Colorado sports betting is a thriving ecosystem with new entrants emerging all the time. There are 16 live online sportsbooks in Colorado at the time of this writing, and over a dozen more sportsbook licenses up for grabs. The Colorado Limited Gaming Commission still has plenty of room to grow Colorado’s sportsbook industry, which got an impressive start out of the gate in its first months in business.

They are developing a sports betting app with a 3Q 2020 target for launch. Penn National manages the Ameristar Casino in Black Hawk, making this the likely candidate for a live sportsbook and online betting license. Caesars Sports: Caesars owns both the Isle and Lady Luck Casinos in Black Hawk. No announcement has been made, though one of these. Download Today and Get $10 mycash® and 5M credits at mychoice® casino. Get real-time updates on your account with the all-new mychoice® rewards loyalty app. Plus, get $10 mycash® and 5M credits to play for fun at mychoice casino when you download the app today! The Ameristar sportsbook opened its doors in September 2019, shortly after sports betting became legal in Indiana. Ameristar is a member of the MyChoice network run by Penn National Gaming. The MyChoice system features a reward program available for regular players.

Most of Colorado’s sportsbooks are either standalone companies or the result of casino partnerships. DraftKings, FanDuel, and William Hill are companies whose core businesses are sportsbooks. However, Colorado’s homegrown casinos want in on the red-hot sports betting industry, too. Many have either partnered with sportsbook companies or developed their own. BetMonarch is one such sportsbook app that’s wholly owned and developed by Monarch Casino. Another is Sky Ute SportsBook, the first tribal-run sportsbook to launch in the state.

Online sports betting has taken off like a rocket in Colorado. That may be because it’s the safest betting option in the social distancing age. However, Colorado’s online sportsbooks are competitive choices for bettors’ funds. Here’s everything bettors need to know about them.

**Some of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. All bonus and promotions have Terms & Conditions that apply. 21+ for legal online gambling sites. If you think you have a gambling problem, please call 1-800-522-4700.

The Best Colorado Sports Betting Sites & Bonus Offers

• William Hill >> Claim $500 Free Bet With $250 Deposit
• BetRivers >> Claim 100% Deposit Match Bonus Up To $250
• FanDuel Sportsbook >> Claim A $1000 Risk-Free Bet
• PointsBet >> Claim $2000 In Two Risk-Free Bets With Bonus Code BIGBONUS
• DraftKings Sportsbook >> Claim 20% Deposit Match Bonus Up To $1000

Colorado Online Sports Betting Sites For February 2021

Pro sports got off to a late start this year due to the pandemic, and Colorado has mostly reopened since the March stay-at-home orders were rescinded. But even the lack of professional sports and the pandemic couldn’t deter Colorado from opening its first legal sportsbooks on May 1, or the bettors from flocking the newly launched sites and apps.

The launch of online sports betting in Colorado took some navigating, as officials grappled with the fallout from coronavirus. At the time of launch, there were few sports to bet on, but the market has done very well in the first months, even with bettors at first confined to wagering mostly on golf or table tennis. Here are the online sportsbooks who’ve secured partnerships in Colorado so far.

In addition to our top recommendations above, these are all of the sports betting apps in Colorado that are licensed, regulated in Colorado, and available for download:

The Best Colorado Online Sportsbooks (Ranked By Our Editors)

Best For New Bettors

$500 Free On $250 Deposit

Available On: Web, iOS, Android

Best For New Bettors

William Hill Colorado

4.7

An international sports betting brand, William Hill is taking its top-notch reputation to the US sports betting industry. Currently available in almost a dozen states, they offer all domestic and international sports odds. William Hill offers a $500 free bet to new bettors who deposit $250 or more.

William Hill Colorado

Bonus: 100% up to $500 on deposit

Retail Partner: Eldorado Resorts (Caesars Entertainment)

UK-headquartered William Hill is one of the biggest and most widely available sportsbooks in the US. Partnered locally with Eldorado Resorts (now Caesars Entertainment), William Hill kiosks have been available in Black Hawk since July, but the app didn’t launch until Sept. 8. New sign-ups can get up to a $500 risk-free bet with our exclusive link.

Best Mobile App

20% Deposit Bonus Up To $1000

Available On: Web, iOS, Android

Best Mobile App

DraftKings Colorado

4.9

DraftKings is one of the top US sports betting brands after making its name in the Daily Fantasy Sports industry. They offer one of the best mobile apps, with a easy-to-use interface. The interface makes it easy for new bettors to find sports, odds, and to place a bet. They offer a deposit bonus up to $1,000.

DraftKings Sportsbook Colorado

Bonus: 20% up to $1000 on deposit

Retail Partner: Mardi Gras Casino

DraftKings Sportsbook is one of the top US brands in sports betting, and it’s open for business for sports bettors in Colorado. Its variety of sports and lines are almost unmatched, and it offers some unique betting opportunities like teasers and parlays. It also has frequent bonuses and promotions.

Best Deposit Bonus

100% Deposit Bonus Up To $250

Available On: Web, iOS, Android

Best Deposit Bonus

BetRivers Colorado

4.7

BetRivers makes it easy to start betting in Colorado. New bettors can claim a 100% deposit match bonus up to $250 with only a 1x playthrough. This makes BetRivers Colorado the perfect choice for more casual bettors. For more experienced bettors, check out the BetRivers jackpot parlay bet.

