With Indiana's new sports gambling bill turned law, IN players will be able to wager on mobile from sources legally sanctioned by the state. There are no provisions in the criminal code that make it a crime to place bets online, only accepting bets while operating illegally violates state laws. Offshore sports betting sites may be acting legally based on the laws in their home countries, but it doesn’t mean they are legal under US law. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA) made it illegal for the US financial system to process transactions to gambling sites that don’t comply with US law. Sports Wagering is established by House Enrolled Act 1015-2019 and is contained within Indiana Code § 4-38. The IGC will thoughtfully develop an application and regulatory framework for sports wagering. By statute, the earliest date in which sports wagering can be offered September 1, 2019 and is subject to regulatory approval. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Governor Eric Holcomb has signed Indiana’s gaming bill into law. The new law, among other things, legalizes sports betting in the Hoosier state, including mobile gambling.
Quick, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the words “Indiana sports betting?” Why, the Indy 500, of course! It’s the biggest racing event in the world, and you can bet on it using an online sports wagering site! The Hoosier state has quite a history when it comes to racing. The very first long-distance auto race in America was held here in 1911. Indiana is more than just a racing mecca, though. There are quite a few popular major and college teams throughout the state, including the Colts, the Pacers, the Fighting Irish, and the Hoosiers. You can bet on any or all of these teams using an online wagering venue.
If you have ever tried to find a bookmaker in the Hoosier State, chances are you have searched and searched and come up empty-handed. The reason you will not find any land-based books in the state is because of federal law. Luckily, the law does not prevent you from using an online sports wagering venue. For your sake, we have taken the time and done the research to provide you with all of the resources and information you will need to choose a good sports wagering page. We will start with some very basic information and work our way up from there.
Yes, Indiana law allows you to bet on sports as long as you are using a lawful, valid overseas book. There are a few laws that apply to sports wagering in the US, but they do not have any effect on sites based outside of the country. The main law in question is the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). This act is from the early ’90s and successfully relegated sports wagering to two states, Delaware and Nevada. Because of PASPA, if you want to go to a land-based venue to bet on sports, you have to travel to Delaware or Nevada.
That’s kind of a long way away from Hoosier Country, though…almost 7 hours to Delaware and 30 hours to Nevada if you want to drive. You might as well skip all that malarkey and join a legitimate online betting venue. You will find everything at an internet-based site that you will find at any other bookmaker, and it’s more secure and trustworthy. Every single website that we recommend is legal. In fact, you only have to worry about getting in trouble if you are a bookmaker. The authorities do not care about the average person who plays the odds every now and then.
There has never been a case of anyone getting in trouble for using an online wagering venue. If there were any possibility of getting in trouble, these webpages would not have millions and millions of members. The laws that are in place are there to prevent real crime and gang-related activities. Unfortunately, many people are under the misapprehension that they are somehow doing something wrong by betting on sports.
State law allows for certain types of betting, but you will not find land-based books anywhere. What you will find are a few land-based casinos and a handful of riverboat gaming establishments. The most important section of the code that relates to sports wagering is IC 35-45-5-3, which has to do with betting over the internet. One of the parts of this section does single out bookmaking as being against the law, but the language singles out the individual taking the money, not the one making the bet. Like most other state laws that say anything at all about bookmaking, the target is not the player, but the bookmaker who stands to gain from the vig.
The other sections in the Indiana code define various terms and expand upon certain forms of gaming. For example, IC 35-45-5-3 details what constitutes unlawful betting (which is any form of betting that does not have state approval. IC 35-45-5-3.5 prohibits the use of a gaming device such as a slot machine. To drive the point home a little further, none of these laws has any effect on overseas books. Any of the webpages we recommend are outside of US jurisdiction and therefore valid.
More:Read About Federal Laws
Indiana residents love sports and the state has some of the best teams in the US, like the Colts and the Pacers. However, there are no land-based sportsbooks in the state for those that want to wager. With sports betting through Bovada, are Indiana residents dreams coming true? Absolutely, this site joins fan enthusiasm and friendly competition in a safe and profitable setting. Bovada is legal to use by all Indiana natives and has been serving players there for decades. This site has all your chalk NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL teams, as well as leagues and teams from around the world.
Bovada rewards players in lots of ways for their patronage and loyalty. This book offers some of the best bonuses in the business that you can use to your advantage. The $250 welcome bonus can increase your first deposit, and give you that extra boost to get you ahead of the curve. Once a member you can invite your family and friends to join, and by doing so you qualify for another bonus. The refer-a-friend bonus adds another 200% to you bankroll, and the best part is, this is a lifetime bonus, so you can use it over and over again and reap the benefits while engaging with your loved ones. These are just two of the plethora of bonuses and rewards this site offers. When you invest in Bovada, they will invest ten-fold in you.
