Since 2019, Indiana has become a hotspot for sports betting enthusiasts. The legalization of online betting in the state paved the way for regulated online sportsbooks, allowing bettors to place wagers on their favorite sports with the chance to win real money.
If you’re looking for the top IN sportsbooks, you’ve come to the right place. We constantly update our list of betting sites to keep up with the forever-changing market. Read on to understand the state tax laws, popular sports, and bonuses at Indiana sports betting sites. But first, scroll through our curated list of the best Indiana online sportsbooks and find your ideal match.
Before listing our top-ranked Indiana betting sites, we thoroughly examine each operator. It’s a multi-step process where we rate each platform based on several crucial factors. You can learn about our rating criteria in the segment below:
Reputation and Trustworthiness
Our examination process starts with checking the reputation and trustworthiness of the betting platform. We consider their history, user feedback, and fair play practices to determine how legitimate and well-established a sportsbook is.
Licensing and Security
Next, we ensure the betting site holds a valid Indiana betting license. Then, we check if it utilizes the latest 128-bit SSL encryption software. This is an important security feature for any online sportsbook available in Indiana, as it encrypts all sensitive details to keep your personal and financial data safe.
Bonuses and Promotions
Then, we inspect if the online sports betting site has an extensive list of promotions. Our team checks the T&Cs for any important hidden details during this task. Those with the most generous bonuses for new and existing users will receive the most points.
Available Betting Markets
Finally, we evaluate events from different sports to access the range of betting options available. This is where we look for an extensive list of gambling markets in each category. We only list sportsbooks that cover both major and niche sports.
Sports Betting Laws and Regulations in Indiana
Every state in the US has unique gambling laws that the residents must obey. With that in mind, many ask, “Is sports betting legal in Indiana?”. The answer is “Yes,” as the state voted to favor physical and online sportsbooks on May 8th, 2019, following the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act [PASPA] in 2018.
The new laws took effect in September 2019, and the first online sports betting site was launched shortly after, on October 3rd, 2019. It’s worth noting that every online platform must partner with an in-person sportsbook to operate.
But, only operators licensed by the Indiana Gaming Commission are free to work in this state. All offshore and non-registered sites are illegal. There are over 10 legal sports betting sites in Indiana, and you must be at least 21 years old to register on any of them.
However, you can only wager on specific competitions, including all professional sports, major league games, and similar events. Those that are illegal for gambling are as follows:
High school sports games
Amateur sports events
esports
Indiana Sports Betting Tax Information
In Indiana, both online and retail sports betting platforms are taxed at a rate of 9.5% on their earnings. As for individuals, any money you earn from sports wagering is subject to a 3.23% income betting tax imposed by the state. Its regulator, the Indiana Gaming Commission, also charges $100,000 as an initial licensing fee. But, each operator must also pay $50,000 annually for a license renewal.
With the decision to legalize sports betting, the state started generating significant revenue from these licensees. During the first months, the tax revenue was around $1 million. In 2024, the monthly sports betting revenue from taxes ranged between $3 million and $5 million. These are some pretty good numbers, but they do not even account for taxes from other forms of gambling.
Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos
Almost all reputable Indiana sports betting sites try to attract new customers with the help of generous bonuses. Offering hefty promotions will keep existing bettors loyal while encouraging new users to make that first bet. Sportsbooks will either give out bonus bets or additional funds that can be used to generate extra profit.
Now that you know the importance of betting bonuses, it’s time to reveal and describe the most common ones:
Welcome Offer
This is a type of betting promotion that only targets newly registered customers. You can only claim it with your first deposit, which must be over a certain limit. A welcome bonus typically includes match bonuses, free bets, enhanced betting odds, or bonus funds.
Risk-Free Bets
This type of bonus bet refunds your wager if you lose. It works as a cashback, returning the money you spent on the initial bet. You can often find them as a part of welcome bonuses or separate promotions at the best sports betting sites.
Deposit Match Bonus
Possibly the most common betting promotions require a certain deposit before rewarding you. A deposit bonus will match the amount you deposit with a certain deposit. For example, if you deposit $50 and the match bonus is 100%, you’ll receive an additional $50 to wager with. Always check the wagering requirements, which are an important part of such offers.
No Deposit Bonus
This type of promo is the opposite of the deposit match bonus. It doesn’t require any funds beforehand to provide a prize. A no-deposit bonus usually rewards free bets that come with wagering requirements and a bonus code that is needed to activate the offer.
Loyalty and VIP Programs
All top IN sports betting platforms have loyalty or VIP programs designed to incentivize their most frequent customers. Bettors collect reward points by placing bets, which will lead them to higher tiers and hefty prizes. Reaching a new level comes with better benefits and privileges.
