Indiana sports betting and bonuses: Best Indiana sportsbooks in 2024

IT'S never been a more exciting time for fans of sports betting in the US. Since 2018 when the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was struck down by the Supreme Court, each state has been empowered to decide its own laws for sports betting and online gambling.

It’s an opportunity that plenty have grasped with both hands, and more than 30 different states have since launched legal sports betting in one form or another.

One of those states is Indiana, which passed its own sports betting law in September 2019, with online gambling launching the following month. Since then, more than a dozen online sportsbooks have thrown open their virtual doors in the Hoosier State. 

We’ve got all the details about the shiny new sports betting industry in Indiana. We’re covering the legal stuff, which are the best sportsbooks, guides for signing up and placing bets, betting tips, and much more. Everything you need to know to start betting in Indiana is right here.

Best Indiana sportbooks and promos

Check out our list of the top online sportsbooks currently live in Indiana below:

1. BetRivers - 2nd chance bet up to $500 for new players!
2. Unibet - $100 risk-free bet for new customers!
3. DraftKings - Bet $5 and win $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins!
4. BetMGM - Get up to $1,000 paid back in bonus bets if you don't win!

Disclaimer

Offers presented in this article are available to residents of Indiana who are 21 years+ only, please check all terms and conditions when signing up and accepting any bonuses.

Sports Betting in Indiana

Everything started on May 14th, 2018, which was the date that the US Supreme Court ruled that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was unconstitutional. Up until that moment, PASPA acted as a federal ban on sports betting in every state in the US (except Nevada).

Once it was gone, each state was effectively given carte blanche to decide what it wanted to do about sports betting. Indiana wasted no time. 

In October 2018, just a few months after PASPA was removed, a legislative study was commissioned into what legal sports betting would look like in the state, in anticipation of a vote later that year. 

In the end, it was relatively plain sailing. Bill 1015-2019 was introduced the following year and passed through the legislature, eventually signed into law on May 8th, 2019 by Gov. Eric Holcomb. It stipulated a tax rate of 9.5% and allowed for mobile gambling. 

The first in-person bets were booked by Gov. Holcomb in September (on the Pacers, the Colts, and the Indiana Fever), and mobile betting launched the following month. By 2023, there were more than a dozen online books up and running in the state. 

Recent history of Indiana sports betting 

Things moved pretty quickly once legal sports betting launched in Indiana. The first brick-and-mortar books opened in September 2019 just a few months after Bill 1015 passed, and by the end of the year four online books had opened: DraftKings, BetRivers, FanDuel, and BetAmerica.

Since then it’s been a case of slow and steady progress, with the industry growing organically year after year. 2020 saw another handful of online sportsbooks launch and various pro sports teams began to sign sponsorship agreements with betting sites. By 2022 The Indianapolis Colts and the Indiana Pacers both had multiple betting partners.

By the start of 2023, there were more than a dozen sportsbooks in Indiana and more than $8 billion had been handled in sports bets.

A closer look at the best sports betting sites in Indiana

1. BetRivers

BetRivers is partnered with the sprawling French Lick Resort Casino. There’s a $500 free bet up for grabs when you sign up, with just 1x wagering requirements on bonus cash across the board. You can even stream sports content right on the site, which really transforms the in-play betting experience. The only thing we’re not in love with is the newsfeed on the desktop site, which notifies you every time a bet is won by anyone. It’s a little distracting, and we’d love to see it scrapped.

Pros

• Great selection of betting markets
• Handy mobile app
• Easy to navigate

Cons

• Betslip interface could be better

2. Unibet

Unibet has been a sports betting giant across the pond for decades now, and it’s a welcome addition to the US market. Unsurprisingly, it’s doing a lot of things right already. The software is clean and easy to use, perfect for beginners. Unibet’s bonuses and promotions are next level: daily odds boost, parlay boosts, $25 every time you refer a friend, and a $100 risk-free bet for new players. If you want a taste of UK or European sports betting, it’s a great choice. 

Pros

• Excellent user experience
• Fast withdrawals
• Trusted and safe platform

Cons

• Can't combine boosts and some other promos

3. DraftKings

DraftKings has a really interesting offer for newcomers, which will turn your winning $5 bet into six bets of $25. All you have to do is go through a simple registration process and you'll get access to one of the best online sportsbooks in the state of Indiana. DraftKings also has a convenient mobile app, making it easy to access numerous promotions while you're on the road. VIP lounge and betting pools are just some of the stand-out features this betting site has.