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SportsBetting.ag is the wagering site that Indiana residents trust when looking for a bookmaker. This betting venue has over a million members, and the vast majority of them call Indiana home. SportsBetting.ag has the big four leagues that all professional sports fans know and love. Whether you are a huge NFL or MBA fan, or you follow the lesser-known sports like rugby, and cricket, this is the venue for you. In fact, 20+ sports are available right now for betting, and this site is always updating and adding new teams, and leagues for more wagering fun!
SportsBetting.ag has some of the latest in real time gaming, like their mobile betting app. This app is free for all members to use, and you do not have to download anything to get it. It utilizes the latest in java and flash technology in order to give you up to the minute live in-game betting options. You can literally wager up to the last buzzer, pass, or bell using this revolutionary wagering tool. Mobile betting is not a one trick pony; you can access all aspects of the site, like managing your account, withdrawing funds, and adding money to your bankroll. SportsBetting.ag is free to join, try it today.
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Is Online Sports Betting Safe In Indiana?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to bet on sports in the Hoosier State. As we have seen, neither federal nor state law says anything at all about individuals not being able to wager. The chances of getting in trouble for using one of these books is slimmer than a Slim Jim. The chances of you getting ripped off by one of these books is fatter than the wad of dough in your billfold that you will be counting after you win your first bet! Moreover, if you have any worries about your identity being compromised by some vengeful hacker who lives in his parents’ basement, don’t worry, because he’s not smart enough to crack the complex code that scrambles the data. Encryption, it’s a wonderful thing.
What Is The Legal Sports Betting Age In Indiana?
Most states with legal sports betting set the betting age at 21, and Indiana is no different. You may be a bit confused because the sites set the minimum betting age at 18. However, where age is concerned, the state has the final say. In fact, it’s a good idea to set up a strong password so the kiddies can’t sign in to your account. The likelihood that the law will come after you for underage betting is miniscule. However, it’s always good to be on guard because you don’t want to end up forfeiting your funds or getting your account suspended.
How Do I Find Indiana Sports Betting Sites?
If you have access to the internet, you can find a sports betting site. The problem is that many of these online sportsbooks are beyond sketchy…they’re just badly drawn. You don’t want to end up getting swindled out of your money by Manuel, the scheming dummy-website entrepreneur who operates out of his parents’ basement. You can avoid any confrontations with Manuel if you just take our advice and sign up with a trusted overseas sports wagering venue. We’ve been through hell and high water to bring you some of the best books on the web!
Rank | Legal Sports Betting Sites | USA? | Rated | Sign Up Bonus | Bonus Cap | Bet Today: |
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1 | 50% Cash Bonus | $250 | GET STARTED | |||
2 | 50% up to 1k! | $500 | GET STARTED | |||
3 | 50% Free Play | $500 | GET STARTED | |||
4 | 100% Bonus | $500 | GET STARTED | |||
5 | 50% Free Play | $520 | GET STARTED |
Indianapolis Colts (NFL)
Indiana Pacers (NBA)
Indiana Hoosiers
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Purdue Boilermakers
Indiana State Sycamores
Butler Bulldogs
Valparaiso Crusaders
Ball State Cardinals
Final Thoughts On Legal Sports Betting In Indiana
Now that you are privy to some of the great options for legal Indiana sports betting, it is time to go ahead and move from the shallow end of the pool into the deep end. It’s time to take the training wheels off the bicycle. It may require a leap of faith on your part, but you’ll be glad you got on board the sportsbook train. All of the books that we suggest are packed and stacked with bells, whistles, trappings, and trimmings. If you are looking for the most fun you can have when it comes to betting on sports, these books will make you feel like a kid on Christmas morning all year round!
Absolutely. Daily fantasy sports is legal in Indiana. The popularity of DFS has skyrocketed in the past decade or so, with some very lucrative sites garnering nationwide attention. The sites that we recommend are legit, are advertised on major TV networks, and have even been endorsed by some popular sports leagues. Millions of folks play daily fantasy sports, and the industry pays out millions of dollars every single week. One reason for its popularity stems from the fact that you can choose a new team every single game, unlike regular fantasy sports where you pick a team at the beginning of the season and you cannot change your picks.
