Overview of Legal Sports Betting in Indiana
Indiana officially legalized sports betting in September 2019 following the passage of House Bill 1015, making it one of the early adopters of regulated sports wagering in the United States after the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. The law allows both retail and online sportsbooks to operate under strict regulation by the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC). This regulatory framework ensures that all betting activities are conducted fairly, securely, and transparently, providing consumer protection and generating tax revenue for the state.
Legal Framework and Oversight
The Indiana Gaming Commission is the sole regulatory authority responsible for issuing licenses, enforcing compliance, and monitoring sportsbook operations. Licensed operators must partner with a land-based casino or an off-track betting facility in the state to offer online betting services. The legal betting age in Indiana is 21 years or older, and wagers can be placed on professional, collegiate, and certain international sporting events. However, betting on esports involving minors and high school-level competitions is prohibited.
Types of Licensed Sportsbooks
Indiana’s sportsbook market includes both physical venues and online platforms:
1. Retail Sportsbooks
Physical sportsbooks operate within licensed casinos and racinos across the state. These locations provide in-person betting counters, self-service kiosks, and live sports viewing areas. Popular retail sportsbook locations include:
- Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago
- Horseshoe Hammond Casino
- Indiana Grand Racing & Casino
- Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa
2. Online and Mobile Sportsbooks
Online sports betting in Indiana has become the dominant form of wagering, offering convenience and a wider range of betting options. Licensed online sportsbooks include:
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
- PointsBet
- BetRivers
These platforms require users to be physically located within Indiana when placing a bet, verified through geolocation technology.
Betting Options and Markets
Indiana sportsbooks provide a wide selection of betting types:
- Moneyline Bets: Wagering on which team will win.
- Point Spread Bets: Betting on the margin of victory.
- Over/Under (Totals): Predicting the combined score of a game.
- Prop Bets: Wagers on individual player performance or specific game events.
- Parlays: Combining multiple bets for higher potential payouts.
- Live/In-Play Betting: Wagering on events as they happen in real-time.
Sports covered include NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA football and basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, MMA, and more. While college sports betting is permitted, Indiana law prohibits prop bets on individual collegiate athletes.
Taxation and Revenue
Sportsbooks in Indiana pay a 9.5% tax on adjusted gross sports wagering revenue. A portion of this revenue is allocated to the state’s general fund, problem gambling programs, and local communities. Since legalization, Indiana’s sports betting market has generated significant tax contributions, demonstrating the economic benefits of a regulated industry.
Responsible Gambling Measures
Licensed Indiana sportsbooks are required to promote responsible gambling practices. The IGC oversees a voluntary self-exclusion program, allowing individuals to ban themselves from all gambling activities in the state. Operators also provide tools such as deposit limits, time limits, and self-assessment resources.
Future Outlook
The Indiana sports betting market continues to expand with new operators, enhanced mobile app features, and increased competition leading to better promotions and betting options for consumers. Potential legislative updates may address emerging markets such as esports and fixed-odds horse racing.
Summary
Indiana offers a well-regulated, competitive sports betting environment with both retail and online options, strict oversight by the Indiana Gaming Commission, and a commitment to responsible gambling. Residents and visitors aged 21 or older can enjoy a diverse range of betting markets while benefiting from consumer protections and state-generated tax revenues.
