Indiana Slashes Red Tape for Betting Firms

A Game-Changing Reform

Indiana is rolling out a major win for sports betting businesses, axing state licensing requirements for nearly 600 firms starting July 1.

Driven by Governor Mike Braun’s executive orders to cut “burdensome” regulations, the move targets companies like payment processors and marketing agencies that support betting operators but don’t handle wagers or player accounts.

Governor Braun’s push to eliminate “duplicative or anti-industry” rules prompted the commission to rethink its licensing framework.

Currently, about 600 firms, dubbed “sports wagering registrants,” hold licenses to provide goods and services to Indiana’s 13 sportsbooks, including Bet365 and FanDuel.

These firms, deemed “minimal risk” by regulators, are already covered by other state and federal laws, like payment processing standards or advertising rules. Scrapping licenses also drops annual fees, averaging $60,000 yearly over the past five years, freeing up cash for innovation.

Who’s Affected

The reform targets firms that don’t touch bets or player funds, unlike sportsbook operators who still need licenses. Think payment processors like PayPal, ensuring seamless deposits, or marketing firms crafting ads for Caesars Sportsbook.

“These companies are the backbone, not the face, of betting,” an analyst noted. By lifting licensing burdens, Indiana aims to lure more vendors, boosting a supply chain that supports $4.7 billion in annual betting handle.

This deregulation is set to spark a more dynamic betting scene in Indiana, where sports betting, legal since 2019. By easing costs for vendors, the commission expects lower overhead for sportsbooks, potentially leading to better odds or promos for players.