More:States With Daily Fantasy Sports
The law does prevent some gaming sites from operating in the US, but those sites offer games of chance, not skill. Since DFS is a game of skill, it is exempt from laws like the Unlawful Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). This law puts certain restrictions on interstate money transfers. To reiterate, though, this law has exemptions for daily fantasy sports, and you will not get into any trouble for using sites that offer contests.
More:Legal Daily Fantasy Sites
FanDuel gives you all the fun and excitement of traditional fantasy sports, but ups the action and excitement tenfold. Because DFS is a game of skill rather than chance, it is exempt from many gaming laws. What this means is that FanDuel is legal in most states, including Indiana. The only requirement for players in the Hoosier State is that they be at least 18. Signing up costs no money at all, and takes just a few moments of your precious time.
FanDuel has been around since 2009, and has since gone on to be one of the leaders in daily fantasy sports. It has a reputation for greatness and has been endorsed by all of the major sports leagues. It has also been advertised on some major television networks. FanDuel pays out millions of dollars every single week to its winners. Many great contests and tournaments are available to join. Some cost money to enter into and some are free. So if you want to participate in daily fantasy sports but don’t want to fork over the money to enter the contest, you can still take part in the fun!
Indiana is a gambling-friendly state with a surprisingly diverse array of legal gaming options. The most recent gambling expansion came in 2019 with the launch of retail sportsbooks and mobile sports betting.
In addition to sports, Hoosiers can bet on horse racing betting, visit casinos, play slots at racetracks and try their luck in the state lottery.
Legal Indiana gambling began in 1988 after voters approved a state lottery. Within six years, charitable gaming, riverboat casinos and horse racing were all legalized. Eventually, slots at racetracks and sports betting were added to the mix to make Indiana one of the more pro-gambling states in the Union.
The minimum age for most forms of gambling in Indiana is 18, although casino gambling and sports betting are restricted to customers 21 or older.
Overview of Legal Gambling Options in Indiana:
Three forms of online gaming are legal in Indiana today.
There are twelve casinos in Indiana. Ten are traditional casinos on or near water. The other two are casinos at racetracks (racinos).
Indiana law permits full-service casino gambling on the boats. Games include slots, video poker, live poker, craps, roulette, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, baccarat and Pai Gow Poker.
Meanwhile, racinos may offer slots, video poker and electronic table games. Live poker and table games are not permitted at tracks until 2021.
There is no loss or bet limit in Indiana. Casinos may set denominations and maximum wagers. Casino patrons must be at least 21 years of age.
Indiana Casinos
Indiana is also home to a single tribal casino, Four Winds Casino. This one is not like the state’s commercial casinos. Four Winds Casino only spreads video bingo machines and live bingo as a Class II gaming facility.
The video bingo games feature branding from major slot providers to make these games look and feel just like slots. Under the hood, the video gaming machines at Four Winds are designed in such a way to stay within the bingo classification (Class II gaming) rather than as traditional slots (Class III gaming).
3000 Prairie Ave
South Bend, IN 46614
Indiana authorized in-person and online sports betting in 2019. Retail sportsbooks launched at casinos to begin and that was followed by the launch of mobile betting later that year.
If you’re 21 or older and are physically present within state lines, you may bet on sports from your desktop or mobile device through licensed sports betting providers.
Ten major Indiana betting apps are now licensed and open for business:
888Sport should be added to that soon. In December 2020, 888 Holdings announced it is partnered with Harrah’s Hoosier Park to offer mobile sports betting and online gambling (pending a change in state law). 888Sport says it intends to go live in Indiana in 2021.
Note that you do not need to be a resident to bet on sports in Indiana. Even if you’re just visiting for the day, you may still bet on sports whenever you’re inside state lines.
In fact, it is also possible to download betting apps, sign up for accounts, browse the odds and make deposits from out of state. The only time you need to be physically present within state lines is when actually placing wagers.
Land-based casinos, racetracks and off-track betting parlors (OTBs) may apply for sports betting licenses from the Indiana Gaming Commission.
Each retail sportsbook is also authorized to launch up to three individual betting sites/apps in partnership with outside software providers. This means the Indiana market can legally support 15 retail sportsbooks and as many as 45 mobile betting apps in total.
Active retail sportsbooks in Indiana:
Indiana sports betting laws allow wagering on college and professional sports. Parlays, teasers and most props and in-game wagers are available.
Live poker is legal at Indiana casinos. Online poker is not licensed in the state.
There are nine poker rooms with a combined 150 tables in Indiana. These range from small social spots to serious poker rooms with higher limit cash games and tournaments. There are no bet or pot limits in Indiana. Poker rooms may spread any game where the rules are documented.
