Indiana Sports Betting
Indiana passed sports wagering legislation in May 2019, and the first retail sportsbooks launched just four months later. Online sports betting in Indiana followed shortly after, with industry veterans DraftKings and BetRivers debuting their betting apps on October 3, 2019.
Today, nearly all of Indiana’s 13 land-based casinos have retail sportsbooks, and more than a dozen Indiana online sports betting operators are taking legal real-money wagers. The Indiana sports betting industry generated $3.83 billion in sports wagering handle in 2021, comparable to the larger state of Michigan.
BettingUSA has been monitoring the industry’s development from day one to provide up-to-date listings and reviews of the best Indiana sports betting sites. In addition, bettors can claim promo codes with a total value surpassing $10,000.
Legal Indiana Betting Sites
21+ and present in Indiana. T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT.
Indiana offers several other forms of legal, well-regulated online betting. State law also permits online horse racing betting and daily fantasy sports apps. The success of online sports betting in Indiana has also spurred efforts to legalize online casino gambling.
Best Indiana Sports Betting Apps
Indiana law permits licensed casinos and OTBs to partner with sports betting sites to operate up to three individually branded online sportsbooks, also known as “skins.” There’s a total of 14 licensed operators, so in theory, Indiana could support over 40 sports betting apps. However, most licensed properties have settled on one partner.
Indiana sports bettors do not have to visit casinos to register online sportsbook accounts. Users 21 or older may register, deposit, and place wagers from anywhere in state lines.
Below is a list of approved Indiana online sports betting apps:
Other Indiana Online Sportsbooks
Indiana Sportsbook Promo Codes
The following table outlines all current Indiana sports betting promo codes and their associated welcome offers for new customers:
Online Sportsbook | Promo Code | Bonus Offer |
---|---|---|
BetMGM Indiana Bonus Code | BUSABONUS | Bet $5, Get $150 |
DraftKings Indiana Promo Code | Not Needed | No Sweat Bet up to $1,000 |
Bet365 Indiana Bonus Code | Not Needed | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets |
BetRivers Indiana Bonus Code | BUSA | Second Chance Bet up to $500 |
FanDuel Indiana Promo Code | Not Needed | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets |
Caesars Sportsbook Indiana Promo Code | BUSA1000 | $1000 Bonus Bet |
Betway Indiana Promo Code | N/A | $250 Bonus Bet |
Hard Rock Bet Indiana Promo Code | N/A | Up to $200 in Bonus Bets |
When you sign up for an account or go to make a deposit at some sportsbooks, you will be asked for a promo code, bonus code or offer code. What you’re being asked for is a certain phrase or word in order to claim the bonus of your choice.
For example, DraftKings Indiana asks for a promo code on the initial signup page:
Indiana law allows sportsbooks to offer many types of promotions, but state regulations (pg. 19) require operators to accurately describe their offers:
All bonus offers must… not be described as free unless they are absolutely free. If the customer has to risk or lose their money or has conditions attached to their own money, then the offer or bonus must disclose those terms; not be described as risk free if the customer needs to incur any loss or risk their money to use or withdraw winnings from the free bet; and not restrict the customer from withdrawing their own funds or withdrawing winnings from bets placed using their own funds.
Indiana Sports Betting Bonuses
Sports betting bonuses are a byproduct of the competitive mobile sportsbook industry now operating in Indiana. Sensible legislation and the hard work of the people at the Indiana Gaming Commission have established an industry ripe for innovation and competition.
“Competition” is the key word there because when business compete for customers, it is the customers who win. This holds true in online betting as well, and the best Indiana sportsbooks have brought out the big guns as they fight for your attention.
Deposit bonuses, bonus bet offers and other promotions of all different stripes have become the order of the day in Indiana lately. Here’s a brief look at how they work:
- Bonus bet offers: Bettors wager their own money, but if their first bet loses, they receive a refund up to a certain amount, either as a bonus bet or sportsbook site credit.
- Deposit match offers: New players place an initial deposit, and the sportsbook matches part or all of their deposit with bonus funds. The bonus is always subject to a wagering requirement, which can range from as low as 1x up to 25x or higher. The lower the turnover requirement, the better.
- First bet match offers: Similar to deposit matches, except instead of matching a bettor’s first deposit, the sportsbook matches their first wager with a matched bet of equal size, up to a predetermined maximum amount.
How to Bet Online in Indiana
There is no in-person registration requirement for Indiana sports betting. Bettors ages 21 and over can initiate registration from any eligible device, even from outside Indiana. The entire process usually takes no more than a couple of minutes.
The Indiana sports betting registration process varies slightly from book to book, but here’s the basic outline of what it entails:
- Navigate to a site’s homepage, either directly or through one of the promo code links on this page.
