Sports Gambling Law In Indiana

Current law doesn't let them do so until 2021. Those casinos can now only offer electronic games and expect live dealers will attract more gamblers. The proposal would allow the state's casinos to start sports betting in person or online starting in 2020 after receiving approval from the Indiana Gaming Commission. Sports betting became legal in Indiana Sept. Three casinos in the state took bets that day, but other locations authorized to conduct sports betting did not begin taking bets until later.

Whether you are a Hoosier basketball fan or a fan of the Colts, there is no denying that Indiana residents love their sports teams. While there are multiple riverboat casinos located in the state of Indiana, soon there will be state licensed sports wagering options available since the state's Governor signed the proposed sports betting bill H 1015.

Sportsbook gambling used to be the one area of gambling entertainment in the United States where the federal government stepped in to govern without regard to states’ rights. Fortunately, the Supreme Court decided that such actions allowed through PASPA was unconstitutional and now there is no federal ban on domestic sports betting in Indiana or any other US state. This has impacted sports-related gambling opportunities in Indiana and across the country.

So how does one go about betting on their favorite sports team? Is online sports betting legal in Indiana? Are there any online sportsbooks that accept players from Indiana? These are exactly the types of questions we intend to answer in our guide. We explain in easy to understand terms which laws come into play regarding online sports betting in the state and which US online sportsbooks legally accept players from Indiana.

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USA Online Sportsbooks Accepting Indiana Residents In 2020

Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Indiana?

Indiana is one of the few states in the US that actually addresses the legality of state-based online gambling. It is a Class D felony to own or operate any type of online gambling site within the state of Indiana without being regulated or licensed by the state. With Indiana's new sports gambling bill turned law, IN players will be able to wager on mobile from sources legally sanctioned by the state.

There are no provisions in the criminal code that make it a crime to place bets online, only accepting bets while operating illegally violates state laws. The fact that Indiana has specifically criminalized state-based online gambling actually has no bearing on the legality of online sports betting from offshore destinations in the state. We say this not because state laws are meaningless, but because the federal government beat them to the punch on this one.

The Federal Wire Act legally prevents all US-based gambling operations from accepting wagers and betting data across state lines in every state. There are no exemptions to this law. If anyone felt that this interpretation of the law was negotiable, the US Department of Justice eliminated all doubt in 2011, then again in 2019, when they issued their formal opinion concerning the application of the Federal Wire Act. The DOJ’s 2011 formal opinion clarified that the law only applied to sportsbook gambling, however, this was changed once again to include all gambling in 2019.

There is a silver lining here in Indiana however. None of these federal or state laws make it a crime for Indiana residents, or Hoosiers as we like to call them, to participate in online sports betting activities that are provided through an Internet sportsbook that is licensed and located outside of the United States. The laws on both state and federal levels all target sports-related gambling from an owner/operator perspective and not from a player standpoint.

Indiana residents can legally engage in online sports betting as long as the destination at which they are betting is legitimately licensed and regulated, whether son to come state-based sites or offshore. As long as you restrict your betting action to these types of legitimate sportsbooks, you are not violating any US gambling laws.

Federal Regulations to Contend with in Indiana

Federal regulations still exist that govern gambling in Indiana, and the federal government could technically, at any time they wanted, step in and punish people for breaking these rules. It would be extremely messy and lead to some expensive and lengthy court battles that no one really wants to fight, but the federal government does have the power to supersede whatever Indiana is allowing to happen in their state, and it all started back in the early 1960s with the Federal Wire Act. According to this act, no one is permitted to accept gambling wagers via a wired transmission. The feds did clarify that the law only applies to sports betting in 2011, but this interpretation changed in 2019.

One area where the federal government does have its way is with the UIGEA. When this act came out in 2006, it basically blew the entire genre of US-based online gambling to pieces. For the most part, the UIGEA has done its intended job, which is to regulate how online gambling transactions can be processed. These regulations drive most online gambling sites stay as far away as they can from Americans, however, the sportsbooks recommended on this page welcome players from the US, including those in Indiana. As with the other two US sports betting laws, the UIGEA does not apply to offshore sportsbooks or to American players that are involved in offshore, legal US online sports betting.

Indiana's Cool Throwback Casino Atmosphere

Indiana has just over a dozen legal casinos set up around the state, and there are a few of them that are just incredibly cool to visit. Back in the day when gambling was really regulated by towns, cities, counties, states and the feds, they would have task forces out there that busted up underground games and took people directly to jail. It was a bad time for gamblers in the United States a hundred or so years ago. So, to avoid these raids, land-based casinos moved onto the open water. By operating in riverboats, casinos could remain a step ahead of raids from law enforcement. By the time someone actually caught up to the boat, all traces of gambling could be swept away. These riverboat casinos were typically large but not very fashionable. They were usually built on older wooden ships that were driven by steam paddles, and they were loud, slow, and very prone to leaking. Today, however, states like Indiana have really decided to get nostalgic with their gambling. Indiana has quite a few riverboat casinos that are located on the water. You can find riverboat casinos in Indiana via the lake or some of the state's rivers. These modern versions are highly accommodating and are in much better shape than the riverboats of old.

