Indiana Sports Betting

After the repeal of the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, also known as PASPA, several states have changed their legislation to allow and regulate sports betting. As a result, Indiana sports betting became legalized in 2019 and are available through online sportsbooks and retail locations throughout the state.

The topics covered in this article include:

Legal Online Indiana Sports Betting

This section goes through the legal types of Indiana sports betting and the rules. It also discloses other types of gambling legal in the Hoosier State.

How to Pick an Indiana Sports Betting Site

A variety of sportsbooks are now available in the state of Indiana. Several factors must be considered when assessing them. For example, their license, customer care, banking options, the competitiveness of their odds, and ease of navigability are all crucial factors.

History of Sports Betting in Indiana

A brief history of sports betting in the state and how the legalization of Indiana sports betting happened. It also includes information on other forms of gambling in Indiana.

Indiana Sports Teams

The residents of Indiana are enthusiastic sports fans. This part discusses the sports teams located in the state of Indiana. In addition, it includes information on their history and details about who they are.

Retail Sports Betting in Indiana

Indiana allows betting in-person as well as on websites online. In-person locations include some of the local casinos. Here are a few in-person places for Indiana sports betting.

Tribal Casinos

The Indian Regulatory Act of 1988 allowed tribes to operate casinos throughout the United States. Indiana currently has one tribal casino that offers a variety of games.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily Fantasy Sports, often called DFS, is a type of fantasy game that lasts only a few hours to a few days. They are technically not considered gambling but skill-based sports. This section goes through more about Daily Fantasy Sports in Indiana.

Offshore Sports Betting

Offshore sports betting poses a significant risk to its users and is always discouraged. Curacao or Costa Rica should permanently authorize it, the two authorities recognized by the United States.

Indiana Horse Racing and Off-Track Betting

Here is information about parimutuel wagering in the state of Indiana, the state’s racinos, and its off-track betting locations.

Legal Online Indiana Sports Betting

Indiana sports betting is legal. It was legalized in 2019, a year after the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, or PASPA, which prohibited sports betting throughout the United States, apart from sports betting in four states. Since Indiana sports betting was legalized, it has seen consistent growth.

Indiana permits online and in-person sports betting. It is allowed to bet on professional teams and college sports, and users do not have to be residents of Indiana to bet. However, they need to be located inside Indiana to place a bet. Bettors must also be over 21 years old.

Athletes, game officials, and anybody employed by sports governing bodies or teams are outlawed from betting on their own sports teams. This includes coaches. The ban also applies to anyone in their households. This is purely for Indiana sports betting fans to enjoy.

Corporations and other entities who are not individuals are not allowed to place bets, nor are Indiana sports betting licenses. The directors, officers, and employees are also not allowed to wager. Further, neither vendors nor any relatives living in the same household as the previously mentioned parties. The same rules apply not only to licensees but also to service providers.

Other parties who are banned from betting in Indiana include those who have been legally accused of an offense related to sports betting, those who have self-excluded, occupational licensees employed or otherwise associated with supplier licensees, and other parties. Those who want to learn more about Indiana sports betting laws in more detail can do so on Indiana’s Government website.

Other legal gambling types in the state of Indiana include parimutuel wagering on horse races, lottery, charity gaming, type II gaming, and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). Indiana has a tribal casino and a few commercial casinos. It also has two racinos and a few off-track betting locations.

How to Pick an Indiana Sports Betting Site

More than 13 Indiana sports betting sites are now available. However, finding out which site is the best can be challenging. Several things need to be considered. Here are some of them:

License

Is the sports betting site licensed? If an Indian sports betting site is licensed, it helps to ensure that it adheres to rules set out by the state and keeps its practices to a standard.

Customer Care

Is the customer support team available? Some sites have customer support available all day and night. For example, the customer service team might be available via telephone, email, or live chat. Sometimes, sites also have FAQ pages, additional resources, and self-exclusion options to responsibly support their customers in gambling.

Banking Options

Does the site accept all the different payment methods often used? The site’s banking methods should also be secure and easy to use.

Betting Odds

Are the betting odds competitive? Some Indiana sports betting sites offer more value than others.

Mobile interface

Is the site or app easy to use on a mobile device? Some people prefer to access their accounts from their phones instead of a laptop or computer. Many sites provide an app that can be downloaded onto your phone. A mobile app can also make it easier to access the account quickly without opening the website.

Website Interface

Can the information be easily found on the site? The sports betting site should be well-designed. Information should be easy to find, without too many steps.

History of Sports Betting in Indiana

At the beginning of the 20th century, all forms of gambling were outlawed mainly and seen as unacceptable. However, over time, states’ gambling laws essentially became more liberal.

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act into law, commonly known as IGRA. The law paved the way for Native American tribes to operate casinos on their lands. The first tribal casino in Indiana, however, became available years later.

Pari-mutuel betting on horse races became legal in Indiana in the year 1989. Harrah’s Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs were race tracks that opened in the next few years. Later on, they turned into racinos.

In 1992, sports betting became nationally outlawed when President George H. W. Bush signed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, or PASPA, into law. The act effectively banned all forms of sports betting across the country, including online sports betting sites. The exceptions to this law were four states – Oregon, Montana, Delaware, and Nevada.