BetRivers Colorado

Bonus: 100% up to $250 on deposit

Retail Partner: J.P. McGills

BetRivers is owned by Rush Street Interactive, which makes iGaming platforms in addition to its sportsbook offering. One of BetRivers’ differentiators is its extensive rewards system, which start at the basic level but top off at the “luxury” rewards for higher-tier wagers.

Best Betting Experience

$1000 Risk Free Bet Offer

Available On: Web, iOS, Android

Best Betting Experience

FanDuel Colorado

4.9

Much like DraftKings, FanDue Sportsbook made its name on Daily Fantasy Sports but now offers online sports betting across the US. The FanDuel Colorado app is one of the strongest in the state, with all major sports and some minor events as well. The interface is easy to understand the sportsbooks offers competitive odds.

FanDuel Sportsbook Colorado

Bonus: $1000 Risk-Free Bet

Retail Partner: Golden Gates Casino

Once known only for fantasy sports, FanDuel Sportsbook is all grown up, serving CO sports bettors 24 hours a day. FanDuel Sportsbooks has lines on MLB, NFL, NHL, and NBA, along with all kinds of other sports and events, both niche and mainstream. It has bets on the spread, the moneyline, halves and quarters of select games, and the over/under, and offers highly competitive odds in the CO sports betting landscape.

Best For Experienced Bettors

$2,000 In Two Risk Free Bets

Available On: Web, iOS, Android

Best For Experienced Bettors

PointsBet Colorado

4.9

Australian sports betting brand, PointsBet, is one of the newest sportsbooks to launch in Colorado. Offering competitive lines on US and international sports, PointsBet offers a high-risk, high-reward options for experienced bettors in their PointsBetting system.

PointsBet Colorado

Retail Partner: Double Eagle Casino

Australian-owned PointsBet is a mobile gaming partner of Double Eagle Casino in Cripple Creek. PointsBet was one of the first sports wagering companies to announce its intentions to operate in Colorado and was awarded an online license on March 19. They finally launched their online sportsbook app in November 2020.

PointsBet offers a unique winnings boost if your team wins big, called PointsBetting, offering multipliers for winning wagers based on the number of points a team wins a game. PointsBet also has a partnership with Koenke Sports & Entertainment to be the exclusive gaming partner of the Avalanche, Nuggets, Colorado Mammoth, and the Pepsi Center itself.

All Colorado Sports Betting Sites

SportsBetting.com

Bonus: $150 deposit bonus

Retail Partner: Carousel Group (Johnny Nolon’s, Cripple Creek)

SportsBetting.com gives new players up to $150 dollar deposit bonus. New users who deposit $10+ will get 100% bet credit up to $150 dollars using our exclusive link right here.

BetMGM

Bonus: $600 Risk Free Bet Bonus

Retail Partner: Midnight Rose

MGM is a premier name in gambling and entertainment, and its sports betting app BetMGM is available to CO sports bettors. BetMGM currently operates in almost a dozen countries including Colorado.

BetMonarch

Retail Partner: Monarch Casino

Monarch Casino in Black Hawk launched BetMonarch in May 2020, the first fully in-house sportsbook in the state developed by a casino. It offers the sports and leagues you’d expect lines on, but it also has an advantage many other sportsbooks don’t: BetMonarch rewards points players accumulate through their play can earn free hotel stays, meals, and more.

FOX Bet

Retail Partner: Eldorado Resorts (Caesars Entertainment)

Fox Bet’s local gaming partner is the Lady Luck Casino in Black Hawk, owned by Eldorado Resorts, which recently acquired gaming giant Caesars Entertainment, as well as the Isle Casino. Fox Bet has some solid bonus offers, including a $1,000 sign-up bonus ($500 risk-free bet + 100% match bonus of up to $500). In addition to the standard slate of sports to bet on, Fox Bet offers a wide range of betting boost, which are riskier, but could be lucrative wagers for lucky bettors.

SBK Sportsbook

Retail Partner: Christmas Casino*

SBK Sportsbook by Smarkets has a different approach to setting odds from most sportsbooks. Rather than making its money tilting the odds in its favor, SBK charges a 2% commission on bettors’ net winnings. The odds are then created as a consensus is slowly reached among where bettors are putting their money. SBK is a bit light on welcome bonuses, but it does offer a refund of the first $20 in lost bets over multiple bets.

Sky Ute SportsBook

Retail Partner: Sky Ute Casino

The launch of Sky Ute SportsBook made a bit of history for Colorado sports betting as the first tribal-owned casino in the state to launch its own sportsbook. Being on tribal lands, Sky Ute isn’t beholden to Colorado state laws governing odds, so they say their lines are some of the best in the state. Bettors can fund an account and start betting with just $25.

Circa Sports

Retail Partner: Century Casinos

Circa Sports, a Las Vegas-based sports wagering operator, was the first partnership agreement struck by Century Casinos, which operates two eponymous casinos in Colorado, one in Black Hawk, the other in Cripple Creek. Circa Sports is partnered with the Cripple Creek location, so that’s where eventual Circa-branded kiosks and windows will most likely be located. Circa offers multiple deposit and withdraw options, and has some of the best odds on favorite to win bets of any CO sportsbook.

