Indiana Sports Betting: Best IN Sportsbooks, Betting Sites, and Promos in 2024

Is Sports Betting Legal in Indiana?

Governor Eric Holcomb legalized Indiana sports betting for both in-person and mobile wagers in May 2019 by approving bill HB1015, making it the 8th state to legalize online sports betting sites. The first sportsbook opened several months later and the first bets were placed in October 2019.

The law allows for bets on professional sports, college sports including in-state games, and daily fantasy.

The only restrictions are on esports and sports played by minors.

The Indiana Gaming Commission is responsible for regulating online and retail sportsbooks in the state.

There are currently 12 regulated sportsbooks operating in Indiana. BetRivers was the first to open its virtual doors, beating out DraftKings by a few hours. Understanding the difference between each sportsbook can be challenging because there’s so much to consider. Things like who has the best odds, prop bet options, parlays, payout speeds, bonuses, and promotions.

Some welcome bonuses will match your first deposit, others provide a “safety net” with money back if your first bet is a loss. At US Legal Sports Betting, we’ve done the hard work for you, looking at each sportsbook and comparing it to the others, to help find the best sportsbook for your needs.

1. DraftKings Sportsbook - Best Overall Sports Betting App
2. FanDuel Sportsbook - Best Daily Fantasy Sports
3. Caesars Sportsbook - Best Loyalty Program
4. BetMGM Sportsbook - Best Deposit and Withdrawal Methods
5. BetRivers Sportsbook - Best for In-Game Live Betting Odds
6. PointsBet Sportsbook- Fastest and easiest sports betting platform
7. ESPN BET Sportsbook - Best for Exclusive Bets
8. Bet365 Sportsbook - Best Welcome Bonus
9. Betway Sportsbook - Best Sportsbook Promotions
10. Bally Bet Sportsbook - Best New Sportsbook in Indiana
11. SBK Sportsbook - Best for Comparing Odds
12. Hard Rock Bet - Best Newcomer

Ranking sportsbooks is a big undertaking. At first glance, many of them look identical, with similar odds on the big games around the country and world. However, when we really looked into the specifics, we found differences in deposit limits, payout speeds, sportsbook promos, niche sports, local sports, and more.

We’ve written brief sportsbook reviews below to give you a clearer picture of the strengths of each of the Indiana sportsbooks to help you make an educated decision.

It’s important to remember that what works for one person, doesn’t mean it’s the best for everyone. You might be looking for an NBA betting site, others prefer a site that specializes in betting on the NFL. The great thing about sportsbooks is they’re free to join, so you can create an account with multiple sportsbooks and see what works best for you.

There are many advantages of betting on sports from home instead of going out to the retail casino to place your bets. Other than the convenience, the biggest advantages are the bonuses are promotions. They offer an exciting chance to make some extra money,

The availability of these bonuses and promotions varies by vendor, but most fall into these categories.

• No Deposit: These are hard to find, so grab it if you can. As the name implies, you don't need to deposit money into your account, just register an account and bonus funds will be added to your account. Typically, the money can’t be withdrawn, but you keep your winnings,
• Deposit  Bonus: This is the most popular bonus type. You deposit money, and the sportsbook will match it, some match at 50% while others go the full 100%, and there’s usually a max limit.
• Odds Boosts: The sportsbook will boost the odds for specific matches, to increase the action on a specific game. An aggressive sports book will inflate the odds by as much as 35%.
• Early Payout: You don’t have to worry about a comeback or a choke job when you bet with an Early Payout promo. If, at any point in the game, the winning team is up by a set amount, for example 20 points in basketball, or if you’re betting on hockey and the team is leading by 3 goals, or 15 points in football, you win regardless of the final score.
• First Bet Back: This welcome bonus gives Indiana bettors a chance to guarantee they don’t lose their first bet. If it’s a winner, you get the payout, and if you lose the sportsbook returns your bet as a Bonus Bet.
• Rewards Program: Also known as a loyalty program, players earn points with each bet to move up in a VIP program. This can result in prizes, unlocking hidden bonuses, increasing deposit limits, tickets to games, and more.