Daily Fantasy Sports, also called DFS, are a form of traditional fantasy sports that are completed in shorter durations. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) do not technically class as Indiana sports betting. Therefore, Indiana officially legalized Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) in March 2016. 

The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) had opposition from many. New Jersey, specifically, saw the act as unfair. After years of sports betting being out of reach in most of the United States, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was repealed when the United States court ruled it unconstitutional. From 2018 onward, states can decide whether sports betting is legal in their respective jurisdictions.

In February 2019, Bill 552 was passed by Indiana Senate. This allowed more casinos to exist in the Hoosier State. After this, attempts began to legalize Indiana sports betting. In March, a new gambling expansion bill was signed by Governor Eric Holcomb so that more Indiana casinos could be formed and more Indiana sports betting options could be allowed.

The first in-person Indiana sports betting occurrence happened on September 1st, 2019, in three of Indiana’s casinos. Those were Ameristar East Chicago, Holywood Casino, and Indiana Grand Casino. Later in the same month, as many as 13 other casinos in Indiana opened their doors to wagering for the first time.

The first Indiana sports betting options online became available on October 3rd, 2019. The first two available online sportsbooks were BetRivers Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook. The Indiana sports betting industry has been growing ever since.

Indiana Sports Teams

Indiana has an array of sports that residents and visitors can enjoy. One of the more popular sports in Indiana is basketball. In addition to hosting numerous sporting events, the state is also home to various sports teams competing at the highest level. The Indianapolis Colts, the Indiana Pacers, and the Indiana Fever are all extremely popular with fans across the state. Basketball is not the only sport that attracts fans to the state. Football is another favorite in the state, as well as hockey, soccer, and baseball. Here are some of Indiana’s favorite sports teams:

Evansville Otters

Evansville Otters is a professional baseball team founded in 1995. The team competes in the West Division of the independent Frontier LEagueg. Bill Bussing owns the team, and Andy McCauley manages it. The team won three division championships. The first was in 1997, the second in 2000, and the third in 2019. The team plays in Bosse Field in Evansville, Indiana. Bosse Field is a historical site that opened in 1915.

Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers is a professional basketball team founded by Dick Tinkham and Chuck Barnes. Its president is Kevin Pritchard, and the team is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team is a member of the Eastern Conference Central Division in the National Basketball Association. The team plays its games in Bainbridge Fieldhouse.

Indy Eleven

Indy Eleven is a professional soccer team nicknamed ‘the Boys in Blue. The team plays games in IU Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team started playing in 2013. Today, Greg Stremlaw is its president, and Mark Lowry is its head coach. They compete in the USL Championship.

Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team that competes in the National Football League as a member of the league’s American football Conference South Division. The team has won two NFLF championships, the first in 1971 and the other in 2007. The CEO of Indiana Colts is Jim Irsay, and Frank Reich is its head coach. The team has been playing in Lucas Oil Stadium since the year 2008.

Retail Sports Betting in Indiana

Due to Indiana’s lenient sports betting laws, there are a few casinos in Indiana where sports betting is available. Here are a couple of Indiana’s riverboat casinos that provide Indiana sports betting – and with views overlooking the waters:

Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg

Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg is based at 777 Hollywood Blvd, Lawrenceburg, 47025, United States. It is on a stationary boat on the Ohio River, only a short distance from Lawrenceburg. It offers a variety of games, including Indiana sports betting, slots, roulette, and more. In addition, this casino has a fitness center, many dining options, live shows, and more. Founded in 2009, Hollywood Casino Lawrenceberg is owned by Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.

Ameristar East Chicago

Ameristar East Chicago is based at 777 Aldis Ave, Hammond, 46312, United States. It is another riverboat casino that offers a variety of games and entertainment, such as Indiana sports betting, slots, roulette, and more. It also has a fitness facility, a selection of dining options, live music, and more. This riverboat casino is on Lake Michigan. It was launched in 1997 and is owned by Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.

Indiana sports betting is also available in the state’s racinos which are mentioned below under ‘Indiana Horse Racing and Off-Track Betting’.

Tribal Casinos

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, also called PASPA, into law. This made it easier for tribes to open casinos to support their economy. Tribes run three casinos in the state of Indiana. Two of them are commercial, and one is an Indian casino. Four Winds Southbend is a tribal casino that is open 24 hours every day. It offers slots, roulette, and more. There are many dining options available at this casino, as well as comedy shows and live music. The casino is a busy area with many shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians owns it. Four Winds Southbend s also accessible via public transport. It is based at 3000 Prairie Ave, South Bend, 46614, United States.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily Fantasy Sports, commonly called DFFS, are games played over the internet against other competitors. Winning players receive cash prizes based on their performance in these competitions. Due to this, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is often a legal gray area. Some are persistent that Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) should be considered a form of Indiana sports betting. However, technically, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are skill-based sports.