Pros

• Great welcome bonus
• Reasonable wagering requirement
• Excellent mobile app

Cons

• Bonus applicable on certain bets

4. BetMGM

BetMGM's online sportsbook is an excellent choice for newcomers seeking an exciting betting experience. Their generous offer turns will refund your initial wager of up to $1,000 in bonus bets if it doesn't win. With a user-friendly mobile app, you can easily access a wide range of sports and promotions on the go. Standout features include their VIP program and engaging betting pools. BetMGM is a top-notch option for sports betting enthusiasts in Indiana.

Pros

• One of the best sportsbook apps for Android and iOS
• Great spot for any sports betting market
• Decent selection of withdrawal and deposit methods (including PayPal)

Cons

• Not as many bonus bet options for existing customers

How to pick the best sportsbook in Indiana 

Choosing a sportsbook is all about weighing up the different factors and figuring out what your priorities are. Different books have different specialties and it’s important to align your personal preferences with a sportsbook that matches up. 

Given that, there are a number of things that should go into your decision. Check out our list below to get a sense of what you need to consider before choosing a sportsbook, and the different features to look out for.

• Promotions and Bonuses - You want a juicy welcome bonus for sure, but don’t get too hung up on that. The best books have plenty of on-running promotions too, to keep existing customers happy. Always factor wagering requirements into any potential bonus too.
• Variety of Sports Available - This one all depends on the player. Plenty of people are only really looking to bet on one or two sports, like football or basketball. But if your tastes are a little more exotic, you need to make sure the sportsbook includes sports markets on the sports you’re looking for. 
• Best Odds - Odds don’t tend to vary massively across different books, but marginal gains have a massive impact on your profit in the long run. It’s always worth keeping an eye on multiple books to find the best betting lines.
• Payment Methods - Indiana sportsbooks let you deposit and withdraw in lots of ways. It’s up to you to make sure that your preferred method is available. 
• Fast Withdrawal Options - This goes hand in hand with payment methods. The best sportsbooks don’t impose long pending periods when you want to withdraw your winnings, no matter what banking method you choose. 
• Customer Service - 24/7 live chat support is always the best in our experience, but some people prefer phone support or using an email form. You also want to see a solid help section, with plenty of articles and details about how the site works in general. 
• Security and Licenses - If you want to gamble safely, you should only be playing at licensed and regulated sportsbooks, period. The Indiana Gaming Commission regulates all sports betting activity in the state. If you don’t see their badge on a sportsbook, avoid it. 
• Mobile Apps - Lots of people do the majority of their gambling on their phones. If you’re one of them you should choose a sportsbook with a highly-rated app, and one which is compatible with your phone. 

How to sign up online and bet on sports in Indiana 

It really is exceptionally easy to sign up with a sportsbook in Indiana. The first step is to choose your sportsbook and, if you prefer mobile betting just download the app. 

Click on the sign up button to get started, and you’ll be prompted to start filling in information. Every sportsbook requires more or less the same info to create your account, which is below:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Address
• Phone number
• Email address
• Username and password
• SSN

The reason that sportsbooks require personal info is that they are legally required to verify the identity of all their players. For this reason, you also may need to send them a copy of some photo ID. 

Once everything is filled in, you’ll have to accept the terms and conditions and confirm your details are correct. Then you’re good to go!

You may also get the opportunity to type in a promo code which unlocks a welcome bonus. Keep an eye on our reviews to get the latest codes. 

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How to place sports bets in Indiana 

Placing bets is also very simple. The key tool you need to understand is the virtual betslip, which is where you can design and confirm your bets. It’s often hidden until you want to place a bet and pops up once you make a selection. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Find the bet you want to place and add it to the betslip by clicking on the odds beside the market. 
2. If you want to create a parlay or multi-way bet, you can add several bets to the same slip in the same way. 
3. The betslip should appear as soon as you start adding legs. If it’s a multi-way bet, the betslip will show you all the different types of combo bets you can make, like parlays, teasers, or round robins.
4. If you just want to place a single bet, you can just add that leg.
5. You’ll be able to type in different stakes and see how much you would win. When you’re happy with your stake, click the “CONFIRM” button to lock your bet in place.

Top Indiana sports betting facts

Check out our quick fact file of what you need to know about Indiana sports betting.

