• Indiana Sportsbook
• Indiana Online Sports Betting

FanDuel Sportsbook Indiana is the most popular sportsbook in non-Nevada US states, and for good reason. While it does not have as many options as DraftKings, FanDuel Sportsbook offers an easy-to-use user experience, a top notch live-betting service and first-time users can get a $500 RISK-FREE bet! Right now, there are 10 active online sportsbooks in Indiana. The Hoosier State is home to DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, BetAmerica, BetMGM, PointsBet, Caesars, Unibet, theScore Bet, and William Hill, which is the latest addition. These sites give Indiana players the ability to wager on single contests or parlays. The best Indiana sportsbooks offer a safe and legal sports betting experience for customers 21 or older. The first mobile Indiana sportsbooks launched in 2019 and many more have come on board since. On this page, readers will find a full list of legal betting apps, retail sportsbooks.

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.

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.

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 :

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.

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.

Indiana Sportsbook

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

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.

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?

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

Sportsbooks maintain consistent profits by offering players less than true odds on their wagers. But the “juice” is small enough that a savvy player can find ways to temporarily turn the book’s advantage on its head.

One of the most effective ways to do this, that doesn’t require advanced statistical modeling, arbitrage or chasing stale lines, is by taking advantage of promotional offers.

Unfortunately, brick & mortar books don’t exactly offer tons of promos. Not so online, where players can find a wealth of lucrative promos that run the gamut from free bets to deposit matches and bet protection. With Indiana now offering online sports betting, players from the Hoosier State now have plentiful opportunities to claim these offers, and by extension, rake in some extra cash.

Read on to learn all about how Indiana online sports betting sites are weaving in bonus codes, promos, and welcome packages as part of their offerings, and learn how promos work and which ones provide the best value.

Best Indiana sportsbook bonuses

$2021 Risk-Free Bet

• Use Code: HSBRF
• Competitive Pricing
• Win Big on Player, Game Props
• Most Experienced Bookmaker

$600 Risk-Free Bet

• Use Code: HSB600
• Tons of Promotions
• Fast Withdrawals and Deposits
• Good Media Integrations

Up To $1000 Risk-Free Bet

• Best Odds, Prices in Industry
• Tons of Props on 16+ Sports
• Speedy Withdrawals, Deposits
• Smooth, Sleek Design

$250 Risk-Free Bet

• +$20 No Deposit Free Bets
• Build Your Own Parlay Boost
• PayPal, Visa, ACH Banking
• Play on iOS or Android

$250 Bonus

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT. Playable only in Indiana. Must be 21+

• Easy to Obtain, Generous Bonus
• Simple Withdrawals, Deposits
• Unmatched Loyalty Program
• Excellent Teaser Pricing

What are promo codes are how are they beneficial?

Sometimes, in order to receive an offer, players must opt-in through the use of a special promo code (or bonus code). These typically take the form of a short word or phrase, and usually appear in all caps, “WELCOME50” or “BETNJ” being examples of what they might look like.

Sports betting promo codes are effectively coupons, except that instead of receiving a discount on a good or service, bettors win added monetary value. The most common use of a promo code is upon first registering for an online sportsbook. Most, if not all, books even integrate a promo code field into their registration forms. Here’s an example of one found at BetRivers, a legal online sportsbook in Indiana:

By entering a promo code at signup, players will earn one of the most valuable promotions they’ll ever receive at a sportsbook: the welcome package. This is often worth hundreds of dollars in added value, and should not be missed. Of course, players could just use a promo code provided by the online sportsbooks. However, our sites, and sites like this, are sometimes able to provide exclusive promo codes where the bonus amount exceeds that offered to the public.

One final note: Sometimes players looking for a bonus have an “either/or” option, meaning they can either use a promo code found on this site, or just sign up through one of the links found on this page, negating the need for a promo code. In either case, a first deposit will still generally be necessary for players to receive their full welcome package.

Indiana online sports betting bonuses: Who is eligible?

In any legal U.S. sports betting environment, there are eligibility parameters that must be adhered to, and the Indiana market is no exception. Luckily, they’re not too stringent.

