BetOnline is in a gray area in Indiana - not explicitly illegal for residents to use, but Indiana already has legal sports betting. The real question isn’t legality; it’s whether BetOnline makes sense when you have DraftKings, FanDuel, and a dozen other licensed options.
Sometimes it does.
Indiana’s Legal Sports Betting
Indiana legalized sports betting in September 2019. The market is mature:
Licensed operators:
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- BetMGM
- Caesars
- PointsBet
- And several others
What they offer:
- Mobile betting statewide
- Retail at casinos
- Full consumer protection
- Same-day withdrawals to bank
For most bettors, legal Indiana books are the obvious choice.
When BetOnline Still Makes Sense
But there are situations where offshore works better:
You’re a winning bettor getting limited.
Indiana books will limit you. DraftKings, FanDuel - they all profile accounts. Win consistently and your limits drop to $20.
BetOnline limits winners too, eventually. But it often takes longer, and their limits are usually higher.
You want poker.
Indiana’s legal books don’t have poker rooms. BetOnline runs the Chico Network with cash games and tournaments.
If you’re primarily a poker player who occasionally sports bets, BetOnline makes more sense than juggling separate accounts.
You want reduced juice.
Indiana books run standard -110 lines. BetOnline offers -105 on Tuesdays. For volume bettors, that juice difference adds up to thousands annually.
You want crypto payments.
Legal Indiana books don’t accept crypto. BetOnline does. If you prefer Bitcoin transactions and faster withdrawals, that matters.
The Regulatory Trade-off
Indiana’s regulated market offers:
- State gambling commission oversight
- Licensed operator requirements
- Consumer complaint process
- Responsible gambling tools
BetOnline offers:
- Costa Rica operation
- No US regulatory oversight
- Reputation-based trust
Most recreational bettors should use legal options. The consumer protection is real.
Sharp bettors who need higher limits and better prices might accept the trade-off.
Tax Implications
Another consideration:
Legal Indiana books:
- Report winnings to IRS
- W-2G for wins over certain thresholds
- Fully documented paper trail
BetOnline:
- No automatic US tax reporting
- You’re still legally required to report
- Many people don’t
This isn’t legal advice and I’m not telling you to evade taxes. Just noting the practical difference.
The Multi-Account Approach
Smart Indiana bettors often use both:
Legal books for:
- Deposit/withdrawal convenience
- Regular betting
- Parlays and promos
BetOnline for:
- Reduced juice days
- Poker sessions
- Lines shopping
Multiple accounts cost nothing and give optionality.
Why Not Just Use Legal Options?
The main arguments for sticking to regulated Indiana books:
- Consumer protection - Disputes can go to state regulators
- Banking convenience - Direct bank deposits and withdrawals
- Legal certainty - Fully licensed and legal
- Responsible gambling - Self-exclusion programs, limits
These are valid. For most recreational bettors in Indiana, legal is the right choice.
The offshore option exists for specific use cases where legal books fall short.
FAQ
Is BetOnline legal in Indiana?
Gray area. Indiana doesn’t prohibit residents from using offshore books, but the state has full legal sports betting. Most Indiana bettors use licensed operators.
Why would I use BetOnline when Indiana has legal sports betting?
Reduced juice Tuesdays, poker availability, higher limits for winning bettors, or crypto payment preference. Most recreational bettors don’t need BetOnline.
Do Indiana legal sportsbooks report to the IRS?
Yes. Licensed operators report significant winnings to the IRS. Offshore books don’t, though you’re still legally required to report gambling income.
Can I have accounts at both Indiana sportsbooks and BetOnline?
Yes. There’s no rule against having multiple sportsbook accounts. Many serious bettors maintain accounts at several books for line shopping.