State guide

Indiana Sports Betting Guide 2025

Indiana was one of the first Midwestern states to launch legal sports betting and has grown into a strong, well regulated market with both online and retail options. This guide explains which Indiana sportsbooks are legal, how to sign up, key rules on college betting and taxes, and how to bet safely under Indiana law.

  • Legal since September 1, 2019
  • Regulator Indiana Gaming Commission
  • Minimum age 21 plus
View best Indiana sportsbooks
What this Indiana guide covers

Best legal Indiana online sportsbooks

Indiana offers a competitive mix of national sportsbook brands, including familiar names that also operate in other legal states. Each online sportsbook must partner with an in state casino or racino, but from the player’s perspective, you simply download the app or visit the website and choose Indiana as your state.

We recommend opening accounts at several books so you can compare odds, find the most user friendly interface and take advantage of rotating welcome offers and ongoing promotions.

Up to $1,300 New User Bonus Deep market coverage and strong same game parlay tools. We love the the player props, live betting, golf and NFL markets.
4.9 / 5
★★★★☆
Join
Bet $5 Get $150 In Bonus Bets Clean app experience and competitive odds on many sides and totals. Does a great job with same game parlays, live betting, and user friendly interface.
4.8 / 5
★★★★☆
Join
Up to $1,500 In Bonus Bets Busy but powerful app with lots of live markets. Live betting, one game parlays, regular boosts and offers.
4.7 / 5
★★★★☆
Join
Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose Deep international markets and sharp pricing on soccer and niche sports. Great for In play betting, soccer and tennis, alternate lines.
4.5 / 5
★★★★☆
Join
Up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash Fresh interfaces and aggressive promos as they build market. We like their promotions, live betting, newer features.
4.5 / 5
★★★★☆
Join

The list of legal Indiana sportsbooks can change as licenses are reassigned or new brands enter the market. Always confirm that an app is licensed by the Indiana Gaming Commission before depositing or placing bets.

Key Indiana sports betting rules

Indiana’s sports wagering law is designed to be player friendly while still protecting integrity and responsible gaming. Here are some of the most important rules to know before you place a bet.

Who can bet in Indiana

  • You must be at least 21 years old
  • You must be physically located inside Indiana when placing an online wager
  • You must pass identity and age verification when creating an account
  • Accounts must be opened and used in your own name

What you can bet on

  • Professional sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS and more
  • College sports, including in state programs such as Indiana, Purdue and Notre Dame
  • International leagues, golf, tennis, motorsports and other events approved by the Commission
  • Standard markets like moneylines, spreads, totals, futures and many player props

What you cannot bet on

  • Any event below NCAA Division I level (no betting on most lower division or high school contests)
  • Live, in game college player props (pre game props are allowed, but not live college props)
  • Events that the Indiana Gaming Commission has not approved, including elections and many esports contests
  • Wagers with offshore or unlicensed bookmakers that do not hold an Indiana license
In game college prop rule

Indiana allows pre game college player props in many cases, but does not permit live in game props on college athletes. If you do not see a live college prop market in your sportsbook app, that is because state rules do not allow it.

College sports betting in Indiana

Indiana is a major college sports state, and its betting rules reflect that. You can wager on Indiana based programs and out of state schools, including regular season games, conference tournaments and March Madness, subject to a few important restrictions.

Allowed on college sports

  • Moneylines, point spreads and totals on Division I college games
  • Futures such as national champion, conference winner and tournament advancement
  • Many pre game team and player props where listed in the app
  • Live betting on game level markets like spreads and totals (but not live player props)

Restricted or not allowed on college sports

  • No betting on events below NCAA Division I level
  • No live, in game college player props in Indiana regulated sportsbooks
  • Some books may voluntarily limit niche or lower visibility college markets

Books will only show college betting markets that fit Indiana’s rules and their own internal risk guidelines. If a particular prop or lower level event is missing from the menu, assume it is not allowed rather than trying to bet it through offshore sites.

Indiana sports betting taxes

Sports betting in Indiana is taxed at both the operator and player level. Understanding these rules up front helps you avoid surprises when tax season rolls around.

Taxes on Indiana sportsbooks

  • Sportsbook adjusted gross revenue is taxed at 9.5 percent by the state
  • Operators pay license fees and renewal fees to the Indiana Gaming Commission
  • Tax revenue helps fund state programs and regulatory oversight
  • These taxes are paid by the operator, not directly taken from individual bets

Taxes on bettors and gambling winnings

  • Sports betting winnings are taxable income at the federal level
  • Indiana residents generally owe state income tax on net gambling winnings as part of their return
  • Large wins may trigger automatic withholding and a W 2G or similar tax form from the sportsbook
  • You are responsible for tracking results and reporting gambling income when you file

This is general tax information and not personal tax advice. Talk with a tax professional about how sports betting fits into your federal and Indiana state returns, especially if you bet frequently or in larger amounts.

