Where Are Sportsbooks Legal in the US?
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By
Alex Davies
- Last Updated:
Sports betting in the United States has seen rapid growth since the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. This decision allowed individual states to determine their own sports betting laws, resulting in a patchwork of regulations across the country. While some states have fully embraced both online and retail sportsbooks, others limit betting options or continue to prohibit it entirely. Understanding where sports betting is legal is essential for players seeking safe and compliant platforms to place their bets. This guide breaks down the legal landscape, state-by-state, to help you navigate the ever-changing world of US sports betting.
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+18 Play responsibly. Gambling can be addictive. Terms and conditions apply. For new customers only.
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+18 Play responsibly. Gambling can be addictive. Terms and conditions apply. For new customers only.
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+18 Play responsibly. Gambling can be addictive. Terms and conditions apply. For new customers only.
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+18 Play responsibly. Gambling can be addictive. Terms and conditions apply. For new customers only.
5
+18 Play responsibly. Gambling can be addictive. Terms and conditions apply. For new customers only.
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+18 Play responsibly. Gambling can be addictive. Terms and conditions apply. For new customers only.
7
+18 Play responsibly. Gambling can be addictive. Terms and conditions apply. For new customers only.
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+18 Play responsibly. Gambling can be addictive. Terms and conditions apply. For new customers only.
9
+18 Play responsibly. Gambling can be addictive. Terms and conditions apply. For new customers only.
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+18 Play responsibly. Gambling can be addictive. Terms and conditions apply. For new customers only.
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+18 Play responsibly. Gambling can be addictive. Terms and conditions apply. For new customers only.
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+18 Play responsibly. Gambling can be addictive. Terms and conditions apply. For new customers only.
Discover the States Where Sports Betting Is Legal
The landscape of sports betting in the United States varies greatly by state, with each region setting its own rules and regulations. From pioneers like New Jersey and Nevada to newer markets like New York and Arizona, the availability of legal sports betting continues to grow. This list highlights the states where you can legally place your bets, showcasing the unique features and options each market offers. Whether you prefer retail sportsbooks, online platforms, or a combination of both, this guide will help you explore the legal sports betting opportunities across the US.
- New Jersey – A pioneer in legal sports betting, offering retail and online sportsbooks with a wide variety of betting markets.
- Nevada – The original hub for legal sports betting, known for its extensive options and iconic sportsbooks in Las Vegas.
- Pennsylvania – A rapidly growing market with both retail and online sports betting, catering to a diverse audience of players.
- Colorado – A progressive state in sports betting, offering numerous online sportsbooks with competitive odds and promotions.
- Illinois – A booming sports betting state with retail and online platforms, providing seamless betting experiences.
- Indiana – Known for its user-friendly online platforms and thriving retail sportsbooks, offering great opportunities for bettors.
- Tennessee – The first state to legalize online-only sports betting, providing easy access to sportsbooks across the state.
- Iowa – Offers both retail and online sportsbooks, catering to residents and visitors with a wide range of betting options.
- Virginia – Features a robust online sports betting market, attracting players with competitive odds and bonuses.
- Michigan – Boasts a flourishing sports betting scene with both retail and online options available to players statewide.
- Arizona – Combines online and retail sports betting, offering a seamless experience for sports fans across the state.
- New York – Recently legalized online sports betting, quickly becoming one of the largest markets in the country.
- West Virginia – Among the early adopters of sports betting, offering both retail and online platforms for a convenient experience.
- Oregon – Features a state-run sportsbook and limited retail betting options for residents and visitors.
- Mississippi – Allows sports betting at retail locations, with online betting limited to onsite sportsbooks.
- Arkansas – Recently introduced online sports betting to complement its retail sportsbook offerings.
- Louisiana – Offers a mix of online and retail sportsbooks, making it one of the most accessible markets in the South.
- Rhode Island – Provides a state-run sportsbook with both online and retail options for players statewide.
- Washington, D.C. – Features a unique sports betting model with a city-run platform and partnerships with retail locations.
- New Hampshire – Offers a state-run sportsbook for online and retail betting with competitive odds and bonuses.
- Wyoming – A trailblazer in adopting mobile sports betting, offering seamless access to sportsbooks statewide.
- Connecticut – Combines retail and online sports betting options, catering to players across the state.
- Montana – Features a state-run sportsbook available at retail locations, providing basic sports betting options.
An Overview of Sports Betting Legislation in the US
History of Sports Betting in the US
Discover how sports betting has evolved through key milestones and legislation in the United States.
Key Milestones in Sports Betting Legislation
- Pre-PASPA Era (Pre-1992): Sports betting was largely unregulated and limited to specific states like Nevada.
- PASPA (1992): The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act effectively banned sports betting nationwide, except for a few states.
- Repeal of PASPA (2018): The Supreme Court struck down PASPA, empowering states to create their own sports betting laws.
Federal Laws Governing Sports Betting
The Wire Act of 1961
Prohibits the use of wire communications for interstate gambling, impacting online sports betting across state lines.
Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA)
Passed in 2006, UIGEA targets financial transactions related to illegal online gambling but does not outlaw sports betting directly.
State-by-State Overview
| State | Status |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | Fully Legal |
| Mississippi | Partially Legal (on-premises only) |
| Utah | Prohibited |
Land-Based vs. Online Sports Betting
| Aspect | Land-Based | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | Less Strict | Stricter to Prevent Fraud |
| Access | Location-Specific | Available Anywhere |
| Demographics | Older Audiences | Younger Audiences |
Taxes and Revenue Distribution
Sports betting generates substantial tax revenue, funding public services like education, infrastructure, and healthcare.
