1. How sports betting works in Indiana In order to place bets in the state of Indiana, you must be 21 or older. You can place your bets legally at the state’s physical sportsbooks, online or via app with a legal and regulated operator. You can register remotely to play online or mobile.
2. Indiana sports betting kicked off on Sunday, September 1, 2019. Eric Holcomb placed bets on the Colts and Pacers to win 2020 championships, and on Indiana’s WNBA team to win their game that night (he lost this bet). Holcomb signed the Hoosier state’s sports gambling bill into law on May 8, 2019.

Indiana sports betting law allows for betting on baseball, basketball, college basketball, boxing, football, college football, hockey, tennis, golf, mixed martial arts, soccer, cycling, rugby and dozens of individuals leagues among those sports.

Welcome to INBetting.com, the premier site for information about Indiana sports betting. You can find all the latest in news, updates, and reviews to aid your next bet.

Best of all, we can offer some of the best bonuses around. Many of our bonuses are exclusive offers that cannot be replicated or duplicated elsewhere.

There will always be something new to discover, and we want you to have a leg up on fellow sports bettors.

How sports betting works in Indiana

Indiana is officially a sports betting state. In September 2019, the Hoosier State joined the growing fraternity of states to offer legal wagering on sports to its inhabitants. The law which legalized sports betting, H 1015, provided that licensed casino properties could open online versions of their sportsbooks.

In October 2019, Indiana online betting apps launched. Now there are 10 different apps to choose from, with even more on the way.

How online sports betting works in Indiana

Online sports betting is a relatively new experience for many US sports bettors. However, Americans are quickly discovering the advantages of playing online over traipsing to the nearest retail book.

Advantages of online sports betting

• Convenience: Obviously, the ability to bet sports from anywhere in the state is a valuable feature for online sports bettors. Instead of having to negotiate location and traffic concerns, sports bettors can wager from the comfort of their own homes, coffee shops, or a favorite sports bar. For the many states surrounding Indiana that don’t have sports betting, being able to drive over the state line and bet is a huge perk.
• Flexibility: Alongside its convenience, online sports betting offers increased flexibility over retail operations. Technological superiority allows online sportsbooks to offer dozens of wagers on every single game. Some online books even allow their players to propose their own wagers. It’s just not possible to do the same thing at many retail sportsbooks.
• Promotions: Online sportsbooks often have promotional offers that cannot be found in retail sportsbooks. These offers usually promise some extra cash or prizes in return for playing on a particular sportsbook.

How to signup to an Indiana online sportsbook

In order to get started with an Indiana online sportsbook, a player must first proceed through the registration process. Though the process varies a bit from book to book, they all usually end up in the same place and with the same information.

The homepage of the site will come with a prominent link to sign up. A simple click will take the player through the site’s registration wizard.

Most registrations break into a couple of pages of data entry. The data that each sportsbook wants will usually consist of the following:

• Name – common name is usually fine, but occasionally, a book asks for legal

• Address

• Telephone number

• Email address

• Social Security number – either the entire number or the last four digits

• Username
• Password

The registration process may also ask the player to ask and answer some security questions. These prompts usually involve mildly personal questions, such as a mother’s maiden name or the name of a first pet.

The answers given serve as an extra layer of protection and password recovery. However, just to be safe, make sure to use an uncommon password with special characters and symbols.

Before submitting a registration, make sure to check for any sign-up bonuses and/or bonus codes available. We at INBetting will keep you up to date, but make sure to check back so as not to miss out on free money or other offers.

Indiana online sports betting quick questions

Can I bet on sports in Indiana?

Yes. There are several sportsbooks active in the Hoosier State right now. The online sportsbooks live in Indiana are:

• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• BetMGM
• BetRivers
• PointsBet
• BetAmerica
• Caesars
• Unibet
• theScore Bet
• William Hill

Is it legal?

Yes. Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed H 1015 into law in May 2019, making sports betting legal in Indiana.

Can I bet on my phone?

Yes, there are numerous sports betting apps available for download or both Android and iOS/iPhone.

Can I bet on sports when I am outside of Indiana?

No. It is against both state and federal law to place a wager from outside state lines. Every online sportsbook employs geolocation software to verify each player’s location. If you cannot prove that you are physically inside Indiana, you will not be able to wager.

How Indiana legalized online sports betting

Indiana’s venture into the online sports betting world came as a slight surprise. Obviously, the state is not hostile to gaming, with 14 casinos operating inside the state.

Still, the Hoosier State mostly appeared from nowhere to legalize sports betting in May 2019. Gov. Holcomb received H 1015 from the Indiana legislature and signed it on May 8, 2020, the last day of eligibility to do so.

Indiana’s journey was only marked by one major point of contention. State Rep. Bill Smaltz, a powerful committee chairman, strenuously objected to online sports betting’s inclusion in the bill.

His concerns stemmed from a belief that online sports betting suffers from a lack of adequate consumer protections. His influence managed to strip the provision out of the law, albeit briefly. A conference committee later reversed the decision. So, the law passed to the governor with online sports betting.

As is the case with most gaming activities in the state, the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) is responsible for overseeing online sportsbooks in the state. Each licensed casino property in Indiana could apply for a license to operate an online sportsbook. All 14 did when the licensing process opened up.