The Ameristar is probably the most popular riverboat casino in Indiana. It used to be known as the Showboat and Harrahs Mardi Gras. Sitting on Lake Michigan, this riverboat casino is like a resort and casino built into one, featuring 288 rooms, and a 56,000 square foot casino that includes over 1,900 slot machines, over 40 table games, poker tables, restaurants, live shows for entertainment, and much, much more. And this is just one of over half a dozen riverboat casinos on the waterways of Indiana. Located on the Ohio River, the Belterra Casino Resort and Spa is another famous riverboat attraction in Indiana. Ever since the Indiana General Assembly legalized riverboat casinos in 1993, there have been many that have popped up in the state. Other casinos and racetracks in the state include the Blue Chip Casino, the French Lick Resort Casino, the Hollywood Casino, the Majestic Star, and the Tropicana, just to name a few. When it comes to gambling in the state, Indiana certainly pulls out all the stops to keep people happy.

Sports Teams to Root For in Indiana

There are three main teams that people root for in Indiana: The Indiana Pacers, the Indianapolis Colts, and the Indiana Hoosiers.

The Indiana Hoosiers

The Hoosiers are the grass roots people's favorites in the state, and they have been for many years now. Bobby Knight was probably the team's most famous coach, and Larry Bird is probably their most famous player, even though Bird didn't even play for the Hoosiers. It's a cool yet tragic story told in Indiana to this day, when Bird committed to the Hoosiers and coach Knight only to pull out after tragedy in his personal life. He then went on to sign with Indiana State University. Indiana and Indiana State weren't exactly rival schools. In fact, Indiana State was considered a lesser school that couldn't even compare to the Hoosiers, so there wasn't much of a rivalry at all. But all that changed when Larry Bird led his Indiana State team to a National Championship game against Magic Johnson and the Michigan State Spartans. Then people in Hoosierville felt the sting of betrayal. Especially after Bird and the Sycamores lost, many people believed that Bird with the Hoosiers, coached by Knight, could have steamrolled over Magic and the Spartans. But, alas, it wasn't meant to be. Even with Larry Bird as their most famous alum, Indiana State pales in popularity to the Indiana Hoosiers.

The Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers are the second-most popular team in the state. And wouldn't you know it, Larry Bird has his hands in this pie too! He is the general manager of the NBA basketball team, which means he put the squad together. A couple of years ago, when the Pacers still had Roy Hibbert (now a Laker) and before Paul George broke his leg playing for team USA, the Pacers were a top-two team in the Eastern Conference. Now, however, Bird has a lot of work to do. Other than Paul George, George Hill and David West, the Pacers' bench is looking rather small, and it's not even a lock that they will make it to the playoffs next year. Fans are hoping so, but it's looking pretty iffy.

History of the Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts played their first NFL season in 1953 and relocated from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984. In 2008, the newly-built Lucas Oil Stadium became the new home for the Colts, featuring a retractable roof, window wall, and an exterior made of reddish-brown brick trimmed with Indiana Limestone resembling many landmarks from the city.

The Colts have a rich and influential history in the NFL, winning three pre-Super Bowl era NFL championships and two Super Bowls in 1970(V) and 2006(XLI). The Colts have had numerous Hall of Fame inductees including QB Johnny Unitas, WR Raymond Berry, RB Eric Dickerson, RB Marshall Faulk, DT Art Donovan, WR Marvin Harrison, TE John Mackey, and head coaches Don Shula and Tony Dungy. QB Peyton Manning will be eligible in 2020 and will be a unanimous first ballot Hall of Famer as he is widely considered one of the greatest QBs to ever play the game.

The then-Baltimore Colts 23-17 sudden-death overtime victory against the New York Giants in the 1958 NFL Championship is widely known as “The Greatest Game Ever Played” and is credited as the beginning of the NFL’s rise to becoming the most popular sport in the U.S. due to the game featuring numerous eventual Hall of Famers, being the first-ever NFL playoff game to go into sudden-death overtime, and the game being televised across the nation by NBC.

Betting on the 2019 Indianapolis Colts

Going into Frank Reich’s second year as head coach, the Colts are expected to reach the playoffs decisively in 2019.

A refreshed QB Andrew Luck is ready to take the momentum from his 2018 Comeback Player of the Year season to lead the Colts. Paired with reliable receiver T.Y. Hilton, the Colts’ passing game should be as good, or better, than 2018.

Indianapolis faces questions at cornerback, but the defense overall has been consistent for the team. The Colts are poised for the playoffs again this year, possibly making a deep run.

