The Indiana sports betting market has skyrocketed since its legalization in 2019, with a diverse array of apps and sites packed with features that rival the Vegas of old.
Join us as we navigate this exciting world — your ultimate resource for online sports wagering in the Hoosier State, with BetMGM leading the charge!
Whether you’re looking to bet on the Indiana Pacers, the Indianapolis Colts, or other local teams, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide that explores Indiana’s dynamic sports betting scene, ensuring you’re well-equipped for the action.
Whether you’re an Indiana resident or an out-of-state visitor looking to try your luck at sports betting while enjoying Hoosier hospitality, you can use the above bonuses to boost your bankroll.
Let’s learn more about online sports betting in Indiana, shall we?
As the landscape of legal sports betting expands across the United States, Indiana has joined the ranks of states opening the door to the sports betting industry.
Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a curious newcomer, understanding the ins and outs of Indiana sports betting is crucial to navigating the scene with confidence.
From the legalities and regulations that govern the industry to the diverse betting options and strategies that can enhance your experience, there’s a wealth of information to consider.
Below, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about Indiana sports betting, giving you the knowledge to place your bets wisely and responsibly.
Yes, online Indiana sports betting is legal. The Hoosier State legalized sports betting in May 2019 when Governor Eric Holcomb signed the Indiana sports betting bill into law.
The first sportsbooks opened in September 2019, and online sports betting platforms also launched in the same year.
To participate in Indiana online sports betting, individuals must be at least 21 years of age.
Residents and visitors in Indiana who are 21 years of age or older can legally place bets on various sports through several licensed online sportsbooks.
Indiana has a growing list of legal online sportsbooks, toppling well over a dozen sites with many more en route. This includes top legal sites like BetMGM and Borgata.
Indiana sports betting apps and sites offer a wide range of sports for betting enthusiasts.
Bettors can place wagers on major professional sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, UFC, and NHL. Additionally, college sports, including football and basketball, are available for betting.
The entire world is at your fingertips with Indiana sports betting sites offering sports betting markets for nearly every worldwide sport, including cricket, rugby, tennis, Australian Rules football, golf, and, of course, soccer.
Check out our reviews below to see the unique features that set these Indiana betting apps apart from their competitors.
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BetMGM opened its doors to Indiana players in February of 2020, just months after Indiana legalized sports betting.
They’ve since emerged at the top of the pack, offering nearly two dozen sports to bet on with hundreds of markets and offer some of the best odds for the major leagues.
When you sign up today at this impressive Indian sports betting platform and bet $5 on any game as your first wager, BetMGM will give you $150 in bonus bets instantly, regardless of the outcome of your initial bet.
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If you enjoy the wild world of prop betting, look no further than Borgata. This world-renowned online sportsbook offers dozens of props for most regular season games across all major sports, with even more propositions offered during playoffs and championship games.
Currently, Borgata is one of the few Indiana sportsbooks offering a makeshift deposit bonus for new punters — after funding your account, make your first wager of $20 or more to receive $100 in bonus bets!
>> Bet $20 to get $100 in bonus credits
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BetRivers isn’t as popular as some other Indiana sportsbooks like BetMGM or Borgata, but they’re establishing a name and distinguishing themselves from the competition with an engaging rewards program.
Loyal users will receive points for each wager, and they conduct weekly specials for avid sports bettors.
As you go through the 11 stages of their iRush Rewards program, you’ll have access to even greater incentives. Claim exclusive deals, luxurious gifts, personalized account management, and more!
And if you use the deposit code SPORTS when making your first deposit, you will get a second-chance bet up to $500!
>> Score up to $500 in second-chance bets
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FanDuel may have 19+ major sports categories covered with competitive markets and popular same-game parlays, but they’re best known as a daily fantasy sports (DFS) betting site.
Consistently ranked as one of the best DFS sites, They go above and beyond by presenting seven fantasy sports categories in addition to football.
Choose your favorite players, guide your club through a fast-paced simulated season, and win real money if your predictions are accurate. You may compete in fantasy baseball, football, hockey, soccer, golf, basketball, and even fantasy NASCAR.
On the sports betting side of things, you’ll have plenty of betting options and markets, especially with the major sports leagues. There are also plenty of free to play contests with huge prizes, including a recent Kick of Destiny 2 promo that featured a whopping $10,000,000 prize pool.
>> Bet $5 and get $150 in bonus bets
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DraftKings is synonymous with DFS when it comes to Indiana sports betting, making them a go-to favorite for Indiana punters.
In addition to the competitive odds offered across 20+ sports, Indiana bettors like this online sportsbook because of their expeditious payouts.
If you love placing live wagers, both the app and desktop site are snappy and highly responsive, allowing you to grab the latest odds the moment they pop up.
New players receive $200 in bonus bets when they wager $5 after signing up.