- Select “Sign Up” or an equivalent message to start registering.
- State law requires Indiana sports betting sites to collect certain personal information from every bettor, including their e-mail address, full name, home address, date of birth, mobile phone number, and the last four digits of their SSN. Sportsbooks use this info for verification purposes and to curtail fraud and money laundering.
- Agree to the terms and conditions, and verify that you’re over the age of 21 and permitted to wager in the state of Indiana.
- Enter any relevant promo code to ensure you receive the maximum bonus. The optional promo code field may be found on the first or last registration page. Occasionally, sportsbooks ask for promos codes when bettors make deposits.
- Submit your registration, and wait until your account is verified. This shouldn’t take longer than a few seconds.
Anyone wanting to wager from a mobile device can search for their preferred sports betting app in the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS). Alternatively, they can point their mobile browsers to any sportsbook’s website for the latest download links.
Bettors can conduct most functions from anywhere. The only thing they can’t do from outside the physical confines of Indiana is place bets. Bettors must be geolocated within state lines, either via 4G/5G coverage or a WiFI connection before they may place real-money wagers. Desktop users may be asked to download a small GeoComply plugin, while mobile users must enable location services.
Depositing at Indiana Sports Betting Sites
The first interaction of any consequence you have with a new online sportsbook is funding your account for the first time. Ideally, making a deposit is a fast and simple experience so you can quickly move on to the fun part: placing wagers and winning money.
Online sportsbooks in Indiana accept a wide range of betting deposit methods that run the gamut from instant debit and credit card deposits to in-person cash deposits. In most cases, making a deposit through a mobile betting app is no different than making any other type of purchase online.
The Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) regulates the types of deposit methods licensed betting sites may accept. Additionally, the Commission requires all online sportsbooks to provide “easy and obvious” methods to impose deposit limits, wagering limits and time-based limitations.
Page 23 of IGC regulations lays out the rules that govern licensed betting providers when it comes to payments:
A patron’s sports wagering account for sports wagering may be funded through the use of:
- A patron’s credit or debit card;
- A patron’s deposit of cash or vouchers at a cashiering location approved by the executive director or executive director’s designee;
- A patron’s reloadable prepaid card, which has been verified as being issued to the patron and is non-transferable;
- Promotional credit;
- Winnings;
- Adjustments made by the sports wagering operator with documented notification to the patron;
- ACH transfer, provided that the operator has security measures and controls to prevent ACH fraud regarding failed ACH deposits;
- Wire transfer; or
- Any other means approved by the commission
Numbers 1-8 cover the most common deposit methods that are accepted by mobile sportsbooks in other states like online banking transfers, PayPal, Play+, and PayNearMe, while number 9 leaves the door open for the IGC to approve additional options as needed.
Many of the aforementioned payment methods are also eligible for withdrawals, with the caveat that a payment method usually must be first used for a deposit before it can be used for a payout.
Indiana Sportsbook Locations
Every casino in Indiana operates a retail sportsbook. Several off-track betting locations that once focused exclusively on horse racing betting have also added sports betting to their menus.
- Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
- Sportsbook at Ameristar East Chicago
- Tropicana Evansville Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook at Belterra Casino Resort
- FanDuel Sportsbook at Blue Chip Casino
- The Book at Caesars Southern Indiana
- French Lick Resort Sportsbook
- Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg
- The Book at Harrah’s Hoosier Park
- Caesars Sportsbook at Horseshoe Hammond
- Indiana Grand Sportsbook
- Winner’s Circle Clarkesville Sportsbook
- Winner’s Circle Indianapolis Sportsbook
- Winner’s Circle New Haven Sportsbook
- Terre Haute Casino Resort Sportsbook (expected to open in 2024)
Indiana Sports Betting Law
Indiana legalized sports betting in May 2019 after Governor Eric Holcomb signed HB 1015 into law.
Online sports betting is available to anyone 21 or older, located within the Hoosier State’s borders, allowing them to safely and legally bet on sports online. The Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) also regulates retail sportsbooks at casinos and off-track betting facilities (OTBs).
Under the law, casinos and horse racing satellite facilities may apply for licenses to operate retail sportsbooks and mobile betting apps.
State law puts the IGC in charge of reviewing licensing petitions and issuing licenses to operators who qualify. The IGC also regulates retail sportsbooks at casinos and off-track betting facilities (OTBs).
Key things to know about Indiana sports betting:
- Minimum age of 21 to participate
- Customers may register from anywhere but must be located in Indiana to place wagers
- Sportsbooks may accept bets on professional and college sports
- In-play betting is permitted
Types of Sports Wagers Allowed in Indiana
Indiana sports betting law allows licensed operators to accept wagers on professional and college sports but not on esports or amateur competitions involving minors.