Poker Rooms in Indiana
Home Poker Games
Indiana does not make an exception for social gaming. IC §35-45-5-1 defines gambling as follows:
“…risking money or other property for gain, contingent in whole or in part upon lot, chance, or the operation of a gambling device…”
The inclusion of the words “or in part upon lot” indicates even games such as poker which combine elements of skill and luck are classified as gambling. As such, hosting or participating in a social poker game at home or elsewhere is illegal in Indiana.
The major daily fantasy sports providers such as FanDuel and DraftKings operated openly throughout Indiana even prior to the industry attaining formal legal status. The legislature approved legislation in 2016 to formally legalize DFS contests and establish a licensing process.
Today, fantasy sites must undergo a licensing process and a pay an initial fee of $50,000 (that Paid Fantasy Sports Division of the Indiana Gaming Commission may increase up to $75,000 to recoup investigation costs) and adhere to various consumer protection measures.
A list of licensed daily fantasy providers may be found at the Indiana Gaming Commission website here. The biggest operators approved to do business in Indiana include:
The Indiana Lottery was created by a constitutional amendment in November 1988. It passed by a 62 to 38 margin. The first scratch-off tickets were sold in October 1989. In April 1990, the Indiana Lottery held its first state lotto drawing. In October of that year, it joined interstate lotto pools.
The Indiana Lottery holds nine drawings for in-state games. Eight are daily drawings. It also joins three interstate lotto games.
Intrastate Lotto Games
Interstate Lotto Games
Indiana gambling law exempts “bona fide contests of skill, speed, strength, or endurance in which awards are made only to entrants or the owners of entries.”
In other words, this indicates it would be legal to enter a paid bowling or golf tournament and compete for a prize but illegal to wager on someone else’s performance in such a contest (unless you’re placing wagers at a licensed sportsbook).
Online skill gaming sites such as WorldWinner.com allow customers from Indiana to compete for cash prizes.
Esports
Esports sites such as PlayersLounge and GamerSalooon in which players compete against one another for money are most likely legal in Indiana. Both sites accept Indiana residents as customers under the assumption that the games they offer fall under the “bona fide contests of skill” exemption detailed above.
However, placing wagers on the outcomes of other people competing in esports is prohibited by Indiana law. Not only does the skill gaming exception make it clear one must be a participant, but the 2019 sports betting law specifically states it is not legal for sportsbooks to accept wagers on esports competitions.
Traditional Online Skill Games
Skill sites have varied approaches to Indiana residents. For example, WorldWinner does not let Indianans play games that use cards, but other games are permitted. King.com accepts all players from here. WPT Online does not accept Indiana residents.
Indiana is a relatively new state to the world of legalized gambling. The state did not pass its first gaming bill until 1988. That is when voters passed a constitutional amendment that created the state lottery. Pari-mutuel gaming on interstate racing passed the next year. However, the first track did not open until the next decade.
A large expansion started in the 1990’s. Charitable gaming, including bingo and raffles, were approved in 1992. Legalized casinos passed the legislature in a special session in 1993. Horseracing came on board in 1994. In 2007, the state moved to permit video poker, slots and electronic table games at racetracks. Table games will be permitted in 2021.
A daily fantasy sports law passed in 2016 to exempt DFS contests from gaming laws and establish basic consumer protection regulations. Sports betting passed the legislature in 2019. This allowed for live and mobile betting on sporting events.
The following agencies regulate gambling in Indiana:
Indiana Lottery
The lottery in Indiana, called the Hoosier Lottery, was passed by voter referendum in November 1988 by a 62% majority. The Legislature ratified the Lottery Act in May 1989 and the first scratch-off tickets were sold later that year. Intrastate lotto drawings began in April 1990. Six months later, the Hoosier Lottery joined interstate lotto drawings.
Lottery scratch-off and lotto tickets must be purchased at retailers. Buyers must be at least 18 years of age.
Tribal Casinos
The sole tribal casino in Indiana, Four Winds Casino, opened for business in 2007.
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians were unable to negotiate a gaming compact with the state to operate Class III games (such as table games and traditional slots) and is therefore relegated to Class II games (video bingo machines and live poker).
All customers must be 21 or older to visit Four Winds.
Commercial Casinos
Commercial casinos were approved during a 1993 special session that was called to balance the state budget. The fight had gone on for years with lobbying from casino interests in other states and leaders of the city of Gary.
Originally, Indiana casinos were required by law to operate as gambling boats on Lake Michigan or the Ohio River. That rule has since been relaxed with the French Lick Resort approved to launch an on-site casino in 2006 and the Majestic Star approved in 2019 to move its license inland and rebrand as the Hard Rock Casino.
