Legal Online Sports Betting in the US – US Sports Betting Legal Tracker

Understanding the various state laws surrounding legal sports betting in the US can be complicated. Many states now allow sports betting, but there are still several where betting is technically illegal, and some others in a gray zone in between. But, regardless of the state you live in, you’ll still be able to bet at one of the many offshore sportsbooks found online.

Many of these offshore sportsbooks predate the existing legal online sportsbooks. They’re reputable, fair, and offer a variety of betting options on major sports. They also accept a host of payment methods – including cryptocurrency – and are open to everyone aged 18 and over. And just to reiterate, they’re open to bettors from every state in the US.

Best Legal Online Sports Betting Sites in the US

The confusion surrounding the US betting landscape is further compounded by the fact that some states allow in-person betting, others allow mobile betting, and some allow both, or indeed neither. So, when you’re in a new state – or even sometimes in your home state – it can be tough to work out whether you’re actually allowed to bet on sports.

Offshore betting sites rip away this layer of confusion and offer their services to everyone. Americans can bet on all their favorite sports at offshore sportsbooks and win real money. This can all be done without the hassle of having to think about the legality because offshore sportsbooks are based outside the US and thus don’t fall under the jurisdiction of US law.

Sports Betting in the USA

It used to be the case that there was a blanket ban on sports betting in the US, but that all changed in 2018, when the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). The result of this? States throughout the country were allowed to decide for themselves whether to permit gambling sites within their borders.

Some states, such as New Jersey, jumped aboard straight away, while others were more considered. Now, nearly four years after PASPA was repealed, 31 states allow sports betting in one form or another, and more states are expected to join in 2023. You can scroll down this page to see the status of sports betting in your state.

Playing at Offshore Sportsbooks

Offshore sportsbooks are available to players in all 50 US states, offering gambling opportunities to everyone aged 18 and over. But why should you choose to play at an offshore sportsbook? Well, there are a few good reasons listed below:

• Offshore betting sites are open to everyone aged 18+. Most regular sportsbooks require players to be at least 21.
• Offshore sports betting sites are legal to wager at in most US states.
• It’s possible to deposit and withdraw using many options, including cryptocurrency, which is usually omitted at legal sportsbooks.
• Offshore sportsbooks are always compatible with both desktop and mobile devices.
• You’ll be able to bet on sports 24/7 at all offshore sports betting sites.
• There are nearly always loads of bonuses and promotions, as offshore betting sites vie with each other for your custom.

How Does Sports Betting Work?

Betting on sports is exactly what it sounds like. You bet on sports events to earn money if the player or team you bet on wins (or, if you take the contrarian position, loses).

Bookmakers will select the markets for bettors to place wagers on, and bettors will see odds advertised for each event. You can bet on the outcome of a single game, tie multiple bets together into a parlay, or place prop bets on events that don’t directly affect a game’s outcome.

Is Sports Betting Legal in My State?

Looking to find the legal status of sports betting in your state? If so, use the table below to jump directly to the state you’re interested in.

Where is Sports Betting Legal Online?

• Sports betting is currently legal online in 24 States
• Sports betting can also be done in retail stores across 7 states
• In 2023, we could see an additional 8 states legalize sports betting
• 3 new states have been approved but are awaiting regulatory action

States with Legal Online Sports Betting

States without Legal Online Sports Betting

Alabama Sports Betting – In-State Crimson Red Betting by 2025?

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Illegal
• Possible action: Sports betting legislation is expected for 2023. But residents are likely to have to wait until at least 2025 before betting in Alabama is legalized.

Alabama does not currently allow sports betting in any form. However, there have been attempts to legalize Alabama sports betting, with the most recent coming in 2021. This attempt, called Senate Bill 319, failed to pass before the end of the legislative session.

There are hopes that the law will be loosened soon, with plans already made to introduce legislation in 2023. Should this legislation pass, the issue of legalizing sports betting in Alabama will be put to the public vote in November 2024. This means the earliest we’ll see the start of legal sports betting in Alabama is 2025.

Alaska Sports Betting – Sports Bettors Still out in the Cold…

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Illegal
• Possible action: State Governor Mike Dunleavy is understood to still be in favor of sports betting legislation, but no movement as yet.

There is no legal sports betting currently available in Alaska. There have been several pushes to legalize Alaska sports betting, with one of the most significant attempts made in 2008. A large majority of voters in Alaska voted against the measure.

