Why Can't I Register a Sports Betting Account From App in Indiana?

Indiana has legalized sports betting, including via one's mobile device.  Residents will only be able to register with offshore sportsbooks from the comfort of their own home however.

Indiana residents will be able to place bets via their mobile devices and laptops from their home and anywhere else in the state but must first open an account at one of the state's casinos.  This is also the case in Nevada. 

The convenience factor will likely hurt to some degree.  For example, the closest casino to downtown Indianapolis is located in Shelbyville, 40 hours away.

While cities like South Bend and Gary have casinos, it's not a given all of the properties will be home to a sportsbook.

There is a certain percentage of the sports betting population that simply won't want to apply in person.

OnlinePokerReport.com writes:

Requiring people to visit a retail business to open an online account defeats the purpose of offering online wagering in the first place – convenience, market penetration and converting black market online sports bettors into white market online sports bettors.

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Sports bets are often made on a whim.  Suppose you're at a Super Bowl party and most of the participants are placing bets, nobody is running to the closest casino to register an account.

Other components of sports gambling in Indiana include: Customers must be 21 years of age or older and there will be no betting on High School or youth sporting events.  You will be able to place bets on Indiana's high-profile College Football and Basketball teams. 

- Mary Montgomery, Gambling911.com