• IN HB 1015 legalizes both retail sportsbooks and statewide mobile sports wagering apps.
  • The bill would have become law with or without Governor Holcomb’s signature on Thursday.
  • The Indiana Gaming Commission is expected to start accepting sports betting applications as soon as July 1, 2019.

INDIANAPOLIS – On Wednesday afternoon, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed IN HB 1015 into law, effectively legalizing sports betting in Indiana through retail sportsbooks and mobile betting apps.

Upon signing the legislation Governor Holcomb issued a brief statement:

“Gaming is a highly regulated industry that once had little competition, but now does from surrounding state and new technology. By modernizing our laws, this legislation will spur positive economic growth for our state and for an industry that employs over 11,000 Hoosiers.”

“Additionally, it will bring in new revenue and create hundreds of new jobs – both permanent and in construction. I will direct the Indiana Gaming Commission to monitor for potential effects of this bill so that we can make necessary changes in future legislative sessions.”

While the bill did come under a bit of controversy, particularly over the provisions that would allow one Gary casino to move to a more heavily trafficked area, the bill would have become law even without a signature.

What Will Sports Betting In Indiana Look like?

Indiana sports betting will be held at both retail gaming facilities and through various mobile sports wagering apps. Each licensed and approved gambling establishment will be able to offer three skins for third-party online sportsbook operators to use.

In order to be approved by the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC), each venue has to pay an initial $100,000 licensing fee and pay $50,000 annually to renew it. They must also agree to a 9.5% tax on their sportsbook’s adjusted gross revenue.

In an interview with WIBC, Indiana Senator Mark Messmer estimated that 10 to 20 million dollars would be generated to the state from legal sports betting and the money collected would go to the general fund.

As far as who can bet and what they can bet on, anyone over the age of 21 will be able to gamble on sports in Indiana, with wagers accepted on any professional sports team or collegiate team. However, wagering on eSports and high school sports will be prohibited.

When it comes to live betting or in-game wagering, restrictions will be at the discretion of the Indiana Gaming Commission. Professional sports leagues, and their integrity fees, were left out of the bill entirely.

The IGC is expected to start accepting applications for sports wagering licenses by July 1, 2019.

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