In recent years, Indiana online betting sites have been progressive with sports gambling. Retail sportsbooks first launched in September 2019. Then, it was only a month before online and mobile sportsbooks launched in October 2019.
Since the legalization of online sports betting, more high-profile gambling companies have joined the action. But, despite the progress made towards online sports betting, remote casino gambling is still not legal in the Hoosier State.
In this review, we highlight all the ins and outs of the Indiana online betting site scene, including the current options for bettors.
Is sports betting legal in Indiana?
Indiana was quick to act after the US government repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. A year later, in 2019, Indiana, embraced legalized sports betting.
With a thriving sports scene and a base of enthusiastic sports fans, the launch of Indian online betting sites for sports was always likely. In addition, the boom in legalized sports betting along the east coast helped the decision for Indiana lawmakers.
Land-based sportsbooks were quick to launch following the legalization of sports betting in September 2019. Within a month, 14 different retail sportsbooks were set up in the Hoosier State. Each of the in-person venues is linked to a high-profile sportsbooks company, including, Caesar’s, FanDuel, DraftKings, and others.
Sportsbooks and Indiana online betting sites
Indiana bettors have the option to also wager online or mobile devices after online sports betting was legalized in October 2019. Indiana online betting sites cater for sportsbooks, where players can place bets on a host of sports and other events.
Unsurprisingly, mobile betting makes up a significant portion of the overall sports betting revenue in the state. In December 2021, online sports betting accounted for around $430 million of the total $463 million sportsbook handle in Indiana.
Some of the big-name players in the online gambling market were first to enter the Indiana sports betting scene. DraftKings, BetRivers, and FanDuel all launched in October 2019. However, PointsBet, Bet MGM, and BetAmerica took a bit longer, as they went live in late 2019 and early 2022.
Since early 2020, no other online bookmakers have joined the Indiana market. But, with such a varied and high-quality selection of online betting sites already, customers are well catered for in the Hoosier State. There is no development for any new betting platforms to launch in the state are present.
Betting on Horse Racing Indiana
Asides from Indiana online betting sites, some bettors still like to bet in person. This extends to horse racing, which has been a popular pastime in Indiana. In the state, betting enthusiasts can find two state horse racing venues, Hoosier Downs or Indiana Grand. Both tracks run dedicated racing seasons for thoroughbred and quarter horse racing.
However, gamblers can also head to the tracks and bet on races from all over the country through simulcast bets. Via simulcast wagers, bettors can select any race from across the US to place a bet on. Some venues also provide betting options for international races. Then, punters can watch the action unfold via a live stream.
Additionally, off-track betting facilities in the state accommodate gamblers from areas that may be too far to travel to the track. These shops show the local races alongside those from around the country.
Do Indiana online betting sites have horse race bets?
Neither Hoosier Downs nor Indiana Grand has an online horse betting site. But state residents have been able to find some horse racing bets via the likes of TwinSpires and DRF. These sites are run out of state, but they offer wagers in states where pari-mutuel racing is legal.
Although Indiana bettors have wagered on horse racing for a while, the growth of Indiana online betting sites has increased options. Many of the legal online sportsbooks run odds for various US races, while others also cater for international events. However, not every bookmaker has horse racing options available.
Currently, BetRivers and TwinSpires are the leading operators when it comes to horse racing. These two platforms have dedicated sections and odds for horse racing, in addition to blogs and tips.
Indiana Casinos
As well as various online betting options, Indiana has a lot of choices when it comes to land-based casinos. Interestingly, many of these casinos are actually on the water, as this was the way they were originally licensed. But, more recent casinos have been built on the land.
Currently, there are 13 in-person casinos, including racinos in the Hoosier State. Native American tribes can also operate casinos based on their compact with the state. To date, there are four tribal casinos in Indiana. The largest state casino is the French Lick Resort. This venue houses hundreds of slot machines to go along with a poker room and many table games as well.
Finally, the race tracks also expanded their operations in recent years by adding slot machines to their properties. Adding additional games to these establishments has supported them in times of difficulty where revenue from horse racing itself has declined.
Are Online Casinos legal in Indiana?
Although Indiana online betting sites have grown to include sports gambling in recent years, this hasn’t been the case for casino games.
As a result, state bettors can only find the likes of poker, blackjack, and roulette at the land-based casinos. Alternatively, gamblers can head to social casinos to place virtual bets. These are made through virtual coins and without real money. Lastly, players can also stick to online and retail sports betting or Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS).
At present, there is no definite timeline on when casino games will head online in the Hoosier State. Bringing online sports betting was a big step and state lawmakers may wait to see the benefits of this before looking at casino sites.
The Hoosier Lottery
The lottery in Indiana follows the same path as many states in the Union. For a long time, there were unregulated lotteries available in the 1800s, and then there was a crackdown on these games in the 1920s.
But, it was in 1988 that the state finally created lottery regulations and started running their own draw games. Today, the Indiana state lottery (known as the Hoosier Lottery) oversees multiple draw games. These are open to anyone in the state. In addition, players are given regular opportunities to win even larger jackpots like Mega Millions and Powerball.
Yet, there are more options too. A full array of scratch tickets is available at local Indiana retailers, some of which are available for a $1 minimum.
Currently, there is no online or e-lottery available in the Hoosier State, and players must purchase tickets in person. Although, recent legislation is in progress to change this system.