Governor Places Indiana's First Legal Sports Bet

As of September 1, you can legally bet on sporting events in Indiana.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb placed Indiana's first legal sports bets on Sunday, September 1, 2019. Photo via @GovHolcomb on Twitter.

(Shlebyville, Ind.) - Sports betting became legal in Indiana on Sunday, September 1.

Governor Eric Holcomb placed the first legal sports bet on Sunday at the Indiana Grand Racing & Casino in Shelbyville. Though the odds may not be in his favor of winning, the governor placed a $10 bet for the Indianapolis Colts to win the Super Bowl and a $10 bet for the Indiana Pacers to win the NBA Finals. He also bet $10 for the Indiana Fever to win their game against the Minnesota Lynx.

Holcomb tweeted that any winnings would be donated to the Indiana Canine Assist Network.

Sports betting also opened at Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg and Ameristar Casino in East Chicago.

Nearly all of Indiana's 13 casinos - including Rising Star Casino in Rising Sun and Belterra Casino Resort & Spa in Switzerland County - have applied to operate sportsbooks. They could begin operating later this month.

State lawmakers moved to legalize and tax sports betting this year following a 2018 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court declaring states had the authority to legalize the activity. The Indiana Gaming Commission voted last week to approve emergency rules regulating sports betting in the state. 

RELATED STORIES:

Indiana Gaming Commission Approves Sports Betting Regulations

Penn National Gaming: Sports Betting At Hollywood Casino L'burg Starts Sept. 1

Full House Resorts Expects Sportsbetting At Rising Star Casino This Fall

SEI Riverboat Casino Revenues Slide In '19 First Half

Indiana Gaming Commission Releases List Of Approved Events For Sports Betting

Governor Signs Law To Legalize Sports Betting, Casino Tax Changes That Could Harm Local Cities

More from Local News


Events

Home Fire on Ridge Avenue

Emergency services were called on scene at 1:48 p.m.

Missing 9-Year-Old Found Dead

The extensive search went on for two days.

Canaan Boy Dies, Parents Injured When Tree Falls on Home During Storm

A Go Fund Me account has been set up to help the family

Local Sports Report - March 14, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Former East Central Star Named NE10 Championship Most Outstanding Player

Hope Fox and the Southern Connecticut State Owls are a No. 1 seed heading into the DII Tourney.

SEI Hoops Stars Earn HBCA All-District Honors

Senior All-District players will be on the ballot for the All-Star Game in April.

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Mark Chesnutt - It's A Little Too Late

Lauren Alaina Getting Good 2:34
Josh Turner Your Man 2:30
Sam Hunt Make You Miss Me 2:26
George Strait Love Without End, Amen 2:23