Indiana Delays Decision on College Prop Betting

The NCAA’s request for Indiana to ban college prop betting isn’t going to be a straightforward decision.

Despite college sports’ governing body requesting that Indiana eliminate all player prop bets, Indiana opted to instead table the issue to September. The Indiana Gaming Commission said that it needs more time to study the issue, and plans to revisit it at its Sept. 24 meeting.

That gives Indiana sports bettors at least three weeks of the college football season to engage in college prop betting. Currently, Indiana allows a full slate of prop bets on college sporting events, and does not restrict bets on in-state teams. However, prop bets are only permitted before the game begins.

That’s not quite good enough for the NCAA, which makes its headquarters in Indianapolis. As sports betting has exploded, college athletes have found themselves targeted by unhappy sports bettors, with prop plays largely being the reason.

The NCAA has also found itself under fire recently regarding former Indiana quarterback Brendan Sorsby. While at Indiana, Sorsby made roughly 2,900 bets from June 2022 to December 2023, violating NCAA rules.

What Is the State of College Prop Betting in Indiana?

Indiana is one of the more permissive states for college sports betting. Initially, Indiana sportsbooks rarely offered college prop betting, but that changed as neighboring states started to legalize sports betting. Illinois, Kentucky and Michigan all allow college prop betting, and only Illinois offers any restrictions by blocking prop bets on in-state players.

Indiana has held firm on banning in-game player props. While that’s a common way for people to bet, it’s rare that someone will cross state lines to make a bet during the game.

Has the NCAA Tried This Elsewhere?

It has, and it wasn’t any more successful. In January, the NCAA asked Missouri to ban college prop betting from its newly-legalized sportsbook offerings. But the Missouri Gaming Commission voted 3-0 to reject the NCAA’s request, saying that it also needed more time to study the issue.

Indiana was the next logical choice, given the NCAA’s large presence in the Hoosier State. The NCAA just had the men’s basketball Final Four in Indianapolis, and its offices sit less than a mile from the Indiana state capitol building.

The NCAA does have upcoming championships scheduled to be played in Indianapolis. The 2028 women’s basketball Final Four and the 2029 men’s basketball Final Four are both scheduled to be played at Lucas Oil Stadium.

However, it seems unlikely the NCAA will threaten to move these events. After Missouri’s refusal, Kansas City remains on the schedule to host the 2027 men’s basketball Midwest Regional. Additionally, the 2028 men’s basketball Final Four is scheduled for Las Vegas.

How Likely Are New Restrictions on College Prop Betting?

It’s unclear. The Indiana Gaming Commission has full authority over sports betting in Indiana, barring a change to state law. Despite the NCAA’s request, it’s only that and carries no formal weight.

Over the next three months, the Gaming Commission will receive arguments from both sides. In-state colleges Butler, Indiana and Purdue have spoken out in favor of a ban, while the Sports Betting Alliance has said a ban would merely push prop bettors to offshore sportsbooks. As those books pay no taxes to the Hoosier State, that could cut into Indiana’s revenue.