- New Jersey: Over $100 million annually for state programs.
- Colorado: A portion goes to water conservation initiatives.
🎯 How to Stay Compliant as a Bettor
Ensuring a safe and legal betting experience is essential for every bettor. Here’s how to stay compliant:
🗺️ Know Your State’s Laws Before Betting
Understanding the legal landscape where you live is the first step. Research local laws on government websites or reliable resources, know any specific restrictions (like betting on college sports), and avoid using VPNs to bypass regional restrictions, as this could violate laws and sportsbook policies.
🛡️ Use Licensed Platforms and Sportsbooks
Betting on licensed platforms protects your funds and personal data. Always verify that a sportsbook is licensed by a trusted authority like the UK Gambling Commission or Malta Gaming Authority. Avoid unregulated sites, no matter how tempting their bonuses, and read user reviews to ensure transparency and reliability.
🔔 Stay Informed About Legislative Changes
Laws around betting can change quickly. Subscribe to newsletters from regulatory bodies or betting news websites, join online communities where updates are shared, and monitor sportsbook announcements for changes that may impact your region.
✅ Additional Tips
Make sure you meet the legal age requirements to bet, practice responsible gambling to keep your habits healthy, and stay informed about tax obligations on your winnings to avoid legal or financial issues.
By following these steps, you’ll enjoy a safer and fully compliant betting experience! 🎉
Top Online Casinos Available in the U.S. – Legal Options by State
Below is a curated list of online casinos, offering a variety of games and bonuses. However, the availability and legality of these platforms depend on your state. Always check your state’s online gambling regulations before signing up.
- Wild Casino – Offers over 250 games, including slots, roulette, blackjack, video poker, and live dealer options.
- Lucky Creek – An online casino where players can enjoy slots, table games, video poker, and live dealer games 24/7.
- Black Lotus – Established in 2011, featuring a variety of casino and slot games from reputable providers, with unique bonus codes.
- BetOnline – A comprehensive platform offering casino games, sports betting, and poker, known for its reliability and variety.
- SuperSlots – Provides a wide selection of slot games, table games, and live dealer options, catering to diverse player preferences.
- Raging Bull – Features a generous new player bonus, offering up to $2,500 in bonus funds and 50 free spins on the first deposit.
- Dreams Casino – Offers a variety of casino games, including slots and table games, with attractive bonuses for new players.
- Everygame – Formerly known as Intertops, provides a comprehensive gaming experience with casino games, sports betting, and poker.
- Big Dollar – Known for its extensive selection of slot games from Saucify, featuring unique themes and substantial progressive jackpots.
- BetWhale – An online casino offering a variety of games and betting options, aiming to provide a user-friendly gaming experience.
- Bovada – A popular platform for sports betting, casino games, and poker, renowned for its user-friendly interface and reliability.
- High Roller – Caters to high-stakes players with a selection of premium casino games and exclusive bonuses tailored for VIP members.
Compare the Best Book Offers and Promo Codes
Is Sports Betting Legal in My State?
Sports betting legality varies across the United States, with each state holding the authority to decide its own laws. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the current legal landscape, highlighting states where sports betting is legal, restricted, or entirely prohibited.
🎉 States Where Sports Betting is Fully Legal
In these states, both online and in-person sports betting are allowed, often regulated by state-licensed platforms or sportsbooks:
- New Jersey
- Nevada
- Pennsylvania
- Michigan
- Colorado
- Virginia
- Arizona
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Tennessee
- New York
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
⚠️ States With Limited Sports Betting
Some states permit sports betting but have restrictions, such as limited availability at tribal casinos or prohibiting online platforms:
- North Carolina (Tribal casinos only)
- New Mexico (Tribal casinos under gaming compacts)
- Washington (Retail tribal locations only)
- Mississippi (On-site betting at licensed casinos)
⏳ States Where Sports Betting is Legal but Not Yet Operational
In certain states, sports betting is legal, but sportsbooks are not yet active due to pending regulations or infrastructure setup:
- Ohio
- Maine
- Nebraska
- Florida (Currently under legal review)
🚫 States Where Sports Betting is Illegal
Sports betting remains prohibited in these states, either due to explicit bans or lack of legislative action:
- Utah (Complete prohibition due to state values)
- Hawaii
- Alaska
- Idaho
5. States With Ambiguous or Unclear Legal Status
These states have ongoing legislative debates or unclear regulatory frameworks:
- California (Pending tribal vs. commercial dispute resolution)
- Texas (Proposals under consideration but no laws passed)
- Georgia
How to Determine Legality in Your State
To check whether sports betting is legal where you live:
- Visit your state’s official gaming commission website.
- Look for updates on pending legislation through reputable sources like ESPN or legislative tracking websites.
- Consult with local attorneys specializing in gaming law for personalized advice.
Key Considerations:
- Always ensure you are using licensed platforms in states where online sports betting is permitted.
- Be aware of age restrictions, which typically require bettors to be 21 or older.
- Understand the tax obligations in your state for any winnings.
FAQs
Is online sports betting legal in all US states?
No, online sports betting is only legal in certain states, such as New Jersey and Michigan.
What is PASPA?
PASPA was a federal law banning sports betting, repealed in 2018 to allow states to legalize it.
Are there federal taxes on sports betting winnings?
Yes, sports betting winnings are subject to federal income tax.
How do states use sports betting revenue?
States allocate revenue to various programs, including education, infrastructure, and healthcare.
Can tribes operate sports betting independently?
Tribes can negotiate compacts with states, allowing them to offer sports betting on tribal lands.
What are the penalties for illegal sports betting?
Penalties vary by state and may include fines, imprisonment, or both.
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