Indiana Betting
Indiana sports betting became legal in September of 2019 and brought joy to bettors in the state. It was a milestone for the casino industry, considering Indiana is one of the very few states that were yet to do it.
Indiana Sports Betting. Indiana legalized sports betting in May 2019 after Governor Eric Holcomb signed HB 1015 into law. Mobile sports betting is available to anyone 21 or older, located within the Hoosier State’s borders, allowing them to safely and legally bet on sports online. In 2019, Indiana lawmakers passed a bill that legalized sports betting in the Hoosier State, allowing both brick-and-mortar sports wagering lounges and Indiana online sportsbooks. Governor Eric Holcomb signed the bill, HB 1015, on May 8 of that year, making Indiana the 10th state in the U.S. To legalize sports betting.
It was a slow start in the beginning, with only a couple of casinos taking bets. Eventually though, everyone got comfortable with the new privilege, and 10 other casinos joined in to provide sports betting. Nowadays, you can find many Indiana sportsbooks who will take action on most bets.
The variety has also expanded. Players can put their money on all kinds of sports, including football, boxing, golf, and many more. College games are also available statewide. The only things you can’t bet on are highschool games and junior leagues.
Contents
Top Indiana Sports Betting Sites
In order to take advantage of Indiana online sports betting, you will need to learn about betting odds and which are the best online sportsbooks. That's why this guide will help you place your sports bets knowingly in Indiana.
Updated on :
Rank | IN Sportsbook | Welcome Offer | Bet Now |
---|---|---|---|
1. | BetRivers Visit Review | 100% Deposit Match up to $250 T & C’s Apply, 21+, Only in IN | |
2. | BetMGM Visit Review | Risk-Free Bet up to $600 Bonus Code: VIBONUS600 T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in IN | |
3. | William Hill Visit Review | Get a $500 Risk Free Bet Bonus Code: VIMAXSPORTRF T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in NJ, CO, IL, IA and IN | |
4. | Unibet Visit Review | 2 x $10 Free Bets & $250 Risk-Free Bet T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in IN, PA, NJ | |
5. | FanDuel Visit Review | Bet $5 win $275! SuperBowl 55/1 Odds Boost T & C’s Apply, 21+, Only in IN | |
6. | PointsBet Visit Review | 2 Risk Free Bets to $2,000 Bonus Code: VIRFBET T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in CO, IL, IA, IN, MI, NJ | |
7. | DraftKings Visit Review | Get a Sign Up Bonus up to $1000 T & C’s Apply, 21+, Only in IN |
Best Indiana Online Sportsbooks
One of the most important things you will need to know when getting into Indiana online sports betting is where to place your bets. So, you will need to figure out which sports betting websites are the best for you. And, you will need to learn how to determine which online sportsbook websites are best.
When determining the top sports betting site for you, you will need to look at a few different factors. First, you will want to look at the selection of sports that are offered. Then, you will want to look at the types of bets that you can place on the sports betting websites.
Legal Sports Betting Indiana
Plus, you will want to look at the types of promotions that are offered on the sports betting websites. The top sports betting site could have a great welcome offer when you create your account. Below, we will look into some of the best sports betting websites available.
BetRivers Indiana Sportsbook
Over the summer of 2020, BetRivers launched its excellent online sportsbook in Indiana. The sister site of SugarHouse, BetRivers is a solid platform backed by years of experience in both brick-and-mortar and online gambling. So, expect a great entry into IN sports betting with the BetRivers online sportsbook.
In addition, BetRivers has a great welcome offer for new online sports betting customers: a 100% deposit match up to $250. So, create a new account and redeem the offer to start placing your bets.
Unibet Indiana Sportsbook
As of July 31st, 2020, Unibet is live in Indiana! Unibet’s parent company Kindred Group secured access to Indiana through an agreement with Caesars Entertainment. The deal gives Unibet 10-year market access through the Caesars’ Horseshoe Hammond casino. Now, Hoosiers can bet on sports with one of the world's leading online sportsbooks. Plus, new users in Indiana who sign up for Unibet Sportsbook can claim 3x $10 free bets and up to $250 as a risk-free bet.
