Is Sports Betting Legal in Indiana?

Indiana has a strong sports betting market, and it’s continuing to grow as the industry expands throughout the nation. Indiana was the 13th state to pass legal sports betting in the United States. Governor Eric Holcomb signed the bill into law on May 8, 2019.

The legislature understood this fact and worked swiftly to legalize the industry in the state following the removal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). PASPA was passed in 1992 on the federal level, and it banned sports betting throughout the nation.

The Midwestern United States has developed into a vast sports betting area of United States. Indiana was one of the trendsetters in this region of the country. The Hoosier State was the second jurisdiction in the Midwest to legalize sports wagering.

A significant reason that the Indiana legislature passed sports betting is that they knew wagering was occurring in an unregulated manner. Offshore sportsbooks are betting platforms that accept wagers outside of the United States. These mobile sportsbooks are utilized throughout the nation in areas where sports betting is illegal.

Top 5 Indiana Online Betting Sites

Indiana has embraced legal sports betting since 2019, offering both retail and mobile wagering. But even with a regulated market in place, many sharp bettors across the state are turning to offshore sportsbooks. Why? These platforms offer more betting freedom, fewer restrictions, and better value on every wager.

Whether you’re betting on college basketball, pro football, or niche markets like politics and entertainment, offshore sites give Indiana players the flexibility to bet their way—with faster payouts and competitive odds to match.

Bovada

Bovada continues to be a top pick for U.S. sports bettors, and Indiana is no exception. With coverage across the NFL, NBA, college sports, MMA, international leagues, and entertainment props, Bovada offers an all-in-one experience. The site is easy to navigate, crypto-friendly, and includes a full casino and poker room for players who want more than just sports action.

Why Indiana bettors love Bovada:

• Intuitive mobile-friendly design
• Quick Bitcoin withdrawals
• Reliable, long-standing reputation

Bonus:

50% up to $250

Bet now

BetOnline

If you’re a serious bettor looking for sharp lines and big limits, BetOnline is built for you. With early odds, deep props, and crypto bonuses that reward high-volume players, it’s a favorite for Indiana bettors who don’t want to be limited by traditional books. Its commitment to fast, secure payouts is another major plus.

Why Indiana bettors love BetOnline:

• Early lines and competitive juice
• High limits for large wagers
• Robust crypto support and promotions

Bonus:

50% up to $250

Bet now

SportsBetting.ag

SportsBetting.ag delivers a reliable, all-purpose betting experience that caters to both casual and experienced players. Operated by the same team behind BetOnline, this platform features extensive sports markets, live betting, and a full-featured casino. Indiana players enjoy the ease of use, fast deposits, and 24/7 support.

Why Indiana bettors love SportsBetting.ag:

• Wide variety of sports and props
• Clean interface with strong live betting options
• Crypto-friendly and fast withdrawals

Bonus:

50% up to $250

Bet now

Xbet

New to betting? Xbet is designed with simplicity in mind, making it the perfect starting point for Indiana players entering the world of sports wagering. It offers great customer service, regular bonuses, and easy navigation without overwhelming features—ideal for casual users.

Why Indiana bettors love Xbet:

• User-friendly layout perfect for first-timers
• Helpful customer support
• Great entry-level bonuses and ongoing promos

Bonus:

50% up to $200

Bet now

MyBookie

MyBookie is where betting meets fun. Known for its variety of unique props—from reality TV outcomes to political events—MyBookie brings entertainment into the sports betting mix. Indiana bettors looking for variety and fast signups love the clean interface, fun markets, and frequent contests.

Why Indiana bettors love MyBookie:

• Easy sign-up and smooth interface
• Unique entertainment and novelty markets
• Frequent promotions and betting contests

Bonus:

50% up to $1,000

Bet now

Legal Online Sportsbooks in Indiana

Sports betting isn’t just legal in Indiana—it’s big business. Since launching mobile betting in September 2019, the Hoosier State has become one of the vibrant sports wagering markets in the U.S.