BetWildwood

Retail Partner: Wildwood Casino

Cripple Creek’s first retail sportsbook, Woody’s at Wildwood, was also the first self-launched app by a casino in Colorado’s southern gambling resort town. BetWildwood offers sports bettors moneyline and spread bets on a variety of sports, and has live in-game betting for many. There are numerous deposit/withdrawal options, and it offers new members a $50 free bet.

ELITE Sportsbook

Retail Partner: Red Dolly Casino

ELITE Sportsbook was the 11th sportsbook to launch in Colorado. Bettors can start placing wagers on its website or through the app right now. ELITE Sportsbook offers bettors a variety of prop bets and parlays, and promotions will be available, including a sign-up bonus worth up to $1,000 in free bets. The company says it will be the only sportsbook in the state to offer a progressive parlay.

theScore Bet

Retail Partner: Jacobs Entertainment

theScore bet is a popular sports betting platform that launched in Colorado in September through its partnership with Jacobs Entertainment, which owns and operates the Lodge Casino and Gilpin Casino, both in Black Hawk. theScore debuted in New Jersey in 2019, the first ever sportsbook launched by a North American Media company, Score Media.

Betfred

Retail Partner: Saratoga Casino

Betfred, a major player in the United Kingdom sports betting market, expanded into the US in 2020, with the first Betfred USA sportsbook opening at Iowa’s Grand Falls Casino. The brand’s second US location is Colorado. Saratoga Casino has partnered with Betfred USA for its sports betting platform. Betfred operates more than 1,500 locations in the UK. Betfred’s sportsbook was the very first retail window to open in Colorado, giving it a first-mover advantage.

Not-Yet-Launched Sportsbooks

Barstool Sports (Penn National Gaming)

Retail Partner: Ameristar Casino

Penn National, which operates the Ameristar Casino Black Hawk, has brought its Barstool Sports sportsbook brand to Colorado and soon will open branded retail sportsbook windows at Ameristar, the largest casino in the state. Ameristar soft-launched a self-branded sportsbook this summer, so bettors can place bets in person for now until the Barstool Sports app launches.

Twin River Worldwide Holdings

Two of the biggest names in mobile sports betting will come to Colorado via Twin River Worldwide Holdings, which has been awarded three master licenses from the CLGCC.

Twin River (operating as Premier Entertainment Black Hawk in Colorado), has announced partnerships with both FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook, the two companies leading the market so far in open mobile sports betting markets in the US.

Three Colorado land-based casinos (Golden Gates, Golden Gulch, and Mardi Gras) were purchased by Twin River in January, with the intent of using those properties in partnership with FanDuel and DraftKings to bring sports betting to Colorado.

Online Sports Betting Partnerships

Guide To Betting Online In Colorado

Although Colorado’s sportsbooks are each uniquely branded, there are similarities between each sportsbook. Here are a few things bettors can expect no matter where they wager.

Common Sportsbook Bonuses

When bettors create sportsbook accounts, they’re often offered welcome bonuses. These bonuses incentivize bettors to place wagers and continue placing bets long after the first one is settled. The most common bonuses in Colorado are deposit bonuses and risk-free bets.

Deposit bonuses usually require bettors to deposit funds into their accounts. (There are also deposit bonuses that award site credits upon signup, but they’re usually tiny–less than $50.) Most deposit bonuses will match bettor deposits at a certain rate. For example, Fox Bet has a 50% deposit rate. That means for every $2 bettors deposit, Fox Bet will give a bettor $1 in site credits. That allows bettors to deposit at their own pace and place larger bets with less risk.

However, these deposit bonuses usually max out at $250 to $500. Sportsbooks can’t award site credits indefinitely.

Many sportsbooks also offer risk-free bets. They’re bets that get refunded if bettors lose a bet. FanDuel offers a risk-free bet of up to $500. If a bettor’s first wager is $500 and it loses, then that bettor will get $500 back in site credits. However, the risk-free bet is only good for the first bet. So, a $50 that loses would only get $50 of site credits back. Risk-free bets are popular choices for sportsbooks to offer, but they don’t allow bettors to wager at their own paces like deposit bonuses.

Colorado Teams That Can And Can’t Be Bet On

There are many different sports to bet on, but Coloradans have their favorite teams. The Broncos will have lines available during the NFL season. They’ll have moneylines and point spreads ripe for enthusiastic betting. There are plenty of prop bets and futures that’ll be available on the Broncos, too.

A Colorado list of teams wouldn’t be complete without the other three main sports, though. The Colorado Rockies, Colorado Avalanche, and the Denver Nuggets are huge draws for sports fans across the state. All of them are fair game for sports betting, too.

College teams are fair game for certain types of bets, too. The Colorado Buffaloes are one of Colorado’s most popular teams, whether it’s CU’s football or basketball teams. Bettors will have the standard moneylines, spreads, and futures available as the professional teams offer.

However, Colorado sportsbooks won’t offer prop bets on college games. Colorado’s Division of Gaming prohibits prop bets on college games. It likely arises from a compromise with the NCAA, which is adamantly opposed to sports betting. Bettors shouldn’t be surprised when they don’t find sports betting on college teams.

What Is The Status Of Esports In Colorado?

Colorado not only allows esports betting. It also counts esports among its authorized sports catalog. The Division of Gaming’s rules stipulate that the Division will regulate sports and bets. That way, no one can make up a sport or bet that cons bettors out of their money. Sports matches must have clear, consistent rules to ensure bettors can understand how their wager will play out throughout the game. Bets must have similarly clear rules. Otherwise, sports betting wouldn’t be fair to bettors.