DraftKings Indiana Sportsbook
DraftKings is often referred to as the top sports betting site out there. And, this is because DraftKings has a long history of connecting sports fans with the sports they love. So, it is only natural that the online sportsbook would have some of the betting odds, types of bets, and apps out there.
Plus, when you get started with the DraftKings online sports betting website, you can take advantage of their great welcome offer for new customers. So, you can place a bet using the welcome offer to help make it even easier to get started. Then, you should be up and running when it comes to placing bets on your favorite Indiana sports teams.
FanDuel Indiana Sportsbook
FanDuel IN is another top sports betting site that is very similar to DraftKings. With FanDuel Indiana, you know that you are using an online sports betting site that is loved by many sports betting fans. So, you can trust that a well-respected brand is going to operate pretty smoothly.
In addition, you can use the sign-up offer on the FanDuel online sportsbook to create a new account. Then, you can use the promotion to place your first bet and get a little more out of it. So, you can see if you like the online sportsbook for your Indiana online sports betting needs.
SBK Indiana Sportsbook
SBK is another online sports betting website that you should look into. Sports betting fans will be impressed with the layout and betting odds on the website. Plus, the seasonal promo codes that are offered by the online sportsbook are quite good.
So, if you are curious about this online sportsbook, you can rest assured that Indiana sports betting fans will be able to use it soon. When it launches in Indiana, you can engage in live betting as the sporting events you love are playing. So, you will be able to find the excitement of a live game while you bet at home.
bet365 IN Sportsbook
Without a doubt, bet365 is the world’s leading online sportsbook. Likewise, with their entry into NJ online sports betting, bet365 is proving to be one of the best sportsbooks around. So, can Hoosiers bet with bet365 in Indiana?
As you may know, the Majestic Star Casino is set to become the Hard Rock Gary in the coming months. Now, bet365 partnered with Hard Rock in NJ. So, it’s a fair bet that bet365 Sportsbook will launch in Indiana soon enough.
Just like in NJ, expect to get a bet365 bonus code to snag a great welcome offer. Once bet365 IN Sportsbook goes live, check back here for the full rundown.
BetAmerica Indiana Sportsbook
BetAmerica has launched in Indiana with a new state-of-the-art sports betting facility at the Rising Star Casino. BetAmerica sportsbook offers user the ability to bet on sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA, NHL and international sporting events. The BetAmerica app is available for iOS and Android. Download the app and start betting in Indiana today.
BetMGM Indiana Sportsbook
BetMGM moves into Indiana today giving Indiana residents access to BetMGM’s premier sports betting app. BetMGM sportsbook app is launching into an Indiana sports betting market that is rapidly growing but is confident that they will gain market share. The BetMGM app is available in iOS and Android. Bettors will have access to the state-of-the-art betting features including in-game betting. The technology powering the BetMGM app comes from Roar Digital which is a joint venture between GVC Holdings and MGM Resorts.
PointsBet Indiana Sportsbook
Indiana Sports Betting News
After massive success in NJ, PointsBet joined the Indiana sports betting market and has quickly become a fan favorite. PointsBet IN is built on the same top-notch technology offered in NJ and PointsBet Iowa. Plus, Hoosiers can claim the same welcome offer from PointsBet. That means you can deposit just $50 and bet with $50! Remember, read all terms and conditions before claiming any bonus offer. Likewise, you must be 21 or older. In any case, PointsBet Indiana is a welcome addition to the Hoosier betting landscape.
Top 5 Indiana Sports Betting Apps
Now, once you have found the sports betting websites that you want to use, you will want to look into sports betting apps. When you use a sports betting app, you can keep up to date on the bets you place while you are on the go. So, you never have to disengage from the sports betting action.
Chances are, your favorite online sportsbook also has a betting app launched. So, these online sportsbooks are the places to start looking for your Indiana online sports betting apps.
The following online sports betting mobile apps are great apps to look into. These apps are going to be enjoyed by many Indiana sports fans throughout the year. And, you should be able to download and install them fairly easily.
Keep in mind that the Google Play store does not allow real money betting apps.
