Sports betting has always been illegal in Indiana, but that hasn’t stopped people from illegally participating in the wagering of sports. Now that the NCAA has legalized sports gambling, it’s time to ensure that all our residents are aware of their rights and responsibilities.
The passage of the NCAA’s legislation comes with restrictions on where and how sportsbooks may operate. In particular, Indiana residents may only place bets at places that have an established presence in Indiana (i.e., a physical location) and may not use offshore betting sites due to security concerns. In addition, sportsbooks must be licensed in the state and are subject to extensive regulations – just like traditional gambling establishments.
It’s important to note that the NCAA legislation does not legalize sports gambling for minors. Children under the age of 18 cannot participate in any type of wagering activity. Parents and legal guardians must ensure that children don’t play at inappropriate times or places. They must also monitor their children’s Internet usage and limit their screen time. If you’re a parent or legal guardian and want to learn more, be sure to read our guide to Internet safety for children.
Even though the NCAA has legalized sports betting in Indiana, it doesn’t mean that all your personal gambling problems have been magically solved. The NCAA bill only addressed sportsbook betting. It doesn’t legalize other types of gambling or give players an opportunity to earn money from gaming. It also doesn’t change the fact that Indiana is still considered a ‘no’ jurisdiction for gambling issues by most legal gaming operators.
If you’re wondering when – or if – sports betting will be legalized in your state, it depends on where you live. Currently, the majority of U.S. states have outlawed sports betting, with the notable exception of Nevada.
The good news for Indiana residents is that the state is one of the most popular destinations for online sports betting. Bookmakers and casino sites alike have moved online to avoid having to navigate the complex laws and regulations that govern traditional brick-and-mortar sportsbooks. This has made it much easier for residents of Indiana to participate in online gambling.
How Does Online Gambling Work in Indiana?
Most online sports gambling platforms function in a similar way to other online casino games. Players can access them from any device that has an Internet connection, including laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. They can also be accessed through specialized software that’s compatible with various Internet browsers.
As with any other online casino game, players create an account with the service. They can then make wagers on various sporting events. The types of wagers available may vary by site but will generally include popular sports like football, baseball, and basketball as well as individual sports like golf and auto racing. In addition, some sites will allow players to make ‘Over/Under’ wagers on the outcome of a sports game as well as pick the winners of an event. These are just some of the available options.
Since 2005, the growth of online gambling in Indiana has been significant. According to figures from Newly launched gambling site GBetti, approximately 1.7 million of Indiana’s 3.9 million Internet users have gambled online. That’s approximately 47% of the state’s population who have taken part in some form of online gambling. It would seem that as more people in Indiana use the Internet, so too do they seek out ways to gamble online. Unfortunately for those who want to play at brick-and-mortar casinos, that option is now closed to them.
Many brick-and-mortar casinos have responded to the rise in online gambling by trying to replicate the experience of playing in a real casino. A few have even gone so far as to install state-of-the art gaming tables in an effort to give their customers the same thrill of gambling in a real casino. However, without the benefit of a gaming table and the skill of a pro dealer, it’s no surprise that these casinos frequently lose money. Even then, playing on a legitimate casino site can be difficult for residents of Indiana due to the state’s Internet gaming laws. These laws were put in place to prevent online gambling scams and ensure that players are who they say they are. Unfortunately, scammers have also taken advantage of players, trying to trick them into thinking that they’re playing on a legitimate site when in fact they’re on a scammer’s land. To avoid this, players must ensure that they’re staying on a trusted site. Some sites, like BTC Casino, allow players to verify their identities by confirming various information with ID documents. Others, like VeChain Casino, have opted to implement two-factor authentication, where players must input unique codes that are sent to their phones after logging in. This adds another layer of security.
What Are The Risks Associated With Online Gambling In Indiana?
The big risk associated with online gambling in Indiana is scams – from both fraudulent and incompetent operators. As we’ve established, the state does not allow online betting, so it’s not surprising that many scammers have chosen to take advantage of this fact. Some will set up shop right in your state and prey on unsuspecting users. Others will send emails from seemingly reputable brands, promising lucrative prizes or giving false reassurances about the legitimacy of the site. Still others will set up shop overseas, skimming off the profits from unsuspecting players.
As stated by the FBI – the authority on investigating and preventing fraud – “[f]raudsters will frequently set up shop in another state or country to take advantage of unsuspecting players.” The risks associated with online gambling are numerous and varied, but one thing is for sure – the scammers will continue to try and trick you.
There are also, of course, the risks associated with playing on an improper site. It’s important to remember that just because a site is reputable doesn’t mean that it’s safe to play on. Proper verification of identity, licensing, and security measures are all important, but it’s also important to remember that no site can guarantee that you won’t end up losing money. It’s all about risk versus reward.
The good news is that many sites have adopted a no-risk policy when it comes to mobile wagering. Instead of risking their own money, the sites only take a small percentage from your deposit when you make a wager. This ensures that you aren’t risking a lot of money without knowing what you’re doing. If you choose to play on a no-risk site, you can be sure that you’re playing on a legitimate one. Simply make sure that the site is properly licensed and accredited by the Gambling Commission of the United Kingdom.
If you live in Indiana and are looking for a way to gamble legally and safely, you’ve come to the right place. Be sure to check out our gambling legalization page for more information on how to legally participate in wagering activities in Indiana.