The US recently relaxed its federal laws against gambling, giving states the green light to set their own legislature on the subject. This had led to some big changes, with lots of states fully legalizing all forms of gambling within their borders. If you’re in Indiana, you’ll be among those that can now legally bet online, although there are still restrictions in place over how and where you can place wagers.
In 2019, the state of Indiana officially legalized sports betting, allowing those in the state to place bets on sports both online and in person. It wasn’t long after this law was passed that the first online sportsbooks started to appear, and if you’re in Indiana, you now have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to top sportsbooks. Take a look at our full guide on Indiana online betting below.
Which Forms of Betting Are Allowed in Indiana
For now, sports betting is the only form of betting allowed in the state. A gambling law passed by the Indiana legislature in 2019 made sports betting legal, letting persons 21 and older bet on major league games in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. This law includes both online and in-person betting, meaning those in Indiana have a choice between lots of different sportsbooks.
The change in law was commemorated by Governor Eric Holcomb, who placed the state’s first legal bet on the Indianapolis Colts to win the Superbowl and the Indiana Pacers to win the NBA championship. For now, other forms of gambling are still banned in the state, meaning that sports betting remains the only way to legally bet in Indiana. You can also claim a USA bonus at these sportsbooks too.
Betting Restrictions in Indiana
While sports betting has been legalized, there are still rules and restrictions in place to ensure that the market is properly controlled. For starters, all sportsbooks that operate in the state must be licensed by the Indiana Gaming Commission. Before you sign up to place bets at a site, check that it has a license to make sure any bets you place are safe.
Secondly, you’re only able to place bets at Indiana sportsbooks if you’re at least 21 years old. This rule is to protect minors from gambling, and you must verify your ID before placing a bet, whether online or in person. Wagering on high school and amateur youth sporting events is illegal in Indiana. However, betting on NCAA Division I sports is permitted.
If you want to bet online at any of the licensed Indiana sportsbooks, you’ll also need to be within the state borders when you place your bet. As with the ID, sites will verify your location to make sure you’re within the Hoosier state when you place your bet. However, you can still sign up to an Indiana sportsbook if you’re not a resident of Indiana and are just visiting.
Online Gambling in Indiana FAQ
Are Online Sportsbooks Legal in Indiana?
Yes, online sportsbooks are now legal in Indiana, provided you’re at least 21. There are lots of great sites to choose from, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetRivers.
Are Online Casinos Legal in Indiana?
No, operating and playing at online casinos is currently illegal in the state, although some players still play at off-shore sites.
Are Online Poker Sites Legal in Indiana?
No, online poker is illegal in Indiana, and there aren’t currently any plans to change this.