There are some politicians currently exploring the possibility of legal sports betting in Alaska, including the state governor, Mike Dunleavy. He proposed bills to legalize betting in 2020, but they were scuppered by the pandemic. He is understood to still support legalization, meaning legal betting could come to Alaska at some point.

Arizona Sports Betting – Plenty of Options for Cardinals/Suns Fans

• Online betting: Legal
•  Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: April 2021

Legal sports betting was signed into law in Arizona by Gov. Doug Ducey in April 2021. This came after the governor managed to negotiate a new compact with tribes in Arizona, which permitted sports betting at tribal casinos. The law also permits online sports betting in the state.

With the legalization of Arizona sports betting, 20 betting licenses became available. Ten of these are to be associated with sports facilities or franchises, while the other ten are designated to tribes in the state. There are currently 12 online sportsbooks in the state, most of which also have affiliated retail sportsbooks.

Arkansas Sports Betting – Razor-backing your Favorite Sports Team is Easy in AR

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: November 2018

Both retail and online sports betting are legal in Arkansas. The decision to permit retail sports betting in Arkansas was made by voters in 2018 when they backed a referendum. Arkansas is now home to three retail sportsbooks, and there are plans to also offer sports betting at the Legends Resort & Casino, which is still under construction.

The Arkansas Racing Commission approved online sports betting in December 2021, when they amended casino gaming rules. These amended Arkansas sports betting rules still need to be approved by a legislative subcommittee, which could happen in the early part of 2023. An ARC spokesperson has stated that sports betting could be launched before the end of the year.

California Sports Betting – Offshore Still Rules the Golden State

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Illegal
• Possible action: Possible inclusion of sports betting legislation on the November 2022 ballot

Neither online nor retail sports betting is legal in California. However, if both were to become legal, California would almost certainly become the largest sports betting market in the US. California sports betting has been successfully blocked by several interested parties, including tribal casino owners, cardroom operators, and racetracks.

However, there are plans in place to legalize retail sports betting in California, as tribes in the state have filed a motion to legalize sports betting at their venues. The California Sports Wagering and Consumer Protection Act needs to collect 997,139 signatures before April 2022 in order to be added to November’s ballot.

Colorado Sports Betting – Avalanches of Bets Placed in the Rockies

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: November 2019

Colorado is one of the most sportsbook-friendly states in the country. Gov. Jared Polis signed a sports betting bill in May 2019, but support from voters was needed in order to legalize sports betting. This came in November 2019, when it was narrowly approved.

Licenses were granted to multiple operators after the vote and both retail and online sports betting commenced in May 2020. Since the launch, Colorado sports betting has surprised the many naysayers who perhaps didn’t expect betting to grow as quickly as it has.

Connecticut Sports Betting – All above Board in the Constitution State

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: September 2021

Sports betting is legal in Connecticut, both online and at retail venues. An agreement was reached with the state’s tribes in 2021 to permit legal sports betting. Following this, legal retail sports betting began at the state’s two tribal casinos, Foxwoods Resort Casino and the Mohegan Sun, in September 2021.

Online sports betting began in October 2021 and there are currently three different online sportsbooks for gamblers to choose from. Two of these Connecticut sports betting sites are in partnership with tribes, while the third is in partnership with the state lottery.

Delaware Sports Betting – Enjoy Legal Sports Betting in the Blue Hen State

• Online betting: Legal
•  Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: May 2018

Delaware was a trailblazer in terms of sports betting, as it was one of the few states to legally allow betting before PASPA was overturned, although only parlay wagering was permitted. After PASPA was overturned, single-game bets and futures bets were legalized. The state’s three casinos began taking bets in June 2018.

Online sports betting is also legal in Delaware, but there are no platforms currently offering it. This is because online Delaware sports betting has been deemed too expensive to launch. However, Delaware Lottery director Vernon Kirk has stated that several aspects of Delaware gambling need to be re-evaluated after the pandemic.

Florida Sports Betting – Any Rays of Hope for Sports Bettors in the Sunshine State?

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Illegal
• Possible action: After a brief stint of legal online sports betting in 2021, the practice is now once again banned in Florida pending further court rulings

To say the situation surrounding Florida sports betting is complex would be an understatement. Online and retail sports betting had looked to be legalized when the governor struck a deal for a new compact with the Florida Seminole Tribe. A Hard Rock app was even launched to allow Floridians to bet online.

However, in November 2021, a US federal judge came to the conclusion that the compact agreed by the governor and the Florida Seminole Tribe violated the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, thus halting sports betting in all forms in Florida. So, despite a brief foray into sports betting, it is now illegal both online and offline in the state.

