On September 1, 2019, the first retail sportsbooks opened in Indiana. Just one month later, Indiana online sports betting began. Governor Eric Holcomb spoke about the legislation and said: “By modernizing our laws, this legislation will spur positive economic growth for our state and for an industry that employs over 11,000 Hoosiers.”
In many ways, Indiana was ahead of other states considering legalizing sports betting. Since its launch, up until August 2023, $12.8 billion has been wagered over the last 4 years. According to the Indiana Gaming Commission, sportsbooks have generated $1.1 billion and sent the state $105.5 million in taxes. Indiana ranks in the top 10 sports betting markets, with $238 million wagered in August 2023, alone.
Take a look at how Indiana has gotten here in this timeline of events.
- November 7, 2023: ESPN BET Indiana plans to go live on November 14, 2023.
- September 13, 2023: Indiana’s betting handle increases just over 17% from July to August. Between retail and online betting, $238 million was wagered.
- August 11, 2023: WynnBET closes its operations in 8 states, including Indiana.
- March 29, 2023: DraftKings Indiana launches its horse betting app just in time for the Kentucky Derby.
- December 14, 2022: Indiana surpasses the $10 billion threshold after November saw $452.3 million wagered at retail and online sportsbooks.
- November 3, 2022: Betr Indiana reaches an agreement with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to enter the market, via Caesars Sportsbook Indiana.
- October 4, 2022: SBK Sportsbook launches online after approval from the Indiana Gambling Commission.
- September 6, 2022: Hard Rock BET Indiana launches online.
- June 8, 2022: Caesars Racebook goes live in Indiana.
- February 14, 2022: Indiana reports that $500 million was generated in January 2022, competing with states like Nevada and Michigan to hit these numbers.
- November 15, 2021: Indiana sees record-high revenue with over $460 million wagered in October.
- September 2021: The handle for August increased by 11% compared to July.
- October 3, 2019: BetRivers Indiana is the first sportsbook to go live. DraftKings Indiana launches on the same day.
- September 1, 2019: The first retail sportsbooks open their doors at Ameristar East Chicago, Hollywood Casino and Indiana Grand.
- May 8, 2019: Governor Eric Holcomb signs HB 1015 into law making sports betting legal in Indiana.
- May 14, 2018: The United States Supreme Court overturns PASPA and allows states to legalize retail and online sports betting.
- January 2018: Indiana introduces Bill HB 1015 with the anticipation of the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act.