Retail sportsbooks and casinos in Indiana

In addition to mobile apps, Indiana offers retail sportsbooks at casinos, racinos and certain off track betting locations. Many of these venues feature dedicated lounges with big screens, kiosks and ticket windows for game day betting.

Where you can bet in person

  • Casino and racino sportsbooks located throughout the state
  • On site books near major metro areas such as Indianapolis, Gary and Evansville
  • Some off track betting locations that offer sports wagering alongside racing

Retail sportsbooks use the same underlying lines and risk management as their online partners, but they can offer a different atmosphere for big events like the NFL playoffs, the NBA Finals or March Madness.

Retail offerings, hours and available sports can vary by casino and may change over time. Check the operator or Indiana Gaming Commission website for the latest information before making a special trip.

How to start betting in Indiana

Getting started with legal sports betting in Indiana is straightforward. You can complete the entire setup process on your phone or desktop in just a few minutes.

  1. Choose one or more licensed Indiana sportsbook apps you want to try.
  2. Download each app or visit the official website and select Indiana as your state.
  3. Create an account with your legal name, address, date of birth and last four digits of your Social Security number.
  4. Enable location services so the app can verify your device is within Indiana borders.
  5. Make your first deposit using an approved payment method such as online banking, card or a trusted wallet.
  6. Review the terms of any welcome offer or bonus bet to be sure your first wager qualifies.
  7. Place your first bet and track your wagers from the app or website.

We suggest maintaining at least two or three Indiana sportsbook accounts. Having multiple options makes it easier to compare lines, find the best price on every bet and rotate through strong promotions without overloading a single account.

Compare top Indiana sportsbooks

Smart tips for Indiana sports bettors

A mature, competitive market is good for players, but it is still easy to drift into poor habits if you bet on tilt or without a plan. A few basic guidelines can help you enjoy Indiana’s legal sportsbooks without letting betting take over your time or budget.

Positive habits

  • Set a monthly or seasonal betting budget and treat it as entertainment spend
  • Use more than one app to compare spreads, totals and futures prices before you bet
  • Focus on sports and markets you actually follow instead of chasing every boost or promo
  • Track your bets, results and closing odds so you can see what is really working
  • Use built in responsible gaming tools like deposit limits and time outs when needed

Things to avoid

  • Chasing losses with larger bets or last second live wagers after a bad beat
  • Using offshore or unlicensed sites just to find a market that is restricted in Indiana
  • Sharing accounts or placing bets for friends who are under 21 or outside the state
  • Letting betting distract from work, family responsibilities or long term financial goals

If you feel your betting is getting out of control or causing problems in your life, reach out to the Indiana Problem Gambling Helpline or another support service. Help is confidential and available 24 7.

Indiana sports betting FAQ

When did sports betting become legal in Indiana

Indiana legalized sports betting in 2019 when House Bill 1015 was signed into law. The first legal bets were taken on September 1, 2019, and the market has grown steadily since then with multiple online and retail sportsbooks.

How old do you have to be to bet on sports in Indiana

You must be at least 21 years old to place legal sports bets in Indiana, whether you are betting online or at a retail sportsbook. Operators will verify your age and identity during the sign up process.

Is online sports betting legal in Indiana

Yes. Online and mobile sports betting are fully legal in Indiana. Licensed sportsbook apps can accept bets from anyone who is 21 plus and physically located inside the state at the time of the wager.

Can you bet on Indiana college teams

Yes. Indiana allows betting on in state college teams such as Indiana, Purdue and Notre Dame, including regular season and postseason games. The main restriction is that live in game college player props are not allowed, although many pre game props and standard markets are permitted.

Do I have to pay taxes on sports betting winnings in Indiana

Yes. Sports betting winnings are taxable income at the federal level and are generally subject to Indiana state income tax for residents. Sportsbooks may withhold a portion of large wins or issue tax forms, but you are ultimately responsible for reporting net gambling winnings on your tax return.

Are offshore sportsbooks legal or safe in Indiana

No. Offshore sportsbooks are not licensed by the Indiana Gaming Commission and do not offer the same consumer protections as regulated operators. If something goes wrong with your account, bets or payouts, you are largely on your own. For security and recourse, stick to sportsbooks that are clearly licensed in Indiana.