Licenses cost $100,000, and require a $50,000 annual renewal. The state also taxes 9.5% of adjusted gross revenues from sports betting.

The new law permits wagering on most sports. However, bets on esports or amateur athletes under 18 are not allowed.

The IGC is also going to maintain a strong grip on live betting offerings at Indiana online sportsbooks. The commission will also monitor and restrict data sources as it deems fit.

How to choose an online sportsbook in Indiana

In terms of which site to trust, the choice boils down to how transparently the site operates.

The IGC oversees all regulated sites in Indiana. That should be reason enough to avoid offshore sportsbooks, which do not have a regulatory body watching over the industry to ensure everything is on the up and up.

Furthermore, at regulated Indiana betting sites, it should be easy for players to contact site personnel and resolve issues. A site should have people on call around the clock to handle problems as they arise, even if they are minor and easy to fix.

Sites should also have a wide variety of deposit and withdrawal methods. There should be plenty of information about how the site does business.

Finally, any site worth the time will have resources available to help problem gamblers with their addiction. Restricting or canceling one’s account should be possible with very little effort.

Generally speaking, a legit online sports betting site is as safe as any other online merchant. Though it is wise to verify, they are as trustworthy as they need to be. Anything less is a deathblow to the business, anyway.

Indiana sportsbooks vs. apps

Any discussion of online sportsbooks will include mentions of both online sportsbooks and apps. Those unfamiliar with the topic may wonder about the differences between the two.

Online sportsbooks typically refer to browser-based sportsbooks you can access on your desktop or laptop. While you may be able to look at a sportsbook’s website on your phone, you need to download the sports betting app in order to actually wager. That is because the app needs to credibly verify your location to confirm you are betting within the sate.

So, it is quite common for an online sportsbook to release three separate versions of its software. There will be a browser-based version that anyone can access as well as dedicated versions for Android and iOS devices.

It is sometimes possible that one version might be more or less robust than its counterparts. There may be sports or bet types offered that do not appear elsewhere.

However, by and large, there is no risk playing on either an online sportsbook or app. All things equal, they are the same.

Online sports betting promotions

As we mentioned earlier, one of the main advantages of online sports betting over retail sports betting is the prevalence of bonus opportunities and promotions. Online sportsbooks understand that competition is much fiercer in the virtual space since competitors are only a few button presses away.

So, books offer bonuses to entice players to give their sites a try. A healthy bonus structure can also be key to retaining existing clients.

Types of online sportsbook bonuses

Attracting new customers is an ongoing process for online sportsbooks. There are several types of bonuses that online sportsbooks use to aid this process.

• No-deposit bonuses: One of the most common types of bonuses that new players can use is the no-deposit bonus. These bonuses are found money. The sportsbook pledges to award a certain amount of cash to any player who signs up. These offers vary from site to site, both in dollar amount and in restriction. In some cases, the app is literally giving away free money that can be withdrawn immediately.
• Loyalty Rewards: The main reason why sportsbooks are less likely to have rewards programs is the very nature of sports betting. Like poker, sportsbooks derive their income in an ancillary manner to the action of sports betting, rather than directly from it. Ideally, a sportsbook can balance out its bets on either side of the action for a particular contest. Then, it takes its profit from the vig it charges all the bettors.
• Free bets: A free bet is something of a misnomer. This type of bonus yields a free wager for the player. However, it’s not free because it usually doesn’t come without some sort of exchange. Most of the time, an online sportsbook will award a free bet as compensation for losing a specific wager. So, free bets are equivalent in value to whatever losing bet preceded them. They’re more like a buy one, get one promotion than strictly a free bet.
• Deposit bonus: Another common type of bonus is the deposit bonus. This type of bonus, which is sometimes called a match bonus, commits the online sportsbook to match a certain percentage of a player’s deposit in their account. This match percentage varies wildly, going from a 10% match all the way to a dollar-for-dollar scenario. First deposits tend to be subject to more lucrative bonuses, with hundreds of dollars in bonus money possible.

One last thing to remember is that some deposit bonuses need a promotional code in order to activate. Make sure to check the promotional ad and copy the code into the appropriate box when making a deposit.

Cash out options at Indiana sportsbooks

Cash out options are not bonuses in the strictest sense. However, they are becoming more prevalent in US online sportsbooks due to the flexibility that they provide the bettors.

A cash out option is a dynamic button that appears at the bottom of some bet slips. The button displays an ever-changing amount of money.

What the button represents is an opportunity for the player to close out his or her open bet. Instead of waiting until the end of the game, the player can settle the bet for the displayed amount.

Obviously, the sportsbook wants to close the bet at a lower payout amount, if possible. So, its motivation is fairly clear.

However, a player may consider a cash out option if he or she wants to guard against any kind of miracle losses. Sports are unpredictable, and the loss of some profit potential for a sure thing may be enticing to some bettors.

What to look for in a bonus

Online sportsbooks will invariably attempt to lure new players with their bonuses. The smart ones will always have some sort of promo running in order to keep the existing players happy, too.

In terms of which site to choose, though, the best thing to do is read the fine print. The question with any bonus should be related to how much time and effort is required to redeem the offer fully.

