There’s not a country in the world where the rules surrounding gambling are more confusing than the US. It’s not that betting isn’t allowed - it’s that it’s legal in some places and illegal in others. For players, the complicated rules might make you wonder whether you’re following the rules or breaking them.
If you’re based in Indiana, you’ll be especially interested in what online gambling Indiana offers, if any, because the internet plays a huge part in the activity in the 21st-century. At captaingambling.com, we make it our business to help our readers. That’s why we’ve created this guide.
The legal status quo in Indiana - is online gambling legal in Indiana?
Indiana is a state that has tried to keep a lid on the gambling industry within its borders, including online betting. To do this, the state has changed its approach throughout the years to ensure it’s in the middle of the road compared to neighbors such as Michigan. If you’re wondering, "Is online gambling legal in Michigan?" Yes, it is, but Indiana has a different take on the topic. A prime example was the introduction of a couple of legal wagering options in 2016. The DFS bill legalized the following forms of gambling within state lines:
Horse racing betting
Land-based casinos
Riverboat casinos
State lottery
Charitable bingo
Things got better for Indiana’s residents when the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 was repealed by the federal government. As a result, it opened the door for sportsbooks to be made available to customers in the state, and online sports betting was duly introduced in 2019. Currently, all of the major professional league and divisional markets are provided to customers in Indiana.
However, casino laws are a different matter. Indiana gambling sites aren’t legitimate yet since a bill hasn’t been passed that focuses on online wagering. The Hoosier State specifically outlines a computer as a form of wagering, which is why the distinction between digital casinos and sportsbooks continues to exist.
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Sports betting in Indiana - the best online gambling sites Indiana
As the status quo in Indiana is complicated, you are probably asking yourself this question - is online gambling legal in Indiana? Indiana gambling laws aren’t simple, yet the good news is that sports betting in the Hoosier State is one of the formats that’s allowed. This happened in the spring of 2019 when a bill passed the state legislature. In the fall, the first brick-and-mortar establishment opened its doors to consumers. Around one month later, in October, the market went online statewide, too.
A breakdown of the law
We know by now that Indiana gambling laws require explaining to make them as straightforward as possible to follow. So, here’s a quick outline of the sports betting rules in Indiana:
You can register for sportsbooks anywhere in the state, whether through a website or a mobile app
You must be a resident of the state to be eligible, or else it’s illegal. You also must be 21 or over
Organizations offering online gambling Indiana services need to be tied to an existing land-based casino to provide sportsbooks
The Indiana Gaming Commission does have some restrictions on sports betting, such as in-play markets
How can you place a sports bet in Indiana?
Placing a wager in Indiana is the same as any other US state that allows sportsbooks. Once you have found an operator, you simply need to register and deposit money into your account. Then, you can choose a sports market that is appealing and set your stake. After that, it’s about waiting for the outcome to see if you’re a winner.
Is the sportsbook sector successful?
The short answer is yes. Since the sector went live in 2019, the state has collected considerable revenues thanks to the popularity of the industry. For example, $1 billion was wagered within the first 12 months of sports betting markets being made available. Today, around 80% of all bets in Indiana are via online sports gambling operators.
For our recommended operators in Indiana, please check out the table underneath.
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Casino gaming in Indiana - online gambling Indiana
Let’s first look at what states do not allow gambling across the US. There are still a few and unfortunately, Indiana falls into this category. You’ll undoubtedly think it’s a weird stance considering several forms of gambling are legally accessible and you are right to spot the distinction. Regardless, casino gaming in Indiana hasn’t been legalized, even though it appears as if it will at some point.
Section 35 of the Indiana code makes it a felony to participate in unlicensed gambling activities, which is why a lot of residents assume offshore providers are off-limits. The truth is that the code specifically mentions that this isn’t the case because the law only applies to live gambling. Offshore accounts are the only options for Indiana locals since hosting and operating an online wagering platform is well regulated by the authorities. Remember there is a difference between offshore sites and apps and gambling services in other states. Therefore, the likes of Louisiana gambling sites, as just one example, aren’t fair game for Indiana residents.
