Indiana Online Sports Betting – #1 Guide to Betting in the Hoosier State 2024
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Online sports betting is legal and live in Indiana. In fact, the Hoosier State boasts one of the largest sports betting markets in the U.S., offering residents and visitors numerous opportunities to engage in sports betting, whether through online platforms or in-person sportsbooks.
In this guide, we’ll navigate the legal landscape of sports betting in the Hoosier State and introduce you to the top sportsbooks available. You’ll also discover tips and strategies to enhance your betting success in Indiana. Let’s dive in!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Explore the top Indiana sportsbooks, leading sports betting apps, and the latest promotional offers.
- Understand the legality surrounding sports betting in Indiana.
- Discover all the latest news concerning legal sports betting in the state of Indiana.
Top 5 Indiana Sports Betting Sites and Apps
Indiana is home to 10 legal sports betting apps, each offering unique features and attractive sign-up bonuses for new users. We’ve highlighted some standout options below, but for additional information on these bonuses be sure to check out our Indiana Sportsbook promo page.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Indiana?
Yes, online sports betting is legal in Indiana. The jurisdiction legalized sports betting on May 8, 2019, when Governor Eric Holcomb signed HB 105 into law.
Introduced by Senator Mark Messmer, HB 105 authorizes sports betting in Indiana at both physical facilities and on mobile devices. The proposal also establishes the Indiana Gaming Commission as the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and regulating sports betting in the state.
The bill gained bipartisan support, passing 59-36 in the House and 37-12 in the Senate before getting directed to the Governor for signing. Following the legislation of sports betting, the first retail sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, was unveiled at Horseshoe Hammond Casino on September 4, 2019.
Online sports betting launched in the state on October 3, 2019, with DraftKings and BetRivers becoming the first operators to go live. Today, Indiana is home to over ten sports betting sites, including FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, and Fanatics. As long as you are 21 years or older and within Indiana state, you can wager at any of the available sportsbooks in the state.
10 Quick Facts About Indiana’s Sports Betting Laws
- Indiana Law: Indiana legalized sports betting on May 8, 2019, after Governor Eric Holcomb signed HB 105 into law.
- Legal Age: You must be at least 21 years old to place a sports bet in Indiana. When registering at any sportsbook in the state, you will be asked to provide a valid ID to verify your age.
- State Borders: You must be physically located within Indiana to bet in the Hoosier State. Operators use geolocation technology to ensure all bets are placed within the state’s borders.
- Retail Bookmakers: There are several retail sportsbooks located in casinos and off-track betting facilities across the state.
- Taxes: Indiana taxes the monthly gross gaming revenue of retail and online sportsbooks at 9.5%. The state also taxes gambling wins at 3.23%.
- Regulation: The Indiana Gaming Commission oversees and sets rules for the state’s sports betting market.
- Responsible Gambling: Indiana has responsible gaming measures in place, including self-exclusion programs and resources for problem gamblers.
- College betting: Indiana limits wagering on collegiate events to NCAA Division 1 sports. It also prohibits in-play or live collegiate player proposition wagers.
- Handle: Since its sports betting market emerged, almost $5 billion has been wagered in Indiana.
- Favorite Sport: The NFL is the most popular sports league in the state, with the Indianapolis Colts having the highest following and wagers.
How to Place a Bet Online in Indiana: A Beginner’s Guide
Wagering on sports online in Indiana is straightforward. I have detailed the quick and easy online betting in Indiana process in the step-by-step guide below:
- Choose a Sportsbook: The first thing you need to do is select your preferred bookie. As I stated earlier, there are several licensed Indiana sports betting sites. Pick one and sign up. You will be asked to provide basic personal information and verify your account and location.
- Deposit Funds: Head to your chosen site’s cashier page and fund your account using the secure deposit methods available. Some of the options you will find include Debit/Credit cards, PayPal, ACH, PayNearMe, and bank transfers. At this point, you can also claim a welcome bonus code if available. Enter the code into the required field while depositing to redeem.
- Place a Bet: Upon a successful deposit, the funds will be instantly credited to your account. Now, you can browse through the various sports and markets on the site and choose the event you wish to bet on. Select your desired bet type, like moneyline or point spread, and input your stake amount.
Popular Sports and Teams to Bet on in Indiana
Indiana is known for its rich sports heritage. The state hosts two major professional sports franchises and several college sports teams. It also has a strong auto racing culture, with various high-profile events drawing millions of fans yearly.
