Is sports betting legal in Indiana?
One of the questions we get asked the most is if sports betting is legal in Indiana. We’re happy to tell you that the answer is a resounding yes. If you’re fortunate enough to live in the Hoosier state, you’re actually in one of the most established betting hubs in the country.
Indiana didn’t waste any time getting things moving after the federal ban lifted back in 2019. However, this does not mean that you can bet on absolutely anything you wish, as there are still some restrictions and fine print that you need to know before you go and sign up to an Indiana sportsbook.
Officially, you can legally place bets on over a dozen retail sportsbooks, as well as around 15 different mobile apps. We’re going to tell you all about our favorite Indiana sportsbooks a little later on, but for now, let’s take a look at the interesting history behind gambling laws in Indiana and how they’ve changed over the years.
A brief history of gambling laws in Indiana
Indiana’s relationship with gambling has evolved quite a bit since the days where the only legal action was a trip to a floating riverboat. For decades, the state maintained a fairly conservative stance when it came to gambling, but the tides began to shift in the late 1980s with the introduction of the state lottery. This was followed soon by the legislation of the iconic riverboat casinos in 1993.
These early moves weren’t just about bringing entertainment to the state, they were a strategic effort to capture new tax revenue that was otherwise flowing over to neighboring states such as Illinois and Nevada.
The real turning point came in May of 2019, when Governor Eric Holcomb signed House Bill 1015. This legislation modernized the existing gambling space by allowing riverboats to move on to dry land, effectively creating the first legal casinos in the state. At the same time, sports betting was green lit across the state as well, and Indiana became the 13th state in the US to legalize wagering.
Nowadays, the gambling laws have evolved even more. While the state has consistently rejected the legalization of things like online slots and table games, you can play casino games in person at one of the many licensed brick-and-mortar establishments.
So, while online casino gaming remains prohibited, Indiana remains a paradise for sports betting fans across the state.
What can you bet on in Indiana?
Just like when we looked into
Tennessee sports betting, we’ve found that Indiana is very liberal when it comes to sports betting. That said, there are some restrictions in place that you need to be aware of before you place a wager.
The state’s bread and butter is professional sports, letting you place moneylines, point spreads and complex parlays on all major leagues and events. You can also bet on college sports, however, as of 2026 the Indiana Gaming Commission has tightened the reins on what you can bet on within these leagues. Although you can bet on the final score or the spread, the state has largely banned college player prop bets, in order to shield student athletes from extra pressure and possible harassment.
Indiana also draws a very hard line at an amateur level, and betting on high school sports is strictly illegal. Novelty bets are also banned, such as betting on the outcome of an election or pop culture events, but if your bag is professional sports then this is the state for you.
Here’s a quick overview of the do’s and don’ts when it comes to betting on sports in the Hoosier State.
| Category |
Legal status |
Details & restrictions |
| Professional sports |
Legal |
Full wagering on NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, and international leagues (Soccer, Tennis, Cricket, etc.) |
| College sports |
Legal |
You can bet on any Division I NCAA event, including Indiana teams like IU, Purdue, and Notre Dame |
| College player props |
Restricted |
As of 2026, live (in-play) individual player props are prohibited. Pre-game player props may also face further state restrictions |
| eSports |
Limited |
Only permitted for professional events specifically approved by the IGC on a case-by-case basis |
| High school sports |
Illegal |
Betting on any high school-level athletic competition is strictly prohibited in Indiana |
| Political elections |
Illegal |
No legal Indiana sportsbook is permitted to offer odds on U.S. or international elections |
| Awards & entertainment |
Illegal |
Wagering on the Oscars, Grammys, or reality TV is not allowed under state law |
| Draft betting |
Legal |
Betting on the NFL and NBA Drafts is permitted, as they are considered sanctioned league events |
Exciting sports betting sites to explore this August
What to look for in a great IN sportsbook
So now that you know all about the laws surrounding sports betting in Indiana, it’s time to take a look at what makes a great online sportsbook. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference, but here are the five main components you should be on the lookout for when choosing your next sports betting site.
🏆 A wide range of leagues, matches and events
It sounds very obvious to say, but one of the main things to look for in a great betting site is a fantastic range of sports, with plenty of leagues, matches and events to wager on. As we said when we looked into
Michigan sports betting, there are some great options for wagering on your favorite sports within Indiana via a top sports betting site. At the leading sportsbooks, you’ll find all your favorites, including NFL, MLB, MBA, soccer and MMA. You’ll also get access to international sports, such as golf, tennis, rugby and Formula 1.
We advise that you do some research into the site’s sportsbook before you sign up, and also make sure that you have options to make in-play bets and watch live streams of the biggest events in the calendar.
💰 Competitive odds and markets
It’s not just about what sports are on offer, but what you can potentially win by choosing a good sportsbook that offers competitive odds. Shop around for the best odds in the state, and make sure you have lots of markets to choose from. We expect money line, point spread and parlays as a minimum so check out what other cool markets may be available in your chosen sport.
🎁 Frequent bonuses & promotions
All the best sportsbooks in Indiana will offer you frequent bonuses and promotions to reward your loyalty. Of course, most of these platforms will offer you a welcome bonus to attract you to the site, but you should expect plenty of bonuses after the initial promo to keep you coming back.
We advise that you look for things like frequent free bets, enhanced odds and other types of reload bonuses, that can help you boost your winnings with a little help from the sportsbook.
📱 Fantastic mobile experience
These days, Indiana sports betting sites can’t afford not to offer players a fantastic mobile experience. Therefore, always check out a site’s mobile app or the optimized site to make sure that it works well on your handheld device.
