Where Is Online Sports Betting Legal in the USA?

The U.S. legal sports betting industry is now a multi-billion dollar industry that has generated almost $2.5 billion in tax revenue for the states involved.

That new revenue was made possible by a $186 billion industry that was born in May 2018.

About half a decade ago the Supreme Court overturned PASPA and gave every state the right to legalize, regulate, and tax an activity that residents were already partaking in, albeit illegally via unregulated offshore sportsbooks and illicit bookies.

So far, more than 30 states as well as Washington D.C. have made sports betting legal in some way – some offering only a mobile option, others just retail, while most give residents both options to choose from.

This new successful industry is growing, and each state’s legal sports betting market is continually evolving so we have compiled a list of all fifty states plus D.C. with the updated status of each.

Some states have considered a legal market and failed to enact it legislatively while others have opposed the venture from the start due to moral reasons or complex (and legally binding) relationships with various native tribes.

What States Have Legal Online Sports Betting?

WSN is committed to helping US sports bettors find the best online betting sites, best bonuses, and the best odds and it all starts with finding you a safe and secure place to play.

In our state by state sports betting guides, we dig into where you can make legal online sports wagers including the states’ current and past sports gambling laws and what to expect in the future.

Our guides include:

• The current legal status of online sports betting.
• History of sports betting in the state.
• The best sites and land-based casinos that accept sports bets.
• Predictions about the state’s future sports betting options.

If your state already allows sports betting, check out our guide before you sign up for an account to get tons of valuable information. If your state doesn’t allow it yet, keep an eye on your state’s guide for important developments that will pave the way to regulation in the near future.

We highly recommend waiting for your state to introduce legal and regulated online sports betting before you place real money wagers. While it’s technically not illegal for US citizens to make bets with unregulated offshore casinos, there are many risks associated with doing so.

Safe and regulated sports gambling is either coming to your state soon or it’s already there and by sticking to licensed sites you’ll make sure your money and personal information are 100% secure.

Alabama

Not legal, casinos, no lottery

There is no legal sports gambling market in the state of Alabama though it is not for a lack of trying, with related bills being introduced to the state legislature during the last three sessions, though none made it through both chambers.

State lawmakers are no doubt paying attention to the growing U.S. legal market that includes two of Alabama’s neighbors – Tennessee where there is a mobile option and Mississippi where it’s in-person betting only – with those who live near the border able to cross over to place their legal sports bets.

The 2023 regular session for the Alabama legislative body convenes in March and does not adjourn until the middle of June, so expect at least further debate on this contentious issue that so far has no place in the Heart of Dixie.

Check out our Alabama sports betting page for more information.

Alaska            

Not legal, casinos, bingo halls, no lottery

If you live in Alaska chances are you are already a gambler on some level. As far as sports betting goes, however, there are no legal options in that state, although there are ten tribal casinos, bingo halls, and pari-mutuel facilities that are spread across nine cities throughout the gigantic state.

Working against Alaska in terms of legalizing sports gambling there are three major factors that are not going to change anytime soon:

• land mass, as in it’s the largest state by far in the U.S.

• lack of population – with just 734k people, it’s ranks 49th in size of citizenry.

• zero pro sports teams – there is no local support for any of the leagues.

Currently there is a sports betting bill sitting in front of the House Labor and Commerce Committee and that legislative body reconvenes in January and meets until mid-May.

Take a look at our Alaska sports betting guide.

Arizona           

Mobile and retail betting legal, casinos, lottery

On April 12th, 2021, the Arizona senate passed HB 2772 by a 23-6 margin which paved the way for both online and retail sports betting in the state. It has been legal to bet on sports in Arizona since September 2021 and now 18 online sportsbook operate mobile markets there while tribal casinos handle most of the retail action.

So far, the 14th most populous state (7.4 million residents) has generated a reported $6.6 billion handle which has resulted in $527 million in sportsbook revenue and $277.2 million in tax revenue for the state.

Currently there are five pro teams from the major U.S. leagues:

• Arizona Cardinals, NFL

• Arizona Diamondbacks, MLB

• Phoenix Suns, NBA

• Arizona Coyotes, NHL

• Phoenix Mercury, WNBA

Those team venues allow for in-person betting at kiosks with access to participating sportsbooks such as DraftKings, Caesars Sportsbook, BetMGM, and others.

More information can be found in our Arizona sports betting guide, and you can find all of the Arizona sportsbook bonuses here.

Arkansas        

Mobile and retail betting legal, casinos, lottery

It is legal to bet on sports in Arkansas, with the retail option launching there after the state’s Racing Commission voted In December 2021 to expand the existing sports betting regulations to allow for mobile sports betting there.