If you’re new to sports betting, take a few minutes to look over a betting guide, and learn how to make the smart bets. 

There’s always something happening in Indiana when it comes to sports betting. They’ve seen sportsbooks come and go, bypassed $500 million in handle for the first time in 2023, and faced competition as neighboring states legalized sports betting.

Here are some noteworthy news items from the past few years. 

📰 June 5, 2024: Indianapolis Indians player banned for life by MLB for gambling.

📰 Feb. 2, 2024 — Betr was approved to operate in the state and is expected to be ready to launch before the 2024 NFL season.

📰 Jan. 30, 2024 - Bet365 opened operations, becoming the 13th sportsbook in Indiana. 

📰 Dec. 31, 2023 - Set an annual record for sports handle in Indiana

📰 Nov. 31, 2023 - Indiana capped off a record breaking month with a handle that exceeded $513 million. 

📰 Nov. 30, 2023 - Unibet closes its operations in Indiana.

📰 Nov. 1, 2023 - Online casinos are removed from online gambling bills until at least 2025 due to bribery scandal. 

📰 Oct. 12, 2023 - Sports betting revenue increased by 70% during the NFL season. 

📰 Aug. 11, 2023 - WynnBet closed its sports betting operation in Indiana. 

📰 July 2023 - Revenue dips as online sports betting is legalized in Kentucky 

📰 June 6, 2023 - NFL investigated Indianapolis Colts player for betting on NFL teams, including games he played in. 

📰 April 12, 2023 - Over $432 million in bets in March, largely due to the NCAA March Madness Tournament. 

📰 March 29, 2023 - Indiana residents get free access to gambling addiction treatments. 

📰 Dec. 12, 2022 - Indiana surpassed $10 billion in handle since it was legalized in 2019.

The 2019 decision made Indiana the 8th state with legal sports betting sites. The legalization of sports betting in Indiana was a relatively swift process that took just over a year and a half. Here's a breakdown of the key events:

• Oct. 3, 2019: DraftKings and BetRivers launch, taking the first sports bets in Indiana.
• Sep. 1, 2019: The first retail sportsbook begins accepting bets.
• May 8, 2019: Governor Eric Holcomb signed House Bill 1015 into law, officially legalizing retail and online sports betting.
• March 7, 2019: The Indiana House of Representatives approves House Bill 1015 with a vote of 65-31.
• Feb. 28t, 2019: The Indiana Senate approves House Bill 1013 with a vote of 38-12.
• Jan 22, 2019: House Bill 1015, the Indiana sports betting bill, is introduced in the Indiana House of Representatives.
• May 14, 2018: The landmark Supreme Court decision in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association invalidates the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which had previously prohibited states from authorizing sports betting outside of Nevada. This decision opens the door for Indiana to legalize and regulate sports betting within its borders.

HB 1015 allows anyone 21 years and older, within the state border in Indiana, to bet on professional and college sports online or at a retail casino. The only limitations are betting on esports and games where the athletes are under 18.

Sports betting generates revenue in Indiana through a 9.5% tax rate for both online and retail bets. The sportsbook also pays an annual $50,000 license fee to operate. All online sportsbooks must have a retail partner.

The Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) is tasked with regulating all forms of betting in Indiana. This includes online sportsbooks, retail casinos, and off-track betting (OTB).

Online sportsbooks must submit their license application to the IGT for approval. There must be KYC policies in place to prevent underage gambling. Additionally, the sportsbook must have a responsible gaming policy to prevent addictions.

The IGT also  regulates the types of payment methods a legal betting site can accept. They must be easy to use and have the option to enforce deposit limits on how often you can make a deposit.

In terms of bonuses, the IGT is strict with the terminology used. A bonus or promotion can’t be described as “free” if there is a risk that you’ll lose money or be required to make a deposit or use your own money to qualify.