>> Wager $5 and get $200 in bonus bets
| Indiana Sportsbook | BetMGM | Borgata | BetRivers | FanDuel | DraftKings |
| Bonuses and Promos | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Security and Licensing | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Features | 4.9/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.9/5 |
| Sports Coverage | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Bet Types | 4.8/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Banking Options | 4.9/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Customer Service | 5/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Overall | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
Indiana sports betting has evolved significantly over the years, culminating in a fully regulated market that allows for both retail and online wagering.
Before the legalization of sports betting, Indiana, like many other states, had strict gambling laws prohibiting such activities. However, there was a notable interest in sports and gambling among its residents, which set the stage for future legislative changes.
The United States Supreme Court played a pivotal role in the history of sports betting in The Hoosier State. On May 14, 2018, thanks to the charge of former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, the Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992, which had effectively outlawed sports betting nationwide, excluding a few states.
This landmark decision allowed states to legalize and regulate sports betting as they saw fit, and Indiana wasted no time capitalizing on this new opportunity. In May 2019, Governor Eric Holcomb signed HB 1015 into law, legalizing sports betting in the state.
Following the repeal of PASPA, Indiana swiftly joined the ranks of states legalizing sports betting, solidifying its position as a pioneer in the industry. The first legal sports bets in Indiana were placed on September 1, 2019, at several retail sports betting locations across the state.
The initial rollout was limited to physical sportsbooks located within casinos, racetracks, and other gaming facilities, but the real game-changer came on October 3, 2019, when online and mobile sports betting platforms were launched in Indiana.
This allowed bettors to place wagers from anywhere within the state’s borders using their smartphones or computers.
The introduction of online betting significantly increased accessibility and convenience for bettors and played a crucial role in the rapid growth of the market.
Since its legalization in 2019, sports betting has rapidly grown into a significant part of Indiana’s gaming industry. With robust regulatory oversight and a competitive market environment, it offers residents and visitors a wide array of options for wagering on sporting events.
Indiana bettors, listen up: before you start gambling with Indiana sports betting sites, take a look at these important rules. We’ve broken down all the legal jargon into bite-sized chunks.
In order to legally enjoy sports betting in the great state of Indiana, you need to be located within the state’s borders.
Notably, you don’t have to be a resident. For example, if you’re visiting your aunt in Hoosier City on a road trip from Michigan, you can indulge in online gambling, including sports betting.
Indiana online sports betting sites do utilize geo-location software to determine your location before allowing you to create a new account. In accordance with IN sports betting law, you can’t use a VPN or proxy server to manipulate your current location.
Both online and land-based gambling activities are legal in Indiana. The Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) is responsible for overseeing all forms of gambling in the state, including Indiana sports betting online and land-based sportsbooks.
Indiana has specific tax regulations related to gambling winnings. It’s important to note that tax laws can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the most current information or consult with a tax professional.
You can expect to pay a 24% federal tax and 3.23% state tax on your winnings, but look on the bright side! Indiana bettors who keep records of their betting losses have a tax write-off.
You must be 21+ years of age to partake in legal sports wagering in Indiana.
This age restriction applies to brick-and-mortar casinos, retail sportsbooks, and IN online sportsbooks all the same. All forms of gambling (with the exception of horse racing and lotteries) are limited to 21 or older.
Indiana is very unique when it comes to betting on college sports compared to most other states where sports betting has been legalized. Here are the primary rules when it comes to betting on college sports in Indiana:
The Indiana Gaming Commission monitors and regulates legal sports betting platforms in the state. This extends to all online sportsbooks, and “offshore” sites are illegal to use. Make sure you’re using any of the 12+ legal IN gambling sites to place online wagers.
The IN online sports betting market is thriving, but in the spirit of objectivity, we created a list of pros & cons you should consider.
In our humble opinion, the positives of placing bets at the best online sportsbooks in the state outweigh the negatives!
However, visiting a retail sportsbook in person has its benefits for sharp bettors and high rollers.
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If you’re ready to dive into the IN sports betting market, follow our step-by-step guide for new sign-ups.
We’ve simplified the registration process, so you have no excuse not to get started.
Indiana is home to several notable teams for both professional and college sports alike.
You’ll be able to bet on all of these teams at the best Indiana online sportsbooks:
Indiana has several casinos that offer a wide range of games, including slot machines, table games like blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker, as well as other casino-style games.
There are several land-based casinos to whet your appetite, including:
The Indiana Lottery offers a variety of lottery games, including scratch-off tickets and draw games like Powerball, Mega Millions, and various state-specific games.
Betting on horse races is legal in Indiana, both at racetracks and off-track betting facilities, with the Horseshoe offering the most popular quarter and thoroughbred racing in the state.
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) sites are legal and regulated in Indiana.
Major DFS operators, including DraftKings and FanDuel, offer their services to Indiana residents.