The Indiana Gaming Commission also maintains a complete catalog of sports events upon which sportsbooks may accept bets. The catalog does not necessarily mean sportsbooks accept wagers on all listed events, only that they may do so if they choose.
The current list of events authorized for betting by the IGC includes:
- Aussie Rules Football: AFL
- Auto Racing: Constructors’ Championships, F1, IndyCar, MotoGP, NASCAR
- Baseball: MLB/MLB Draft, MLB All Star Game, Home Run Derby, MLB Futures Game, NCAA D1, Minor League AAA, Australian Baseball League, Nippon Professional Baseball, KBO, World Baseball Classic
- Basketball: NBA/NBA Draft, NBA Lottery, NBA All-Star Game, NCAA D1, WNBA/WNBA Draft, Big3 League, IBF, EuroLeague, Euro Cup, The Basketball Tournament: TBT, FIBA Champions League/Qualifiers, First Tier FIBA Leagues from Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, Turkey
- Bowling: Pro Bowling Tour
- Boxing: Association of boxing Commission and Combative Sports, WBO, WBC, WBA, IBF, BBBofC
- Bull Riding: Professional Bull Riding, Inc.
- Competitions: Nathan’s Famous Hotdog Eating Contest
- Cricket: ICC, Men’s and Women’s World Cup, South Africa Momentum One Day Cup
- Cycling: Men’s and Women’s World Tour and Grand Tour
- Darts: BDO, PDC
- Football: NFL/NFL Draft, NCAA D1, AFL, CFL, USFL
- Golf: PGA, PGA Tour Champions, LPGA, Champion’s Tour, European Tour, international events such as Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup, World Golf Championships, Korn Ferry Tour, NCAA Division I, The Match Series
- Handball: Top league/domestic cups in Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Spain, Sweden, European Handball Federation Champions League, International Handball Federation World Championship
- Hockey: NFL, NHL Draft, NHL Lottery, NHL All-Star Game, IHF, KHL, NCAA D1, World Championships, SM-liiga (Finland), Swedish Hockey League, Switzerland National League
- Lacrosse: Premier Lacrosse League, NCAA D1
- Mixed Martial Arts: UFC, Bellator, Legacy Fighting Alliance, ONE Championship, Professional Fighters League
- Olympics: Summer and Winter Games, trials
- Specials: Academy Awards/Category Winners
- Rowing: FISA
- Rugby: European Champions and Challenge Cup, Four Nations, NRL, Premiership Rugby Cup, Six Nations, Super League, Super Rugby, World Cup, World Rugby, PRO14
- Sailing: Americas Cup, International Sailing Federation
- Skiing & Snowboarding: US Ski & Snowboard
- Soccer: MLS, MLS All-Star Game, NWSL, NCAA D1, US Open Cup, FIFA, and many international leagues/tournaments
- Softball: NCAA D1
- Table Tennis: ITTF and ETTU
- Tennis: ATP, WTA, ITF, NCAA D1, USTA, World Team Tennis, Austrian National Series, German National Tennis Series, Spanish Liga MAPFRE
- Track & Field: International Association of Athletics Federations, NCAA D1
- Volleyball: Men’s and Women’s Euro Volley Tournament
Effective Indiana Sports Betting Regulation
Overall, Indiana sports betting law is favorable to gamblers and operators alike. Indiana avoided the twin pitfalls of integrity fees and data mandates while also authorizing mobile betting, which accounts for the lion’s share of the betting handle in all states that permit online and in-person betting.
Online betting also provides convenience to residents and effectively channels players away from unregulated offshore sites onto licensed betting apps that offer consumer safety and generate tax revenue for Indiana.
Furthermore, the effective sports betting tax rate of 9.5% is reasonable and ensures operators and bettors alike are able to thrive. A low tax rate typically equates to better odds and lines, more enticing bonuses and promotions, and a more diverse collection of sportsbook operators.
Indiana Daily Fantasy Sports
Indiana legalized daily fantasy sports in 2016 after Governor Mike Pence signed a bill into law on March 24th, 2016. In doing so, he paved the way for DFS operators to apply for licenses to offer daily fantasy sports in Indiana.
Daily fantasy sports sites in Indiana operated before the passage of the bill, but their legal status at the time was questionable. Lawmakers finally addressed the issue with a piece of legislation that would later become known as SB 339. That law requires operators to apply for licenses, pay annual licensing fees, and adhere to a standard of conduct designed to protect the integrity of sports, protect the customers of fantasy sites, and protect the vulnerable from risking too much money.
Indiana Horse Racing Betting
Horse racing betting is legal in Indiana and regulated by the state Horse Racing Commission (HRC). Residents may bet on horses in-person at authorized racing events or online through licensed ADWs.