Online gambling in Indiana isn’t the same as land-based casino gambling in Indiana. While the law surrounding internet-based operators requires tweaking, traditional casinos have been available in the form of riverboats since 1993. That means you can indulge your passion for slots if you’re in the Lake Michigan, Ohio River, and Patoka Lake areas.
The table below will show you how to legally gamble in casinos and which ones to use in Indiana.
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Online poker in Indiana - Indiana’s unique take on poker
Many US states have terms and conditions relating to gambling services. However, they usually apply to the businesses that set up the platform. The authorities aren’t typically interested in the players. Take the topic of Maryland internet gambling as an example - online poker in Maryland is technically illegal, yet regular people don’t face the prospect of tough penalties.
As a whole, online gambling Indiana services are different, and online poker is no different. This is because the law has actual rules regarding online poker, whereas most states don’t go as far. If you’re considering signing up to an offshore account, or even hosting a poker night at home, it’s worth understanding that you are technically committing a class D felony.
But it’s not all bad news because Indiana does have at least ten poker rooms that are open for business in the state. Although they aren’t available online, it’s comforting to know that you can enjoy a game of Texas Hold’em if you live close to a regulated riverboat casino.
Check out this table for the operators we believe are the best poker providers in Indiana.
Fantasy sports in Indiana - a notable exception
If you’re getting the impression that Indiana’s strategy towards online gambling Indiana isn’t positive, the fantasy sports betting market highlights where the state’s mindset is more liberal. After all, several of the regions where sportsbooks and online casino games are legalized haven’t taken the same approach with fantasy sports.
Indiana is an example of an area that has been proactive concerning fantasy sports after the local authority signed a bill making it legal into law in 2016. This happened sooner than sports betting markets, which took another three years to be legalized in Indiana. As a result of bill 339, the health of DFS in IND is going from strength to strength, with many reputable brands entering the sector. Examples include FanDuel and DraftKings.
Indeed, the demand for fantasy sportsbooks hasn’t dwindled, even with the introduction of sports wagering in Indiana. The two go hand in hand, meaning you’ll find that there is an excellent range of online options for customers who like to switch between fantasy sports and traditional ones.
As usual, the following table is ideal for readers who want to learn more about the operators we rate. You can also use it to compare different providers to find the most suitable organization for you.
Social casinos in Indiana - fantastic offerings across the board
The incredible thing about social casinos is that they aren’t considered to be gambling platforms. Therefore, they are legal throughout the US, from Indiana to Iowa, Michigan, and Maryland. If you’re wondering why this is the case, it’s because no cash changes hands at a social casino, whether online or in-person.
Of course, this makes social casinos different from normal establishments since you won’t spend or make money. To some, that might seem a little disappointing at first as part of the fun of casinos is trying to earn prizes and rewards. Still, the pertinent point to keep in mind in Indiana is that the laws surrounding gambling lack cohesion. That means plenty of people will avoid all types of betting, regardless of whether it’s legal or not, to be on the safe side.
Plus, online casino games are illegal, making them hard to play. You can visit land-based establishments in Indiana, yet they aren’t spread across the state. Anyone who doesn’t live near Lake Michigan, Ohio River, or Patoka Lake won’t find them accessible, which is why social casinos come in handy. Not only can you enjoy the fun they provide, like in a traditional casino, but there’s no need to fret about committing a crime.
Other betting options in Indiana - what other formats are legal?
When it comes to alternative online gambling Indiana solutions, IN is on par with the rest of the country. In many ways, it’s ahead because it provides services from horse racing gambling to bingo and lottery wagering. Here’s what you need to know.
Horse racing
Horse racing wagering has been allowed since 1993 when some forms of gambling were legalized in Indiana. Like most places in America, the state lets pari-mutuel betting companies offer services to Indiana locals. This is when operators form a relationship with tracks in the US and worldwide to provide different wager types and odds. Typically, the odds online are the same as at the two tracks in Indiana, which are Harrah’s Hoosier Park and Indiana Grand Casino & Racing. BetAmerica and TVG are two of the biggest operators and are available in Indiana.