Georgia Sports Betting – Some Possible Movement in 2023…

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Illegal
• Possible action: SB142 is expected to be back on the ballot in 2023…

Sports betting, both online and in land-based venues, is illegal in Georgia. However, there were two efforts to legalize sports betting in Georgia in 2021, both of which failed. SB 142 was the closest to succeeding and will almost certainly be reintroduced in the 2023 legislative session.

House Speaker David Ralston has also voiced his support for the relaxation of Georgia sports betting laws, asking whether the people of Georgia should be allowed to vote on the subject in a referendum.

Hawaii Sports Betting – Betting still Outlawed in Tua Nation

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Illegal
• Possible action: Some state lawmakers are pushing for legislation but nothing tangible to report at present

Hawaii is one of only two states without any forms of gambling at all, and this includes online and retail sports betting. However, there have been previous attempts to introduce legal sports betting to the state.

2020 saw two Hawaii sports betting bills, both of which were carried over from 2019. SB 2571 would have created a task force, which would investigate how much money legal sports betting could make the state, while HB 1107 would have created the Hawaii Sports Wagering Corporation to regulate and operate sports betting.

Idaho Sports Betting – Offshore Only for the Foreseeable Future

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Illegal
• Possible action: No action underway

You will not be able to legally bet on sports in Idaho, either online or in-person at a retail sportsbook. In fact, Idaho has been one of the least active states in terms of sports betting legalization, with no proposals from legislators for legal Idaho sports betting since PASPA was overturned.

With such a lack of interest in legalized sports betting in the state, it seems very unlikely that sports betting will be legalized any time soon. This means that those in Idaho will have to continue heading to neighboring states with legal gambling, or betting at offshore sportsbooks.

Illinois Sports Betting – Fields of Onshore & Offshore Options for Bears Fans

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: March 2020

Legal sports betting began in Illinois in March 2020 and the state has already become one of the three biggest betting markets in the US. Initially, betting was hampered by the requirement to sign up at land-based venues in order to bet online. However, this is no longer the case after the requirement was removed.

You’ll find that you can legally bet at seven casinos in Illinois, plus there is the opportunity for many more to open, including at sports facilities like Soldier Field and Wrigley Field. There are also currently six Illinois sports betting apps available to gamblers in the state.

Indiana Sports Betting – Bet on Matt Ryan & Co. with Ease in Indiana

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: May 2019

Sports betting in Indiana was legalized in May 2019, when Gov. Eric Holcomb signed HB 1015. This bill permitted retail and online betting at casinos and racinos, as well as some other specific venues. The law permitted betting on professional and college sports but did not allow for prop bets on college sports.

The first retail bet placed in Indiana was in September 2019, just four months after betting was legalized. Online sports betting followed less than a month later. There are now 14 retail premises offering betting, as well as 14 Indiana sports betting sites, with more due to launch.

Iowa Sports Betting – Legal… and Now you can Sign up at Home, too!

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: August 2019

Iowa pushed for legal sports betting even before the overturning of PASPA, and legal sports betting finally arrived in 2019 when Gov. Kim Reynolds signed SF 617 into law. This made both retail and online sports betting legal, although it did mandate that those looking to bet online had to register in person at a land-based casino. However, this requirement was discontinued in January 2021.

The Iowa sports betting law permitted all 19 existing casinos to offer sports betting in their venues, plus it allowed each licensee to manage two online skins. This means that there’s a maximum cap of 38 online casinos in Iowa – there are currently 17 in operation.

Kansas Sports Betting – Offshore Sites Still the Best Way to Wager on Mahomes & Co.

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Illegal
• Possible action: Enthusiasm from certain members of the senate, but no sports betting bill is likely to be signed while Laura Kelly governs the state

It is not currently possible to legally bet on sports in Kansas. The first push for legal betting came in 2020, but this was thwarted by the pandemic. However, legal Kansas sports betting came close in 2021, when the Senate passed a bill authorizing both retail and mobile betting. Unfortunately, this bill wasn’t passed by the House and stalled as the session came to a close in May.

The fact that fully legalized sports betting in Kansas was so close in 2021 means that many are optimistic about a deal being struck in 2022. However, any bill will have to get past the governor, who indicated she wouldn’t sign the 2021 bill if it had been passed by the House.

