah's Hoosier Park (Caesars)Anderson, IN
Horseshoe Hammond Casino (Caesars)Hammond, IN
Caesars Southern Indiana (Caesars)Elizabeth, IN
Horseshoe Indianapolis (Caesars)Shelbyville, IN
Belterra Casino Resort (FanDuel)Florence, IN
Blue Chip Casino (FanDuel)Michigan City, IN
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana (Hard Rock)Gary, IN
Bally's Evansville (The Sportsbook)Evansville, IN
French Lick Resort (The Sportsbook)French Lick, IN
Rising Star Casino (TwinSpires)Rising Sun, IN
Winner's Circle Clarksville (Winner’s Circle)Clarksville, IN
Winner’s Circle New Haven (Winner’s Circle)New Haven, IN
Winner's Circle Indianapolis (Winner’s Circle)Indianapolis, IN

Who can bet on sports in Indiana?

Legal age 🎂

Anybody interested in sports betting inside Indiana’s state borders must be at least 21 years of age, both at retail and via mobile sportsbooks.

Mobile betting 📱

Mobile betting via laptop computer or sports betting app on Apple/Android devices is legal in Indiana. The Indiana Gaming Commission keeps a close eye on operators’ use of data collected from players using online sportsbooks/sports betting apps.

Remote registration 💻

Indiana sports bettors do NOT have to visit a retail location to register an online sportsbook or sports betting account. Registration can be done from the comfort of one’s residence or — if passing through — from an Airbnb or hotel.

Within state borders 🌎

Sports bettors do not have to be full-time residents of Indiana to wager. However, geotagging software used by operators does require you to be located within state borders when logging in and placing a wager. If you slip outside Indiana, the software will flag your account, and you won’t be able to login or place a bet.

Retail sportsbooks 🏢

There are 15 retail sportsbooks that you can enjoy in Indiana. So, if you’re looking to feel the buzz of excitement during March Madness, a Hoosier State sportsbook is the place to be!

Taxable winnings 💸

The federal tax rate on sports betting profits is ~24%, but Indiana will also snag 3.23% of winnings over $600. Remember, you can write off losses from your profits to lower the tax burden. Just keep a clean accounting record of all wagers during the calendar year.

What you can’t bet on in Indiana

The Hoosier State is loosey-goosey regarding legal betting markets, which is to say most events are on the table. However, a few pop culture categories remain a work-in-progress that you won’t find odds at any Indiana sportsbook.

Politics ❌

The Indiana Gaming Commission does not allow betting on political events. So, you won’t find odds to win the 2024 U.S. election on the board or other political events.

Entertainment award ceremonies ✅

Betting on award ceremonies like the Oscars, Emmys, and Grammys is legal in Indiana. This is great for those who want to showcase their pop culture knowledge and pick the winner of Best Actor or Album of the Year.

eSports ❌

As progressive as Indiana is in sports betting, it’s a little surprising you can not wager on eSports in the state. With how popular video game tournaments are worldwide, it’s a missed opportunity for the Hoosier State to bring in more revenue.

What about Indiana college sports? 🎓

You can wager on college sports and in-state Indiana college sports teams like the Indiana Hoosiers, Purdue Boilermakers, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and the Purple Aces of Evansville. The one catch is college player props are prohibited from showing up on sports betting odds boards.

IN sports betting key developments and updates

Nov. 27, 2024: BetMGM combines its Rewards Points program into a single digital account, allowing Indiana users to carry over points across jurisdictions.
Nov. 25, 2024: Caesars Sportsbook updates its welcome offer in Indiana. New users can now get ten (10) 100% Profit Boosts when they bet $1.

Nov. 18, 2024: DraftKings updates its welcome offer with a bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets promo.

Nov. 12, 2024: ESPN BET updates its welcome offer, allowing new users to claim a First Bet Reset of up to $1,500 and a 200% first deposit match of up to $500.

Nov. 5, 2024: bet365 updates their welcome offer to bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets. They're still offering a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net as an alternative welcome offer. 