| Sports | Team Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Football | Indianapolis Colts | The NFL Colts have a strong fan base, with many fans attending their games, and wagering on them. |
| Basketball | Indiana Pacers | The NBA Pacers’ games are widely watched and attended. They are one of the most popular teams to bet on in Indiana. |
| Basketball | Indiana Fever | A pro WNBA franchise, the Fever team has local passionate fans and generate betting activity when they are playing well. |
| Soccer | USL Super League Indianapolis | Established in 2023, Illinois bettors and residents are expectant about the entertaining and wagering opportunities that the team will offer. |
| Baseball | Indianapolis Indians | Although participating in the Minor League, the Indians are highly popular amongst baseball lovers in the state. |
| College sports | Notre Dame Fighting Irish | The Irish represents the Univeristy of Notre Dame in all sports like football, and basketball in the collegiate level. |
| College sports | Indiana Hoosiers | The Bulldogs participate in the Big East Conference and Pioneer Football League |
| College sports | The Bulldogs participate in the Big East Conference and Pioneer Football League | Boilermakers has a strong reputation in both basketball and football |
| College sports | Butler Bulldogs | The Bulldogs participate in the Big East Confernce and Pioneer Football League |
| Auto Racing | – | Known as the Racing Capital of the World, Indiana hosts some of the most prestigious events in the nation, including the Indy 500, Backyard 400 and Grand Prix. |
| Golf | – | Golf is another popular sport in Indiana with many courses throughout the state, including the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course in Indianapolis. |
The Impact of Local Teams on Sports Betting
A dynamic relationship exists between local teams and sports betting in Indiana. Since Indianans are passionate about their hometown clubs, this fan loyalty and enthusiasm often drive betting activity. Supporters are eager to back their team, especially when they’re playing on their home ground.
Furthermore, the success and popularity of teams like the Colts, Pacers, and Hoosiers significantly shape betting trends in the state.
Fans want to make money from their teams by riding on the momentum of their winning streak. Other happenings and events in the Indiana teams can also influence the way bettors make wagering decisions.
When a key player is injured or suspended, or if a team acquires a new star player, bettors may adjust their wagering decisions based on the perceived impact on the team’s chances.
Even non-game-related events, such as changes in coaching staff, can influence bettors’ wagering habits.
Sportsbooks adjust their offerings to meet the demand, providing more attractive odds and promotions on local home teams. This, in turn, fuels more betting activity among Indiana residents.
Tips and Strategies for Indiana Bettors: How to Maximize Your Bets
To get the most out of your sports betting experience in Indiana, check out my proven tips and strategies below.
- Manage your Bankroll: Managing your bankroll is crucial for stress-free sports wagering. Set a budget for each day or session—only what you can afford to lose. Allocate specific amounts for each bet and avoid chasing losses. Stick to your budget, whether you’re winning or losing.
- Shop for Lines: Indiana offers more than ten online sports betting sites, providing various odds and bonuses. Sign up at multiple sportsbooks to compare their odds and find the best value. Take advantage of welcome bonuses and promotions to maximize your potential returns.
- Hedge your Bets: Hedge your bets to minimize losses or lock in profits. Consider placing opposing bets, such as if bets, reverse, Yankee, and Against the Spread (ATS).
Understanding Taxes and Payouts
As exciting as it is to cash in on your sports betting skills, it’s essential to understand the tax requirements of your winnings. In Indiana, both the federal and the state want a cut from your gambling wins.
The IRS taxes all gambling winnings, including sports betting earnings, and requires you to report them on your tax return, regardless of the amount. Even if it is just $10, you must include it in your tax filing. The tax you pay depends on the amount you earn from your overall gambling activities—however, the IRS taxes gambling winnings over $5,000 at 24%.
Indiana also taxes sports betting wins at 3.23%. The state considers winnings from sports betting taxable income, and thus mandates that you include them on your tax return.
Need more knowledge on this topic? Learn more about sports betting taxes on our dedicated page.
Are There More Gambling Options in Indiana?
Indiana offers several legal gambling options beyond sports betting:
- Horse Racing: Enjoy live horse races at Hoosier Park and Indiana Grand Racing & Casino.
- Sweepstakes and Social Casinos: While real money online casinos aren’t legal, you can play for fun and cash prizes at sweepstakes casinos like Luckyland Slots and Chumba.
- Lottery: Try your luck with lottery games like Powerball, Mega Millions, Hoosier Lotto, and Cash4Life.
- Daily Fantasy Sports: Compete in DFS contests, which provide a fun and legal way to participate in sports-themed games for cash prizes.
- Retail Sports Betting: Indiana features over 8 retail sports betting locations. Enjoy state-of-the-art sportsbooks, comfortable seating, and various betting options at Horseshoe Hammond Casino, Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, Caesars Southern Indiana, and many more.
So, Will You Bet From Indiana Tonight?
Indiana offers a lucrative sports betting market with plenty of opportunities. You can bet on sports in Indiana at retail locations or through mobile sportsbooks.
Sign up at an online sportsbook or an Indiana sports betting app to explore various markets. Take advantage of their odds and promotions to boost your cashouts. However, always have a budget and bet responsibly.
Are you curious about other states with similar sports betting opportunities? Check out this detailed guide to sports betting in Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions
BetMGM Sportsbook is our top recommendation for beginners. The best Indiana sports betting sites also include DraftKings, and FanDuel. These platforms offer competitive betting odds, user-friendly interfaces, and attractive promotions to help Indiana sports bettors get started.
Mobile sports betting launched in Indiana on October 3, 2019. This made it easier for Indiana sports bettors to place wagers from anywhere within the state. The launch in Indiana has since seen the introduction of several top-tier sportsbook mobile betting apps.
To find the best betting odds on an Indiana sportsbook app, it’s wise to compare odds across multiple sportsbooks like BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, and DraftKings. By shopping around, you can ensure you get the best value for your bets.
Yes, Fanatics Sportsbook is live in Indiana and offers a robust platform for both new and experienced bettors. They provide competitive betting odds, various sports and sporting events to bet on.