Most sportsbooks will either offer a native app to download, or you’ll find that the mobile-friendly version of the site works perfectly on your smartphone or tablet.
🌟 5-star customer support
Finally, the cornerstone of any great sportsbook is its customer service. Regardless if you’re in Indiana, Nevada or even enjoying
sports betting in Colorado, you want to get the help you need when you need it from your sports betting operator – and that means lots of avenues of communication and good opening hours.
We recommend looking for things like 24-hour live chat, as well as an email address, contact form and or telephone number.
5 best online sportsbooks for Indiana residents
Now it’s time to take a look at 5 of our current favorite sports betting sites in Indiana. Each one offers a unique experience, along with a great sign up bonus when you join the platform.
BetMGM – a classic site with a touch of class
As the official partner of some of the most iconic names in the sports industry, the name BetMGM conjures up an image of luxury and sophistication. Both the website and the app are sleek, modern and offer a seamless experience for all your betting needs.
BetMGM is particularly popular for parlays, and the ‘Lion’s Boost’ which offers daily enhanced odds on the biggest matchups is one of its most popular promotions, making it the perfect choice for parlay fans.
At present, you can get a first bet insurance offer of up to $1500 if you are new to the site. Plus, BetMGM is often cited as having one of the most generous rewards systems around, and you can actually accrue points that you can spend at the online shop or in person at one of their many venues.
bet365 – best for live betting
bet365 actually arrived a little late to the Hoosier State, but it has quickly gained the attention of fans who enjoy live betting markets. The platform is famously geared towards mobile users, offering a lightning-fast app that’s perfect for making bets ahead of a game or in real time via in-play betting.
The biggest USP when it comes to bet365 is easily the ‘Early Payout’ feature, where a straight bet can be settled ahead of the final whistle when the relevant conditions are met.
The welcome offer is the same for
Arizona sports betting
fans and residents of Indiana alike, and players can choose their welcome package at the moment. You have the option to go for either a first bet safety net of up to $1,000 which refunds your first wager in bonus bets if it loses, or you can take the ‘bet $10 get $200 in bonus bets’ offer, which gives you a great boost to your bankroll when you start at the site.
Caesars – an Indiana staple
FanDuel – the home of the Same Game Parlay
Another huge name in the sports betting industry, FanDuel is often regarded as having one of the best mobile experiences around. It’s perfect for bettors who prioritize speed and simplicity, and the ‘Same Game Parlay’ builder has become legendary within the sports betting community.
You can also enjoy promotions like the ‘Dinger Tuesday’ and the ‘No Sweat’ promos, which are staples that keep the community coming back for more, time and time again. The current welcome offer is $250 in bonus bets, but you must make sure that your first $5 wager wins in order to activate this bonus.
DraftKings – the king of socials
People love DraftKings for many reasons, but one of them is the social aspect that this brand loves to promote. The ‘Social’ tab allows you to follow your friends’ betting journeys, looking at their picks and letting you join betting pools together, making this feel much more of an interactive environment than some other brands. DraftKings is also often ahead of the game when it comes to posting lines to the NFL draft, so if you’re a fan of football, then this is the site for you.
The current sign up offer is ‘Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets’. This is very similar to FanDuel’s offer, and it comes with the same stipulation that your first $5 wager must win in order for you to trigger the bonus.
Pros & cons of Indiana sportsbooks
Pros and Cons
- Many licensed operators within the state
- Huge range of sports and betting markets
- On-site establishments throughout the state
Indiana – a sports fan’s paradise
There’s no doubt that residents of Indiana can enjoy sports betting. The Hoosier State has seen lots of developments in gambling laws over the years, and is now one of the most sports betting-friendly jurisdictions in the whole of the US.
You must be at least 18 years old and physically within the state in order to wager on sports legally, and aside from a couple of bans on things like amateur sports leagues, there aren’t many restrictions when it comes to wagering on sports in Indiana.
We’ve given you five of our favorite brands that operate in the state at present, and we hope we’ve also given you the tools to help you find your next great sports betting experience. Now all you need to do is choose an operator, sign up, collect your welcome bonus and have a great time. You can use the banners on this page to get started.
Enjoy these top tier sports betting bonus offers
Sports betting in Indiana FAQs
🏉 What’s the best sportsbook in Indiana?
There isn’t just one sportsbook that’s better than any other in Indiana. Ultimately, the best platform for you comes down to personal choice. That said, we recommend looking at some basic requirements, including a comprehensive sports coverage, competitive odds and markets, a great mobile experience and a high level of customer service. Outside of this basic criteria, the choice really is yours.
🎰 Can I bet on casino games online in Indiana?
No. At present, the state of Indiana does not permit online casino gaming. So, while you’re free to make sports bets online, you cannot bet on things like slots or table games. However, you are free to visit one of the licensed casinos in the state, which do allow in-person bets on casino games.
🪙 Can I get a bonus at an Indiana sports betting site?
Absolutely! Most
online sportsbooks
will offer new players a generous welcome bonus in order to attract you to the site. After that, you can rely on things like free bets, enhanced odds and access to a loyalty program. These offers are subject to change, and vary from site to site, so we always recommend checking out the promo page at an online sportsbook before you sign up.
🇺🇲 What’s the legal age to gamble in Indiana?
The legal gambling age in Indiana is 18. Keep in mind, you must also be physically within the state in order to gamble legally. Even if you’re a resident and go on holiday, you must wait until your back within state lines before you can make further bets.
📳 Can I use my mobile for sports betting in Indiana?
Of course! All Indiana sportsbooks will offer you a fantastic mobile experience, whether it be through a native app or on a mobile-optimized site. These days, all the best sites will offer you a seamless mobile experience, so that you can make sports bets on the go with no hassle.