Oct. 28, 2024: FanDuel updates their welcome offer to bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets. While they must win their first bet to get $150 in bonus bets, new users can also get three free months of NBA League Pass whether their first bet wins or loses.

Sept. 20, 2024: DraftKings offer moves to bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets.

Sept. 16, 2024: Indiana sportsbooks post an August 2024 betting handle of $307.9 million, resulting in $32.1 million in adjusted gross revenue. 

Sept. 9, 2024: Indiana sportsbooks report a $261 million betting handle for the month of July 2024, earning $29.4 million in revenue from an 11.3% hold rate. 

Aug. 18, 2024: The University of Notre Dame, one of Indiana's most prestigious colleges, has its men's swimming team suspended entirely for a year in the wake of a massive betting scandal. 

July 29, 2024: FanDuel drops a new welcome offer: bet $5 and receive $150 in bonus bets if your wager is successful. 

July 16, 2024: IN sports bettors placed $298.2 million in wagers in June, according to the Indiana Gaming Commission. The June figures pushed Indiana past the $17 billion mark in all-time handle, a feat only seven other states have accomplished.

July 10, 2024: Betway announces it is exiting the Indiana market, along with the rest of the legal U.S. sportsbook market. It will continue to offer online casino products in NJ and PA.

Feb. 27, 2024: Fanatics launches in Indiana, taking over for PointsBet as the transition from the latter to the former continues across the United States. 

Jan. 30, 2024: bet365 becomes the 12th online operator in Indiana after they launched.

Nov. 17, 2023: ESPN BET officially launches in Indiana, along with 16 other states across the nation. 

Aug. 11, 2023: WynnBET announces they are leaving the Indiana market, along with five other states. They will remain open in three states for now (NY, MI, and MA).

April 2023: The Indiana Gaming Commission announced that sports betting sites took in $433 million in March, a 9.2% increase from February.

February 2023: Year-over-year sports betting revenue increases by 15% in Indiana.

November 2022: Betr’s microbetting sportsbook announces it’s coming to Indiana.

October 2022: MaximBet closes its online operations three weeks after launching.

September 2022: MaximBet becomes the 14th online sportsbook to launch.
May 2022: TwinSpires closes online operations in Indiana. They still have a retail sportsbook presence.

October 2019: BetRivers and DraftKings become the first online sportsbooks to launch in Indiana.

September 2019: On September 1, 2019, the first three retail sportsbooks opened in Hollywood Casino, Indiana Grand, and Ameristar East Chicago.

May 2019: Indiana’s governor signs House Bill 1015 into law. Legalized sports betting is coming to the Hoosier State.

May 2018: The United States Supreme Court rules to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which kicks back legalized sports betting decisions to the states.

January 2018: Before any Supreme Court ruling, Indiana state lawmakers introduce a bill to legalize sports betting.

Responsible sports betting in Indiana

The Indiana Gaming Commission is the state’s governing body overseeing sports betting regulation and oversight. Their mission is to “provide a fair, transparent, and dynamic regulatory environment that encourages economic development while requiring the highest level of integrity of all activities under its jurisdiction.” That’s legal jargon for the IGC wants sports betting revenue to help Indiana flourish but will keep a close eye on every sports betting operator regarding audits and enforcement of laws. The IGC is — after all — in charge of sports betting application review, license approval, responsible gambling initiatives, and issuing fines as needed.

The IGC charges an annual fee of $50,000 for each operator. Both retail and online sportsbooks also endure a tax rate of 9.5%. In an exciting twist, unlike other states, online sportsbooks must be partnered with a retail location in Indiana.

The IGC’s gambling problem hotline is 1-800-9-WITH-IT.

National U.S. gambling helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER

Sportsbooks to avoid in Indiana

Before Indiana legalized sports betting in 2019, players had few options. Most Hoosiers probably hopped on a flight to Las Vegas during March Madness or around the Super Bowl. For others, they may have sought out illegal offshore sportsbooks. These operators are not licensed to offer betting odds inside the United States or regulated by the Indiana Gaming Commission.