Hoosiers can legally place bets online through numerous state-approved operators. These sportsbooks are licensed, regulated, and required to follow strict rules set by the Indiana Gaming Commission.

Indiana Quick Facts

Here’s a snapshot of everything you need to know about sports betting in Indiana. From legalization and launch dates to age limits and market restrictions, this table breaks down the key facts at a glance.

Why Many Indiana Bettors Choose Offshore Sportsbooks Over Legal Ones

Indiana’s legal sports betting market has grown steadily since launching in 2019—but it’s not without its drawbacks. Strict regulations, limited betting options, and mandatory geolocation tracking have prompted many Hoosiers to explore offshore sportsbooks for a more flexible, user-friendly experience.

Offshore platforms offer expanded betting markets, better odds, and fewer restrictions, making them an attractive option for players who want more control over how, where, and what they bet on.

Why Offshore Betting Sites Often Come Out Ahead in Indiana

More Markets, Fewer Limits

Indiana’s legal sportsbooks restrict betting on certain events like politics, award shows, and many novelty props. Offshore sites don’t. You can wager on presidential elections, reality TV outcomes, or local college teams—markets not typically available on regulated platforms.

Better Odds & Reduced Juice

Offshore sportsbooks generally offer more favorable odds and lower betting fees (or “juice”) since they’re not weighed down by heavy state taxes or regulation costs. This translates to better long-term value for Indiana bettors.

No Location Tracking or In-State Limitations

To legally place a bet in Indiana, you must be physically located within state borders, verified through geolocation tech. Offshore sportsbooks let you skip that step—no state lines, no restrictions. Bet freely, whether you’re traveling or out of state.

Faster, Flexible Payments

Offshore sportsbooks accept multiple payment types, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies, often allowing faster withdrawals and higher limits compared to Indiana’s licensed sportsbooks.

Easy Access, Less Red Tape

No need for detailed identity checks, uploads, or long verification processes. Offshore sportsbooks offer a streamlined sign-up experience, getting you into the action quickly and hassle-free.

What You Can’t Legally Bet on in Indiana

Even though Indiana has legalized both retail and mobile sports betting, there are still restrictions on what you’re allowed to wager on through state-approved platforms. These include:

• Political events and elections (U.S. or international)
• Entertainment outcomes (Oscars, Grammys, etc.)
• Most novelty props
• Some esports competitions
• High school sports
• Non-sporting events or speculative markets

With offshore sportsbooks, these limitations usually don’t apply. You can bet on nearly anything—without having to worry about whether it’s on the state-approved list.

Who Can Bet Legally in Indiana?

To place a legal wager with a licensed sportsbook in Indiana, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be 21 years or older
• Be physically located in Indiana when placing a bet (verified by geolocation)
• Register with a licensed operator and comply with identity verification requirements

Who’s Prohibited from Betting in Indiana?

Even if you meet the age and location requirements, some individuals are still restricted from participating in legal sports betting. This includes:

• Athletes, coaches, and referees involved in the events being wagered on
• Employees of sportsbooks, leagues, or teams with access to sensitive information
• Anyone on a state or self-imposed exclusion list
• Individuals prohibited due to past violations or regulatory restrictions

Offshore Means More Flexibility for Indiana Players

While Indiana’s regulated market offers a solid foundation, offshore sportsbooks continue to appeal to bettors who want fewer rules and more options. Whether it’s betting on college hoops, political races, or using crypto for fast payouts, offshore platforms give Indiana players the freedom to bet without borders.

Indiana Sports Betting – Recent Updates

• February 9, 2024 — LSR projections estimate Indiana’s Super Bowl betting handle could be around $37.3 million.
• February 2, 2024 — Betr has gained market access in Indiana and reportedly plans to launch its sportsbook in the state before the 2024 NFL season.
• January 30, 2024 — Bet365 is now available to eligible bettors in Indiana, bringing the total live sports betting sites in the state to 13.
• January 15, 2024 — The Spectrum Gaming Group releases a study of the potential effects of legalizing online casinos in Indiana, indicating that such a move would not hurt retail casinos in the state.
• January 15, 2024 — Reports indicate that the new Terre Haute casino will open on April 5.
• January 9, 2024 — The WNBA’s Indiana Fever hold the first pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, and fans hope the team will draft University of Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark.

