Indiana Working Toward A ‘Full House' Of Online Sports Betting Options

Currently, there are three legitimate online sports betting options for those living in or visiting the Hoosier State. However, the number could potentially double by Super Bowl Sunday 2020 if Full House mobile sportsbook brands successfully launch as planned.

The Full House Resorts brand, the operator of the Rising Star Casino, has secured market access agreements with several sportsbook operators. These could all be operational in Indiana prior to February 2, 2020.

Which brands comprise the Full House mobile sportsbooks?

BetAmerica and BetBull are the two domestic brands. BetAmerica is a product of Churchill Downs, while Wynn Resorts operates BetBull.

The third operator, SBK Sportsbook, which is operated by European Smarkets, has been planning to enter the US market through Indiana for several months. This is an import.

Dan Lee, the CEO of Full House, has confirmed that all three brands are targeting Super Bowl Sunday 2020 for their launch, although no official date has been announced yet.

Lee states that all three are prepared to start taking bets from Indiana residents and visitors. The only obstacle that currently hinders them from doing so is the state’s regulatory approval.

Should the Indiana Gaming Commission grant full or partial approval before Feb. 2, 2020, the brands could potentially still choose that date for their launch. Following the start of the NFL season, the Super Bowl might offer the most favorable opportunity to advertise a new sports betting product.

However, there could be some advantage in preempting that event. Should all three products be released simultaneously, they risk undermining each other. Also, they could face unwelcome competition on that particular day.

PointsBet is also considering a Super Bowl Sunday launch.

In fact, another burgeoning brand in the legal sports betting industry has announced its intentions to use Super Bowl LIV as a launchpad.

PointsBet is currently waiting for regulatory approval in Indiana. Assuming it is granted, it’s possible that February 2, 2020, could be the first date that residents of Indiana are legally able to place their bets with this mobile book.

PointsBet has a market access deal with Penn National Gaming, which is not the case with BetAmerica, BetBull or SBK Sportsbook. Penn National is in charge of both the Ameristar East Chicago and the Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg.

It’s not certain which of Penn’s properties PointsBet would choose if it decides to pursue that course. The agreement between Penn and PointsBet doesn’t bind either side exclusively, meaning PointsBet has the option to partner with any casino in Indiana it prefers.

PointsBet is likely to utilize the existing market access deal. With DraftKings running its mobile sportsbook in Indiana under the Ameristar license, Hollywood appears to be an ideal location for the mobile brand.

The expanding online sports betting options in Indiana

If the IGC agrees with the plan, then anticipate a promotional event by Hollywood Casino on Super Bowl Sunday for PointsBet. If any of the three brands of Full House’s properties are approved in time, they will also have similar events.

Legal sports betting in Indiana could have a significant day on Super Bowl Sunday 2020. The number of legal mobile sportsbooks options could increase from three to possibly seven on that day.