So, before signing up for any bonus, check the terms and conditions. If none exist or are easily found, it’s probably not a good place to play.

Pay special attention to the playthrough requirement and the time it takes to redeem the bonus. Try to get a sense about whether that much play is possible before time expires, and whether the exertion will cause personal problems with family and commitments.

Calculating the expected value of a bonus

If you’d like to analyze bonuses even deeper, read on. It is possible to determine whether a bonus is a good investment of money based only on its playthrough requirement.

Consider the following scenario:

A player wishes to deposit into an online sportsbook. He notices that the casino is offering a 100% match up to $500.

He also sees that the playthrough requirement is 20 times the bonus amount. So, were he to exercise the option fully, he would have to wager $10,000 ($500 x 20) in order to release the funds.

Now, a typical spread or totals bet has a house advantage of around 4.54%. So, over the course of that $10,000 wagering, the player could expect to lose $454.

Since the bonus amount is worth $500, the expected value of the bonus is actually $46. So, in this case, it would make sense to redeem the bonus (assuming that there’s enough time).

Now, consider this scenario:

Think about what happens, however, if the playthrough requirement is now 25 times the bonus amount. Now, assuming that he loses the same 4.54% of his playthrough requirement, he actually loses $567.50.

The maximum bonus amount never changed, it’s still $500. So, in fact, a 25x playthrough requirement would actually be a losing proposition.

Funding your account

Playing on online sportsbooks requires having money online. Thankfully, the process of getting money into an online sportsbook account is relatively painless.

Once a player has an account with the online sportsbook, a deposit could be a matter of seconds away. A simple click to the cashier, an appropriate selection among the choices of deposit options, and the entry of credit card information can be all it takes to get started.

However, players without credit cards need not despair. Most online sportsbooks feature a host of deposit options. Some of those options include:

• Credit/debit cards
• Visa
• Mastercard
• Electronic check (ACH)
• Electronic wallet
• PayPal
• NETELLER
• Skrill
• Prepaid card
• Play+
• Bank transfer
• Online bill pay
• Wire transfer
• PayNearMe
• Cash
• Transactions are possible through the partner’s cage or cashier onsite
• Check
• Cashier’s check
• Money order

Withdrawing money from an online sportsbook is almost as easy as depositing. However, most sportsbooks do not offer as many withdrawal options as deposit options. Furthermore, the sportsbook itself will often designate its preferred method of withdrawal.

Depositing FAQ

Michigan Indiana Betting Line

Is depositing money in an online sportsbook safe?

Assuming that the sportsbook is legal and licensed in Indiana, yes. The Indiana Gaming Commission oversees the entire industry, and has resources available in case of any disputes.

Is making a deposit secure?

Yes. It is in the interest of both the online sportsbook and the IGC to ensure that there are appropriate measures in place to combat hacking and other cybercrime.

Can I deposit any amount that I want?

Every online sportsbook will limit the amounts available for deposit. These limits will exist for both daily and monthly timeframes. However, most players can get their limits changed if they communicate with the personnel at the sportsbook.

Can I deposit from out of state?

Yes. Most online sportsbooks will allow you to make deposits from outside the state lines.

However, you will not be able to wager on anything until you are physically within Indiana. Sportsbooks use verification software to ensure that players are in compliance on this issue.

How long does it take to deposit?

In most cases, depositing only takes a minute or two. However, the sportsbook will have to verify your method of deposit before anything can proceed. If there are issues with the method you choose, it could cause unnecessary delays.

How long does it take for my withdrawal to reach me?

It depends on the method. Some sportsbooks can make a withdrawal happen quite quickly if it’s an e-check or an e-wallet.

However, many sportsbooks prefer to send deposits to the player’s mailing address in the form of a check. In those cases, a wait of a week or two is not unusual.

Can I withdraw anytime I want?

Generally, yes. However, if there are any holds on money you’ve deposited, then those funds will not be eligible for withdrawal.

Sports/Indiana teams you can bet on

Most major sports are available for wagering in Indiana. Both professional and collegiate events can accept a bet in the Hoosier State.

The only significant exceptions to this rule are for esports and amateur athletes under 18. Indiana law does not permit esport betting, and sportsbooks have to leave the kids alone.

Here is a partial list of sports that player might see at Indiana online sportsbooks:

• Australian-rules football
• Baseball
• NBA
• NCAA basketball
• Cricket
• Darts
• Fighting
• Boxing
• Mixed martial arts
• NFL
• NCAA football
• Golf
• Hockey
• Rugby
• Soccer
• Tennis

The only professional football team in Indiana is the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. The guys in blue and white have an exceptionally-strong hold over the northern part of the state.

The Chicago Bears also garner a lot of Hoosier attention. Chicago’s proximity to Indiana guarantees that Chicago sports teams will always be adopted by Indiana residents. The same goes for the Cincinnati Bengals.

In the southern part of the state, Indiana’s tastes run a bit differently. People are much more interested in the Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball team than a football game. You could argue Indiana is the absolute heart of college basketball in the US.

Live/In-play betting

Live betting is quickly becoming a staple of online sports betting in the US. Also called in-play wagering, live betting revolves around wagering options that occur during the course of a match or game in progress.

Almost by definition, live betting options are proposition bets. They settle according to partial game results or due to factors ancillary to the game’s outcome.