1. DraftKings IN Sports Betting App
As you might’ve guessed, the DraftKings Sportsbook app is one of the top online sportsbooks in the business. The sportsbook app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Just like DraftKings online sportsbook, you can claim the DraftKings welcome offer right in the app. Download the DraftKings app today in New Jersey, West Virginia, and Indiana. Get your first deposit matched 20% up to $500. Then, snag a $200 risk-free bet!
2. FanDuel IN Sports Betting App
In NJ, FanDuel is hands down an excellent online sportsbook. In fact, over half of all mobile sports betting in New Jersey happens with FanDuel Sportsbook.
Right now, you can bet with FanDuel in NJ, PA, WV, CO, IN, and IL. Claim your risk-free first bet up to $1,000 when you join FanDuel today.
3. BetRivers IN Sports Betting App
If you’ve been to NJ recently, you may be more familiar with BetRivers’ sister sportsbook, SugarHouse. That said, Rush Street Interactive, the parent company, has decided to merge their two brands under the BetRivers name.
Plus, BetRivers is live in Indiana. The first online sportsbook for Hoosiers, BetRivers Sportsbook does not disappoint.
Get a 100% match deposit bonus up to $250 when you sign up at BetRivers today.
4. PointsBet IN Sports Betting App
As we said above, Hoosiers can sign up with PointsBet now! Already, PointsBet NJ Sportsbook has climbed to the top tier of online sports betting.
PointsBet’s partnership with Penn National gave it direct access to launch in Indiana in conjunction with both Ameristar Casino in East Chicago, IN and Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg. Also, with their sportsbook already active in Iowa, along with the PointsBet Sportsbook app, check out PointsBet IN today to claim your welcome offer.
5. BetMGM Sportsbook App
While not yet live in Indiana, BetMGM has been killing it in the NJ sports betting market. From the renowned MGM brand, BetMGM not only offers great online sports betting, but also online casino games and poker.
Indiana Sports Betting Laws
Now, you may be curious about when Indiana online sports betting became legal. As mentioned before, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, also known as PASPA was struck down in 2018 by the United States Supreme Court. The overturning of the act gave each state the opportunity to pass their own legislation regarding sports betting and online sports betting.
Some states, like New Jersey, in particular, took no time in enacting their own sports betting legislation. In May of 2019, the governor of Indiana signed their own sports betting legislation into law. So, sports betting both online and in-person at a casino is now officially legal in the state of Indiana.
Sports betting licenses began being issued in July of 2019. Retail sportsbooks were allowed to open their doors in early September 2019. Online sports betting launched statewide officially at the beginning of October 2019. Indiana Gaming Commission is responsible for the regulation and licensing enforcement.
It is important to note that only Indiana sports betting and Indiana online sports betting is being talked about above. Indiana casinos and Indiana online casinos have their own legislation. As of right now, casinos are legal in Indiana.
And, it is legal for these casinos to apply for licenses to operate retail sportsbooks. However, online casinos in Indiana are not yet legal. So, you should keep an eye out for legislation to allow for online casinos in the state.
Indiana Online Sports Betting : Events & Betting Markets
When getting into Indiana online sports betting, you will want to keep aware of the big sporting events of the year. This is because you will want to place your bets on these big sporting events. Many online sportsbooks offer promotions centered around these major sporting events.
In order to be aware of the major sporting events, you will want to be aware of the betting markets offered. The betting markets on online sportsbooks basically means the sports offered on each online sportsbook. So, you will want to make sure your favorite sports are part of these betting markets listed.
Plus, you will want to look into the sporting events that are particularly popular in your state. This is because an online sportsbook in Indiana may offer an Indiana specific promotion. So, you will want to make sure to take advantage of these kinds of promotions.
Indiana Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a new way to play on major league sports teams and players in Indiana. Try your sports knowledge skills by playing DFS, on a variety sports events like NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL PGA, MLS, and more.
Rank | Daily Fantasy Sports | Welcome Offer | Claim Offer |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Monkey Knife Fight Visit Review | 100% Match up to $50 - Code: BONUSMAX T&C’s Apply, 21+ | |
2. | DraftKings DFS Visit Review | Deposit Bonus up to $500 T&C’s Apply, 21+ |
Common Types of Bets
There are many common types of bets that you can place when engaging in Indiana online sports betting. For these bets, you will want to make sure to check out the betting odds when placing your wagers.
