Indiana sports wagering sees new monthly record in Nov., driven by football

Indiana set a new monthly sports betting record in November, as sportsbooks took $251.4 million in wagers, shattering the prior record of $230.9 million set in October by nearly 9%.

According to data released Thursday by the Indiana Gaming Commission, football bets accounted for nearly half the monthly handle in November, likely due to unusually strong seasons by Notre Dame and Indiana University, as well as the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, as reported by The Times of Northwest Indiana. 

"There really isn't any substitute in sports betting for a local team doing well, and Indiana is enjoying three at once," said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayIndiana.com. "And with both college and NBA basketball returning — a sport that enjoys particular interest in Indiana compared with most other legal jurisdictions — December really sets up to be another jump forward."
 
Forty-one percent of the statewide sports wagering handle was bet at East Chicago's Ameristar Casino, primarily through its affiliated DraftKings online sportsbook. The Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City captured 26% of the Indiana market in November, mostly through its association with the FanDuel online sports book.

Altogether, online and mobile sports wagers accounted for 85% of the total bets placed last month, up from 83% in October, data show.

Indiana also outpaced Colorado to reclaim its spot as the fifth-largest sports wagering market in the United States, behind only New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Illinois.

Things were less dynamic last month inside most Indiana casinos as increased COVID-19 safety precautions and new limits on entertainment, bars and restaurants dropped the statewide casino win to $148.2 million. That was an 11% decline compared to October, which was down 2% compared to September, and a year-over-year drop of nearly 17%.

The statewide results would have been even worse except the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond increased its monthly win by 17.5% in November compared to October, with nearly double the amount of money wagered on blackjack.

Steven Cox, Horseshoe vice president of finance, attributed the increase in part to "big VIP play" from individuals who like the odds at the Hammond casino, along with the casino's ability to accommodate them in private rooms. "Ever since this property became a Horseshoe we've been known for the biggest odds and the highest limits, and I will say we continue to take that big action here," Cox said.