While online casino gambling is not explicitly legal in Indiana, the state does allow online sports betting and online wagering on horse races.
Indiana’s journey with sports betting has been a notable one, reflecting a broader trend across the United States toward the legalization and regulation of this form of gambling.
Since its legalization in September 2019, sports betting in The Hoosier State has not only provided an additional stream of revenue for the state but also brought about discussions on responsible gambling and the importance of safeguarding the interests of bettors.
As top-tier sportsbooks roll out the red carpet online, you can bag yourself a hefty welcome embrace of bonuses at all of the sites we’ve listed, but our go-to recommendation is BetMGM.
Whether you’re a big roller or a casual punter, always approach the game of chance with enthusiasm and a dose of old-fashioned responsibility. After all, isn’t that what makes the gamble so exciting?
We’ve answered your burning questions about sports betting and online gambling sites in Indiana.
Before you choose an online sportsbook app, be sure to weigh your options carefully!
Yes, sports betting is legal in Indiana.
The state legalized both retail and online sports betting in May 2019, and the first bets were placed in September 2019. Indiana allows sports betting on professional and college sports, except for in-game player props on college athletes.
BetMGM is the best IN sports betting app. They host competitive odds for 22+ popular categories, adding up to hundreds of betting markets, and they promise up-to-the-minute coverage on the latest events.
If you place a wager worth $5 or more, you’ll instantly get $150 in bonus bets. In fact, BetMGM also took the top position in our guide that outlines the best Colorado sportsbooks, so it’s a great choice overall.
Yes, you can bet on live sports markets in Indiana with any of the sportsbooks we’ve listed.
BetRivers offers an outstanding assortment of in-game NHL markets, and you can watch live events for free! FanDuel also offers live markets for football, basketball, tennis, and cricket.
Yes, DFS betting is legal in Indiana for players aged 18+ and older. FanDuel is the best option for daily fantasy betting, and they host 7+ categories!
Pick your own teams for basketball, football, soccer, golf, hockey, baseball, and NASCAR to win real money!
No, you don’t have to live in Indiana to bet on sports in The Hoosier State; however, you do need to be located within the state’s geographical borders to legally place bets.
With the exception of horse racing and daily fantasy sports (DFS) betting, both of which carry an 18+ age restriction, the legal age for sports betting in Indiana is 21+.
IN sportsbooks verify your ID before allowing you to withdraw winnings, so there’s no point in lying during registration.
You have to pay both federal and state taxes on your gambling winnings in Indiana.
The federal tax rate is usually 24% for winnings over $5,000. The state tax rate is 3.23% for all gambling winnings, regardless of the source or amount.
You should receive a W-2G form from the gaming operator that shows your earnings and the taxes withheld. You can also deduct your gambling losses from your taxable income, up to the amount of your winnings, if you have proof of your losses.
Yes, prop betting is extremely popular among Indiana sports bettors.
Prop betting, formally known as proposition betting, is very popular in most major sports, particularly in its roots in NFL games.
The first-ever prop bet offered was formed out of Las Vegas for Super Bowl XX between the legendary ’85 Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots, and it was a simple yes or no question: Will William Perry score a touchdown?
William Perry did score a touchdown in that storied Super Bowl, so those who bet “Yes” won.
Because the vast majority of NFL prop bets have nothing to do with which team wins the game, this is an excellent example of how most NFL prop bets work.
Thanks to the director of Caesar’s Sportsbook in 1985, Art Manteris, creating that proposition for Super Bowl XX, prop bets are popular for most NFL games throughout the season, along with most of the major league sports.
Common props often include which team will turn the ball over first, the margin of the longest passing touchdown, and whether or not there will be a safety during the game, among dozens of others.
Once January arrives and the NFL playoffs begin, the options of prop bets explode with extra betting choices that aren’t often available during NFL regular season games. These props are a lot of fun to bet on and add to the entertainment and excitement of a game.
There are even bizarre prop bets you can place during many playoff games and certainly for the Super Bowl, from how many celebrities will be shown on camera during the broadcast to what songs will be performed during the halftime performance.
In Indiana, as in many other places where sports betting is legal, there are several sports that attract significant betting interest.
The most popular sports to bet on typically include:
You’ll routinely find sports-specific promotions from all the top Indiana online sportsbooks we’ve listed, especially during the playoffs.
DISCLAIMER: 21+ only. The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Online gambling comes with many risks. Players are advised to gamble responsibly and only use funds they can afford to lose. Remember, gambling is only intended for entertainment purposes and is not a solution to any financial difficulties.
Gambling laws and policies vary from one region to another. Some sites mentioned in this guide may not be accessible in your area. Always do your due diligence and check your local laws.
If you suspect you’re becoming addicted to gambling, seek help immediately by contacting the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
The following resources may be helpful as well:
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