The mobile sports betting market in Arkansas didn’t officially launch until March 7, 2022, after a revenue sharing rule change allowed for it, though its steep 51% rate has since kept the major online sportsbooks away.

By the start of 2023, that Arkansas legal sports betting market has generated an almost $300 million handle which has created $32 million in sportsbook revenue which has resulted in $4.4 million in tax revenue for the state. Arkansas has just over 3 million residents and is the 34th most populated state in the U.S.

There are no major professional sports teams in Arkansas, with no plans in effect to get one. That state is home to many minor league teams including two hockey teams – the Glacier Cats and River Blades.

Find out more in our Arkansas sports betting guide.

California       

Not legal, casinos, lottery

The state of California came close to legalizing sports betting for residents in November 2022, but the voters turned down both propositions due to their effects on the native population who via casinos currently control the gaming market there.

The sports betting issue might have to wait until 2024 to be addressed, with the outside operators, state lawmakers, and tribal representatives still having to figure out what works best for those involved. Another option would be to propose a change in the state’s constitution, a tricky and time consuming route.

There is a lottery in California which began in October 1985 after voters approved the California State Lottery Act of 1984. It includes number draws, scratch cards and a mock horse race, with revenue providing supplementary funding for public education.

The state of California is currently home to 21 major professional sports franchises, which is far more than any other US state. It also ranks as the most populous U.S. state (39 million) so the potential legal sports betting market there is predicted to be lucrative.

Stay up-to-date with on the latest movements in our California sports betting guide.

Colorado        

Mobile and retail legal, casinos, lottery

Legal sports betting launched in Colorado on May 1, 2020, and their law stipulates that sports wagers must be placed with authorized legal sportsbooks and operators. That combined market has since generated a $9.7 billion handle which has created $637 million in sportsbook revenue which has amounted to $31.7 million in tax revenue for the state.

Colorado has 5.8 million residents and is the 21st most populated U.S. state, with a great deal of those Copper State citizens fans of one of the four major pro teams that make their homes there:

• Denver Broncos, NFL

• Denver Nuggets, NBA

• Colorado Rockies, MLB

• Colorado Rapids, MLS

There are over 30 casinos in the state of Colorado and most of them have a license to offer sports wagers to guests, each partnered with one of the many authorized sportsbooks that currently do business there.

Check out our Colorado sports betting guide and grab a Colorado sports betting bonus when signing up.

Connecticut  

Mobile and retail legal, casinos, lottery

Residents of Connecticut have enjoyed legal sports betting since Governor Ned Lamont struck a deal with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes in May 2021. That gave the tribes and the state lottery the right to offer retail and online sports betting. The state started taking retail bets in October that same year with the mobile market launching soon after.

As of the start of 2023, Connecticut’s legal sports market has generated a $1.9 billion handle which has created $163 billion in sportsbook revenue which has provided the state with over $16.5 million in tax income.

Connecticut has just over 3.6 million residents making it the 29th most populous state in the U.S. and it is home to several pro teams including the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun and the Bridgeport Islanders hockey team that plays in the American Hockey League (AHL).

Read more in our Connecticut sports betting guide.

Delaware        

Legal, retail only, no mobile, racinos, lottery

Give Delaware props for becoming the first state besides Nevada to launch a legal sports betting market in June 2018, just a month after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned PASPA, but residents there can only place bets in person at one of the three retail sportsbooks operating there. The state’s lottery regulates those available sites.

Only allowing in person betting could help explain the state’s relatively low numbers given how long that market has been live, so far having generated just over a $487 million handle which has created $72.4 million in sportsbook revenue and $47.7 million in tax revenue.

Delaware is the 46th most populated state in the U.S. with just over a million residents and no pro sports teams or competitive college teams to bet on.

Find all the information you need in our Delaware sports betting guide.

Florida            

On hold, unlikely to launch any time soon, casinos, lottery

The state of Florida launched a legal sports betting market for a brief month between November and December 2021. However, once a federal judge ruled against an agreement between the state and the Seminole Tribe that gave them sole control over that market, that operation was put on a temporary hold. Legal red tape has caused all forward progress there to halt.

Now the Tribe has stopped paying Florida for what it can no longer do. An effort to get the sports betting issue on the ballot last year failed despite almost $37 million in contributions from sportsbooks.

Florida is the third most populous state with 22.2 million residents, and they enjoy multiple pro sports teams there including three NFL teams, two MLB teams, two NBA teams, two NHL teams, two MLS teams, and one Women's Soccer team.

Check out our Florida sports betting page for everything you need to know.

Georgia          

Not legal, no casinos, lottery

There is no legal sports betting in Georgia despite a brief and failed effort in 2022 to pass a law, with similar efforts the two prior years also failing and lawmakers in favor of such a market still willing to give it a go. Georgia’s current legislative session started in January 2023 and is schedule to run until the second day of April.