In-game wagering allows a sportsbook to expand from the typical five to ten options for betting on each contest. Instead, it is now possible to offer dozens of wagers on a single game.

Typically, live betting falls into one of three categories of events. The first type of live wager poses a question about the outcome of a certain game period. So, a bet might be about the score at the end of the first quarter, or which team will “win” the first half.

Another type of live bet pertains to the possibility that a player or team will achieve a certain milestone during the game. So, an Indiana online sportsbook might ask whether T.Y. Hilton will reach 100 receiving yards or whether Jacoby Brissett will throw three touchdown passes.

IN sports betting starter kit

Of course, many people in Indiana will be completely new to sports betting, much less the online version of it. That’s fine. With just a bit of study, anyone can have fun placing a few bucks on their favorite team.

Sports betting comes with an array of betting types that may seem confusing at first. Here are the most common types of betting that new bettors may encounter:

• Point spreads
• Moneylines
• Totals (over/under)
• Futures
• Propositions
• Parlays
• Teasers
• Pleasers
• Round robins

Tips and tricks for new sports bettors

With any new endeavor, there is a learning curve. Fortunately, many have blazed the trail before and have shared their knowledge.

Things to do that will improve results:

• Pick one game as your primary area of expertise. Don’t try to be a jack of all trades.
• Learn the chosen game inside and out. Focus not only on which teams are good, but also on why they are good.
• Determine which statistics strongly correlate with various bets. For instance, the pace of play in a game can provide big clues about the outcome of totals bets, because faster games tend to score more points.
• Use online resources effectively. Find a good win probability calculator and/or other ways to crunch the numbers.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Don’t follow the crowd or pundits. Even though both groups may be correct, sports are renowned for the unpredictability. Besides, a heavy favorite is unlikely to pay out very much.
• Don’t chase losses. The sting of one lost bet is always less than the sting of two bets gone. Losing the first bet can also affect one’s judgment and mindset – in poker, players refer to this condition as “going on tilt.” Don’t go on tilt.
• Try to avoid betting longshots. Most of the time, they’re longshots for a reason. Even though they have a chance of an outsized payout, the oddsmakers know that the chance is quite low.
• Bet smart. Don’t put money at risk that you cannot afford to lose. Don’t play if you’re under the influence.

Most of all, try to remember that sports betting is supposed to be fun. So, if it’s not, then something is off.

Sports betting glossary

Like many things, sports betting comes with its own set of terms and lingo. Here is a handy guide so that there’s no more confusion.

• Futures: A type of wager on an end-of-season or cumulative event. Common futures bets are straight-odds wagers on teams to win championships or players to win annual awards.
• In-game wagering: Proposition wagers that take place during the course of a game. They tend to involve either the results of a given time period within the game, or statistical milestones that players or teams may achieve during the contest.
• Leg: A portion of a parlay. Every leg in a parlay must be correct in order for the parlay to pay out.
• Line: A shorthand term for the point spread
• Live betting: Another term for in-game betting.
• Moneyline: A type of wager in which players receive designated payouts for correctly predicting the eventual winner of a contest.
• Moving the line: A sportsbook moves the line when it adjusts the point spread on a particular contest. As wagers come in, sportsbooks try to balance the action on each side of the bet. An imbalance on wagers creates an unfavorable situation for the book, so the oddsmakers will change the line in order to encourage more wagering on the weaker side of the bet.
• Parlays: A parlay bet is a combination bet in which the player wagers on the likelihood of two events occurring. Each event, known as a leg, must win in order to pay out. The increased risk associated with parlays is countered by their increased payouts.
• Pleaser: A type of parlay in which the sportsbook adjusts the line in its own favor, but the payout is increased.
• Point spread: A sportsbook’s estimated margin of victory for a game or match. Players bet whether the favorite will exceed the margin, or the underdog will lose by fewer points or win outright.
• Propositions: Wagers on events peripheral to the outcome of the game at hand. Propositions, or “prop bets,” are often the type of wager involved in a dare, where one party is challenged to complete an unusual task. Almost every live bet is a prop bet.
• Round robin: A group of parlays combined into a single bet. Unlike its constituent parts, it is not necessary for every part of a round robin to win in order to pay out.
• Teaser: A type of parlay in which the sportsbook adjusts the line in the bettors’ favor, but the payout is reduced.
• Totals: A sports bet based upon the total combined amount of points or goals scored by both teams in a match. The sportsbook estimates the total (the over/under), and players wager whether the actual total will be above or below the estimate.

Indiana sports betting is heading into its third year. Indiana bettors have a huge variety of legal online sportsbooks at their fingertips and the action should only get better throughout 2021.

Compared to other states with sports betting, Indiana has very few restrictions. Here, you can even place in-game bets on Indiana colleges as well as TV events like the Oscars.

For sports bettors of all stripes, it doesn’t get much better than Indiana.