The Most Popular Sports to Bet on at Indiana Sportsbooks
At the top Indiana betting platforms, you’ll find a wide variety of sports to bet on. However, some are more popular than others due to residents’ personal preferences and interests. Below, we’ll reveal and briefly describe each sport standing out in this state:
Football (NFL)
We start with football, the most watched sport in the US and a highly admired one in Indiana. The biggest league by far is the NFL, which attracts a large fan base and plenty of sports bettors.
Residents often wager on their local team, Indianapolis Colts. Many of them choose Caesars Sportsbook, as it’s the official partner of the Colts, while others may look for different Indiana online sports betting sites, such as Bally Bet that offer odds boosts on the local team.
Additionally, you can use NFL props and future bets in Indiana. However, sportsbooks will only accept wagers before the games begin.
Basketball (NBA)
The major popularity of the sport and its tradition got Indiana the nickname “Hoosier State.” It’s no wonder many residents are fond of placing NBA bets. This is especially true for in-play betting when the Pacers are playing live in Indiana.
Although this team isn’t among the best at the moment, their loyal fan base consistently places bets on them. Many even place future bets, such as the Pacers reaching or winning the NBA finals. Online sports betting for the NBA offers hundreds of prop bets for individual players and teams.
Some Indiana bettors prefer wagering at PointsBet, as it’s the official sports betting partner of the featured NBA team. This sportsbook also offers a special sign-up offer to newly registered Pacers fans.
Baseball (MLB)
Baseball is another highly admired sport in Indiana, but it’s not as popular as football and basketball. The absence of a top MLB team is one of the reasons for this. However, this doesn’t mean that residents don’t follow and bet on league games.
Most of them follow teams like the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago White Sox. All three of them compete in MLB from neighboring states. It’s worth noting that they also feature different sportsbook sponsorships, such as:
Caesars Sportsbook – Chicago White Sox
DraftKings – Chicago Cubs
BetMGM – Cincinnati Reds
These operators and other top Indiana sports betting sites allow the use of MLB props and futures. In compliance with state laws, they also give customers a chance to wager on drafts.
Hockey (NHL)
Indiana also lacks a professional hockey team that competes in the NHL. However, this league is getting increasingly popular for betting, thanks to the massive media exposure in the state.
Residents often back and wager on nearby teams like Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues, and Columbus Blue Jackets. Die-hard fans often place bets on the NHL Draft andfutures on the Stanley Cup winner. Many are also interested in player props like individual goals, assists, and goalie saves.
Besides these betting types, platforms like ESPN Bet or Fanatic Sportsbook offer other popular NHL wagering options such as moneyline, over/under, puck line, tie no bet, and parlays.
Tennis
US-based sports aren’t the only ones generating fans and bettors in Indiana. Residents are highly interested in the best tennis tournaments, including the US Open and Cincinnati Open. Both men’s and women’s events are followed with equal excitement and expectations.
While there aren’t any notable tennis players from Indiana, the state does feature many great participants in both categories. Fans often back them by placing futures bets in sportsbooks, a common way of wagering on such sports events.
Platforms such as Bally Bet even allow customers to place player props on selected tennis events. Still, the most used markets are moneyline, game spread, over/under, set wagering, ace totals, parlays, and tie brakes.
College Sports
College sports are highly popular in Indiana as the state features several teams across competitions. Here are some prominent sports teams that compete in the NCAA Division I:
Ball State Cardinals
Indiana Hoosiers
Evansville Purple Aces
Indiana State Sycamores
Purdue Boilermakers
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
IUPUI Jaguars
Valparaiso Beacons
Some teams compete in many sports but are very successful in just one. In Indiana, you can legally engage in sports wagering on college events. However, the state doesn’t allow you to place prop bets on any event. You can also use any other betting options at the local sportsbooks.
Local Sports Betting Partnerships
It’s a common practice for online sportsbooks in the state to sign sponsorship deals with teams and leagues after their launch in Indiana. That way, operators can promote their brand in front of thousands of fans and potential sports bettors.
In Indiana, only four teams partnered up with local betting sites. You can read the sponsorship details in the table below.
Betting Site
Local Partner
Year
Description
Caesars sportsbook
Indianapolis Colts
2021
Naming rights for Lucas Oil Stadium’s South Gate; sponsorship of the free-to-play “Pick 6” predictor game on the Colts mobile app; opening of a Caesars Sportsbook Lounge.
Prominent presence on Fever’s digital and social media platforms; FanDuel sportsbook’s logo on the court baseline; in-arena LED signage.