Before receiving any sort of bonus in your account, you must successfully complete the registration process, and in order do so you must:

• Be of legal casino gambling age: In the state of Indiana, you must be at least 21 years of age to register an account. We do realize that most forms of gambling in the state, like pari-mutuel wagering, only ask that players be 18 years old, but sports betting is linked to the state’s casinos, and abide by the same age requirements.
• Prove your identity: Every account registration will be subject to a stringent verification check, put in place by the Indiana Gaming Commission. At minimum, this means supplying your full name, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. If everything is in check, then your application will be approved and verified seconds after hitting “Submit”.

In addition to this, remember that in order to place wagers on a licensed Indiana online sportsbook, you must be physically located in the state of Indiana, and must be able to prove as much by having your location successfully geolocated via 4G or WiFi. That is not to say you have to be located in Indiana to register an account, check lines, or make a deposit — that can be done from anywhere.

Also, there is nothing in the law stating that players that don’t hold residence in Indiana are forbidden from using Indiana sites, meaning tourists to the state are free to place wagers, pending they meet the eligibility requirements.

What’s the catch with bonuses offered by IN online sportsbooks?

Just like any other for-profit operation, online sportsbooks are in the business of making money. So why would they throw hundreds of dollars at new players when it’s unknown if those players will stick around for more than a few bets?

In short, it’s a calculated risk that the books are willing to take. Remember, bonuses aren’t free money, so players can’t just claim the bonus and withdraw immediately. Instead, they’re going to have to give the book some action. How much action is dependent on the offer, with some books taking massive risks by enticing players with extremely easy to clear and lucrative offers, and others mitigating risk via more stringent terms and conditions.

The hope for the books is that you’ll sample the product, enjoy it and stick around long after your bonus funds are unlocked. Worst case scenario, the online sportsbooks now have you in their database and can market to you via email until you specifically tell them not to.

Indiana Online Sports Betting

Therefore, promotional offers act as a sort of win-win for the operator and consumer. A real-life example: BetRivers in Indiana offers an extremely generous 100% match up to $250 to all new players with a scant 1x wagering requirement. The advantage for the operator is that it got a new player to sign up, which they can now market to via other, less lucrative (but still decent) offers in the future, and who might roll the dice on games regardless if there is a promo running or not.

On the flip side, players get the opportunity to turn the house edge on its head right out of the gate and will have ample opportunity to do so again throughout their life span on the book.

Indiana online sportsbook welcome bonus offers

We’re already seeing a variety of promotional offers on Indiana online sportsbooks, and based on what we’ve witnessed from similar (or equivalent) books in other markets, we can ascertain the full-breadth of welcome bonuses Indiana players can expect to see going forward.

Here’s what to expect, with an evaluation of how generous each offer type is:

No-deposit

No-deposit bonuses are the easiest bonus types to understand. They also incur the least amount of risk on the player since, as the name implies, bettors won’t have to make an upfront investment to claim this offer. The only requirement in most cases is that players successfully register an account with the online sportsbook. Do so, and the bonus is yours.

This is about as close to a handout as a bettor can expect. However, there are usually terms and conditions attached to no-deposit bonuses. For one, bettors simply cannot cash the funds out. Instead, they’ll have to use them on the site. More generous books will only require that players bet the no-deposit funds one-time before cashing out, others might require a 5x or 10x playthrough, or might insist that the funds not be cashed out until a qualifying deposit is made. As always, read the fine print.

Also, no-deposit bonuses tend to be much smaller than other bonus types, ranging from a few bucks up to about $30 – $50, with the higher sums usually attached to exclusive offers found on sites like this. No-deposit bonuses also expire, and often enough, the window for players to use these funds is smaller compared to other bonus types. Typically, players will have only about a week, but sometimes up to a month or longer to meet the wagering requirements of their bonus.

Regardless of the fine print, no-deposit bonuses should never be glossed over, as it’s impossible to lose money on them. Take advantage.

Free bets

Free bets are certainly one of the most common new player promos utilized by online sportsbooks, in Indiana and elsewhere. The concept is simple: bettors get to make a wager on the house, and any winnings from those wagers are immediately awarded as cash. Notice, we said “any winnings” as the original free bet amount is not cashable.

For instance, if a player is awarded a free bet of $200, and they wager it on Houston to win the World Series at +200, they would receive $400 for a winning wager, not $600 as if they used their own funds.

