Penn National Gaming expects to have one of the first operational sportsbooks in Indiana.
On Monday, Penn National Gaming announced that it expects to launch sports betting operations at Ameristar Casino East Chicago on 1 September.
Ameristar Casino East Chicago is a riverboat casino docked at Indiana Harbor on Lake Michigan.
In a press release, Timothy J. Wilmott, Penn National’s Chief Executive Officer said: “Penn National looks forward to opening a sportsbook and providing our customers with another great amenity at Ameristar Casino East Chicago.
“Indiana will soon become the 12th state to legalize sports betting following the repeal of the federal ban last year, and our patrons in Northwest Indiana can expect an incredible sports wagering experience at our facility.”
What will the sportsbook look like?
The sportsbook will be located near the casino’s entrance and the Stadium Sports Bar and Grill.
Ameristar Casino’s sportsbook will feature kiosks, ticket writer stations, a betting counter and a large odds board. The venue will also feature “numerous televisions” allowing patrons to watch events.
Matt Schuffert, General Manager at Ameristar Casino East Chicago, said: “Our customers are very excited to start wagering on sports. The passion for Indiana and Illinois sports teams runs deep in this region, and we look forward to becoming a destination for fans all year-round.”
The first sports wagers at the venue will be placed by Chicago Bears legends Mike Ditka and Devin Hester.
Sports betting in Indiana
Following the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), Indiana became the tenth state to legalize sports betting.
Sports betting in Indiana is set to go live from 1 September 2019, after Indiana’s Governor Eric Holcomb signed HB 1015 into law in May. The passage of this bill legalized both land-based and online sports wagering across the state. Bettors looking to wager online will be able to create an account remotely from anywhere within the state.
Under the state’s sports betting laws, sports betting licenses will cost $100,000 and must be renewed on a yearly basis for $50,000. Licensed casinos will be able to partner with up to three brands for online sports betting.
The state law sets a 9.5% tax on adjusted gross revenue and a portion of tax revenue will be allocated to combating problem gambling.
Since the bill was signed into law, the Indiana Gaming Commission has published its proposed sports betting regulations and published a list of sports that sportsbooks can accept bets on. The Commission is likely to finalize sports betting regulations at a meeting scheduled for 28 August.
Elsewhere in the US, sports betting went live in Iowa last week. The Hawkeye State became the first US jurisdiction to launch land-based and mobile betting simultaneously.