In order to make the best use of your wagers, you will need to make sure you understand betting odds. These odds can help you calculate the potential payout you will receive for a winning bet.
Plus, you will want to make sure you know which bets to place. Placing the best bet for each event is important in order to try and win the most you can. So, here is an explanation for the most popular bets you will find.
- Outright Win – The most common type of sports bet. In an outright win bet, you choose the team (or player in a game like tennis or golf) who you believe will be the outright winner of the match.
- Prop Bets – In sports betting, a 'proposition bet' is also called a prop bet. It is a bet made surrounding the happening or not happening during a sporting event of something occurring that is not directly affecting the game's ultimate outcome.
- Point Spreads - has to do with betting on the points scored in the sporting event. You are betting on what you believe the score will be at a certain point in the game.
- First Player to Score – This is a fun kind of bet to place on a sporting event that involves teams. You will simply place your bet on the player that you expect to score first.
- Winning Team at Halftime – The team that leads at halftime is not always the team that wins the match. So, you can put this challenge to yourself and place a halftime winner bet.
Most Popular Sports to Bet On
In Indiana, the most popular sports to bet on tend to be the most popular sports in the United States. Each state has sports that are more watched than others.
Typically, a sport is more popular in a state if that state has its own professional sports team for it.
However, you will also want to look into which sports are most popular in the country as a whole. That way, you will be aware of all of the sporting events you could be betting on. And, you can take advantage of the betting seasons associated with each sport.
- Basketball (NBA / NCAAb) – Indiana is a huge fan of basketball as a whole. The birthplace of the sport, Indiana is basketball central. Whether it’s the Pacers in the NBA, betting on the Hoosiers at Indiana State, or backing the Fever to win the WNBA, Indiana basketball betting has got you covered.
- Football (NFL & NCAAf) – Indiana is, without doubt, a state that loves football. Of course, football is perhaps the most popular sport in America. With the Colts a consistently strong team in the regular season, betting on Indiana football might be worth a look.
- Baseball (MLB) – Baseball is, as they say, as American as apple pie. So, it is no surprise that Indiana sports fans love to bet on baseball. Despite not having a state team, Hoosiers across the state watch and bet on baseball.
- Hockey (NHL) – Hockey is another sport that owes its popularity in Indiana to the northern climate of the Hoosier State. While the state doesn’t have it’s own NHL team, that doesn’t mean you can’t find hockey fans who want to bet. Maybe one day they’ll start back up the Central Hockey League and Indiana can shine once more.
Popular Indiana Events
Another important factor when getting into Indiana online sports betting is to know about which sporting events are popular in the state. Indiana has its own sports that fans tend to be more excited about. So, you will want to know which events are going to be highly watched and bet on in the state.
Indiana has two professional sports teams that are extremely popular in the state. These teams are the Indiana Pacers in the NBA (basketball) and the Indiana Colts in the NFL (football). So, basketball and football games that involve these two teams will be very popular in the Indiana sports betting market.
In addition, you will want to look into college football betting. As Notre Dame University is located in Indiana, you will see that the Notre Dame sports teams are also very popular in the state. However, you will want to look into the college sports betting laws in the state.
Betting on Pro Sports Teams in Indiana
The Indiana sports betting markets came out with all major leagues as headliners. Players could bet on the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS in any Indiana sportsbook. Over the months, it’s extended to almost every professional sports team in the state.
You can also bet on single-player sports like tennis and golf, and they do play in leagues on occasions. Many Indiana betting sites also offer brackets for these games.
NFL Betting in Indiana
With the legalization of Indiana online sports betting comes the thrilling events of the most popular sports to bet on, including NFL games.
There are so many ways you can get your money in on NFL games. Most Indiana sportsbooks offer the same lines with varying odds.
Players have a lot of options when it comes to football. Starting the season with some preliminary game bets could earn you some juicy bonuses. If you can’t wait for the playoffs, try setting up brackets and play the long game.