As of December 2023, Indiana generated approximately $1.28 billion in total revenue from online sports betting since September 2019. While 2023 was the best year for sports betting in Indiana, it certainly had its ups and downs. December 2023 was a record setting month, generating $55.6 million. But in July there was a 10% decline from June. This is partially due to online sports betting becoming legal in neighboring states and not a lot of sports action in July.

The top 3 sportsbooks in Indiana are DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars, although the exact numbers are not publicly available. The bookmakers keep the difference between the money wagered and the amount paid out to winning bets. This is called the "hold percentage," which typically ranges between 6-8% in Indiana.

Based on Indiana's total handle (amount wagered) of approximately $14.84 billion and an estimated hold percentage of 7%, bookmakers have earned roughly $1.04 billion since 2019.

As long as you’re over the age of 21 and physically located within the border of Indiana, you can bet on MLB, go to NHL betting sites, and open an account with a March Madness betting site. It’s an easy process, just follow these steps.

1. Choose a Sportsbook
   If you’re not sure which to pick, check out the USA Legal Sportsbook Reviews, and see which ones have the best odds, props, parlays, promotions, and payment methods for you. You can even register with several different sportsbooks to get a better feel for what is out there. 
2. Register Your Account
   There is no charge to register your account, but you should scan your ID and other documents, such as a utility bill or phone bill, to verify your account without delay. 
3. Make a Deposit 
   Select the most convenient deposit and withdrawals methods for you. It can be credit cards, bank trainers, Play+ card, or even cash through PayNearMe, so you can place your first bet. 
4. Claim Your Welcome Bonus
   A welcome bonus is a great way to get some extra bonus money to bet on different games. You always have to opt-in to receive the bonus, and once you place your first bet it’s too late. Some sportsbooks use promo codes while others have a checkbox to opt in. Make sure to read the fine print to fully understand the rules and how you can use the bonus money.
5. Check Out the Betting Options
   Indiana doesn’t have restrictions on betting types. If you’re new to sports betting, familiarize yourself with the available options, such as straight bets, over/under, point spread, parlays, props, futures, teasers, early payouts, and odds boosts 
6. Place a Bet 
   Click on the game that you want to bet on, and you’ll see a complete list of the available betting markets. Choose your bet, and it input how much you want to wager, and the information will be saved on your bet slip. When the game is complete, the winnings will be added to your account, 
7. Make a Withdrawal
   When you’re ready to withdraw your money, go to the banking section of your account. Every sportsbook has its own withdrawal policies, so make sure to understand the available options and the sportsbooks policy. 

Understanding the Odds

Indiana sportsbooks use the American odds system, using a minus (-) to show the favorite and a plus (+) for the underdog. 

• Betting on the favorite: The odds show how much you have to bet to win $100. For example, if the odds are -259, you’ll need to make a $250 bet to win $100.
• Betting on the underdog: The odds show how much money you’ll win if you make a $100 bet. For example, if you bet on $100 on a +250, it will pay out $250.

All 11 Indiana online sportsbooks have mobile apps for Android and iOS. Some sportsbooks might even have special promotions or bonuses for mobile bettors. 

How do I use an Indiana sportsbook mobile app?

Most sportsbooks have a sports betting app. All you need to do is simply dowloand it to your device.

Whedownload is complete, log in to your account, and allow location tracking After registering or signing into your account, you will need to enable location tracking, which is how the sportsbook ensures that you’re physically in the state of Indiana.

Sign Up:

If you haven’t registered your account through the website, you can do it on the app. Press the Register or Sign Up button and enter the required information. You will receive a verification code in your email or via SMS, and when you enter it in the space provided, your account will be activated.

If you have an account with a sportsbook in a different city, for example, Caesars sportsbook in Michigan, you will need to create a new account for your Indiana bets.

Deposit

You need to make a deposit before you can place any bets. Tap on your account icon to open the setting and open the banking settings. Add one of the approved patent methods, select an amount and make a transfer. Once the transfer is processed, you can start making your bets.