Indiana Sports Betting Updates

• More Than $200 Million Handled For The Third Month- On December 10, 2020, the Indiana Gaming Commission reported the third consecutive month (September, October, November 2020) of more than $200 million in total sports wagering across the state. In fact, sports betting has steadily grown every month since legalization.
• Indiana Largely Unaffected By Illinois Legalization- Despite Illinois again suspending the in-person registration requirement in September 2020, Indiana has only seen sports betting revenue continue to grow. However, Iowa’s in-person registration requirement expired on January 1, 2021, so we’ll see how that affects Indiana’s sportsbook revenue.
• Remodeled Barstool Sportsbook Opens On Christmas Eve- On December 24, 2020, the newly reimagined Barstool Sportsbook at Ameristar Casino in East Chicago opened its doors. Located at the casino entrance, this sportsbook features huge screens, a full food and drink menu, and plenty of betting kiosks.
• Betting Begins On The Academy Awards- In early January 2020, some Indiana sportsbooks, including Caesars Southern Indiana, began accepting bets on the Oscars. This is despite the fact that the nominations won’t be announced until March 15, 2021. As one of just two states (along with New Jersey) with legal Oscar betting, they’re already capitalizing on the privilege.
• Indianapolis Colts Made It To The Playoffs- The Colts made it to the playoffs but faced off against the Bills during the Wild Card weekend. Maybe next year?

Best Sportsbook Apps In Indiana

William Hill Indiana (8.2/10)

Visit: William Hill Indiana and Claim $500 Risk Free Bet

• Welcome Offer: Risk-free bet up to $500
• Available Platforms: iOS App, Android App, Web Browser
• Retail Partner: Tropicana Casino
• Live betting is the cornerstone of the William Hill app
• Creative bet boosts
• Competitive odds and moderate vig
• Accepts PayPal for deposits and withdrawals as well as credit/debit, online bank transfer, and more.

William Hill is one of the olds sports betting companies in the world, with an international footprint. It is also quickly expanding across the US. Part of this expansion involved the launch of William Hill Indiana in 2019.

In addition to its sign up bonus offer, William Hill also offers regular bet boosts and ongoing promotions. There is no end to their creativity on promotions and parlays. They have a strong live betting offer as well. Click the InPlay tab from the middle of the screen to see available live betting options.

FanDuel Sportsbook Indiana (9.5/10)

Visit: FanDuel Indiana and Bet $5 to Win $275 on Super Bowl 55

• Welcome Offer: Risk-free bet up to $1,000
• Available Platforms: iOS App, Android App, Web Browser
• Retail Partner: Blue Chip Casino
• Highly Rated Mobile Platform
• Exclusive Daily Tournaments
• Often Unbeatable Odds
• Same login across DFS and sportsbook platforms
• Accepts PayPal for deposits and withdrawals as well as credit/debit, online bank transfer, and more.

FanDuel Sportsbook was the first sports betting site and app to launch in Indiana. But despite receiving tons of competition since, it remains one of the most popular platforms in the state.

The reason is simple: FanDuel Indiana offers odds that rival anyone, some of the best ongoing promotions and tournaments, and a smooth, intuitive, and reliable mobile app.

New members can receive a risk-free bet up to $1,000. But existing members have access to a wide range of additional offers in both FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel DFS.

BetMGM Sportsbook Indiana (9.25/10)

Visit: BetMGM Indiana and get up to $500 Deposit Match Bonus

• Welcome Offer: Risk-free bet up to $500
• Available Platforms: iOS App, Android App, Web Browser
• Retail Partner: Belterra Casino
• Tied for best app rating with DraftKings: 4.8 out of 5.0
• Massive market depth, including exclusive sports offerings
• Exclusive Cross-Sport Parlays
• Allows cash deposits and withdrawals at Belterra Casino cage (plus PayPal, credit/debit, online bank transfer, etc.)

BetMGM Indiana has arguably the best mobile platform in the US, with a quality that’s right alongside the big dog sportsbook apps like FanDuel and DraftKings.

They also have competitive odds on moneyline and points spread bets. And with incredible consistency, BetMGM offers the highest win potential in futures betting.

Where BetMGM Indiana falls a bit short is with their welcome offer: a risk-free bet up to $500, which is half of what FanDuel Indiana offers. On top of a comparable app, FanDuel edges in front of BetMGM by a narrow margin.

But a smart sports bettor will compare the odds before placing a bet to make sure they’re getting the best deal. And BetMGM Indiana is an essential inclusion in that strategy.

PointsBet Sportsbook Indiana (8.5/10)

Visit: PointsBet Indiana and get $2,000 in Risk-Free Bets

• Welcome Offer: Two risk-free bets up to $2,000 with code BIGBONUS
• Available Platforms: iOS App, Android App, Web Browser
• Retail Partner: Lawrenceburg’s Hollywood Entertainment
• Range of American and international sports
• “No Juice” on select points spread bets for NFL playoff games and more
• Unique PointsBetting feature for totals wagering
• $5 minimum deposit and $50,000 maximum deposit with no minimum withdrawal

PointsBet has a lot to offer in terms of unique betting features. The most notable is PointsBetting, where over/under totals trigger multipliers that apply to both losing bets and winning bets. That means a $5 bet could be a $50 loss if you’re off by 10 points, but it could also mean a $50 payout if they score well over or well below the sportsbook’s total.

The PointsBet Indiana welcome bonus is two bets up to $1,500 with promo code BIGBONUS. This includes a risk-free fixed-odds bet up to $500 and a risk-free PointsBetting wager up to $1,000.