Free bets are handed out in a couple of different ways:

• Matched free bets: This one is common. A player will wager a certain amount, and receive a free bet of an equal or lesser amount. For instance, a promo might award a $500 free bet if the player places a $500 wager first. Look out for this very generous promotional type when a site first launches.
• No-deposit free bets: Instead of awarding players bonus funds for registering, an online sportsbook may offer players free bet wagers. They’re essentially the same thing, except free bets are almost always subject to just a 1x wagering requirement. No deposit bonuses could see 1x, but also 5x or more.
• Deposit matched free-bets: Similar to matched free bets, except the player receives a free bet just for registering. The amount of the free bet is usually low, since this option doesn’t require the bettor to make any upfront wagers.

Free bets usually have some restrictions affixed to them. Primarily, players may be forced to bet only on select markets at odds greater than -200 or -300 (+200 would be OK, -400 would not). Additionally, free bets usually have expiration dates. That being said, this is still one of the better promotion types from the player perspective.

Risk-free wagers

Risk-free wagers sound great, but they’re really just lesser versions of free bets. Unfortunately, as the legal U.S. industry matures, this promotional type is becoming more and more common, especially as part of new player packages.

How it works is players who make a deposit, and lose on their first wager, will receive a refund of the amount of their wager, up to a certain amount. So a $500 risk-free bet offer will award up to $500 if the bet loses. The problem here is apparent: Players who win their first bet don’t receive anything (beyond their winnings of course). This lies in stark contrast to free bets, where the bet is delivered win or loss.

Risk-free wagers are still decent, but they have about half the expectation of a similarly worded free bet.

Deposit matches

Deposit matches are exceedingly popular among online casinos and are gaining headwind in the online sports betting industry as well. How these work is relatively simple: Players deposit a certain amount of money, and the book matches this amount (either fully or partially) via a bonus.

Match bonuses are easy to recognize because they always follow a similar format of “x% up to $xxx”. For instance, if a book offers a 50% match up to $250, that means for every dollar players deposit, they’ll receive 50% of that as a bonus. So a $100 deposit will yield a $50 bonus, a $500 deposit a $250 bonus, and so forth. Note that because the bonus is capped at $250, $500 dollars is the optimal amount to deposit, as deposits above $500 will yield the same $250 bonus.

How good or bad a deposit match is depends on a variety of factors. Most important is the wagering requirement, which is the number of times a player must wager their bonus before it is converted to cash. For instance, a 1x wagering requirement, like the one offered by BetRivers Indiana, is awesome, because once the bonus is wagered one time ($250 in wagers on a $250 bonus), the money can be immediately withdrawn. By contrast, DraftKings imposes a hefty 25x playthrough requirement on its $1,000 match bonus, offered to new players. That’s rough.

Other factors to look out for are the match percentage, with the higher the percentage the better. The gold standard is usually between a 50 – 100% match, but some books have been known to go as high as 200%, and DraftKings Sportsbook has gone as low as 20%. The monetary cap is also important, with $500 being about average, and $1,000 exceptional. Also, be sure to check if there are expiration dates: deposit matches often expire after a certain period of time has elapsed — sometimes as short as a few days.

Super (duper) boosts

Every now and again, books will offer new players ridiculous odds on an event, like 100-1 on a team winning a game when the true odds are 1-1. Of course, the amount bettors can wager on these super boosts is usually limited to about $5, with winnings paid out in bonus wagers.

In the outlined scenario above, the new bettor will either win a $500 free bet or lose the initial $5. The pro is that players don’t have to make a big bet to claim a big bonus. The downside is that they’ll lose approximately half the time.

Breaking down promotions at IN online sports betting sites

In addition to welcome bonuses, Indiana online sportsbooks often offer recurring and one-off promotions to returning players. All of the promotional types utilized for welcome packages can also show up as returning player promos, as well as the following:

Cashback bonuses

This is a common one, and one loved by operators because it entices players to plunk down bets they might not otherwise make. It’s also a solid benefit for bettors, who have some insurance if they lose.

How this one works is the book will advertise a wager, encouraging players to make a particular bet, like who will win Game 3 of the World Series. If the bet wins, the player gets paid as usual. However, if it loses, they’ll receive a portion of their wager back as cash or a bonus bet. In this respect, cashback bonuses are pretty similar to risk-free bets, except that instead of getting 100% back (risk-free), only a portion of the losing wager is returned, say 20% or 50%.

Obviously, getting cash returned is better, but it’s more common to receive the funds as a bonus, which can be wagered on most events, and where only the winnings are returned to the player.