Many states have not released official legislation for or against Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). In contrast, a few states outlawed them, and the remaining states legalized them and began regulating them. Indiana is one of the states that legalized and began regulating Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). A bill that legalized and started regulating Indiana Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) laws were passed in March 2016. As a result, many Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) sites are already available in the state. Those include popular sites like FanDuel and DraftKings.

Offshore Sports Betting

Offshore sports betting always poses many risks. For one, there is no regulation governing many offshore sites or how they are run, which means that site security may be compromised, and bettors may not have a fair chance to win money or redeem rewards. Here is an overview of just some of the threats that offshore sports betting might pose:

Bad Customer Service

With no regulations, customers may find it challenging to communicate with a site representative and receive assistance when experiencing difficulties. They will also likely not receive support in gaming responsibly.

Security Breaches

Due to a lack of oversight, some sites may not take the necessary steps to ensure the security of customer data. This could put customers’ information at risk and lead to a breach of confidentiality.

Fraudulent Activity

Some offshore betting sites are not licensed, so they may not adhere to the same industry standards as legitimate operators. This opens the door to fraudulent activity that could cost bettors a significant amount of money.

False Marketing

Many offshore betting sites will use misleading marketing tactics to lure in new customers with the promise of lucrative prizes and rewards. However, these advertising tactics are often too good to be accurate and unlikely to reflect reality.

Due to the many Indiana sports betting opportunities, there should be no need to gamble on any offshore site. However, offshore sites should always be authorized by either Curacao or Costa Rica. These are the only two authorities recognized by the United States.

Indiana Horse Racing and Off-Track Betting

Pari-mutuel wagering on horse races was legalized in Indiana in 1989. In 1994, Harrah’s Hoosier park opened in Anderson. Off-track betting locations became available in 1995. In 2002, Indiana Downs opened, which also held horse races. Both Harrah’s Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs have later become racinos. Below is more information on Indiana’s racinos:

• Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino: Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino is located at 4500 Dan Patch Cir, Anderson, 46013. It is well-known for its live races. It also offers Indiana sports betting, slots, and other gaming options. In addition to its gambling attractions, Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino offers many dining options, live shows, and more. Caesars Entertainment Corporation owns it.

• Indiana Grand Racing & Casino: Indiana Grand Racing & Casino is based at 4300 N Michigan Rd, Shelbyville, 46176, United States. There are plenty of gaming and entertainment options in Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, including its renowned live horse races, slots, sports betting, live music, and more. There are a few food and beverage options in the racino, too. Caesars Entertainment Corporation once again owns the racino.

Here are some of Indiana’s off-track betting locations:

  • Trackside Fort Wayne: Trackside Fort Wayne is located at 1820 W. Washington Center Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46818
  • Trackside Indianapolis: Trackside Indianapolis is located at 110 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
  • Trackside Merrillville: Trackside Merrillville is located at 7610 Broadway Merrillville, IN 46410

Summary

Indiana sports betting is legal. It became legal after repealing the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, often called PASPA. As of September 2019, licensed operators offer both online and land-based Indiana sports betting in the state. The Indiana sports betting industry has been growing since its launch.

There are many Indiana sports betting websites and a few things to consider when deciding which is best. The site should be licensed, as only licensed operators can offer legally regulated Indiana sports betting. Awareness of each website’s customer service and support is also essential. How often is it available? What resources are in place to help customers to only game responsibly? The next feature to consider is whether the Indiana sports betting site has a user-friendly site and mobile app. Then, it should offer a variety of games and odds to meet everyone’s needs. In addition, it should be safe and secure to protect users’ financial information.

Indiana residents are passionate about sports. The Hoosier State has many talented sports teams and avid fans. Indiana’s popular sports are basketball, football, hockey, soccer, and baseball. A few of Indiana’s favorite teams include the Evansville Otters, the Indiana Pacers, the Indy Eleven, and the Indianapolis Colts.

Indiana has a few casinos that offer a variety of games and entertaining attractions. One of those casinos is a tribal casino called the Four Winds Southbend. There are also two riverboat casinos. Some of Indiana’s casinos offer Indiana sports betting.

Pari-mutuel wagering on horse races is an activity that is also legal in the state of Indiana. It first became legal in the year 1989. Two of Indiana’s racing tracks have now turned into racinos. There are also a few off-track betting locations.

Indiana also permits Daily Fantasy Sports, also referred to as DFS. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are online sport gaming activities in which participants compete against each other. Some would classify Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) as Indiana sports betting. Technically, however, Daily Fantasy Sports are skill-based sports.

Offshore sports betting poses a significant danger to customers and should not be practiced. Offshore sports betting is often not regulated and therefore does not need to hold up to a certain standard to provide a fair sports betting service. Some risks associated with using offshore sports betting sites include payment fraud, lack of customer support, and a lack of security for personal data, as well as many others. Offshore sports betting should always be authorized by Curacao or Costa Rica, the only two authorities recognized by the United States.

About Joe Kizlauskas

Joe is a seasoned iGaming copywriter and speaker who has been in the business since 2015. He's written more words on all elements of Casinos, Slots, Bingo & Sports Betting than he likes to remember, and he's contributed material to a number of well-known brands. Joe may be seen playing 5 a side, at the gym or playing games on his Playstation when he is not writing.