The options for Indiana bettors are set to expand significantly in a pivotal move. This week, two Barstool Indiana retail sportsbooks will commence operations.

The two Penn National Gaming properties will begin accepting in-person bets at their newly rebranded physical sportsbooks just ahead of the holiday season. However, the timeline for the launch of the online sportsbook is still unclear.

Information about the Barstool Indiana sportsbooks

The Ameristar East Chicago and the Hollywood Lawrenceburg casinos are operated by PNG. A press release states that the re-branded retail book at the Hollywood Lawrenceburg will open on Wednesday, Dec. 23.

The following day, the Ameristar’s sportsbook opens under the Barstool banner. The brick-and-mortar sportsbooks continue to offer the same amenities, such as multiple viewing screens and dining options.

Penn National’s Senior Vice President of Regional Operations, Rafael Verde, stated,

We are thrilled to announce the opening of our rebranded Barstool Sportsbooks. The fresh designs capture the essence of the Barstool Sports brand, creating distinctive sports betting and dining experiences that we believe our customers will immensely appreciate.

Bettors participating in PNG’s myChoice program will not only enjoy the amenities but also earn tier points for placing bets at either book. This marks the second state to introduce a Barstool Sportsbook, following its first launch in Pennsylvania.

Michigan is set to continue its progress. PNG intends to inaugurate a Barstool Sportbook at the Greektown Casino in Detroit this Wednesday too. Nonetheless, information about the online product is still sparse.

What about the online sportsbook?

The press statements didn’t reveal any fresh details regarding online betting. Both Barstool and PNG have remained relatively noncommittal in Indiana.

So far, the companies have only verified that the timeline is set for 2021. Barstool intends to be operational in all states that have legalized sports betting by the end of the following year. Therefore, it’s unclear if the Hoosier State is a high priority.

Indiana’s proximity to Chicago could potentially elevate its ranking. If Barstool can’t directly access Illinois, initiating their online platform in Indiana would be an ideal alternative.

If there are delays in launching online sports betting in Michigan, the same rule applies. Although Barstool might not be the only new online operator in Indiana in 2021, it potentially has the most robust following among the new brands.

This week, PNG is making a significant stride towards launching online in the Hoosier State by getting the retail books operational. This is a major task they can now check off their list.