Mobile Sports Betting Strong in Indiana, as Lawmakers Seek to Legalize iGaming
Like most people wagering on sports nationwide, bettors in Indiana prefer to use their smartphones and computers to place bets on athletic events.
That attraction to mobile gaming could extend beyond sports betting to include poker, slots, and other online casino games under bills being considered at the Capitol in Indianapolis.
Indiana’s Enthusiasm Pushes its Sports Betting
During 2021, the use of mobile devices accounted for more than 91% of all Indiana sports betting.
For the calendar year ending last month, the overall sports betting handle topped $3.82 billion statewide, with $3.49 billion of that coming from bets placed on mobile devices. The “handle” refers to the amount of money bettors wager on sports.
Indiana is known for its enthusiastic support of professional and collegiate athletics, especially basketball. The state is home to the NBA’s Indiana Pacers, whose nickname derives from Indianapolis 500 pace cars, and competitive college teams such as the Indiana Hoosiers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Football is another popular sport in the Hoosier State, where the Indianapolis Colts boast a large following.
On Monday, Indianapolis was in the football spotlight for hosting the major college title game, which Georgia won by defeating SEC rival Alabama. According to ESPN, the game attracted 22.6 million television viewers, making it the most-watched non-NFL sporting event in two years.
Mobile Leads the Way in Indiana December Betting
During December, mobile sports betting in Indiana reflected the year-long trend.
The mobile sports-betting handle in December was $429.8 million, or nearly 93% of the $463 million total amount wagered on sports statewide.
The December sports betting totals were down slightly from the previous month.
In November, mobile sports wagering accounted for $430.13 million of the $463.68 million bet on sports in Indiana. Almost 93% of the sports bets in November were on mobile devices.
Indiana Sports Betting Revenue & Handle, December vs. November
| Month | Total handle | Mobile handle | Revenue (taxable AGR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | $463.016M | $429.802M | $25.772M |
| November | $463.685M | $430.135M | $47.654M |
| Change | Down 0.1% | Down 0.1% | Down 45.9% |
Online Casinos Games Up for Debate at Legislature
As mobile betting continues to dominate sports wagering in Indiana, lawmakers are scheduled to take up two bills that would legalize Indiana online casinos. The 2022 legislative session began on Jan. 4 and is scheduled to end March 14.
Under legislation introduced in the state House of Representatives, online games such as poker, blackjack, slots, and “gambling games typically offered in a casino” would be authorized statewide.
According to House Bills 1337 and 1356, the interactive games would be taxed at 18% of adjusted gross revenue.
Both bills have been referred to the House Public Policy Committee for hearings, possibly as early as next week.
Rep. Alan Morrison, R-Brazil, sponsors House Bill 1337, and Rep. Doug Gutwein, R-Francesville, sponsors House Bill 1356.
As with all legislation, an iGaming bill would have to be approved in the House and Senate before being considered by Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb.