All standard gambling games are permitted in Indiana casinos. This includes craps, roulette, blackjack, Three Card Poker, baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, live poker, slots, video poker and electronic table games.
Players must be at least 21 years of age. The casino tax rate is 22.5% for boats that cruise. However, none exist these days that leave the dock. The casino tax rate for all other casinos is tiered and increases according to revenue:
Racetrack Casinos
Racetrack casinos, also called racinos, were authorized in 2007. The state’s two racetracks – Hoosier Park and Indiana Grand – may operate slots, video poker and electronic table games.
Indiana racinos were also approved to host live table games and poker starting in 2021. All guests must be 21 or older to gamble.
Charitable Gaming
Charities registered in Indiana for at least five years may operate bingo games for cash. The licensing fee is $50 to $26,000 per year, depending on the revenues generated by the games. Charities that offer raffles do not need to register with the state. Charity gaming players must be at least 18 years of age.
Horseracing Laws
Pari-mutuel betting was approved in 1989. However, it took five years for the state to get horseracing off the ground. Hoosier Park offers live racing Tuesday through Saturday in the warmer months of the year. Indiana Grand offers live racing on Tuesdays, Tursdays and Saturdays. Each has off-track betting on interstate races.
Mobile betting on horses is also permitted. All major horseracing companies accept Indiana players. This includes TVG, BetAmerica and TwinSpires. Horse bettors must be at least 18 years of age.
Online Gambling Laws
Three forms of online gambling are permitted in Indiana. Off-track betting has been legal since 1994. Daily fantasy sports were licensed in 2016. The fee is $50,000 for the initial license and $5,000 per year for renewals. The minimum age for off-track betting and daily fantasy sports is 18 years of age.
Sports betting was approved in 2019. Mobile sports betting launched in the state on October 3, 2019. The tax rate is 9.5 percent of gross gaming revenues. Sports bettors must be at least 21 years of age.
All forms of licensed online gaming permit registration over the mobile device. Deposits and withdrawals may also be processed that way.
Indiana Poker Laws
Indiana permits live poker at all licensed casinos that are on riverboats and the tribal casino in South Bend. Racinos were approved to offer live poker as well beginning in 2021.
Home poker games are likely illegal in Indiana as it does not have any social gaming laws and a strict definition of “gambling” that does not permit games with any element of chance. Poker players at casinos must be at least 21 years old.
Sports Betting Laws
Indiana legalized sports betting with the passage of HB 1015 on 8 May 2019. After Governor Eric Holcomb signed the bill into law, the Indiana Gaming Commission made quick work of drafting regulations, establishing a licensing process and issuing approvals for various sportsbooks to go live.
The first retail sportsbooks opened for business on September 1, 2019 and mobile betting went online the following month. The sports betting tax is 9.5 percent of gross gaming revenues.
Under Indiana law, land-based casinos, racetracks and off-track betting parlors apply for and hold master sports wagering licenses. Each licensee may partner with third-party software providers such as FanDuel and DraftKings to launch up to three individually branded betting apps.
Indiana sportsbooks are allowed to take pre-game and in-play wagers on professional and college sports. The one restriction is sportsbooks are prohibited from accepting in-play props regarding specific players in college games. Indiana sports betting law also prohibits wagers on esports events.
Useful sports betting links:
Are gambling winnings taxed in Indiana?
Yes. Gambling winnings are taxed at a rate of 3.23% for both residents and non-residents in Indiana. This is in addition to federal income tax.
Is sports betting legal in Indiana?
Live and mobile sports betting is legal in Indiana.
Where are Indiana sportsbooks located?
Indiana sportsbooks are located at casinos, racetracks and off-track betting parlors.
Do I need to register for a Indiana mobile sports betting account in person?
No. You can create an account on your mobile device.
Can I deposit and withdrawal on sports betting apps in Indiana?
Yes. All transactions may be processed on the app.
Is live poker legal in Indiana?
Yes, but only at licensed casinos.
Which casino games are found at Indiana racetracks?
Slots, video poker and electronic table games are allowed at the state’s racetracks. Table games were approved starting in 2021.
Is there a bet limit in Indiana?
No. Casinos may set their own bet limits.
Which casino games are offered at Indiana casinos?
Indiana casinos may offer slots, video poker, electronic table games, live table games and live poker.
Is smoking permitted in Indiana casinos?
Yes. The state allows smoking anywhere minors are not permitted.
Does the Hoosier Lottery permit anonymous winners?
The lottery in Indiana requires the names of major lottery jackpot winners be made public.