Lotto
Indiana has a state lottery that has been regulated since the late 1980s. Just to make sure people know it’s related to Indiana, the lotto is named after the state’s nickname - the Hoosier Lottery. In-state and multi-state lottery options are accessible through the state lotto, as are scratch cards. But, while it does have an app, it’s only for informational purposes. As of yet, online lottery gambling hasn’t come to Indiana.
Bingo
Bingo is only allowed through charitable organizations. If the game is organized by a charity, then Indiana residents are allowed to play without restrictions. Otherwise, bingo follows the same rules as online casino wagering.
Editor’s recommendation — the best operator for Indiana
Online gambling Indiana isn’t a walk in the park, meaning that it’s tough to pick an operator. After all, you don’t know whether they are adhering to the rules or if there’s a superior provider around. At captaingambling.com, we make it our business to understand the landscape, which is why our recommendations are worth considering.
As far as Indiana is concerned, we find it hard to look past DraftKings for several reasons. Firstly, it was one of the first platforms to open to Indiana customers, so it has an excellent reputation within the state. Secondly, it’s a massive brand throughout the US, making it easy to trust. Most importantly, it provides access to the online wagering services that are legal in IND.
The main one is sports, with DraftKings making a plethora of markets accessible to its Indiana customers. The range means you won’t get bored as you’ll be able to select between American, European, Asian, and Australian sportsbooks. Plus, DraftKings is one of the biggest fantasy sports operators in the US, meaning you can play two of the three main markets in Indiana.
The only vertical it lacks is horse racing since it doesn’t have a pari-mutuel betting arm. However, horse racing specialists in IND can’t match DraftKings concerning sports and fantasy sports markets. In our opinion, and after extensive research, this puts DraftKings at the top of the pile.
What does the future hold for betting and gaming in Indiana? This is what’s next for online gambling Indiana
Although it’s impossible to predict the future, it seems as if there is only one step for Indiana to take - to legalize all forms of online gambling. For starters, there is an appetite for internet casino wagering services now that sportsbooks and fantasy sports are legal. This is highlighted by the fact that senator Jon Ford tried to pass bill S 417 earlier this year.
Secondly, the landscape across the US appears to be changing drastically with every passing day. As a result, nearby states that had the same approach as Indiana are becoming more open to legalizing wagering, with Iowa being the main example. Services for online gambling Iowa look to be in the pipeline thanks to SF617, while sports betting markets are already offered.
However, Indiana doesn’t have an active iGaming bill at the minute, which means it could take a couple of years before the status quo changes.
Conclusion - online gambling Indiana is complicated but full of value
It would be wrong to conclude this review without mentioning that online gambling Indiana is a tricky subject. After reading this guide, you might have a few concerns about what you can and can’t do as a resident of Indiana. That’s a healthy thing because you should evaluate the dos and don’ts before signing up to an online operator.
Still, you can wager on sportsbooks without any restrictions, and the same applies to fantasy sports markets too. Social casinos are also available. So, there is plenty of value if you know where to look, such as DraftKings or FanDuel.
There are several types of gambling services that are available throughout the US. The problem most people face is that they don’t understand which ones are allowed in different regions. This is because gambling is decided at the state level, not the federal level. For the best information regarding which formats you can play in Indiana, you can use this guide as inspiration.
⏪ Are offshore platforms legal or illegal?
When you can’t find what you want, you will be tempted to search for offshore wagering platforms. With online gambling legal in many countries around the world, it’s not hard to find operators that will accept Indiana customers. It’s worth understanding your exposure if you do this, which is why our review is ideal. Just head to the section concerning offshore providers to learn more.
⏺ Will Indiana regulate online gamble soon?
Residents of Indiana will be dying to know whether online gambling will be regulated in the near future. Anyone who enjoys the activity will want the freedom to play without worrying about potential consequences. It’s tough to predict what will happen, yet this guide specifically tries to pin down the future of the industry in Indiana.
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Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
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