Sportsbooks Coming Soon To Colorado

There are two sportsbooks that are in other states but could come to Colorado next. The first one is Golden Nugget. It’s available in New Jersey, but it doesn’t have a partnership in Colorado yet. The second is Parx. It has an online casino and sportsbook in Pennsylvania, another prominent sports betting state.

However, the full list is anyone’s guess. There will likely be more than two dozen online sportsbooks in Colorado by the time everyone arrives.

Legal Vs Illegal Sports Betting In Colorado

Sports betting used to be an illegal activity in all but four states. Sports bettors’ only options were illegal sportsbooks and bookies. If there was a bookie or website that bettors created relationships with, it could be hard for some of them to leave. However, legal sports betting sites are superior to illegal sites.

Legal sportsbooks are required to have a cash reserve so it can pay their winning bets out. Think about what happens if an underdog with long odds comes through. A futures bet with +5,000 odds will drain a sportsbook’s cash reserve quickly. Licensed sportsbooks have a formula set by the Colorado Division of Gaming to determine how much cash to have on hand.

In contrast, local bookies may not have that kind of cash on hand. They could be collecting bets informally at the bar with a makeshift business. In that case, there’s nothing stopping them from pocketing bettor money. Even if they’re reliable, they may get stretched too thin and be unable to pay out winnings. If that happens, bettors have no legal recourse because betting with a bookie is illegal in Colorado. They’re stuck without their winnings.

The worst-case scenario is a bookie that works for a crime syndicate. Your bookie may be cool, but his employers may come after bettors who bet on credit and don’t repay their debts. Bettors in good standing may also fund human and drug trafficking unknowingly. Licensed sportsbooks’ transparency ensures bettors don’t fall into these traps.

How Do I Know Online Sportsbooks Are Fair?

Online sportsbooks aren’t all shady offshore websites. However, new bettors may struggle to tell the difference between the two. Here’s how bettors can know they’re betting at a legitimate company.

Who Regulates Legal Online Sportsbooks?

The Colorado Division of Gaming regulates all the sportsbooks in Colorado. It’s a government agency that awards licenses, establishes rules, and enforces industry guidelines. The Division of Gaming also has resources for sports betting operators and customers alike, creating a transparent environment for all industry players.

Before sportsbooks are licensed, the Division of Gaming thoroughly examines each applicant. That includes financial statements, background checks, and a complete record of lawsuits the applicant was involved in. And if a sportsbook doesn’t pay out winnings, the Division of Gaming is a bettor’s next stop. It has processes in place to keep sports betting safe and fair across the board.

Why Should I Trust Online Sportsbooks?

Before they go live, online sportsbooks submit to a security audit. It ensures the sportsbook can protect sensitive bettor information. The sportsbook hires an independent auditor who submits her findings to the Division of Gaming. If the auditor finds areas of improvement, she’ll list them in the report as well.

The Division won’t award a license to a sportsbook that can’t protect its bettors’ information. Since bettors submit their banking information during registration, sportsbooks need top-notch security in place. Bettors can rest assured that by the time they place a wager, their sportsbook of choice is prepared to protect their data.

How Do I Get Paid If I Win?

Sportsbooks make transferring money in and out of the sportsbook account easy. They know no one wants to bet at a sportsbook that makes handling money a hassle. If bettors win, they’ll have cash moved into their sportsbook account. From there, it’s usually as easy as hitting ‘withdraw’ and moving money to their bank or PayPal account. There are other options too, but no one’s using 7-Eleven’s cash withdrawal option during a pandemic.

In short, bettors can get paid from the app. They just have to win, which is win. Best of luck to all the aspiring bettors out there!

Online Sports Betting FAQs

Online sports betting is new to Colorado, so bettors may have a few clouds of doubt about the industry. Here are some common questions we can clear up at the end.

Yes, you can register online and start betting anywhere in Colorado. You only need to be physically within the Colorado border to place wagers.

Moneylines, spreads, prop bets, and futures are legal on professional teams. However, Colorado bettors cannot place prop bets on college games. All bets are prohibited on high school games. (No one seriously thought DraftKings would have lines on their daughter’s softball game, did they?)

Yes. Because the Buffs are a PAC-12 team, college sports is a big draw in Colorado. And that’s before factoring in all their popular opponents. Everything besides prop bets is fair game on college sports.

Yes. Several sportsbooks have esports sections in their apps. If the pandemic shuts down major sports again, bettors may end up relying on the esports section to get their betting fixes. Counter Strike, anyone?

10%. The taxes largely go to water conservation projects in Colorado. Since Colorado shares water with seven other states, it’s a lot more than an environmentalist cause. It’s a precious resource that’s being funded by a portion of every bet.

Licensed Casinos and established sportsbook companies. Unless aspiring entrepreneurs have all the pieces of their business in place, they can’t complete the license. It wouldn’t be impossible for someone to start a sportsbook in Colorado. However, it would require a massive cash infusion upfront. The sports betting market is largely inaccessible to companies without a track record.

Yes. It was also one of the first sportsbooks to do so.

Indiana sports betting is heading into its third year. Indiana bettors have a huge variety of legal online sportsbooks at their fingertips and the action should only get better throughout 2021.