Betting

Filter the betting markets by sport or search for the specific game, future, parlay, or prop bet you want to place. Input the amount you wish to wager, and it will appear on the bet slip on the app. Confirm the bet, and if you win, the money will be added to your account.

With the legalization of sports betting in Indiana, fans now have a complete range of options when it comes to placing bets. From professional leagues to collegiate sports, Indiana offers a diverse array of opportunities for legal sports wagering. Let's explore some of the sports, leagues, and events that you can legally bet on in the Hoosier State.

Professional Football (NFL)

The National Football League (NFL) stands as one of the most popular sports leagues for betting in Indiana. Fans can go to football betting sites and wager on regular season games, playoffs, and the highly anticipated Super Bowl. With a plethora of betting options ranging from point spreads to player props, NFL betting attracts a wide range of enthusiasts throughout the football season.

Professional Basketball (NBA)

NBA fans in Indiana can indulge in betting on Basketball. Whether it's regular season matchups, the NBA playoffs, or betting on the NBA Finals, you can take the excitement to the next level with a range of betting options, such as point totals, player performances, and game winners.

Professional Baseball (MLB)

The Major League Baseball (MLB) season provides ample opportunities for sports bettors in Indiana. From the opening day to the World Series, baseball betting sites have a variety of betting markets such as moneylines, run totals, and proposition bets. With a lengthy season and numerous games each day, MLB offers consistent action for those looking to bet on America's pastime.

Hockey (NHL)

Fans of the National Hockey League (NHL) can get in on the action as well. With a thrilling season leading up to the Stanley Cup playoffs, NHL betting offers a variety of options including moneylines, puck lines, and over/under bets on goals scored. Of course it culminates with betting on the Stanley Cup, and while you won’t get your name etched on the cup, perhaps you can win money while others skate on the ice. 

Professional Soccer (MLS, International Leagues)

Soccer betting sites have gained traction in Indiana, with options to bet on Major League Soccer (MLS) matches as well as international leagues such as the English Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga. With a global fan base and a wide range of betting markets including match outcomes, goal totals, and player props, soccer provides an exciting avenue for sports bettors in the state.

Professional Golf (PGA Tour)

Golf enthusiasts can also get in on the action with betting opportunities on the PGA  Championship. From major championships like the Masters and the U.S. Open to regular tour events, bettors can wager on outcomes such as tournament winners, individual matchups, and prop bets related to player performance.

Other Sporting Events

In addition to the major professional and collegiate leagues, Indiana also allows betting on a variety of other sporting events. This includes:

• NASCAR betting, 
• Betting on boxing
• MMA betting
• UFC betting
• Betting on golf
• Betting on tennis

and more, providing a diverse range of options for sports bettors in the state.

College Sports Betting in Indiana

Betting on college sports is allowed in Indiana. This includes both in-state out-of-state games, although prop betting isn’t allowed. So, while you can bet on Notre Dame football or Hoosier basketball, you can’t put money on how many TDs the quarterback will throw, or the number of points scored by the center.  

College Basketball (NCAA)

While some states restrict betting on collegiate sports, Indiana allows betting on NCAA basketball games, including games featuring local teams such as the Indiana Hoosiers and Purdue Boilermakers. Fans can bet on regular season matchups, conference tournaments, and the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament, which attracts widespread attention and betting activity nationwide.

College Football (NCAA)

Similarly, betting on NCAA football is permitted in Indiana, offering opportunities to wager on games involving NCAA teams from across the country. Whether it's the regular season, bowl games, or the College Football Playoff, bettors can engage in a variety of betting markets encompassing point spreads, moneylines, and player props.

Prohibited Sports Betting in Indiana

Indiana law prohibits betting on esports and games where the athletes are under 18.

Betting on local teams adds an extra layer of excitement to the game-day experience. Instead of just for the home team, you’re invested in the game’s outcome. Watching the game will never be the same.

Professional Sports Teams in Indiana

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts had a disappointing 2023 season, which led to the firing of Coach Frank Reich. New Coach Shane Steichen is hoping for a better 2024 and return to the top of the AFC South in QB Anthony Richardson’s second season.

