How to Place Sports Bets in Indiana
Sports betting is now legal in the state of Indiana. Thanks to changes in state law, Indiana residents and those visiting the state can now go place sports bets both online and in person.
The first brick and mortar sportsbook opened up in September 2019, and in October, online sportsbook went live across the state. Those currently in Indiana can sign up to any of the legal online sportsbooks and instantly place bets on some of the most popular US and international sports and leagues.
Since legal sports betting went live in Indiana, lots of new online sportsbooks have gone live. Most of these sites are also available in other US states with legal sports betting, and users who sign up can claim sports betting bonuses in Indiana. If you’d like to get into sports betting, there’s never been a better time, but you’ll first need to know how it all works. See below for our full guide on how to place sports bets in Indiana.
Indiana Sports Betting Rules and Restrictions
Although it’s now legal to place bets on sports in Indiana, there are still rules on how and where you can bet. You need to follow the rules carefully. Otherwise, you may find that you’re unable to bet, or that your bet won’t count. Some of the sports betting rules in the state of Indiana include:
- You must be 21 years old in order to place a bet anywhere in the state.
- You can register with any online sportsbook registered by the Indiana Gaming Commission, but you’ll need to be in the state to place a bet.
- Mobile betting is allowed so you can place bets while on the go.
- Betting on events involving competitors under the age of 18 is prohibited. This includes sports and eSports.
- There are some restrictions on in-play betting, but for the most part, it’s allowed.
When you sign up to an online sportsbook, you’ll need to make sure that all of your details are correct. You can sign up even if you’re not a resident of Indiana, but you’ll need to be in the state before you can place any bets. Bear in mind that these online sportsbooks all use GPS location services to check your location before you can place a bet.
Retail Sportsbooks in Indiana
The first places open for betting in Indiana were the land-based sportsbooks. These allow sports fans to go in and place a bet in person. While these offer a more traditional betting experience, they’re still fairly popular, and there are quite a few different retail sportsbooks. Indiana retail sportsbooks include those at:
- Ameristar Casino Resort
- Belterra Casino Resort
- Harrah’s Hoosier Park
- Majestic Star Casino
- Winner’s Circle Indianapolis
Placing a bet is as simple as entering the casino, going up to the sportsbook counter, and asking for odds on a particular event. Once you’ve handed over your money to place the bet, you’ll receive a bet slip, which you can exchange for your winnings should your bet be successful.
Online Sportsbook in Indiana
Although brick and mortar sportsbooks are available in Indiana, the majority of bets are made online. Online sports betting now accounts for eight out of every ten bets placed in the state. The first online sportsbooks went live on October 3, 2019. Since then, there have been lots of new sites appearing to give Indiana sports fans plenty of betting options.
Some of the top Indiana online sportsbooks include:
- Draftkings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- BetRivers
- BetAmerica
- PointsBet
- William Hill
Placing a bet at an online sportsbook in Indiana involves first signing up to the sportsbook of your choice. Don’t be afraid to check around to see which has the best markets and the best odds on your favorite sports. The odds offered tend to be quite similar, although some sportsbooks offer special promotions.
Once you’ve found a sportsbook you like, you can enter your details to register an account. You’ll then need to deposit money onto your account so you can start placing bets. Don’t forget to check out the details of any bonus before you make a deposit, as a lot of sites will offer matched deposit bonuses.
Now you’ve got some cash in your account, you can search through the different categories on the site to find the sports you want to bet on. Most sites offer lots of different sports, including football, basketball, hockey, soccer, and more. Find what you’re looking for, then click on the bet you want to make and enter in your stake. This will then be added to your bet slip, and if you win, your winnings will automatically be credited to your account.