Kentucky Sports Betting – Fingers Crossed for 2023/2024…

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Illegal
• Possible action: Expect to see Rep. Adam Koenig try once again to pass a bill for legal sports betting in Kentucky in 2023

Currently, there is no legal online or retail sports betting offered in Kentucky. Legislation aimed at legalizing sports betting was presented to the General Assembly in 2020 and 2021, but there was not enough time to consider either proposal.

The same legislation is expected to be introduced again in 2023, by which time the state could be surrounded by neighboring states with legal betting. Rep. Adam Koenig, a long-time supporter of legal Kentucky sports betting, is expected to again lead the charge.

Louisiana Sports Betting – Fully Legal in Most Parishes

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: October 2021

Voters decided to permit legal sports betting in 55 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes in November 2020. During the 2021 legislative session, three bills concerning sports betting in Louisiana passed, including one that established 20 licenses – one for each state-regulated casino or racino. Each of these 20 license holders will be permitted two online skins.

The first retail sportsbooks opened in October 2021. It is hoped that online sports betting will be launched before the Super Bowl in 2023. Those parishes that voted against legal sports betting will be geofenced, meaning those within the parishes won’t be able to access Louisiana sports betting websites and apps.

Maine Sports Betting – Bill Remains on the Appropriations Table for 2023

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Illegal
• Possible action: Maine just needs Gov. Mills to pass the state sports betting bill which she is expected to pore over again in 2023

Despite many concerted efforts, sports betting is still not legal in Maine. In 2019, LD 553 was passed, but it was vetoed by Gov. Mills, who said that the bill was against the public interest. The Senate overturned the decision, but the House fell short of doing so.

2021 saw a new Maine sports betting bill, LD 1352, passed by both the Senate and the House. However, this time there was not enough time to iron out issues with tethering online sportsbooks to retail venues. Sports betting is still on the Appropriations Table, so could possibly be legalized sometime in 2023.

Maryland Sports Betting – Legal… but Offshore Rules Until Fall, 2023, at the Earliest

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: November 2021

Voters in Maryland approved the legalization of sports betting in November 2020. The first five retail licenses were approved in November 2021, and the first retail sportsbook opened in December 2021, at MGM National Harbor.

Despite being legal for over a year, the launch of online Maryland sports betting is still a long way off. John Martin, the director of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, has stated it won’t launch until at least fall 2023. It is being held up by a pending disparity study ordered in the sports betting bill.

Massachusetts Sports Betting – Celtics/Pats Fans Continue to Head Offshore

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Illegal
• Possible action: Senator Eric Lesser expected to push for legal sports betting in 2022

Despite many efforts from supporters, there is still no legal sports betting in Massachusetts. In 2019, multiple sports betting bills were tabled, without success. In 2020, the House attempted to combine legal sports betting with an economic development bill. This was passed by the House, but the sports betting aspect was rejected by the Senate.

The legislature once again tried to legalize sports betting in 2021. Nearly 20 bills relating to sports betting were introduced, and the House did pass a bill. However, there was no action by the Senate. State Senator Eric Lesser has said that the legalization of Massachusetts sports betting will be a priority in 2022.

Michigan Sports Betting – Back the Lions and Pistons (to lose) with Ease in Michigan

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: December 2019

The struggle to introduce legal sports betting in Michigan started even before PASPA was overturned by the Supreme Court. The first pieces of legislation were introduced in 2015 by Rep. Robert Kosowski. They stalled, but it was an early signal of intent.

Gamblers would have to wait until 2019 for legal Michigan sports betting when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the Lawful Sports Betting Act into law. This permitted the 26 casinos in the state to offer both retail and online sports betting. Retail sportsbooks opened in March 2020, while the first online sportsbooks opened in January 2021.

Minnesota Sports Betting – Timberwolves Fans still Heading Offshore to BetUS, XBet, etc.

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Illegal
• Possible action: Possibility of retail sports betting in 2022 or 2023 if the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association opts in

There has been much interest in legalizing sports betting in Minnesota, with five bills filed in 2021, but as yet, there has been no legalization. This is mainly due to objections from 11 tribes that own 19 casinos in the state, who are concerned that legal betting will impact their business.

It seems that the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association is warming to the idea of legal Minnesota sports betting, leading to the prospect of legal betting in 2022. However, it could be the case that any legal sports betting will only be retail at first.

Mississippi Sports Betting – Wager at Land-Based Casinos or Offshore in the Hospitality State

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Possible action: No new updates

Sports betting was legalized in Mississippi way back in 2017. The overturning of PASPA by the Supreme Court in 2018 allowed betting to begin, and the first retail sports betting outlets were opened in August 2018.