Super Bowl LIV Odds to Win: +1400

College Football Teams in Indiana

The state of Indiana has two Power 5 Conference football programs with the Indiana Hoosiers and the Purdue Boilermakers both playing in the Big Ten Conference. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish competes as an Independent and plays five games each season against the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Known by many as one of the premier college basketball schools in the country, the Indiana Hoosiers football program, located in Bloomington, IN, began playing football in 1887 and has won the Big Ten twice and have appeared in 11 bowl games in their history.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish play in South Bend, IN and is one of the most historic college football programs in the country. The school played their first season of college football in 1887 and since then has won 11 national championships along with having seven players winning the Heisman Trophy, tied for most all-time with Ohio State. In addition, the school has produced 101 consensus All-Americans, 34 unanimous All-Americans, 52 members of the College Football Hall of Fame, and 13 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which are all NCAA records. In total, Notre Dame has had 495 players selected in the NFL Draft as of 2018, ranking second all-time to USC.

Located in West Lafayette, IN, the Purdue Boilermakers college football team played their first season in 1887, have won eight Big Ten titles, and claim one national championship (1931). Purdue has had numerous all-time great players come from the school, including Pro Football Hall of Famers Head Coach Hank Stram, QB Len Dawson, QB Bob Griese, DB Rod Woodson along with Pro Bowl FB Mike Alstott and future unanimous first ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame QB Drew Brees.

Betting on the 2019 Indiana Hoosiers

Sports Gambling Law In Indianapolis

Tom Allen’s first two full seasons as head coach have almost resulted in bowl bids. In 2017 and 2018, the Hoosiers finished 5-7.

Indiana has also added offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer to aid in quarterback development. The team, however, has not chosen between Jack Tuttle, Peyton Ramsey, and Michael Penix at the position.

Despite the offensive questions, Indiana is returning three defensive backfield starters along with reliable placekicker Logan Justus to add stability.

Indiana is unlikely to compete for a Big Ten title but could get over the hump this year and reach a bowl game.

Sports Gambling Illegal In Indiana

2019 NCAA Championship Odds to Win: TBD

Betting on the 2019 Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame won double-digit games in consecutive years for the first time since Lou Holtz’s tenure.

Ian Book took over the starting quarterback spot midway through 2018 and hasn’t looked back. Book is protected by returning offensive line starters Robert Hainsey, Liam Eichenberg, Tommy Kraemer, and Aaron Banks.

On the defensive side of the ball, depth at tackle is a concern. However, the overall outlook for the defense is good for Notre Dame.

Another playoff berth is possible for the Fighting Irish but hangs on their tough schedule for 2019.

2019 NCAA Championship Odds to Win: +3300

Betting on the 2019 Purdue Boilermakers

Notre Dame won double-digit games in consecutive years for the first time since Lou Holtz’s tenure.

Ian Book took over the starting quarterback spot midway through 2018 and hasn’t looked back. Book is protected by returning offensive line starters Robert Hainsey, Liam Eichenberg, Tommy Kraemer, and Aaron Banks.

On the defensive side of the ball, depth at tackle is a concern. However, the overall outlook for the defense is good for Notre Dame.

Another playoff berth is possible for the Fighting Irish but hangs on their tough schedule for 2019.

2019 NCAA Championship Odds to Win: +3300

The Indianapolis 500

Indiana has a few sports teams that the Hoosiers within the state definitely appreciate, but Indiana's biggest sporting event has nothing to do with basketball or football. Every year, Indiana hosts one of the biggest sporting events in the world, the super bowl of Indy Car racing, the Indianapolis 500, which takes place at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indiana. This race takes place on a four-turn asphalt oval track, and it goes on for 500 miles, which equates to 200 laps. Cars fly by in excess of 200 miles per hour, and it's one of the most exciting sporting events to take place on the planet. As many people show up for this event as do people for the Super Bowl, and it's a huge boon to Indiana's economy every single year. It's also one of the biggest events for people who love sports betting.

Speaking of sports betting, you certainly have a lot to choose from if you live in Indiana. You can find a few live sports options via the casinos in the state, or you can find unlimited options by locating a quality sportsbook online. Whichever option you end up going with, we would like to preach a little caution here. You're free to bet however you wish on whatsoever you wish, but we hope that you take your time, learn about the sports, and leverage your bets out in smaller increments. The idea of betting on sports should be to have fun and win, not to chase huge pots on risky bets. It's no fun at all to lose a bunch of money.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana legislators have approved a wide-ranging gambling bill that legalizes sports betting in the state and allows new casinos in Terre Haute and Gary.

The House and Senate both voted Wednesday to support the proposal hours after a final agreement was reached adding payments to Evansville and three northwestern Indiana cities that are expecting tax revenue hits from the new casinos competing with those in their communities.

A proposed $40 million tax credit to the new owner of the current Gary casinos was dropped, but negotiators say tax changes could save Spectacle Entertainment a similar amount over five years.

The bill would also legalize sports betting in the state possibly starting as early as this fall if it is signed into law by the governor. The horse track casinos in Anderson and Shelbyville will be allowed to have table games with live dealers starting Jan. 1, 2020. That's 18 months earlier than allowed under current law.