Indiana sees nearly half-billion-dollar sports betting handle in November, coming close to breaking its own record

During an action-packed month, where sports fans enjoyed football, basketball and the first half of the FIFA World Cup, Indiana saw nearly a half-billion dollars on sports bets in November, coming close to breaking the all-time monthly record in the state. 

Data released Monday by the Indiana Gaming Commission showed the state’s casinos and their online sports wagering affiliates handled $452.3 million last month, missing by just 10% the all-time monthly record of $500 million set in January. 

Play Indiana’s analyst Jake Garza explained that, after adding last month’s numbers to the pile, Indiana gamblers have officially placed more than $10 billion worth of wagers since betting began in 2019. "An incredible milestone for the state’s market, which shows just how much Hoosiers love to bet on sports," he said.

November's numbers led to revenue of $40 million, of which $3.8 million was paid to the state. Football was the top sport for wagers, accounting for about 30% of all bets. It was followed closely by basketball and multi-game or multi-sport “parlay” bets that comprised approximately 28% of wagers. 

According to the regulator, Ameristar Casino in East Chicago had the highest sports wagering handle for November, with $148.5 million, 33% of the statewide total, primarily through its online DraftKings affiliate. Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City came in second with $141.6 million, mostly through its online FanDuel affiliate.  

In-person sports bets at Northwest Indiana casinos were highest in November at Ameristar with $4.6 million, followed by Horseshoe Casino in Hammond at $2.1 million, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary at $1.2 million, and $610,000 at Blue Chip, records show.

Even though Indiana nearly set a new monthly record for sports gaming, the state collected significantly more wagering tax revenue in November from bets placed at table games and slot machines in the state’s 12 commercial casinos. Hard Rock saw the most handle with $45.7 million in table game play. Hard Rock also ranked first in the state for slot machine play, with $235.5 million.

Back in October, it was announced that tax revenue generated for gambling in Indiana exceeded $1 billion during the 2022 state budget year, marking the first time in a decade. In all forms of gambling combined, the state government collected $1.04 billion between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, which marks an 8% increase from $958.3 million during the 2021 budget year.