Indiana Approved Sports Betting

A few states, like Nevada, were able to continue accepting sports wagers because they were grandfathered into the bill. However, forty-six states could not enact sports betting until 2018, when the Supreme Court overturned the law.

New Jersey was the impetus in getting PASPA deemed unconstitutional on the federal level. Since PASPA was repealed in 2018, sports betting has swept the United States, and Indiana has been a factor in the conversation.

Indiana legislators went to work right after PASPA was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. There were many debates over sports betting in Indiana throughout the 2019 legislative session. However, lawmakers found a way to get the job done on the final day of the term

On April 25, 2019, after months of debates, the Indiana legislature passed sports betting on the final day of the legislative session. The bill approved sports betting, and it also approved the construction of two new casinos. On May 8, the bill was signed into law by Governor Eric Holcomb.

Gaming Expansion in Indiana

The gaming expansion put Indiana in a class of its own in the Midwest. People in Chicago swarmed to Indiana to wager sports because Illinois was still lagging in terms of sports betting. Sports betting went live in IL in 2020.

Even though the Midwest has evolved for sports betting, Indiana is still a leader in the region of the country. The state’s framework is very lucrative, and it has not seemed to fail since sports wagering went live in 2019.

After Governor Holcomb signed sports betting into law, the specific rules still had to be established by the Indiana Gaming Commission. The first draft of the rules was set in the summer of 2019.

The public could comment on the regulations through August 1, 2019. They were approved at a panel meeting on August 28. The rules in the state are like other jurisdictions with a significant number of providers.

How to Get a Licence for Indiana Gambling?

To receive a license for Indiana gambling, an operator must pay a $100,000 application fee plus annual renewals. In addition, applicants for sports betting must have $500,00 in cash reserve and partner with a betting provider like DraftKings or FanDuel.

Operators do not have to utilize official league data, which is a rarity in the United States as more states legalize sports betting. Many great sports betting providers like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, BetMGM, PointsBet, Caesars Sportsbook, and William Hill are available in Indiana.

There are 12 total providers that have been licensed to operate sports betting in Indiana. The mobile sports betting rollout was delayed compared to retail wagering. The first book opened on September 1, 2019.

Governor Holcomb placed the first bet in the state. He took the Colts and Pacers to win their respective leagues and the Indiana Fever to win their game on September 1. Unfortunately, none of these bets were successful.

Before the start of the 2019 NFL season, three retail sportsbooks were operating in the state. Then, one month later, online sports betting went live. BetRivers and DraftKings were the first sites to launch, and FanDuel followed shortly after.

The combination of retail and online sports betting Indiana is expected to generate $12 to $20 million per year moving forward. The tax revenue from Indiana sports betting is deliciated towards the state’s general fund that supports education, prisons, health care, and state parks.

Five Reasons to Bet on Sports in Indiana

Indiana has dominated the Midwest United States since sports betting launched in 2019. The market is continuing to grow, and there are countless reasons to wager in the state. Here are five reasons that you should get involved in Indiana sports betting.

Great Bonuses

House money is critical for successful betting. When you are not risking your own cash, it’s impossible to lose. The Indiana sports betting market is extensive, and there are numerous providers that dish out generous bonuses.

DraftKings and FanDuel have two of the best bonuses for new users. You will earn risk-free bets or deposit matches up to $1,000. You cannot go wrong playing on any of the sportsbooks available in Indiana.

The best book for long-term rewards is BetRivers. BetRivers Sportsbook offers the iRush Rewards program, which rewards loyal bettors. If you frequently gamble, you could earn technology and vacations.

Offshore sportsbooks also do offer great bonuses. BetUS is famous for it. Bovada gives you a sing-up bonus and injects more money into your account when you deposit using Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency.