The most popular betting options for NFL matches are Spreads and Moneyline. You’ll find them on every bookmaker site. Since it’s a competitive scene, the odds are pretty consistent across Indiana betting sites.
Betting on the Indiana Colts
The Colts are Indiana’s only NFL team and a two-time Superbowl champion. Betting on them is a bit tricky. If you’re from IN and want to support the home team, that’s fine. From a financial standpoint, however, it’s not always the best choice. The Indiana sports betting market has much better options for its players.
The team has been quiet for several seasons, despite making it to the playoffs a couple of years back. They’d be a good matchup against lower-tier teams, depending on the odds.
NBA Betting in Indiana
Basketball is another popular sport on Indiana betting sites. You’ll find tons of games, including NBA pre-season and off-season.
NBA matches are known to have tight odds, making it one of the most difficult sports on which to place a winning bet. Playing at such a fast pace makes live betting super intense. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to just pick a winner, given reasonable odds.
Over/under is the most mainstream option in most Indiana sportsbooks. It’s an easy bet to win and takes little research. Indiana sports betting legalization has brought many bookies with the option to place over/unders.
Betting on the Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are the state NBA team with a couple of championships under their belt. That was a long time ago, though.
In recent years, they have managed to make the playoffs many seasons in a row, but that is the extent of their success. You can bet on the Pacers before playoffs begin, as they’re still a strong team. After that, there will be way better choices in the Indiana sports betting pools.
NHL Betting in Indiana
Hockey is an explosive sport and has the tendency to go beyond simple scoring. Many weird side bets surround NHL games, such as who would end up fighting who. It’s also got the most aggressive player base of all the Indiana sports betting markets.
Other than that, the NHL has some exciting betting options. Players can wager based on Puck Line, which is similar to Spreads. If a team wins or loses within that line, you stand the chance to make some money.
Since the NHL is smaller than basketball and football, the odds for these games can go pretty high. Bookies need to keep a balanced player base among the major leagues, so they sometimes raise the odds in your favor.
Though Indiana online sports betting is legal, there are still some restrictions on in-play wagering. Some casinos still offer lighter forms of live betting for NHL games, so keep an eye out for that.
Betting on the Fort Wayne Komets
Indiana doesn’t have an NHL team, but there is a pro hockey team. The Komets are considered a minor league team and have won over 12 division titles.
Unfortunately, not a lot of Indiana sports betting casinos cover non-national sports leagues. You won’t find much action involving the Komets.
MLS Betting in Indiana
While Americans are just warming up to the sport, soccer still has the largest audience in the world. This remains the case when it comes to Indiana sports betting. Major leagues in soccer have the highest player base in the market.
The Indiana online sports betting markets have some fun wagers in MLS games. For example, you can bet on goals or score, or both. You can also go with regular options like moneyline and parlays.
Betting on MLS teams in Indiana
Since the Hoosier state does not have any major league soccer teams, you’ll have to look to other areas for soccer action on Indiana sportsbooks. Some Indiana betting sites will still offer MLS games, but for other places.
Other Indiana Teams to Bet on
Betting on College Football in Indiana
College football has a great presence on sportsbooks now that Indiana sports betting is legal. Here are some of the best NCAA teams in the state.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Indiana Hoosiers
Manchester Spartans
Purdue Northwest Pride
Betting on College Basketball in Indiana
College basketball is always a good Indiana online sports betting choice. The Hoosier State has some heavy hitters in their NCAA lineups. You’ll have the same betting options for these games as all the major league matches.
Here are some of the hottest teams to wager on Indiana sports betting sites:
Manchester University
Saint Joseph Pumas
Purdue University
Notre Dame
Indiana Online Sports Betting FAQ
So, you may still have some questions about Indiana online sports betting. In this section, we will try to answer any questions you may have. Here are some of the most common questions you may run into.
Are sports betting websites legal in the United States?
As mentioned before, as of 2018, states are allowed to regulate sports betting on their own. So, sports betting websites are legal in some states in the United States.
What do I need to register at an online betting site in Indiana?
To register for an Indiana online sports betting website, you will need to make sure you are 21 years of age or older. And, you will need to make sure you are located within the state of Indiana.
