Legal Horse Betting in Indiana
Take pleasure in betting on thoroughbred, quarter horse, and standardbred horse races in Indiana.
Since the 1800s, horse racing at county fairs has been a staple in Indiana.
Though numerous states legalized pari-mutuel betting early on, it was not until 1993 that the Hoosier State introduced a bill to legalize it. The first racetrack came into existence in 1994, and the first thoroughbred race allowing betting occurred the subsequent year.
Top Horse Wagering Websites in Indiana
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Currently, Indiana boasts a full schedule of racing events. Numerous opportunities are available for horse betting. You can take pleasure in simulcast races from different tracks nationwide at off-track betting (OTB) locations, wager online at certified US racing betting websites, or personally go to the racing tracks.
This page comprehensively discusses horse racing in Indiana. We start by highlighting the tracks, then proceed to detail OTB offices. We subsequently delve into legal betting sites and sportsbook apps. Further, we provide data on the significant races in the calendar and pivotal events in Indiana’s racing history.
Does Indiana legally allow betting on horse races?
In 1993, an act was passed to legalize pari-mutuel betting, and the first races involving betting took place the following year.
In Indiana, there are three legal methods for betting on horses. A brief summary of each is provided below, followed by a detailed explanation:
How to bet on horses in Indiana
- You have the option to place bets at either the Horseshoe Indianapolis or Hoosier Park racetracks. This is not limited to live events as both locations offer simulcast betting where live races from across the nation are broadcasted.
- OTB Locations: Besides the live and simulcast betting offered at Indiana racetracks, three off-track betting offices are also available in Indianapolis, Clarkesville, and New Haven. These venues provide the opportunity to enjoy a drink and a meal while placing your bets.
- Two out of three major legal horse racing betting platforms, FanDuel Racing and TVG, are accessible to residents of Indiana. They offer the facility to place bets on both domestic and international races online, through either desktop or mobile devices.
Indiana’s Major Horse Racetracks
Throughout the summer, country fairs are held and frequently showcase standardbred horse races. To experience the most exciting action, you should visit one of the two main racetracks. These include Hoosier Park in Anderson and the Horseshoe Indianapolis racetrack in Shelbyville. I will begin with a description of Horseshoe, as this racetrack is known for its thoroughbred racing.
1. Horseshoe Indianapolis Racecourse
Located in Shelbyville, approximately 30 minutes from Indianapolis, this venue is owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment. It holds a racing season that runs from April to October each year, featuring thoroughbred and quarter horse racing.
Horseshoe Indianapolis offers more than just racing, it’s a “racino” with a large casino that features over 2,000 slot machines, table games, and a poker room. In addition to gaming, it provides a variety of dining options and an entertainment complex that has been graced by many famous musicians.
Every year, the largest race is the Indiana Derby, a thoroughbred event that was relocated from Hoosier Park to Horseshoe in 2013. This competition lures many of the top 3-year-old racehorses with its $500,000 purse, all vying for the win over 8.5 furlongs on the dirt track.
Among the numerous “stakes” races are the Indiana Oaks (for fillies), Sagamore Sired Stakes, Shelby Crown Stakes, Horseshoe Indianapolis, and Crown Ambassador stakes. Not just for thoroughbreds, there are also major events for standardbred and quarter horse racing. The Breeders Crown Open Pace is the pinnacle event on the calendar.
Horseshoe Indianapolis information:
- USA, 46176 Shelbyville, IN, 4300 N. Michigan Road
- 1-877-386-4463
- www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis
- Open 24 hours
2. Hoosier Park racecourse
Another racecourse in Indiana can be found near Anderson, to the northeast of Indianapolis. This course no longer hosts thoroughbred races, but it does offer a full schedule of standardbred and harness racing.
This racetrack casino, which was purchased along with Horseshoe Indianapolis in 2018, is also owned by Caesars Entertainment. It has recently been renamed as Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing & Casino.
In addition to wagering on live action, you can also enjoy simulcast racing throughout the year, enabling you to place bets on races from across the nation. The live racing season runs from April through October.
In addition to the dirt racetrack, the site also features a bustling casino, an entertainment complex, and several restaurants.
The absence of thoroughbred racing signifies no prominent races, however, there are numerous “stakes” events for standardbred horses, such as the Dan Patch Stakes, boasting a purse of $300,000. The Breeders Crown, the pinnacle of the harness racing calendar, took place at Hoosier Park in 2017.