Compared to other states with sports betting, Indiana has very few restrictions. Here, you can even place in-game bets on Indiana colleges as well as TV events like the Oscars.

For sports bettors of all stripes, it doesn’t get much better than Indiana.

Indiana Sports Betting Updates

• More Than $200 Million Handled For The Third Month- On December 10, 2020, the Indiana Gaming Commission reported the third consecutive month (September, October, November 2020) of more than $200 million in total sports wagering across the state. In fact, sports betting has steadily grown every month since legalization.
• Indiana Largely Unaffected By Illinois Legalization- Despite Illinois again suspending the in-person registration requirement in September 2020, Indiana has only seen sports betting revenue continue to grow. However, Iowa’s in-person registration requirement expired on January 1, 2021, so we’ll see how that affects Indiana’s sportsbook revenue.
• Remodeled Barstool Sportsbook Opens On Christmas Eve- On December 24, 2020, the newly reimagined Barstool Sportsbook at Ameristar Casino in East Chicago opened its doors. Located at the casino entrance, this sportsbook features huge screens, a full food and drink menu, and plenty of betting kiosks.
• Betting Begins On The Academy Awards- In early January 2020, some Indiana sportsbooks, including Caesars Southern Indiana, began accepting bets on the Oscars. This is despite the fact that the nominations won’t be announced until March 15, 2021. As one of just two states (along with New Jersey) with legal Oscar betting, they’re already capitalizing on the privilege.
• Indianapolis Colts Made It To The Playoffs- The Colts made it to the playoffs but faced off against the Bills during the Wild Card weekend. Maybe next year?

Best Sportsbook Apps In Indiana

William Hill Indiana (8.2/10)

Visit: William Hill Indiana and Claim $500 Risk Free Bet

• Welcome Offer: Risk-free bet up to $500
• Available Platforms: iOS App, Android App, Web Browser
• Retail Partner: Tropicana Casino
• Live betting is the cornerstone of the William Hill app
• Creative bet boosts
• Competitive odds and moderate vig
• Accepts PayPal for deposits and withdrawals as well as credit/debit, online bank transfer, and more.

William Hill is one of the olds sports betting companies in the world, with an international footprint. It is also quickly expanding across the US. Part of this expansion involved the launch of William Hill Indiana in 2019.

In addition to its sign up bonus offer, William Hill also offers regular bet boosts and ongoing promotions. There is no end to their creativity on promotions and parlays. They have a strong live betting offer as well. Click the InPlay tab from the middle of the screen to see available live betting options.

FanDuel Sportsbook Indiana (9.5/10)

Visit: FanDuel Indiana and Claim a $1,000 Risk Free Bet

• Welcome Offer: Risk-free bet up to $1,000
• Available Platforms: iOS App, Android App, Web Browser
• Retail Partner: Blue Chip Casino
• Highly Rated Mobile Platform
• Exclusive Daily Tournaments
• Often Unbeatable Odds
• Same login across DFS and sportsbook platforms
• Accepts PayPal for deposits and withdrawals as well as credit/debit, online bank transfer, and more.

FanDuel Sportsbook was the first sports betting site and app to launch in Indiana. But despite receiving tons of competition since, it remains one of the most popular platforms in the state.

The reason is simple: FanDuel Indiana offers odds that rival anyone, some of the best ongoing promotions and tournaments, and a smooth, intuitive, and reliable mobile app.

New members can receive a risk-free bet up to $1,000. But existing members have access to a wide range of additional offers in both FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel DFS.

BetMGM Sportsbook Indiana (9.25/10)

Visit: BetMGM Indiana and get up to $600 Risk Free Bonus

• Welcome Offer: Risk-free bet up to $600
• Available Platforms: iOS App, Android App, Web Browser
• Retail Partner: Belterra Casino
• Tied for best app rating with DraftKings: 4.8 out of 5.0
• Massive market depth, including exclusive sports offerings
• Exclusive Cross-Sport Parlays
• Allows cash deposits and withdrawals at Belterra Casino cage (plus PayPal, credit/debit, online bank transfer, etc.)

BetMGM Indiana has arguably the best mobile platform in the US, with a quality that’s right alongside the big dog sportsbook apps like FanDuel and DraftKings.

They also have competitive odds on moneyline and points spread bets. And with incredible consistency, BetMGM offers the highest win potential in futures betting.

Where BetMGM Indiana falls a bit short is with their welcome offer: a risk-free bet up to $600, which is half of what FanDuel Indiana offers. On top of a comparable app, FanDuel edges in front of BetMGM by a narrow margin.

But a smart sports bettor will compare the odds before placing a bet to make sure they’re getting the best deal. And BetMGM Indiana is an essential inclusion in that strategy.

PointsBet Sportsbook Indiana (8.5/10)

Visit: PointsBet Indiana and get $2,000 in Risk-Free Bets

• Welcome Offer: Two risk-free bets up to $2,000 with code BIGBONUS
• Available Platforms: iOS App, Android App, Web Browser
• Retail Partner: Lawrenceburg’s Hollywood Entertainment
• Range of American and international sports
• “No Juice” on select points spread bets for NFL playoff games and more
• Unique PointsBetting feature for totals wagering
• $5 minimum deposit and $50,000 maximum deposit with no minimum withdrawal

PointsBet has a lot to offer in terms of unique betting features. The most notable is PointsBetting, where over/under totals trigger multipliers that apply to both losing bets and winning bets. That means a $5 bet could be a $50 loss if you’re off by 10 points, but it could also mean a $50 payout if they score well over or well below the sportsbook’s total.