• League: NFL
• Founded: 1953
• Stadium: Lucas Oil Stadium
• Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
• Sportsbook partners: Caesars Entertainment, Inc

Indiana Pacers  

The Pacers have built a strong young team, behind stars Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner. They might not be ready to challenge the elite teams in the NBA Finals this season, but they can make some noise in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

• League: NBA
• Founded: 1967
• Stadium: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
• Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
• Sportsbook partners: PointsBet

Indiana Fever 

For the second consecutive year the Indiana Fever of the WNBA have the number 1 pick in the draft. Last year’s top pick Aliyah Boston had a solid rookie season and is looking forward to teaming up with the number 1 pick in the 2024 draft and returning the Fever to championship form. 

• League: WNBA
• Founded: 2000
• Stadium: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
• Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
• Sportsbook partners: FanDuel

College Sports Teams in Indiana

Whether it's cheering for the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse or rooting for the Hoosiers on the gridiron, Indiana sports fans have plenty of opportunities to bet on their favorite teams. 

• NCAA Basketball - Indiana Hoosiers
  The Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball team represents Indiana University Bloomington in NCAA Division I basketball. With a rich history and passionate fan base, the Hoosiers are a perennial contender in college basketball.
• NCAA Basketball - Purdue Boilermakers
  The Purdue Boilermakers men's basketball team, based at Purdue University in West Lafayette, competes in NCAA Division I basketball. Known for their competitive spirit and skilled players, the Boilermakers are a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.
• NCAA Football - Notre Dame Fighting Irish
  The Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team, representing the University of Notre Dame in NCAA Division I football, boasts a storied tradition and a loyal following. With a historic rivalry with the Indiana Hoosiers, Notre Dame football games drew significant attention from sports bettors in Indiana.
• NCAA Football - Indiana Hoosiers
  The Indiana Hoosiers football team competes in NCAA Division I football and represents Indiana University Bloomington. As a member of the Big Ten Conference, the Hoosiers face tough competition, making their games popular choices for sports bettors in the state.

Yes, betting on daily fantasy sports is legal in Indiana. It was passed into law before online sport  betting, by Gov. Holcomb in 2016. According to the bill, DFS is a skill-based game, and not considered gambling, which is why the legal age to play is 18 and not 21. If you’re between 18 and 21 and have a DraftKings or FanDuel account, access to the sportsbook will be blocked.

Yes, Indiana has several racetracks where bettors can wager on races both in-person and through simulcast betting. There are several licensed OTB locations where you can watch and bet on races from various tracks around the country. Additionally, Indiana has authorized online and mobile betting on horse racing through licensed operators. The Indiana Horse Racing Commission oversees and regulates horse betting activities in the state to ensure fairness and integrity in the industry. 

In addition to online sportsbooks, Indiana legalized retail sports betting as well. These are the casinos you can go to place your sports bets in person. 

Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana

Offering an immersive sports betting experience, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana's sportsbook combines sleek design with cutting-edge technology. They accept straight bets, parlays, teasers, and futures. The sportsbook has 5 betting windows and 23 self-service kiosks for placing bets. They take bets on every major professional and college game in the US.

Sportsbook at Ameristar East Chicago

Inside the pavilion of the casino is where you’ll find the sportsbook. With Kiosk operating 24 hours a day, and the betting windows open until 11-M every night, you can always make sure to get your bets in on time. The accepted betting types include straight bets, parlays, round robins, matchups, futures, player and team prop bets, custom teasers, in-play betting.

Tropicana Evansville Sportsbook

The sportsbook operates from 10 am - 10pm daily and has several big screens showing all the big games. The digital boards display the latest odds, lines, and available betting markets. In addition to the betting, self-service kiosks are available 24/7. 

FanDuel Sportsbook at Belterra Casino Resort 

Located inside the Belterra Casino Resort, FanDuel has 4 self-service kiosks and 12 TV screens for a fully immersive betting experience. There’s also a video wall displaying all the latest odds, news, and information you’ll need to place a bet. FanDuel accepts a wider range of betting types for all major US sporting events. 