Is it safe to deposit money at sports betting websites in Indiana?
Michigan Vs Indiana Betting Prediction
If you choose one of the Indiana online sports betting websites listed above, it should be safe to deposit money into your account. Make sure to always choose a reputable sportsbook for your online sports betting needs.
Can I set betting limits?
Most online sportsbooks will allow you to set betting limits for yourself. You will have to do your own research on these online sportsbooks when you sign up.
How do I get started at an Indiana betting site?
Each online sportsbook has its own registration you need to follow to create an account. The website will guide you through the steps, which will typically involve inputting personal information into a form.
Common Payment Options
Another important part of your Indiana online sports betting journey is learning how to deposit money into your online sportsbook account. You will want to make sure the online sportsbook you choose accepts a form of payment that you have. And, you will want to make sure you can also withdraw your winnings with no problems.
The most common forms of payment you can use when Indiana online sports betting are below.
- Credit cards (Usually Visa card and Mastercard)
- Debit cards (Usually Visa card and Mastercard)
- ACH transfer/eCheck
- Wire transfer
- PayPal
- PayNearMe
- Cash at the Cage
- Online Banking
- Neteller
Indiana Sports Betting Bonuses & Promotions
A really fun part of Indiana online sports betting is looking into the types of promotions and bonuses that are offered on each online sportsbook. Every online sportsbook will have their own types of promotions offered. However, many of these promotions will be very similar.
Common Types of Promotions
- Welcome Offers – This is an offer you will receive when you create a new account. It might be bonus cash or your first bet risk-free.
- First deposit Match – This will give you a 100% match up to a certain amount for your first deposit as long as it qualifies.
- Bonus Codes – During the sports season, many online sportsbooks will offer various bonus codes. These codes unlock all sorts of bonuses, like bet boosters, deposit matches, and more.
- Refer-A-Friend Bonus – When you refer a friend to the online sportsbook and they create an account, you will receive bonus cash.
- Rewards Program – With a rewards program, you will earn points towards rewards and prizes for every dollar you spend.
Final Thoughts on Betting in Indiana
Indiana online sports betting should be very exciting for sports fans in the state. Now that it is legal, many sports fans will be flocking to the online sportsbooks. And, the state is sure to see a boost to its economy as a result.
Now, you should know all that you need to get started with Indiana online sports betting. So, you should start looking into the online sportsbooks that interest you. That way, you can be a betting expert in no time!
Other states where you can place an online sports bet :
Colorado Illinois Iowa Michigan Nevada New Jersey Pennsylvania Tennessee Virginia West Virginia
Indiana horse betting has a proud tradition in the Hoosier State. More Indiana off-track betting is opening in light of Indiana sports betting becoming legal. Plus, online horse racing apps are legal in IN. Find out how to bet on the stat’s own Indiana Derby and more races online.
Our top pick for Indiana Horse Racing Betting
TVG
- Valid bookmaker in INDIANA
- Tested & Verified on Feb 4th 2021
- Top Racebook in the US
Online Horse Betting in Indiana
Indiana has what they call “limited mobile” laws for some horse betting types. This means Hoosiers must be at an OTB or track to bet on horses with an app. So, racebooks like BetAmerica offer their services to Hoosier bettors. However, check for participating locations in Indiana to bet on horses with US brands. Below, we discuss a bit about each of the big operators.
That said, Advance Deposit Wagering is allowed via mobile betting. So, if this is the type of pari-mutuel bet you want, you’re good. Place an ADW bet from anywhere in Indiana on your mobile device.
BetAmerica
The BetAmerica racebook is what modern online horse racing bets should look like. With a modern design, the BetAmerica website and app are a great place for both beginner and experienced bettors. Place bets on numerous types of horse racing all across the country.
BetAmerica is essentially an online OTB with access to all the big races. Likewise, they have great customer service and an incredibly secure payment system.
TVG
If you’ve been following horse racing at all in the past 20 years, you know TVG. TVG has been the nation’s number one source for horse racing news, odds, and information for beginner and expert bettors. Now, TVG offers horse racing bets online in a number of states, so check where in Indiana they operate.