The PointsBet Indiana welcome bonus is two bets up to $1,500 with promo code BIGBONUS. This includes a risk-free fixed-odds bet up to $500 and a risk-free PointsBetting wager up to $1,000.

PointsBet Indiana’s biggest drawback is its limited banking options, which do not include PayPal or Skrill. However, the minimum deposit is $5, and there is no minimum withdrawal, which makes PointsBet a highly accessible platform for low-stakes bettors.

DraftKings Sportsbook Indiana (9.75/10)

Visit: DraftKings Indiana and get up to $1,000 Deposit Match Bonus

• Welcome Offer: 20% deposit match up to $1,000
• Available Platforms: iOS App, Android App, Web Browser
• Retail Partner: Ameristar Casino East Chicago
• Highest Rated Sportsbook App in Indiana
• Flawless mobile platform in terms of navigation and reliability
• Great odds and exclusive lines
• Offers both PayPal and Skrill for deposit and withdrawal (plus credit/debit, online bank transfer, and more.)

If you could only choose one sportsbook in Indiana, DraftKings would be a safe bet. They offer hands down the best mobile app for iOS and Android, and their odds usually match or beat all competitors.

DraftKings Indiana technically has the highest deposit-match bonus up to $1,000, but they match it by 20%, meaning you need to deposit $5,000 to receive the maximum amount. For most bettors, the 100% deposit match up to $250 at BetRivers Indiana is better.

But in all other respects, DraftKings beats out BetRivers 99 times out of 100 – and most other sportsbooks for that matter.

BetRivers Sportsbook Indiana (7.5/10)

• Welcome Offer: 100% deposit match up to $250
• Available Platforms: Android App, Web Browser
• Retail Partner: French Lick Resort
• Doubles first deposit up to $250 with only 1x wagering requirement
• Competitive odds worth checking before placing a bet
• iRush Rewards offers a great loyalty program to regular bettors
• Credit and debit card accepted for deposits and withdrawal

BetRivers Indiana does not yet have an iOS App in a state where at least 80% of bets are placed on mobile devices. Worse yet, BetRivers does have sportsbook apps for other states, but even those are subpar.

That means iOS users will have to play the web browser version of the BetRivers, which takes major points off for this brand.

Also, BetRivers Indiana only offers the following deposit methods:

• Credit/Debit Card
• BetRivers Play+ Card
• Cash at casino cage (French Lick Resort)

That’s even more limited than what’s offered at PointsBet.

Still, it can still be worth it to play at BetRivers Indiana, because their odds will often beat out the likes of DraftKings and BetMGM for certain events, and they have arguably the best welcome offer in the state.

New members of BetRivers Indiana can have their first deposit doubled up to $250. And the wagering requirement is only 1x on bets with odds -200 or longer, including parlays. This can be any combination of bets within those requirements, even wagers as low as $1.

All Indiana Sportsbook Sites

How To Place A Bet In Indiana

Step 1: Choose Your Sportsbook

The easiest way to place a bet on sports in Indiana is online. However, you can also visit a retail sportsbook and bet in-person at casinos across the state.

Ameristar Casino Bet Builder

Here are some features to look for when deciding which online sportsbook to join:

• Great Welcome Offer, including agreeable terms and conditions
• Best odds on the sport or event you’re planning to wager on first
• Preferred banking methods
• App Store rating

When you’ve found the right sportsbook, iOS users can download the state-specific app in the App Store. Android users need to download the app directly on the sportsbook’s website per Google Play restrictions. You can also bet at most sportsbooks via web browser on any device.

Step 2: Create An Account

All online sportsbooks in Indiana make it easy to register an account. Simply click the “signup” button and follow the steps, where you’ll provide your personal information and create a login. Make sure to include any promo code if one is required during signup.

Step 3: Verify Your Location

The app or website will prompt you to share your location, and you must do so to wager. This is per Indiana Gaming Commission regulations, as you must be legally located within the state of Indiana to wager.

Step 4: Make A Deposit

You can deposit during the signup process or after. To deposit, you transfer money to your sportsbook account using an available banking method.

Important Note: Using a credit card as a payment method may count as a cash advance, which often comes with hefty fees. Your best bet is to use PayPal, Skrill, or online bank transfer.

Step 5: Place Your Bets

You have a lot of risk-free bet offers in Indiana, but you can also choose to simply skip the welcome offer and place any bets you like. Add one or several wagers to your bet slip – and remember to gamble responsibly!

Indiana Legal Sportsbooks

The Indiana Gaming Commission meticulously verifies each sportsbook applicant before issuing a sports betting license. They also must approve each sport before its offered and enforces a strict regulatory code. You can find more resources here.

Illegal sportsbooks do not offer such protection for bettors. These sites are located in legal safe havens where they can offer their services to anyone in the world without restriction – and their oversight is minimal.

That means you have no legal recourse if they refuse to pay, suddenly disappear with your money, give away your personal information, or any number of likely scenarios.

Indiana Sports Betting Revenue

Indiana surpassed $200 million in total wagering in the month of September 2020. That increased to more than $230 million in October 2020, then to over $250 million in November 2020.