PointsBet sportsbook
Indiana Pacers
2020
The pointsBet logo will appear on the apron between the baseline and team bench, scorer’s table, and phone charging stations; it will be present on Pacers’ digital platforms.
Sleeve logo placement on all team jerseys; sponsor on post-game shows on all TV channels; sponsorship of the opening segment of the weekly Soccer Saturday radio show; “presenting partner” night; digital and signage assets.
Daily Fantasy Sports in Indiana
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is legal in this state, thanks to Bill 339. This law came into effect in March 2016 following the Senate’s approval and signed by then-Governor Mike Pence. The responsibility of overlooking these activities and licensing operators went to the Indiana Gaming Commission.
DFS is an online game of skill. Every participant receives a salary cap at Indiana sports betting sites to choose individual players in major league sports. Top athletes will drain your budget much faster as they earn more than others.
This limits your chances of lining up the best player in each position. Many participants turn to players who are part of their local sports teams in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. Since most of them aren’t among the greatest, even several won’t fill your salary cap.
Select players that will deliver top performances, as the main objective is earning as many points as possible based on their performances.
Additionally, you can join a league for each major sport and play with your friends. The most common duration of such a contest is a day or a week. However, there are longer competitions where you compete throughout the season.
DFS fanatics often join nationwide contests that feature thousands of participants and come with hefty prize pools.
Indiana Sports Betting Apps
There are many Indiana betting apps on the market, as almost every local sportsbook has one. Most apps are available for both iOS and Android, ensuring all customers can easily engage in mobile wagering.
Betting from an app allows you to place wagers instantly, especially when it comes to live betting. You can download a top Indiana sportsbook app directly from the App Store or Google Play Store. These operators also provide QR codes or download links on their websites.
Once installed, you’ll notice that the app has the same features as the desktop sportsbook version. This includes the available sports, betting types, payment methods, and bonus offers. You may even come across special promotions on the best sportsbook apps. However, these are very rare bonuses.
How To Place Real-Money Sports Bets in Indiana?
Placing a sports bet with real money in Indiana is a very simple task. You won’t struggle even if you’re just starting with this popular activity. All you have to do is follow these five simple steps.
Pick a licensed sportsbook: Choose a top Indiana sports betting platform from our list based on your personal preferences. Each operator requires users to register and verify their accounts.
Fund your betting account: Next, access the “Cashier” section and go to the deposit area. Then, you should pick a payment method, type in the amount, and confirm the deposit.
Choose a sport to bet on: Navigate to the “Sports” section and browse the available leagues. Pick one of the events that you wish to bet on and continue to the next step.
Pick a betting market: Review the available betting markets and choose the one you want to use. Avoid placing bets on markets you are unsure of.
Place the bet: Finally, place your first bet by choosing an amount for the wager. All you can do now is wait to see how the game will turn out at the end.
Enjoy Unbeatable Promotions and Safety at Indiana Sportsbooks
The sports betting market is flourishing in the Hoosier state, with safe and regulated sportsbooks offering an exciting range of betting options for all major leagues and college sports. Indiana sports betting sites are designed to cater to both desktop and mobile bettors with dedicated apps and rewarding bonuses.
While you need to be 21 to place a bet and wagering on high school sports, amateur events, and esports is prohibited, the extensive betting markets and ease of placing wagers still provide ample of opportunities to the fans.
Looking for a top sportsbook in Indiana? Be sure to check our list of recommended betting sites. They all operate legally in the state and feature everything you need for an enjoyable sports betting experience.
Indiana Sports Betting FAQs
Online sports betting in Indiana has been legal since 2019. Currently, there are over 10 online sportsbooks available in the state with legal sports betting licenses issued by the Indiana Gaming Commission.
Yes, there are several Indiana sports betting apps that you can download and use. Almost every local online sportsbook has one, as many punters engage in mobile sports betting.
Most Indiana sports betting platforms include future and prop bets in their betting options. But you can find them mostly at the major league games. However, placing props on collegiate sports competitions is prohibited in the state of Indiana.
Yes, sportsbooks in Indiana allow you to claim a sign-up bonus. To do this, you must make your first deposit according to the minimum limit stated in the T&Cs.
Yes, college sports betting is legal at both retail and online sportsbooks in Indiana. The only downside is that you cannot use props for these events.
The Indiana Gaming Commission is responsible for all physical and online betting activities in the state. This regulator only gives out licenses to operators that meet the standards.
To start betting on Indiana sports betting sites, you must be at least 21. The same age restriction applies to the physical sportsbooks in the state.
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