History has proven time and time again that offshore sportsbooks are notoriously complicated when it comes to banking methods – be it deposits or withdrawals. As you can see in Sportsbook Review’s three blacklisted sites below, some operators’ business ethics are entirely lacking, where winnings are not paid out or disappear altogether. SBR strongly encourages Indiana sports bettors to avoid offshore and illegal sites.

BetOnSports ❌TopBet ❌131Sport ❌
Blacklisted since 2006.Scam sportsbook.Blacklisted since 2007.
Grand jury indictment.Over a dozen reported confiscated winnings.History of scams.
Over $16 million owed.Offline with $45,000 unpaid to players.
Players got pennies on dollar in settlement.

Growth of sports betting 📈

When the U.S. Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, the growth of legal sports betting in the United States skyrocketed. Close to three dozen states have since legalized some form of sports betting, with the most common legislation including the licensing of online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. Check our legal sports betting tracker to find out more about any state you're interested in. 

Over the past few years, large states like Ohio and Massachusetts have enjoyed massively successful online betting launches. Sports fans get an extra way to engage with their favorite teams, and the states earn plenty of much-needed revenue from licensing fees and taxes.

More recently, legal North Carolina sports betting arrived on March 11, 2024, bringing eight of the best sportsbooks in the country to the Tar Heel state. And with events like the Copa America and Euro 2024 soccer tournaments happening all Summer long, the excitement and opportunities for sports betting enthusiasts continue to grow.

Indiana sports betting FAQs

Is sports betting legal in Indiana?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Indiana. The Hoosier State was ahead of the game. It introduced a bill to legalize sports betting in the state before the United States Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. This streamlined the process to legalization in the state, and the first retail sportsbooks opened in September 2019.

When did sports betting go live in Indiana?

Retail sports betting went live in September 2019, while mobile sports betting — online sportsbooks and sports betting apps — first launched in October 2019. To date, there are 11 mobile sportsbooks to choose from in Indiana.

Where can I bet on sports in Indiana?

Those interested in sports betting within the Hoosier State have three options for legal sports betting: retail sportsbooks, online sportsbooks, which can be accessed via desktop or laptop computer, and sports betting apps that can be downloaded onto Apple and Android smartphones and tablets.

How many online sportsbooks are there in Indiana?

There are currently 11 online sportsbooks in Indiana.

What sportsbooks are legal in Indiana?

Here are the 11 legal online sportsbooks and sports betting apps in Indiana: Bally Bet, BetMGM, bet365, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, FanDuel, Fanatics, Hard Rock, and SBK Sportsbook.

There are also 15 legal retail sportsbooks: ESPN BET East Chicago, ESPN BET Sportsbook Lawrenceburg, Caesars Harrah’s, Caesars Horseshoe Hammond, Caesars Southern Indiana, Caesars Horseshoe Indianapolis, FanDuel Blue Chip, Hard Rock Northern Indiana, The Sportsbook – Bally’s Evansville, The Sportsbook – French Lick, Twinspires Rising Star, Winner’s Circle Clarksville, Winner’s Circle New Haven, Winner’s Circle Indianapolis.

Can you bet on IN-based teams in Indiana?

Yes, you can bet on Indiana-based teams inside Indiana. So, wagers on the Colts, Pacers, Hoosiers, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish are all legal. The one caveat to college betting inside Indiana is that player props are not allowed.

Do you have to live in Indiana to bet online?

No, you don’t have to be a full-time resident of Indiana to be online. However, operators use geotagging software to pinpoint whether you are within state borders at the time you login and the time you go to place a bet. You won’t be able to wager if you’re outside state borders.

How do you place a sports bet in Indiana?

Indiana sports bettors have 11 online sportsbooks and sports betting apps to choose from, each offering various betting markets. Players can also take their money to one of 15 retail, land-based sportsbooks in the state.

Are sports betting apps legal in Indiana?

Yes, sports betting apps are legal in Indiana. The Hoosier State was early to embrace the mobile sports betting industry as the first operators launched in October 2019.

What is the minimum age to bet in Indiana?

Those interested in sports betting within Indiana’s borders must be at least 21 to wager. Online sportsbooks and sports betting apps work to verify ages via social security numbers during registration.