That’s where the most recent reports end at the time of writing this Indiana sports betting guide. But that’s already an incredible trend in a market that expected to lose some business as Illinois and Iowa’s legal online sports betting markets grow.

Perhaps Indiana’s sportsbooks are growing in popularity and losing some customers at the same time. But whatever the case may be, the Hoosier State remains a hyper-competitive market, and bettors will benefit in the form of promotions and exclusive odds.

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How Indiana Compares To Other States

Indiana Versus The US

Indiana is the only state where you can bet on in-state college teams, place in-game bets on college games, and bet on TV events like the Oscars. Everywhere else places restrictions on at least one of those categories.

It can be argued that states with more bettors bring in more revenue, and more revenue means better deals. For example, while Indiana sportsbooks handled $230 million in October, Illinois sportsbooks handled $435 million that same month.

Still, Indiana is a large market that inspires tons of competition. And all that competition means a great selection of odds across the different sportsbooks.

Indiana Versus The Midwest

Illinois and Iowa both offer online sports betting. In Iowa, the in-person registration requirement expired on January 1, 2021, and the governor of Illinois suspended their in-person registration requirement via executive order in response to COVID-19.

However, compared to Indiana, both states have about half as many online sportsbooks to choose from.

Further, Iowa does not allow in-game bets on college games, and Illinois restricts betting on in-state college teams. Indiana does not have either restriction.

Nowhere else in the Midwest allows bets on TV competitions like the Oscars either. And betting on politics—a popular activity in Europe and elsewhere in the world—could be next.

Indiana Betting Successes And Failures

Indiana Sports Betting Success

As mentioned above, Indiana sportsbooks saw a gradual increase in sports betting handles every month from October through the end of 2020. With the Colts in the playoffs, the Super Bowl, and March Madness all occurring in early 2021, that trend is expected to either continue or level out.

Indiana rolled out sports betting in a way that allowed for tons of competition and a huge variety of bets. You also never had to register in-person at an online sportsbook in Indiana, a requirement that was a significant nuisance for sports bettors in Iowa and Illinois.

Where Could Indiana Improve Online Gambling?

If Michigan sees success with legalized online casinos in 2021, it’s a safe bet that Indiana will eventually follow suit.

During a National Council Of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) conference in January 2020, Republican State Senator John Ford stated that Indiana lawmakers would take a look at legalizing online casinos in 2021.

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With the recent success of online sports betting, there’s likely enough political capital to get it done.

As it stands, the only states that legalized online casinos are New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan. But Indiana stands a good chance of becoming among the next few to do it too.

Legalization Effort In Indiana

Former Governor of Indiana Mike Pence was staunchly opposed to gambling expansion. However, he was replaced by fellow Republican Eric Holcomb, who began serving as the state’s governor on January 9, 2017, and has since led the state to its current status as a sports betting haven.

But it wasn’t all his doing by any stretch. The Indiana Senate passed Bill 552 on February 26, 2019, and it saw a huge number of revisions from Democrats and Republicans alike. When the dust settled, the bipartisan bill to legalize sports betting ended up on Governor Holcomb’s desk, and he signed it into law on May 8, 2019.

Interestingly, Indiana has one of the most accessible markets for operators. They have a 9.5% tax rate and an annual $50,000 license fee. Illinois sportsbooks are subject to a 15% tax rate and $10 million license fee, which has kept the competition relatively low in the state. While Indiana will have a dozen or more sportsbooks in 2021, Illinois has just five.

Another area of interest is the tax revenue sports betting can bring into the state. Indiana estimated tax revenue of $10 million in the first year, and $38 million by the fifth year (2024). They were off by $1 million in the first year (September 2019 – September 2020), but COVID-19 saw March Madness 2020 canceled and a host of other sports paused, shortened, or canceled as well.

So, while it’s too early to say if those initial estimates are accurate, they don’t seem to be too off target. Time will tell.

Timeline For Indiana Sports Betting

• February 26, 2019: Indiana Senate passed Bill 552, which expands the number of casinos in the state and began the legalization efforts of sports betting.
• May 8, 2019: Republican Governor Eric Holcomb signs the new gambling expansion bill into law, allowing for more Indiana casinos as well as legalized retail and online sportsbooks.
• September 1, 2019: Three Indiana casinos—Indiana Grand Casino in Shelbyville, Ameristar East Chicago, and Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg—began taking in-person bets at their retail sportsbooks.
• September 19, 2019: As of this day, 13 different casinos across the state accept retail sports bets. Rising Star Casino and Caesars Southern Indiana also opened sportsbooks. Hard Rock Northern Indiana will open one in Spring 2021. The only casinos without sportsbook lounges will be Four Winds South Bend and Majestic Star riverboat casinos.
• September 25, 2019: In partnership with French Lick Casino, Rush Street Gaming (owner of the BetRivers Sportsbook) became Indiana’s first approved online sports betting platform.
• October 3, 2019: BetRivers and DraftKings launched in Indiana, the first two legally-licensed online sportsbooks in the state.
• October 2019 – December 2019: DraftKings, FanDuel, William Hill, and BetAmerica also launch online sportsbooks in Indiana.
• February 2020 – September 2020: Five more online sportsbooks launch in the state—BetMGM, PointsBet, Caesars Sports, Unibet, and theScore—for a total of ten different options. And three more are expected in 2021.
• September 2020 – November 2020: Indiana reports three consecutive months where the state’s sportsbooks handled over $200 million.