PointsBet Indiana’s biggest drawback is its limited banking options, which do not include PayPal or Skrill. However, the minimum deposit is $5, and there is no minimum withdrawal, which makes PointsBet a highly accessible platform for low-stakes bettors.

DraftKings Sportsbook Indiana (9.75/10)

Visit: DraftKings Indiana and get up to $1,000 Deposit Match Bonus

• Welcome Offer: 20% deposit match up to $1,000
• Available Platforms: iOS App, Android App, Web Browser
• Retail Partner: Ameristar Casino East Chicago
• Highest Rated Sportsbook App in Indiana
• Flawless mobile platform in terms of navigation and reliability
• Great odds and exclusive lines
• Offers both PayPal and Skrill for deposit and withdrawal (plus credit/debit, online bank transfer, and more.)

If you could only choose one sportsbook in Indiana, DraftKings would be a safe bet. They offer hands down the best mobile app for iOS and Android, and their odds usually match or beat all competitors.

DraftKings Indiana technically has the highest deposit-match bonus up to $1,000, but they match it by 20%, meaning you need to deposit $5,000 to receive the maximum amount. For most bettors, the 100% deposit match up to $250 at BetRivers Indiana is better.

But in all other respects, DraftKings beats out BetRivers 99 times out of 100 – and most other sportsbooks for that matter.

BetRivers Sportsbook Indiana (7.5/10)

• Welcome Offer: 100% deposit match up to $250
• Available Platforms: Android App, Web Browser
• Retail Partner: French Lick Resort
• Doubles first deposit up to $250 with only 1x wagering requirement
• Competitive odds worth checking before placing a bet
• iRush Rewards offers a great loyalty program to regular bettors
• Credit and debit card accepted for deposits and withdrawal

BetRivers Indiana does not yet have an iOS App in a state where at least 80% of bets are placed on mobile devices. Worse yet, BetRivers does have sportsbook apps for other states, but even those are subpar.

That means iOS users will have to play the web browser version of the BetRivers, which takes major points off for this brand.

Also, BetRivers Indiana only offers the following deposit methods:

• Credit/Debit Card
• BetRivers Play+ Card
• Cash at casino cage (French Lick Resort)

That’s even more limited than what’s offered at PointsBet.

Still, it can still be worth it to play at BetRivers Indiana, because their odds will often beat out the likes of DraftKings and BetMGM for certain events, and they have arguably the best welcome offer in the state.

New members of BetRivers Indiana can have their first deposit doubled up to $250. And the wagering requirement is only 1x on bets with odds -200 or longer, including parlays. This can be any combination of bets within those requirements, even wagers as low as $1.

All Indiana Sportsbook Sites

How To Place A Bet In Indiana

Step 1: Choose Your Sportsbook

The easiest way to place a bet on sports in Indiana is online. However, you can also visit a retail sportsbook and bet in-person at casinos across the state.

Here are some features to look for when deciding which online sportsbook to join:

• Great Welcome Offer, including agreeable terms and conditions
• Best odds on the sport or event you’re planning to wager on first
• Preferred banking methods
• App Store rating

When you’ve found the right sportsbook, iOS users can download the state-specific app in the App Store. Android users need to download the app directly on the sportsbook’s website per Google Play restrictions. You can also bet at most sportsbooks via web browser on any device.

Step 2: Create An Account

All online sportsbooks in Indiana make it easy to register an account. Simply click the “signup” button and follow the steps, where you’ll provide your personal information and create a login. Make sure to include any promo code if one is required during signup.

Indiana Betting Online

Step 3: Verify Your Location

The app or website will prompt you to share your location, and you must do so to wager. This is per Indiana Gaming Commission regulations, as you must be legally located within the state of Indiana to wager.

Step 4: Make A Deposit

You can deposit during the signup process or after. To deposit, you transfer money to your sportsbook account using an available banking method.

Important Note: Using a credit card as a payment method may count as a cash advance, which often comes with hefty fees. Your best bet is to use PayPal, Skrill, or online bank transfer.

Step 5: Place Your Bets

You have a lot of risk-free bet offers in Indiana, but you can also choose to simply skip the welcome offer and place any bets you like. Add one or several wagers to your bet slip – and remember to gamble responsibly!

Indiana Legal Sportsbooks

The Indiana Gaming Commission meticulously verifies each sportsbook applicant before issuing a sports betting license. They also must approve each sport before its offered and enforces a strict regulatory code. You can find more resources here.

Illegal sportsbooks do not offer such protection for bettors. These sites are located in legal safe havens where they can offer their services to anyone in the world without restriction – and their oversight is minimal.

That means you have no legal recourse if they refuse to pay, suddenly disappear with your money, give away your personal information, or any number of likely scenarios.

Indiana Sports Betting Revenue

Indiana surpassed $200 million in total wagering in the month of September 2020. That increased to more than $230 million in October 2020, then to over $250 million in November 2020.

That’s where the most recent reports end at the time of writing this Indiana sports betting guide. But that’s already an incredible trend in a market that expected to lose some business as Illinois and Iowa’s legal online sports betting markets grow.