However, there is only very limited online Mississippi sports betting. In fact, gamblers can only place bets online if they’re within the boundaries of a land-based betting venue. A bill was introduced to legalize mobile sports betting in 2019, but it went without a hearing and failed.

Missouri Sports Betting – Will 2023 be the Year?

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Illegal
• Possible action: Another Missouri sports betting bill filed and set to be reviewed later in 2022

Several sports betting bills have been proposed in Missouri, including H 2320, S 1009, and H 2535. Unfortunately for gambling fans in the state, none of them have managed to gain significant traction within the legislature.

There has already been a bill filed in the state in 2023, which urges lawmakers to consider legal sports betting. This is the first sports betting bill of the year anywhere in the US. Professional sports teams are also pushing hard for legal Missouri sports betting, backing several ballot initiatives in the state.

Montana Sports Betting – For Now, Head Offshore or to Sports Bet Montana

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Possible action: No news regarding online sports betting

Legal sports betting was launched in Montana shortly before the pandemic shut down all major US sports. Montana sports betting was legalized back in 2019 when Gov. Steve Bullock signed HB 725 into law. It would then take just under a year to prepare for the launch of sports betting in the state.

It is legal to bet at one of many different retail establishments – there are around 2,000 authorized retailers currently. Mobile betting is only permitted when within the premises of a licensed retailer. It is not legal to bet on sports when away from a venue of this type. There is only one legal platform for online betting in Montana – Sports Bet Montana.

Nebraska Sports Betting – All Dressed Up with Nowhere to Go

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Possible action: Bureaucracy slowing down the building of retail betting sites but they are on the way. No news regarding online sportsbooks US in Nebraska, however – still illegal.

In November 2020, residents of Nebraska made their feelings on sports betting known, when they approved an amendment that permitted games of chance, including sports betting. This was then signed into law by Gov. Ricketts in May 2021. However, this only legalized retail sports betting, meaning online sports betting is still illegal in the state.

Despite being legal in Nebraska, there’s currently no way to bet legally in the state. This is because the state is taking a frustratingly long time to roll out legal sports betting. The Nebraska Gaming Commission is currently drawing up rules and regulations, with many expecting Nebraska sports betting to launch sometime in 2023.

Nevada Sports Betting – Painless Betting in the Silver State

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: 1949

Sports betting has been legal in Nevada since 1949, with venues allowed to offer betting even during the time of PASPA. Retail sports betting can be carried out at a huge number of venues, including in the casino resorts found on the Las Vegas Strip.

Online sports betting is also legal in Nevada, with the first Nevada sports betting app released in 2010. However, you might be surprised to find that it’s not the biggest online betting market in the US – that prize currently belongs to New Jersey. Unfortunately, anyone looking to bet online on sports in Nevada must sign up in person at a retail sportsbook.

New Hampshire Sports Betting – DraftKings Rules the Roost in the Granite State

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: July 2019

Sports betting was approved by the New Hampshire legislature in 2019 and was signed into law by the governor in the same year. The first bet was placed just before the end of the year. The new law allowed for both retail and mobile sports betting but prohibited betting on any collegiate teams from the state.

DraftKings has a monopoly over New Hampshire sports betting. They operate the only two retail sportsbooks, which are found at The Brook and Filotimo Casino, plus they operate the state’s only mobile platform.

New Jersey Sports Betting – The Sportsbook Gambling Capital of the US

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: June 2018

The largest sports betting market in the US, New Jersey has been a leader in legalized online sports betting and other gambling types. Legal New Jersey sports betting was signed into law in June 2018, just a few weeks after the Supreme Court struck down PASPA. This law legalized both retail and online sports betting.

Those in New Jersey are now permitted to bet at a range of retail venues, all of which are in Atlantic City. Each of these retail venues is allowed to have three online skins. However, gambling interest in NJ could decrease sharply soon, as New York begins to roll out legal sports betting.

New Mexico Sports Betting  – 5 Casinos Offer In-Person Betting

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Possible action: No action underway

The state of sports betting in The Land of Enchantment is very complex. Essentially, there is no law in place that legalizes New Mexico sports betting, but there’s also nothing in place to prevent tribal casinos in the state from offering it. So far, five tribal casinos in New Mexico have gone ahead and started offering sports betting in their venues.