FanDuel Sportsbook at Blue Chip Casino

Relax in the 2,730 square foot sports betting area located in the Blue Chip Casino. It features 5 in=-person betting winds, 10 self-service kiosks, 2 digital sports tickers, and 22 big screen TVs. 

The Book at Caesars Southern Indiana

The full service sportsbook Caesars has ”Fan Caves” with comfy recliners to watch the game in style. You can earn loyalty points with each bet and cash in loyalty points you earned while betting with the Caesars sportsbook online. 

French Lick Resort Sportsbook

Place your bets by using any of the 8 self-service kiosks located in the resort. The viewing lounge has wall-to-wall TV, comfortable couches, and a bar and grill, making it an enjoyable experience, win or lose. 

Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg

Place your bets and watch the action unfold on the 60+ Hi-Def TVs throughout the casino. You’ll get real-time odds that you can use when placing straight bets, parlays, matchups, futures, prop bets, in-play betting and more. 

The Book at Harrah’s Hoosier Park

You’ll find the Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s Hoosier Park to be an excellent place for sports betting. All betting markets are available for baseball, basketball, football, hockey, racing, and more. 

Caesars Sportsbook at Horseshoe Hammond

Go to the Horseshoe Hammond and enjoy a fully immersive sports betting experience. Powered by Caesars Sportsbook, you know you’re real time odds on all types of bets, including in-play markets.

Indiana has seen several neighboring states embrace online sports betting over the past few  years. There was a dip in the revenue generated when Ohio legalized sports betting in January 2023, but the Indiana numbers rebounded nicely towards the end of 2023. Since you don’t need to be a resident to place bets, let’s see how Indiana betting laws and taxes compare to Illinois, Michigan, and Kentucky.

Illinois Sports Betting

Sports betting in Illinois officially launched in March 2020, and there are currently 7 regulated sportsbooks. All betting options are available for professional sports, including in-game bets, player props, and futures. However, college sports are a different story. You can only make in-person college bets at one of the retail casinos in Illinois, but only on the outcome, player props are prohibited. College betting is not available on mobile betting apps. Illinois and Indiana have the same 9.5% tax rate for sports betting.

Kentucky Sports Betting

Kentucky launched its sports betting at the end of September 2023 and has already licensed 7 sportsbooks. While the law says that the minimum age for sports betting in Kentucky is 18, most sportsbooks still maintain a 21 year minimum age limit. When the law was first introduced, many lawmakers wanted to block betting on in-state college sports, but the clause was removed before the bill passed. The final law not only allows for mobile and in-person betting, but some prop bets as well. The only restrictions on betting are youth sports and esports. Kentucky imposes a higher tax than Indiana, 14.25% for online sports betting and 9.75% for bets at retail casinos.

Michigan Sports Betting

Online sports betting in Michigan launched at the beginning of 2021. There are currently 13 sportsbook operators taking bets on college and professional sports. The only restriction is betting on a college player’s performance. Michigan has a lower tax rate than Indiana, 8,4%, but has still generated more than $370 million in 2023.

Ohio Sports Betting

Sports betting in Ohio launched in January 2023, and the numbers from Indiana sportsbook were directly affected by this. It has one of the most liberal laws, especially when it comes to betting on college sports. There are no limitations on in-state games or player pro bets. This means that Indiana bettors who want to make these bets, can just cross the state lines, and make the bets they can’t place in Indiana. Sportsbooks are taxed slightly higher in Ohio, with a 10% tax on revenue.

The Indiana casino gambling laws prohibit real money online casinos. If you want to play blackjack, spin the roulette wheel, or play slots you'll have to go to one of the retail casinos located throughout the state.  The one exception is the online casein ban is Sweepstakes Casinos. These are not real money games, instead you buy virtual coins to use when playing casino games. You can win prizes at these social casinos, if you win the sweepstakes, but that’s not connected to getting a winning hand in blackjack or lining up three matching symbols on the slot game.