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Indiana Teams

Indiana Professional Sports Teams

Indiana Colts

The NFL reigns supreme as the most popular sport for betting in the US. And the Indiana Colts are by far the most popular professional team for betting in Indiana.

This came into an especially bright spotlight when the Colts made it to the playoffs in 2021, with a regular season that helped inspire over $200 million in Indiana sports bets through the end of 2020.

As one of only two professional sports teams in the state, the Indiana Colts don’t have much competition for local fandom. But they won the Super Bowl in 1970, which was the first one after the AFL-NFL merger. And they won it again almost four decades later, with Peyton Manning leading the Colts to a victory over the Chicago Bears in 2006.

Fans of the Colts have a love-hate relationship with the team. While we’ll root for them no matter the circumstances, there’s a reason the team is nicknamed “The Dolts.”

This is a team with a history of being the underdog as long as their history of being the favorite. Some would even say the underdog days overshadow the times of glory.

But at the end of the day, this is Indiana’s team. Through thick and thin, through good offenses and legendarily bad defenses.

Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers have no NBA titles to their name despite their roster including Reggie Miller, Isiah Thomas, Ron Artest, Paul George, and the great Danny Granger. But that’s largely due to a relentless string of bad luck, including injuries, suspensions, family tragedies, and beyond.

The Pacers are due, and I’d bet on the fact that their year is coming in the near future.

Indiana College Sports Teams

Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish are far and wide the most popular sports team in the state. Not the most popular “college” sports team. This state treats Notre Dame football like Chicago treats all their sports teams combined. Indiana bleeds green.

College football is the second most popular sport for betting in the US after the NFL. But college football is the most popular sport in the state of Indiana. And we place a lot of bets on the fifth most winning team in college football history.

You’ll find a huge number of lines for Notre Dame games at Indiana’s online sportsbooks. The sports betting lounges across the state are also electric on game days. (They’re essentially Indiana sports bars with gambling kiosks, so how could they not be?)

Everyone Else

Unfortunately for other in-state programs, there’s Notre Dame and everyone else. But Indiana boasts some of the most competitive NCAA D1 athletic departments in the country beyond the Fighting Irish. These include:

• Ball State
• Butler
• Purdue
• Indiana University
• Indiana State

With few restrictions on college sports betting in Indiana, every sportsbook in the state will take bets on every game these teams play.

Other Sports To Bet On In Indiana

All the best Indiana sportsbooks offer bets on all types of sports, including racing, individual competitions like MMA and golf, and even the Academy Awards.

Some brands also specialize in international competitions, such as European soccer. Sportsbooks such as William Hill, PointsBet, and Unibet are particularly diligent about listing tons of events for the more obscure overseas events.

Indiana Bans Esports Wagering

Besides banning bets on high school and amateur sports, Indiana has some of the most relaxed sports betting laws in the country. However, regulators have outright banned esports wagering in the state. This is due to the fact that many esports teams have underage players.

But they could have allowed sportsbooks to take bets only on competitions with players over 18. Further, how do they square that with betting on international soccer, where teams regularly have players under the age of 18?

Hopefully, Indiana considers changing this restriction as esports betting grows in popularity across the US, including in Indiana.

Indiana Sports Betting FAQs

Yes, online sports betting is legal in Indiana. Since BetRivers and DraftKings first launched on October 3, 2019, the state has licensed ten total online sportsbooks. At least three more are expected in 2021. You can register at any legal online sportsbook from home, and most are available via web browser, iOS app, and Android app.

21. You must be at least 21 years old to bet online in Indiana. The gambling age in Indiana is only 18 if you’re playing the lottery. Retail casinos and sportsbooks as well as online sportsbooks restrict access to anyone under 21. This includes the tribal casino Four Winds in South Bend, as alcohol is served on the casino floor.

Yes, you can bet on college sports in Indiana. All licensed online sportsbooks, as well as retail sportsbooks inside the state’s casinos, take bets on college sports. You can place in-game bets and prop bets on college sports, and you can bet on in-state college teams.

No. You do not have to be a resident of Indiana to place real-money bets at Indiana’s online sportsbooks. You can also join, deposit, and withdraw from anywhere in the US. However, you need to be physically located inside the state to place a real-money bet.

Yes. DraftKings Sportsbook Indiana launched on October 3, 2019, in partnership with Ameristar Casino East Chicago. Alongside BetRivers, DraftKings was among the first available sportsbooks in the state. You can join and wager from anywhere in the state. DraftKings Indiana currently offers new members a 20% first deposit bonus up to $1,000.

Yes, FanDuel Sportsbook is available in Indiana. In partnership with Blue Chip Casino, FanDuel became the third online sportsbook to enter the state. To bet at FanDuel Sportsbook, you must be at least 21 and physically located in Indiana. New members can place a risk-free bet up to $1,000.

More Resources On Indiana Sports Betting

• Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) website offers a host of resources about casino licensing, Indiana gambling news, and a contact page for questions or disputes.
• Monthly Revenue Reports from Indiana gambling companies are updated monthly by the IGC..
• Indiana Sports Wagering Statute details all sports betting rules and regulations.
• IndyStar Sports offers the latest news on all Indiana athletics from the high school to the professional level.
• WISH-TV Sports also offers a valuable resource for breaking news about Indiana sports.