Online betting in New Mexico is slightly simpler. It is not permitted to offer online betting in the state. The only way this could be circumvented is if a tribal casino introduced online betting, but that would have to be geofenced to only operate within the boundaries of the tribal property.

New York Sports Betting – Finally Legal Online as of January 2022!

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: 2013

The state of New York was viewed as a huge untapped resource by sports betting companies, and it now finally has both legal retail and online sportsbooks. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the bill legalizing online New York sports betting in 2021, as part of his budget legislation for 2022.

In-person betting, which is only available in a handful of casinos, went live in 2019, and the first online bets in the state were placed in January 2022. The range of online sportsbooks in New York is currently small but should increase significantly in the coming months. New York is now expected to quickly become the biggest market for sports betting in the country.

North Carolina Sports Betting – Online Betting Back on the Table Later in 2022

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Possible action: Legislative session regarding SB 688 will get back underway when House Commerce Committee resumes later this year

Legislation permitting retail North Carolina sports betting was passed in July 2019. However, there are only two sportsbooks open in the state, both of which are Caesars Sportsbooks. They are found at two Harrah’s casinos owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Attempts have been made to legalize online sports betting, with the latest being SB 688. This has moved through the North Carolina Senate and been approved by the House Commerce Committee. The 2021 legislative session then finished, but the bill is eligible to continue when the new legislative session begins.

North Dakota Sports Betting – Nothing Doing in the Peace Garden State – Head Offshore

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Illegal
• Possible action: Not even under consideration again until 2024

Despite various bills being introduced, both online and retail sports betting are illegal in North Dakota. Most recently, lawmakers in the state rejected a sports betting ballot, which would have seen a referendum on legalizing sports betting in 2022.

Now that lawmakers have voted not to put legal sports betting on the ballot in 2022, voters won’t get the chance to vote on the subject until 2024, at the earliest. This means that legal North Dakota sports betting is unlikely to be launched anytime before 2025.

Ohio Sports Betting – Multiple US Sportsbook Apps in the Works for Buckeyes Fans

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: December 2021

Legal sports betting was gained in Ohio when HB 29 was signed into law by Gov. DeWine in December 2021, with a deadline to launch sports betting in the state by January 2023. This law includes both retail and mobile sports betting.

HB 29 permits casinos, racinos, and sports teams to offer retail and mobile sports betting. Each will be permitted one mobile license, although two could be given if the applicant proves that an extra license for them would benefit the state’s economy. Up to 25 Ohio sports betting apps are permitted by HB 29.

Oklahoma Sports Betting – Supreme Court Continues to Quash US Sports Betting Sites

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Illegal
• Possible action: Possibility of retail betting late in 2022/early 2023 but no movement for online OK sportsbooks

Tribes in Oklahoma have tried several times to legalize sports betting in the state. There was some success in 2020 when two tribes reached an agreement with the governor over a new compact, which allowed them to offer sports betting. However, this compact was struck down by the Supreme Court and it seems that the two tribes will adhere to the court’s ruling.

A new bill seeking to legalize Oklahoma sports betting has recently been introduced but won’t be discussed until the legislature reconvenes on February 7, 2022. This states that if four or more casinos enter into new compacts, then sports betting will be permitted in the venues. However, the bill doesn’t seek to legalize mobile betting in Oklahoma.

Oregon Sports Betting – A State of Sports Betting Trail Blazers

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: August 2019

Oregon has had legal online and retail sports betting since 2019, but both are quite limited in their scope. It is possible to bet on all professional sports in the state, but Oregon sports betting law means that it’s illegal to bet on college sports.

Oregon sports betting legislation means that only tribal casinos are permitted to offer retail sports betting. Currently two casinos – The Mill and Chinook Winds – offer sports betting. When it comes to online sports betting, Oregon law states that only one app is permitted. This is the Scoreboard app, which is controlled by the Oregon Lottery.

Pennsylvania Sports Betting – Plenty of Options in the Keystone State

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: October 2018

Pennsylvania actually legalized sports betting in 2017, before the Supreme Court repealed PASPA. The first retail sportsbook opened in November 2018, once PASPA had been overturned. There are now 15 venues offering sports betting in Pennsylvania – 13 casinos and two off-track betting facilities.

The first online sports betting site in Pennsylvania opened in 2019. Now, every casino in the state, except Lady Luck Nemacolin, is associated with an online sportsbook. There are now 12 Pennsylvania sports betting sites.