Discounted juice

No one likes high vigs. Just the difference between a -110 and -115 line where the true odds are 50/50 can have a damaging impact on a player’s bankroll. Luckily, some books offer promos where they actually lower the juice. Sometimes, they won’t charge any juice at all.

Look out for this kind of promo during special events, like the kickoff of the NFL or NBA seasons, or even March Madness. If you see the point spreads and totals listed at -105 or +100, it means the book is actively pushing to get players to bet on these markets, and that’s good news for you.

Loyalty programs and VIP bonuses

The difference between a book that offers a loyalty or VIP program versus one that doesn’t can be monumental, especially for frequent players.

Take a site like BetRivers in Indiana for instance. Players earn iRush Rewards points simply for making sports bets, which can be exchanged for bonus money with a scant 1x wagering requirement. Not to mention, players that climb the loyalty tiers (also accomplished for placing wagers), will open up a bevy of goodies, including their own VIP manager, birthday gifts, special promotions, swag, free playing devices, and much more.

Another beautiful aspect of online sports betting loyalty programs is that they are often tied to brick & mortar accounts. So those points you earn for playing online? They can be spent at a partnering casino. Or the online sportsbook may simply offer to set you up with meals, entertainment packages, and rooms at one of its casino resorts, no questions asked.

Now compare this to a book that doesn’t offer a loyalty program, and it’s pretty evident how stark the difference is. That’s not to say all loyalty programs are as good as iRush Rewards, but even mediocre loyalty programs kickback about 10% of a bettor’s theoretical loss in cash, gifts, and other luxuries. Great ones may return as much as 40-50%.

Indiana offers a fair climate for sports betting operators, with very reasonable tax rates — so we expect books to respond by being more aggressive in their promotional offers and loyalty kickbacks.

Referral bonuses

Thanks to referral bonuses, players are incentivized to tell their friends about their favorite sportsbook. But telling them won’t be enough, as first, the referring player must already be signed up with the book. Then, the referred bettor can point back to the referrer’s username (or a uniquely generated code tied to that username) at the time they sign up.

Usually, both the referrer and referred played will receive modest bonuses in the vicinity of $20 – $50 once the process is complete, and any other terms & conditions have been met. As for those terms, the most common one is that the books may require both parties to place $x amount in wagers before receiving their referral bonus.

How to eliminate the house edge through bonuses at Indiana online sportsbooks

• Read the fine print: Reading the terms is the single best way to determine if an offer is favorable or not. With the tips outlined in this guide, you should know exactly what to look for in terms of wagering requirements, restrictions, and other caveats tied to a bonus offer. For wagering requirements, a 20x turnover is OK, 10x is good, and 5x or lower is great. And remember, an offer with tons of fine print isn’t necessarily bad.
• Free bets are better than risk-free bets: A risk-free bet actually does carry some risk, in that the requirement for receiving it is to first lose money. On the contrary, free bets are awarded simply by placing wagers, or sometimes, for doing nothing. Free bets are the better choice. But in either case, remember that only the winnings from free bets, and not the initial bonus amount, will be allocated to your account if your bet hits.
• Don’t dally: All bonus offers come affixed with an expiration date, and these dates vary widely. By letting a bonus expire, you’re essentially burning money. If you don’t think you’ll have the time to fulfill a bonus requirement, you’re better off not opting in at all.
• Stack promos: Whenever possible, combine two or more promos together for maximum value. For instance, if an Indiana online sportsbook is offering -105 lines, and 50% insurance on an event, this is way more lucrative than either promo individually.
• Maximize value through research: Sometimes, a book will offer kickbacks based on a certain event happening. For instance, a promo may offer a $10 bonus for every home run an MLB team hits, in so long as you place a $50 money line wager on that team. In this case, it would benefit you to research stats like a team’s ability to hit home runs, how many home runs the opposing pitcher and bullpen give up, and whether the ballpark is pitcher or batter friendly. A little data mining can go a long way.
• Consult this website often for exclusive offers.

The point is you don’t need to be a math wizard or rely on advanced data modeling to win at sports betting — cleverly harnessing promo codes, bonuses, and promos is enough on its own. Will you make a killing using this method? No, probably not. But it’s enough to at the very least ensure that you hold on to your bankroll for much longer than you would have otherwise.

Let this site do some of the heavy lifting for you, by advising you frequently on promotional offers, but through our exclusive bonus codes and transparent Indiana sports betting site reviews.