Bonus:

50% up to $250

Bet now

Bonus:

125% Sports Bonus - up to $2,000

Bet now

Great Reputation

The retail and mobile sportsbooks in Indiana all have great reputations. The market is large, but the Indiana Gaming Commission has done a terrific job, including phenomenal platforms. As a result, you will have trouble finding complaints about Indiana sportsbooks.

It will be tough only to utilize one sportsbook in the state. However, you can play on as many sites as you want in the state. You will likely be a member of multiple books because they all provide a great gambling experience.

Customer Service

An excellent reputation is fostered by a few things. One of the necessary things for a sportsbook to garner a superior reputation is tremendous customer service. If you have a technical issue or question regarding a betting platform, it will be quickly solved with the sportsbooks in Indiana.

The first thing to look for on Indiana gambling sites is the FAQ. The FAQ section of all sportsbooks in the state is generated to answer your issues efficiently. If you would like to speak to a real person, the sites have live chat features and phone numbers.

You can also email, text, and participate in community forums. All information is displayed directly on the sportsbook, making it very accessible.

Competitive Odds

The competitive Indiana sports betting market allows you to shop for lines. Line shopping helps you place a winning wager and find the book that will give you the best odds.

Odds constantly change in the buildup to games. There are some states where there are only a few legal wagering options. This hurts people betting because the sportsbooks do not have to compete for users.

In Indiana, you have the choice to utilize the best sportsbooks in the legal industry. This will increase your payout when you place a winning wager.

BetOnline and MyBookie compete for the best odds in the local market. They also offer dozens of markets, from American major leagues to European soccer, tv shows, politics, and non-marquee sports events. Don’t miss their facebook!

Bonus:

50% up to $1,000

Bet now

Bonus:

50% up to $250

Bet now

Safety

Indiana sportsbooks have a great reputation because they are safe. Your personal information will be secured on the sportsbook. When you place a bet, your card information will be kept private.

Payouts are quick and efficient on the sites. The combination of safe deposits and withdrawals, mixed with the speed of the transactions, makes the sportsbooks in Indiana phenomenal.

List of Casinos in Indiana

There are several casinos in Indiana. This complete list of Indiana casinos is in addition to the online casinos you can find at the sportsbooks we recommend.

• Ameristar Casino East Chicago
• Bally’s Evansville
• Belterra Casino Resort & Spa
• Blue Chip Casino
• Caesars Southern Indiana
• Four Winds South Bend
• Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
• French Lick Resort Casino
• Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg
• Hoosier Park Anderson
• Horseshoe Hammond
• Horseshoe Indianapolis
• Majestic Star Casino
• Majestic Star II
• Rising Star Casino Resort

Indiana Sports Betting Timeline

2023

ESPN BET Launch and WynnBET Exit

ESPN BET launched in Indiana, marking a key expansion in the state’s sports betting options, while the betting handle saw a 17% increase. Conversely, WynnBET exited the Indiana market, and April’s sports betting handle experienced a noticeable dip. The year also brought challenges with legislative setbacks and an NFL investigation into the betting activities of an Indianapolis Colts player.

2019

Indiana Regulates Sports Betting

May sees the regulation and opening up of sports betting in Indiana both online and retail. As quickly as September, sportsbooks in the state are opening up. By the end of the year, the Hoosier State had licensed four sportsbooks.

2018

Supreme Court Opens up Legal Sports Betting

In the Supreme Court decision Murphy vs. NCAA, the Supreme Court struck down components of PASPA, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act.  This allowed any state to open up their sports betting markets and begin regulating sportsbooks.

Indiana Sports Betting Resources

Expand your knowledge about legal Indiana sports betting with these essential resources:

• Indiana Gaming Commission: The regulatory authority overseeing sports betting and gaming activities in Indiana.
• Indiana Council on Problem Gambling: Offers support, resources, and assistance for those struggling with gambling-related issues.
• House Bill 1015: The legislation that legalized sports betting in Indiana in 2019.
• Approved Events for IN Sports Wagering: A comprehensive guide to the sporting events permitted for betting in Indiana.
• Indiana General Assembly: The legislative body responsible for drafting and passing gambling-related laws in Indiana.
  (iga.in.gov)