Rhode Island Sports Betting – Legal… but Just the One Onshore Sportsbook to Date

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: June 2018

Retail betting was first authorized in June 2018, as part of Gov. Raimondo’s budget. However, gamblers in the state had to wait five months before Rhode Island sports betting began. There are now two retail sportsbooks in Rhode Island – Bally’s Twin River Lincoln and Bally’s Tiverton.

Mobile sports betting was legalized by Gov. Raimondo in March 2019. However, there’s only one mobile betting site, which is operated by the state’s lottery. It used to be that those looking to bet online had to register in person, but this requirement was removed in 2020, allowing gamblers to sign up for a betting account from anywhere within the state.

South Carolina Sports Betting – Still No Appetite for Sports Betting in the Palmetto State

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Illegal
• Possible action: No action underway

Sports betting in all forms is illegal in South Carolina. However, there have been several attempts to make sports betting legal, including one in 2017, before PASPA had been overturned. There was also an attempt to legalize commercial gaming in 2019, although this did not specifically include sports betting.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like legal South Carolina sports betting is going to come along any time soon. Unlike in many other states, there seems to be very little appetite from lawmakers to introduce sports betting legislation.

South Dakota Sports Betting – No Problems Placing Wagers Online

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Illegal
• Legal since: September 2021

Retail sports betting became legal in South Dakota in 2020 when the Deadwood Sports Betting Legalization Amendment was approved by voters. This allowed retail sports betting venues, but only in the city of Deadwood. The first bets were accepted in September 2021.

While retail betting is legal in Deadwood, it is not legal in any other part of the state. There is also no legal mobile South Dakota sports betting, and there doesn’t seem to be anything in the pipeline to suggest this will change any time soon.

Tennessee Sports Betting – Plenty of Online Options in the Land of the Titans

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Illegal
• Legal since: April 2019

Tennessee is one of two states with online betting, but without legal retail sports betting. Tennessee sports betting was legalized in April 2019 and the first bets were placed online in November of the same year.

As already mentioned, there is no retail sports betting available in Tennessee, and there are no plans to change this. Introducing retail sports betting in Tennessee would certainly have challenges, mainly as there are no casinos in the entire state.

Texas Sports Betting – Bet on the Cowboys/ Mavericks Offshore at BetOnline, Bovada, etc.

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Illegal
• Possible action: Potential opportunity to pass a sports betting bill in 2023…

It will come as no surprise to find that traditionally conservative Texas is yet to offer legal retail or online sports betting. However, there are supporters of Texas sports betting, including Rep. Dan Huberty, who thinks there’s an opportunity to pass sports betting in 2023.

As yet, there have been no serious attempts to legalize sports betting in Texas. However, sports betting companies have already started to agree deals with professional sports teams, as they look to take advantage if sports betting is legalized in the state. For example, bet365 has a deal with the San Antonio Spurs, allowing them to advertise at the AT&T Center, among other things.

Utah Sports Betting – Offshore Sportsbooks still the Best Bet for Jazz Fans

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Illegal
• Possible action: No action underway

Utah is a highly conservative state, with a large percentage of citizens following the Mormon religion. This means it’s not surprising to find that all forms of sports betting are illegal there. In fact, it is one of only two states without any form of legal gambling in place at all.

There was a tentative effort in 2019 to legalize betting on horse racing in Utah, but the bill died in committee. This was the closest the state has come to any form of legal betting. There were no efforts to legalize Utah sports betting in 2020 or 2021.

Vermont Sports Betting – No Movement in the Green Mountain State

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Illegal
• Possible action: No action underway

Currently, sports betting is illegal in Vermont. However, there have been previous attempts to introduce sports betting to the state. In 2019, H 484 was introduced by Rep. Thomas Burditt, which would have legalized both online and retail betting. This bill was never able to gain any momentum within the legislature.

2020 saw S 213 introduced, which would have legalized mobile-only sports betting. This bill would be read in a Senate committee but then stalled. S 59 was filed in March and was approved by the Senate. It is now in the House. This would create the Sports Betting Study Committee, which would study the best model for Vermont sports betting, which could in turn lead to legal betting.

Virginia Sports Betting – Easy to Wager Online & Sportsbook Casinos under Construction

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: April 2020

Both retail and online sports betting were legalized in Virginia by the legislature in April 2020. The launch of Virginia sports betting came in January 2021, when four different online sportsbooks began taking bets.

While legal, there are not currently any retail sports betting venues in Virginia. However, this is going to change, as several casinos are currently being constructed in the state. The law permits up to five casinos in the state, with individual cities allowed to vote on whether to have a casino within their borders. When the casinos open, they are all expected to offer sports betting facilities.