• Legal sports betting arrived in Indiana in May 2019 when Bill 1015-2019 was signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb. 
• The first bets in the state were booked in September 2019, and online betting launched the following month.
• Sports wagering in the state is regulated by the Indiana Gaming Commission.
• You must be 21 years old to bet in Indiana and physically located inside state lines. You don’t need to be an Indiana resident, however.
• Betting on athletes under the age of 18 is not legal.
• More than $1 billion of sports bets was booked in the first 12 months.
• By 2023, $8 billion in bets had been booked. 

Our top 5 sports tips and strategies for sports betting in Indiana 

It’s been very much plain sailing for sports betting in Indiana since 2019. The industry has expanded and more and more sportsbooks are making their way to the Hoosier state. The future is looking pretty rosy.

With that in mind, here are our top five tips for sports bettors in Indiana. 

• Get your welcome bonus - You only get one opportunity to claim a welcome bonus, so don’t sleep on it. Sportsbooks often reserve their most valuable offers for welcome bonuses. Before choosing a sportsbook, shop around and find the welcome offer that makes the most sense for you. 
• Don’t be afraid to bet against the public - Look, we know what it’s like. The Colts are going well or the Pacers are in the Playoffs and suddenly everyone wants to bet on them. In fact, when teams are being overhyped this can often be the perfect moment to bet against them since their odds get distorted. Don’t let your bets be swayed by public opinion or media hype.
• Don’t accept the first price you see - Line shopping is one of the simplest but most effective sports betting strategies. There are more than a dozen sportsbooks in Indiana, so it makes sense to check around for the best odds before placing your bet.
• Play safe - Sports betting is only great as long as it continues to be fun and in control. Set yourself a betting budget for the week or month and remember that gambling is a form of entertainment, NOT a way to consistently make money. 
• Treat tips with healthy skepticism - Sharing predictions and tips is part of the fun in the Indiana betting community, but there is no such thing as a sure thing. By all means, dip your toe in the waters, but don’t get carried away with hot tips. 

Is online sports betting legal in Indiana?

Yes. Online sports betting has been legal in Indiana since 2019. 

What sports betting sites are legal in Indiana?

The following betting sites that we recommend are legal in Indiana:

• DraftKings
• BetRivers
• Unibet

What betting apps are legal in Indiana?

All of the above sites support mobile gambling. However, DraftKings has one of the best betting apps among them.

Can I bet on sports in Indiana if I live in another state?

Yes. However, you must be physically located in Indiana when you place a bet. Your state of residence is not important. 

Can I bet on college sports in Indiana?

Yes. NCAA betting is legal in Indiana. You can place bets on any NCAA tournament, but you may not bet on athletes under the age of 18 however.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of online sports betting in Indiana?

Betting on sports in Indiana has tons of advantages. There are more than a dozen different sportsbooks in the state, all of which are fully licensed and regulated by the Indiana Gaming Commission. Compared with unsecured offshore sites - which were the only way to be online before 2019 - it’s a game changer. Every sportsbook has bonuses and promotions for new players too. 

In terms of disadvantages, it’s true that the total number of sportsbooks in Indiana is lower than in some other states. A couple of popular US sportsbooks haven’t yet made it to the Hoosier State. 

What sports can you bet on in Indiana?

You can bet on a wide range of sports in Indiana, from both the US and around the world, including the following:

• NFL
• NBA
• College Basketball
• College Football
• NHL
• College Hockey
• MLB
• College Baseball
• Soccer (Premier League, MLS, International, Champions League, etc.)
• Golf
• Tennis
• Boxing
• UFC/MMA
• Motorsports
• Table Tennis
• Lacrosse
• Australian Rules
• Badminton
• Billiards
• Bowling
• Chess
• Cricket
• Curling
• Cycling
• Darts
• Esports
• Field Hockey
• Floorball
• Handball
• Horse Racing
• Netball
• Rugby League
• Rugby Union
• Snooker
• Squash
• Track
• Volleyball
• Water polo
• Winter Sports
• Entertainment / Current Events

Can you bet on daily fantasy sports in Indiana?

Yes, DFS is legal in Indiana.

Joining us from Michigan? Check out the legal betting offers for MI!

Responsible gambling 

Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• National Council on Problem Gambling – https://www.ncpgambling.org/
• Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 1-800-522-4700 or go to ncpgambling.org/chat