Perhaps Indiana’s sportsbooks are growing in popularity and losing some customers at the same time. But whatever the case may be, the Hoosier State remains a hyper-competitive market, and bettors will benefit in the form of promotions and exclusive odds.

How Indiana Compares To Other States

Indiana Versus The US

Indiana is the only state where you can bet on in-state college teams, place in-game bets on college games, and bet on TV events like the Oscars. Everywhere else places restrictions on at least one of those categories.

It can be argued that states with more bettors bring in more revenue, and more revenue means better deals. For example, while Indiana sportsbooks handled $230 million in October, Illinois sportsbooks handled $435 million that same month.

Still, Indiana is a large market that inspires tons of competition. And all that competition means a great selection of odds across the different sportsbooks.

Indiana Versus The Midwest

Illinois and Iowa both offer online sports betting. In Iowa, the in-person registration requirement expired on January 1, 2021, and the governor of Illinois suspended their in-person registration requirement via executive order in response to COVID-19.

However, compared to Indiana, both states have about half as many online sportsbooks to choose from.

Further, Iowa does not allow in-game bets on college games, and Illinois restricts betting on in-state college teams. Indiana does not have either restriction.

Nowhere else in the Midwest allows bets on TV competitions like the Oscars either. And betting on politics—a popular activity in Europe and elsewhere in the world—could be next.

Indiana Betting Successes And Failures

Indiana Sports Betting Success

As mentioned above, Indiana sportsbooks saw a gradual increase in sports betting handles every month from October through the end of 2020. With the Colts in the playoffs, the Super Bowl, and March Madness all occurring in early 2021, that trend is expected to either continue or level out.

Indiana rolled out sports betting in a way that allowed for tons of competition and a huge variety of bets. You also never had to register in-person at an online sportsbook in Indiana, a requirement that was a significant nuisance for sports bettors in Iowa and Illinois.

Where Could Indiana Improve Online Gambling?

If Michigan sees success with legalized online casinos in 2021, it’s a safe bet that Indiana will eventually follow suit.

During a National Council Of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) conference in January 2020, Republican State Senator John Ford stated that Indiana lawmakers would take a look at legalizing online casinos in 2021.

With the recent success of online sports betting, there’s likely enough political capital to get it done.

As it stands, the only states that legalized online casinos are New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan. But Indiana stands a good chance of becoming among the next few to do it too.

Legalization Effort In Indiana

Former Governor of Indiana Mike Pence was staunchly opposed to gambling expansion. However, he was replaced by fellow Republican Eric Holcomb, who began serving as the state’s governor on January 9, 2017, and has since led the state to its current status as a sports betting haven.

But it wasn’t all his doing by any stretch. The Indiana Senate passed Bill 552 on February 26, 2019, and it saw a huge number of revisions from Democrats and Republicans alike. When the dust settled, the bipartisan bill to legalize sports betting ended up on Governor Holcomb’s desk, and he signed it into law on May 8, 2019.

Interestingly, Indiana has one of the most accessible markets for operators. They have a 9.5% tax rate and an annual $50,000 license fee. Illinois sportsbooks are subject to a 15% tax rate and $10 million license fee, which has kept the competition relatively low in the state. While Indiana will have a dozen or more sportsbooks in 2021, Illinois has just five.

Another area of interest is the tax revenue sports betting can bring into the state. Indiana estimated tax revenue of $10 million in the first year, and $38 million by the fifth year (2024). They were off by $1 million in the first year (September 2019 – September 2020), but COVID-19 saw March Madness 2020 canceled and a host of other sports paused, shortened, or canceled as well.

So, while it’s too early to say if those initial estimates are accurate, they don’t seem to be too off target. Time will tell.

Timeline For Indiana Sports Betting

• February 26, 2019: Indiana Senate passed Bill 552, which expands the number of casinos in the state and began the legalization efforts of sports betting.
• May 8, 2019: Republican Governor Eric Holcomb signs the new gambling expansion bill into law, allowing for more Indiana casinos as well as legalized retail and online sportsbooks.
• September 1, 2019: Three Indiana casinos—Indiana Grand Casino in Shelbyville, Ameristar East Chicago, and Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg—began taking in-person bets at their retail sportsbooks.
• September 19, 2019: As of this day, 13 different casinos across the state accept retail sports bets. Rising Star Casino and Caesars Southern Indiana also opened sportsbooks. Hard Rock Northern Indiana will open one in Spring 2021. The only casinos without sportsbook lounges will be Four Winds South Bend and Majestic Star riverboat casinos.
• September 25, 2019: In partnership with French Lick Casino, Rush Street Gaming (owner of the BetRivers Sportsbook) became Indiana’s first approved online sports betting platform.
• October 3, 2019: BetRivers and DraftKings launched in Indiana, the first two legally-licensed online sportsbooks in the state.
• October 2019 – December 2019: DraftKings, FanDuel, William Hill, and BetAmerica also launch online sportsbooks in Indiana.
• February 2020 – September 2020: Five more online sportsbooks launch in the state—BetMGM, PointsBet, Caesars Sports, Unibet, and theScore—for a total of ten different options. And three more are expected in 2021.
• September 2020 – November 2020: Indiana reports three consecutive months where the state’s sportsbooks handled over $200 million.