Indiana’s two major race tracks, Indiana Grand and Harrah’s Hoosier Park, host live racing seasons most months of the year for thoroughbreds, standardbreds, and quarter horses. Additionally, an array of state and county fairs host races throughout the year.
Indiana Online Gambling
Indiana does not regulate online casinos and poker sites. The Hoosier State is one of just a few states that explicitly outlaws participating in online gambling, with the exception of some sweepstakes casinos.
IC § 35-45-2 states that “a person who knowingly or intentionally engages in gambling commits unlawful gambling” commits an offense classified as a Class B misdemeanor. Additionally, an operator who offers online gambling in Indiana commits a Level 6 felony.
Since legalizing sports betting, some Indiana lawmakers have come around to considering legislation to authorize online casinos and poker sites. A bill (SB 417) introduced by State Sen. Jon Ford in early 2021 would have allowed land-based casinos to offer online gambling and poker, but it never advanced beyond a first reading.
In 2023, Rep. Ethan Manning introduced HB 1536 to legalize online casinos and poker sites and authorize the Hoosier Lottery to take its games online. That bill also failed early in the legislative process, but proponents seem intent on eventually legalizing online gambling in Indiana. Some operators have even expanded their sports betting partnerships with land-based casinos to include online gambling in anticipation of Indiana passing a bill to legalize online casinos.
If Indiana is to authorize online gambling, it may come about as state coffers reap the full benefit of mobile sports betting. The first Indiana online sportsbooks launched in October 2019, and it did not take long for the industry to generate betting handle measured in the billions.
Additionally, legalizing online sports betting in Indiana will make it easier to implement any new laws authorizing online gambling. Now that regulators are acquainted with vetting mobile betting companies for licenses, overseeing internet security standards, and ensuring effective geofencing, the prospect of legalizing online gambling in Indiana is less daunting from a technical standpoint.
Indiana Online Lottery
Indiana online lottery ticket sales are not yet authorized, but lottery officials have launched a study to consider the implications. IGT, which has extensive experience selling lottery tickets online in other states, manages the Hoosier Lottery. Should officials decide to sell tickets to Powerball, Mega Millions, and instant win games online, IGT will be well-prepared to move quickly.
According to media reports, the Hoosier Lottery doesn’t require additional legislation to authorize online ticket sales. If lottery officials decide to proceed, they would be able to do so on their timeline and without authorization from the legislature.
Responsible Gambling in Indiana
Indiana bettors can use the following resources for information, 24/7 gambling addiction support, treatment options, and more.
- IGC Problem Gambling Help: Indiana Gaming Commission website with information and links to additional problem gambling resources
- Indiana Council on Problem Gambling: Call at 1-800-9-WITH-IT (1-800-994-8448); text INGAMB to 53342
- Gamblers Anonymous Indiana: Find upcoming problem gambling support group meetings across Indiana
- FSSA Problem Gambling Division: Indiana Family and Social Services Administration website with problem gambling information, events, resources, training opportunities, and gambling addiction treatment providers
Indiana Sports Betting and Gambling Self-Exclusion
The Indiana Gaming Commission offers two independent self-exclusion programs:
- Internet Self-Restriction Program (ISRP): Individuals may enroll in the ISRP to self-exclude from all Indiana online sportsbooks for one year or five years. ISRP enrollment applies only to online and mobile sports betting in Indiana. However, licensed operators may elect to extend the exclusion to their retail sportsbook locations. Additionally, some operators may extend the exclusion request to their online/retail sportsbooks nationwide.
- Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP): Individuals may enroll in the VEP to self-exclude from all Indiana sportsbooks, betting sites, casinos, and off-track betting facilities for one year, five years, or life. Some casinos may choose to ban anyone who voluntarily self-excludes permanently. Bettors may enroll in the VEP at any Indiana casino, the IGC office in Indianapolis (appointment only), or designated problem gambling treatment providers.
Important Indiana self-exclusion points:
- Self-exclusion does not automatically expire at the end of the selected term; bettors must also submit a request for removal from the self-exclusion list after the term ends
- After enrolling in the online sports betting self-exclusion program, bettors may withdraw any remaining funds in their accounts
- Bettors may always increase their self-exclusion periods, but they may not decrease them
- Anyone who enters an Indiana casino after self-excluding may face trespassing charges and the confiscation of their winnings
Indiana Sports Betting FAQ
In-person and online sports betting are now legal in Indiana thanks to a law passed in May of 2019. The Indiana Gaming Commission has been incredibly responsive to inquiries and maintains a useful website full of information here, but we have put together our own FAQ section here to compile answers to the most common questions all in one location.