Always be on the lookout for promotions and bonuses when you’re betting on horse racing online (or any kind of internet gambling, for that matter). To stay competitive, any operator worth their salt, including TVG, offers deposit match bonuses, weekly promotions, and a whole bunch of extra freebies to keep their customers engaged and playing.
TwinSpires
TwinSpires is the home of the Kentucky Derby online and a great new addition to the world of online horse racing bets. There are plenty of decent promotions to take advantage of, including bet insurance up to 40% and a long list of jackpots and sweepstakes to take advantage of! Like BetAmerica and TVG, TwinSpires may have Indiana locations to use their app. Really, it’s a great platform with a streamlined design.
Like most horse racing websites without a physical location, these three operators do trusted business in most states across the US. What this means for the future is that you can expect the first places to offer online horse racing bets in Indiana will likely be these online-only wagering platforms. However, quite a few of the racinos in Indiana are backed by national chains with great online presence in other states, so only time will tell who will be first out of the gate.
Legal Online Horse Betting in Indiana
BetAmerica, TVG, and TwinSpires are all online wagering platforms serving users in numerous states, and Indiana is certainly next on that list. These three platforms already have years of experience offering legal online horse racing betting in other states, so it’s only a matter of weeks before the sites start operating in Indiana.
Essentially, horse racing is completely legal on a federal level– BetAmerica, for example, is completely within its federal rights to offer online horse betting. It is the responsibility of the individual states to pass their own laws regarding licensed online gambling, Indiana passing its legislation in summer 2019.
What this means is that you can soon expect these existing wagering platforms to serve Indiana customers. The legal framework is already in place, and the apps are already designed in the case of Caesars properties and all online wagering platforms — it’s only a matter of getting the license and paying the fee.
The one advantage of Harrah’s Hoosier Resort and Indiana Grand Racing & Casino is that they have the Caesars Rewards program. This gives players bonus points for every dollar they bet. Expect a whole bunch of apps and websites to be offered in the near future, with rewards programs and more!
Where else to Bet on Horse Racing in Indiana
There are a few locations in Indiana to get your horse racing fix, including the famed Indiana Grand. If you’re looking for online horse betting, the big US brands are all present for Hoosiers to bet on horses.
Likewise, you can bet on real-money horse racing from a number of racetracks and OTBs. So, let’s look at a few of the horse race tracks in Indiana, and then we’ll cover online betting.
Harrah’s Hoosier Resort
Harrah’s Hoosier Resort, operated by the trusted Caesars Casino, is one of Indiana’s favorite places to bet. Special mention goes to casinos and racetracks from national companies like Caesars. Truly, this is only because Caesars has plenty of experience offering online gambling. Harrah’s Hoosier Resort is the top location for harness racing in Indiana and will be hosting the 2020 Breeders’ Cup.
Indiana Grand Racing & Casino
From 1995-2012, the Indiana Derby was run at Hoosier Park. Then, Indiana Grand Racing & Casino (formerly Indiana Downs) took over. After rebranding in 2012 as the Indiana Grand, not much has changed. However, expect even more promotions and bonuses on your bets in person with Caesars Rewards!
The Grand is a fantastic place to bet on thoroughbred racing and quarter horses. Also, the Indiana Grand has a well-known and respected casino. While Caesars has a sportsbook and runs the Indiana Grand, their app doesn’t offer horse racing betting. Luckily, we discuss the online horse betting apps you can use on July 13th!
History of Indiana Horse Racing
Like most states in America, Indiana began horse racing as an event at county fairs and local gatherings. Horse races were a great way to bring communities together. Naturally, raising horses became a local tradition, with owners shipping horses to Kentucky and Illinois for big races. Horse racing wouldn’t become a state-sanctioned activity with a permanent location until the next century.
By the late 1980s, horse racing was a favorite local pastime. However, the first official track didn’t open in Indiana until 1994. After the opening of Hoosier Park, interest in horse racing began to grow. By the late 2000s, horse betting kiosks were installed at Indiana racetracks. This paved the way for online horse betting.