Indiana Teams

Indiana Professional Sports Teams

Indiana Colts

The NFL reigns supreme as the most popular sport for betting in the US. And the Indiana Colts are by far the most popular professional team for betting in Indiana.

This came into an especially bright spotlight when the Colts made it to the playoffs in 2021, with a regular season that helped inspire over $200 million in Indiana sports bets through the end of 2020.

As one of only two professional sports teams in the state, the Indiana Colts don’t have much competition for local fandom. But they won the Super Bowl in 1970, which was the first one after the AFL-NFL merger. And they won it again almost four decades later, with Peyton Manning leading the Colts to a victory over the Chicago Bears in 2006.

Fans of the Colts have a love-hate relationship with the team. While we’ll root for them no matter the circumstances, there’s a reason the team is nicknamed “The Dolts.”

This is a team with a history of being the underdog as long as their history of being the favorite. Some would even say the underdog days overshadow the times of glory.

But at the end of the day, this is Indiana’s team. Through thick and thin, through good offenses and legendarily bad defenses.

Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers have no NBA titles to their name despite their roster including Reggie Miller, Isiah Thomas, Ron Artest, Paul George, and the great Danny Granger. But that’s largely due to a relentless string of bad luck, including injuries, suspensions, family tragedies, and beyond.

The Pacers are due, and I’d bet on the fact that their year is coming in the near future.

Indiana College Sports Teams

Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish are far and wide the most popular sports team in the state. Not the most popular “college” sports team. This state treats Notre Dame football like Chicago treats all their sports teams combined. Indiana bleeds green.

College football is the second most popular sport for betting in the US after the NFL. But college football is the most popular sport in the state of Indiana. And we place a lot of bets on the fifth most winning team in college football history.

You’ll find a huge number of lines for Notre Dame games at Indiana’s online sportsbooks. The sports betting lounges across the state are also electric on game days. (They’re essentially Indiana sports bars with gambling kiosks, so how could they not be?)

Everyone Else

Unfortunately for other in-state programs, there’s Notre Dame and everyone else. But Indiana boasts some of the most competitive NCAA D1 athletic departments in the country beyond the Fighting Irish. These include:

• Ball State
• Butler
• Purdue
• Indiana University
• Indiana State

With few restrictions on college sports betting in Indiana, every sportsbook in the state will take bets on every game these teams play.

Other Sports To Bet On In Indiana

All the best Indiana sportsbooks offer bets on all types of sports, including racing, individual competitions like MMA and golf, and even the Academy Awards.

Some brands also specialize in international competitions, such as European soccer. Sportsbooks such as William Hill, PointsBet, and Unibet are particularly diligent about listing tons of events for the more obscure overseas events.

Indiana Bans Esports Wagering

Besides banning bets on high school and amateur sports, Indiana has some of the most relaxed sports betting laws in the country. However, regulators have outright banned esports wagering in the state. This is due to the fact that many esports teams have underage players.

But they could have allowed sportsbooks to take bets only on competitions with players over 18. Further, how do they square that with betting on international soccer, where teams regularly have players under the age of 18?

Hopefully, Indiana considers changing this restriction as esports betting grows in popularity across the US, including in Indiana.

Indiana Sports Betting FAQs

Yes, online sports betting is legal in Indiana. Since BetRivers and DraftKings first launched on October 3, 2019, the state has licensed ten total online sportsbooks. At least three more are expected in 2021. You can register at any legal online sportsbook from home, and most are available via web browser, iOS app, and Android app.

21. You must be at least 21 years old to bet online in Indiana. The gambling age in Indiana is only 18 if you’re playing the lottery. Retail casinos and sportsbooks as well as online sportsbooks restrict access to anyone under 21. This includes the tribal casino Four Winds in South Bend, as alcohol is served on the casino floor.

Yes, you can bet on college sports in Indiana. All licensed online sportsbooks, as well as retail sportsbooks inside the state’s casinos, take bets on college sports. You can place in-game bets and prop bets on college sports, and you can bet on in-state college teams.

No. You do not have to be a resident of Indiana to place real-money bets at Indiana’s online sportsbooks. You can also join, deposit, and withdraw from anywhere in the US. However, you need to be physically located inside the state to place a real-money bet.

Yes. DraftKings Sportsbook Indiana launched on October 3, 2019, in partnership with Ameristar Casino East Chicago. Alongside BetRivers, DraftKings was among the first available sportsbooks in the state. You can join and wager from anywhere in the state. DraftKings Indiana currently offers new members a 20% first deposit bonus up to $1,000.

Yes, FanDuel Sportsbook is available in Indiana. In partnership with Blue Chip Casino, FanDuel became the third online sportsbook to enter the state. To bet at FanDuel Sportsbook, you must be at least 21 and physically located in Indiana. New members can place a risk-free bet up to $1,000.

More Resources On Indiana Sports Betting

• Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) website offers a host of resources about casino licensing, Indiana gambling news, and a contact page for questions or disputes.
• Monthly Revenue Reports from Indiana gambling companies are updated monthly by the IGC..
• Indiana Sports Wagering Statute details all sports betting rules and regulations.
• IndyStar Sports offers the latest news on all Indiana athletics from the high school to the professional level.
• WISH-TV Sports also offers a valuable resource for breaking news about Indiana sports.