Hoosier Park information:
- 4500 Dan Patch Cir, Anderson, IN 46013
- 1-800-526-7223
- www.caesars.com/harrahs-hoosier-park
- Hours: Open 24 hours
Betting off track in Indiana
If you’re unable to attend the racetracks, you still have the option of betting on races from Indiana and numerous other states through Off Track Betting (OTB) venues. These OTBs are authorized to accept bets and broadcast live coverage of the races. Many OTB locations also offer dining and entertainment facilities.
Currently, in Indiana, there are three OTBs to choose from.
- The Winners Circle OTB in Clarksville markets itself as a Vegas-style lounge. This venue provides large screens for viewing the action, as well as individual smaller screens. It also offers a bar and food concessions. The lounge is open from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and on Fridays and Saturdays, it closes at midnight.
- The Winners Circle OTB is a downtown venue in Indianapolis that provides daily racing schedules and sports broadcasts. It also offers a betting facility for racing. Aside from that, there’s a pub and grill for food and drinks, and a members-only lounge called the Triple Crown Club. It is open from 11 a.m. to midnight from Sunday to Thursday, and until 1 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Located in New Haven, near Fort Wayne, the Winners Circle OTB offers a bar featuring a range of regular and craft beers. This venue is also home to a New Orleans-style restaurant, Voodoo BBQ & Grill. Its operating hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and up to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, which is shorter compared to other venues.
OTB on races nationwide is permitted at both Hoosier Park and Horseshoe Indianapolis racetracks, which also provide screens for simulcast racing.
Does Indiana allow legal online horse betting?
Currently, two US-based websites offer completely legal online horse betting for Indiana residents.
Although bill H 1015 recently established the framework for online sports betting in Indiana, online horse race betting in Indiana has been legal and regulated for several years.
Betting on these sites is equivalent to entering the pari-mutuel pools, just as you would when visiting the tracks or off-track betting venues.
Depositing and withdrawing can be carried out using standard bank cards and prevalent payment methods. You also have the opportunity to gain an advantage in your betting through complimentary results services and historical performance data.
Best horse betting site in Indiana
FanDuel Racing
Thanks to sports betting, several Hoosiers may already be familiar with the FanDuel brand. The company has been operational in Indiana since 2019 and has now introduced its racebook for the state’s bettors.
FanDuel Racing primarily concentrates on domestic races, however, there are ample opportunities to wager on international races as well.
Regardless of having an existing account with FanDuel racing, horse racing fans can benefit from a new offer. To leverage the racebook’s “$20 No Sweat Bet” deal, simply click the link at the top of this page.
The Historical Background of Horse Racing in Indiana
Despite Indiana’s tardiness in passing pari-mutuel betting laws, horse racing has a long-standing tradition in the state.
During the 1800s, standardbred and quarter (harness) racing were featured at the state fair and numerous smaller summer fairs. This was a popular pastime during a time when there were limited entertainment options available at home. However, there was no official method for placing bets on these races.
Those betting options would not become available again for a long time, with the Prohibition Era looming on the horizon.
The 1993 Riverboat Casinos Act was the initial move towards liberalizing gambling laws.
In addition to establishing casino licenses, this act legalized pari-mutuel betting. Hoosier Park, the first racetrack, was constructed and commenced operations on July 1, 1994.
Indiana Downs was inaugurated in 2002. The casino later rebranded to Indiana Grand, and most recently to Horseshoe Indianapolis. Both these tracks operate under the authority of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission.
The inaugural thoroughbred racing at Hoosier Park took place in 1995. Subsequent events such as the Indiana Derby and Oaks evolved into “stakes” races, drawing top-notch talent from across the nation, inclusive of Triple Crown winners.
Thoroughbred racing was relocated to Horseshoe Indianapolis in 2012. However, Hoosier Park continues to host a full schedule of standardbred and quarter horse races.
In 2007, both racetracks were granted permission to incorporate slots and table games. Presently, they are referred to as “racinos,” a term that signifies a combination of a racetrack, casino, and events center.
Horse betting in Indiana
Indiana residents have numerous options for betting on horse races, including two well-established and fully regulated online racebooks.
While a day spent at one of Indiana’s major racetracks is always thrilling, not all individuals reside near Indianapolis. However, there are off-track betting (OTB) venues scattered across the state. These venues offer the opportunity to enjoy food and beverages while wagering on races happening nationwide.