Washington Sports Betting – Wizards Fans should Head Offshore or to a State Casino to Bet

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Possible action: No action underway

In 2020, Washington sports betting was legalized, but the legislation only permitted retail sports betting in tribal casinos. Gaming compacts were renegotiated with Washington tribes in 2021, and these were approved at both state and federal levels shortly after. The first retail sportsbook opened in the Snoqualmie Casino in September 2021.

Mobile sports betting is technically legal in Washington, but this is only the case when the gambler is located within a casino’s boundaries. Those elsewhere in the state are unable to bet on sports using a desktop or mobile device.

Washington, D.C. Sports Betting – FanDuel Coming Soon!

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: May 2019

Sports betting was legalized in Washington, D.C. in May 2019. GambetDC took the city’s first bet. This Washington, D.C. sports betting app is operated by the DC Lottery and is the only app permitted to offer betting online throughout the city. There are two other online sportsbooks, but they are restricted to offering betting only in specific areas. FanDuel is launching soon.

Retail sports betting is permitted at four eligible stadiums: Audi Field, Capital One Arena, St. Elizabeth’s East Entertainment and Sports Arena, and Nationals Park. There are currently two retail sportsbooks in the city. Washington, D.C. sports betting can also be offered in bars, restaurants, and taverns, providing the correct license is held. There is currently only one sportsbook of this type in Washington, D.C.

West Virginia Sports Betting – Most Major Sportsbooks Available

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: March 2018

Sportsbooks were legalized in West Virginia way back in March 2018, with the West Virginia sports betting law becoming active when PASPA was repealed a couple of months later. The first bet at a retail sportsbook came in August of the same year.

Mobile betting also started in 2018, with the release of the BetLucky app. However, this only lasted for a few months. It would be August 2019 when mobile sports betting returned, with both FanDuel and DraftKings launching themselves in the state.

Wisconsin Sports Betting – Retail and Offshore Options

• Online betting: Illegal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Possible action: No action expected

Sports betting is legal in Wisconsin, but only just. This is because only two tribes are permitted to offer sports betting on their premises. They were allowed to do this after renegotiating their compacts with the state administration. Other tribes will also be looking to update their compacts and begin offering legal sports betting.

When it comes to mobile betting, there’s really been very little interest shown by legislators, and there have been no significant Wisconsin sports betting bills tabled. However, it is legal to bet online when on land belonging to a tribe permitted to offer sports betting, but no tribe has yet released a mobile sports betting app.

Wyoming Sports Betting – Big Selection Online; Less via Retail

• Online betting: Legal
• Retail betting: Legal
• Legal since: April 2021

Sports betting in Wyoming became legal in April 2021, when Gov. Gordon signed a Wyoming sports betting bill into law. This legalized online betting in the state and the first online sportsbooks in Wyoming opened in September 2021.

There are no retail sportsbooks in Wyoming, and this is because there are no commercial casinos in the state. However, there are four tribal casinos, which can all offer Class III gaming. This means that they’re legally allowed to offer sports betting if they choose to do so. Currently, Wyoming and Tennessee are the only states with online betting available but no retail betting.

FAQ

In what states is sports betting legal?

Sports betting is legal in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, West Virginia, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington DC, Wyoming, Maine and in states like Arkansas, Delaware, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin. Some states only allow you to bet in person at retail sports betting establishments but you can bet online at any of the offshore sports betting sites reviewed on this page.

How to make money betting on sports?

In order to get the greatest odds, bettors should check out several reliable sportsbooks and choose those with the best prices. Focus on small markets, set a budget, and stick to it; be disciplined, and keep tabs on your wagers and their final value.

Why is sports betting illegal?

Betting on sports isn’t illegal in every US state. In fact, in most states, it’s now entirely legal to wager on your favorite sports teams. In states where it is still illegal, this is usually because local officials deem the practice a negative one. Commonly cited reasons against sports betting include addiction issues and possible threats of corruption in sports.

What are units in sports betting?

In sports betting, the size of a wager is expressed in “units.” Since everyone has a different starting bankroll, the term “unit” is commonly used to denote a percentage of that bankroll.

What does the + and – mean in sports betting?

The odds or lines are marked with a “+” or “-” to indicate the favorite and underdog. The minus sign marks the favorites and the plus sign, the underdogs. This is true of all wagers, whether they involve moneylines, spreads, or point totals.

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