Indiana Derby
The next running of the famed Indiana Derby will be in July 2021. This Grade III event is one and one-sixteenth of a mile (or 8 furlongs) long. The Indiana Derby is one of Indiana’s more well-attended events, and we expect to see a great turnout in mid-July.
With a purse of $500,000, the Indiana Derby is the number one race for Hoosier jockeys and horse owners looking to make a name for themselves on a national level. One of the most famous horses to race the derby was Lookin At Lucky, a champion colt who won the 2010 Preakness before racing in the Indiana Derby. Who knows– perhaps this year’s Derby will be a proving ground for the next Triple Crown winner!
More Players Means Higher Payouts
We’re hoping to see operators like BetAmerica and racinos like Harrah’s and Indiana Grand to get their apps on the market as soon as possible. The Indiana Derby is just around the corner, and it would be a great financial benefit both for players and operators to be live in time for the race!
If operators can release their online horse betting apps by the time the Indiana Derby comes around, there is a good chance that this will drive up payouts for odds. Most horse racing tracks operate by a pari-mutuel system, in which amounts wagered are pooled into a massive pot, then split by winners based on odds and the place the horse finished in. Simply put, allowing for online horse racing bets to be pooled in with off-track bets and in-person betting means bigger payouts for everyone!
Indiana Horse Racing Results
Last year’s Indiana Derby winner was Axelrod, ridden by jockey Florent Geroux. Owner Michael W. McCarthy and his team Slam Dunk Racing took home the $500,000 prize in 2018. With a finishing time of 1 minute 43 seconds, Axelrod actually ran slower than the average Indiana Derby winner, but positioning and pace earned him the wreath.
Previous winners of the Indiana Derby include Lookin At Lucky in 2010, who would go on to win the Preakness Stakes; and Misremembered in 2009, who set the stakes record for speed.
How to Bet on Horse Racing
Betting on horse racing is part intuition, part research, and part statistics. It sounds a bit daunting at first, but the process becomes easier if you truly love the sport. Indiana off-track betting is no different from betting online, so those of us that have experience with the brick-and-mortar stuff will have an easier time jumping into online horse racing bets.
Essentially, you’re going to want to keep ahead of the news if you want to give yourself a competitive edge. Read the racing forums, follow your favorite horses, and watch the races to learn how a horse handles certain track conditions and situations. The way the crowd expects a horse to perform can directly affect the odds of a given race, so check TVG or another favorite source of horse racing results on the regular.
Types of Horse Racing Bets
- Win: In this type of bet, you’re placing a bet on one horse to place first in the race.
- Place: For a Place bet, you’ll win a payout if the horse comes in first or second.
- Show: You’ll win if your horse comes in any of the top three spots on the board. Logically, this type of bet will have the lowest payouts.
- Exacta: Choose the first and second place horses to win in the correct order to win an Exacta.
- Quinella: Choose the first and second place horses to win, in any order.
- Trifecta: Choose the first, second, and third place winners in the correct order. This bet has one of the highest payouts in horse racing.
Whatever kind of bet you’re making, the horse racing results determine the odds. Keep yourself informed, and if you’re able, go see a race! It’s a thrilling way to spend a day and learn about a potential new hobby. Plus, with Indiana horse racing going online, it’s something you can do at home or on-the-go!
Final Thoughts on Indiana Horse Racing
Going into 2019, it was hard to determine whether the online version of your favorite racetracks and off-track-betting locations would become legal in Indiana. Lawmakers made quite a few changes to the language of the bill before online betting was quickly re-added to HB 1015. All said and done, online sports betting and betting on Indiana horse racing online is 100% legal in the state, unlike online casinos.
We’re in the waiting stage now, while operators get attorneys to write up agreements, pay for licensing fees, and get developers to put their race tracks online. This is why online operators and racinos backed by national chains have an advantage. They already have app versions that work in other states, so they can skip the development step and move straight on to offering folks legal, online Indiana horse racing.
At home or on-the-go, betting on horse racing from your smartphone or home computer has never been simpler. Finally, that streamlined and fun experience is coming to Indiana, and we can’t wait to share all the promotions and bonuses that are sure to pour in. Check back with us for the latest on Indiana horse racing online, and have fun!