There are almost 11 million people living in Georgia making it the 8th most populated state in the U.S., home to plenty of exciting college sports teams in addition to pro franchises including:

• Atlanta United (MLS)

• Atlanta Hawks (NBA)

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL)

• Atlanta Dream (WNBA)

Two of Georgia’s northern neighbors – Tennessee and North Carolina – have already legalized sports betting for their residents, so those Georgians who live by the border make the quick trip north to place their bets.

Find out more in our Georgia sports betting guide.

Hawaii

No gambling at all, no casinos, no lottery

There are two U.S. states with absolutely no gambling allowed – Utah and Hawaii – so of course there are no sportsbooks allowed to operate on the islands. That could change in 2023, as Hawaii lawmakers just proposed a bill to make sports betting and poker legal on Oahu while State Rep. John Mizuno works to create a standalone sportsbook and card room there.

It makes sense since there are reportedly over 7,200 illegal gaming rooms in Hawaii where drugs and prostitution are commonplace. And given that Hawaiians spend $1 billion annually on gambling in Las Vegas, it might make sense for them to make that possible in state.

There are 1.4 million residents living in Hawaii (ranked 41st) and tourism represents one-fourth of the economy, with millions of visitors arriving there each year.

Take a look at our Hawaii sports betting guide to stay updated with developments.

Idaho               

Not legal, casinos, lottery

There is currently no sports betting in Idaho, and it does not look as though lawmakers there have plans to change that any time soon. Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned PASPA in 2018, no Idaho state lawmakers have submitted a bill to legalize, regulate, and tax its own sports betting market.

Idaho has almost 2 million people living their (ranked 39th) and is home to the Idaho Horsemen pro indoor football team as well as three pro sports affiliate teams:

• Idaho Steelheads hockey (Dallas Stars)

• Boise Hawks baseball (Colorado Rockies)

• Idaho Chukars baseball (Kansas City Royals)

The Idaho state legislative 2023 session starts in January an runs until the end of March, so if anything were to change it would have to happen in that brief window of time.

Stay updated using our Idaho sports betting guide.

Illinois             

Retail and mobile legal, casinos, lottery

The Illinois legal sports betting market allows residents to place retail and mobile bets throughout the state, that market having launched in 2020. The year prior, the state General Assembly passed a sports betting law, which Gov. J.B. Pritzker then signed in June 2019.

Illinois is the 6th most populous state in the U.S. with 12.6 million residents living there. Bettors enjoy gambling on the many professional sports teams that make their home in Illinois including seven Chicago professional sports teams.

• Chicago Bears (NFL)

• Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)

• Chicago Bulls (NBA)

• Chicago Cubs (MLB)

• Chicago Fire (MLS)

• Chicago White Sox (MLB)

• Chicago Sky (WNBA)

Since that initial launch, the Illinois sports betting market has generated a $17.6 billion handle which has created $1.4 billion in revenue for the sportsbooks operating there. That has translated to over $219.3 million in tax revenue for the state.

Everything you need to know can be found in our Illinois sports betting guide. And be sure to check out the best Illinois sportsbook promotions before signing up anywhere.

Indiana            

Retail and mobile legal, casinos, lottery

Hoosier gamblers have access to legal in person and mobile sports betting and enjoy multiple tribal and commercial casino venues across the state. The first in-person sportsbook began operating in Indiana in September 2019, and the mobile market launched in October. That was just a few months after Gov. Eric Holcomb signed the related bill into law the previous May.

Indiana is home to two major professional sport franchises – the Indianapolis Colts of the NFL and Indiana Pacers of the NBA, both located in Indianapolis – plus a number of college sports teams.

Over 6.8 million people call Indiana home as the 17th most populated state, with the bettors among them generating a $10.5 billion handle since the initial market launch in 2019 which has created $873 million in revenue for those sportsbooks. That’s amounted to $82.9 million in tax revenue.

Find more information on our Indiana sports betting page and our Indiana sportsbook promos page.

Iowa    

Retail and mobile legal, casinos, lottery

It has been legal to sports bet in Iowa since May 2019. It took just four more months to straighten out the regulatory aspects of that market before it launched in August that same year. At first residents were forced to sign up in person to gamble but that seemed to keep bettors away. That changed in 2021 so now registration can happen online.

There are 23 casinos in Iowa with four Tribal venues and 19 state-owned operations including one riverboat location. That state’s sports betting market has created a $5.2 billion handle ad $340.3 million in sportsbook revenue and $24.8 million in tax revenue to be reinvested in projects vital to the state.

Iowa is home to 3.2 million people (ranked 32nd), however no major sports teams make it their home base, though many minor league teams play throughout the state.

Check out our Iowa sports betting guide for more info and find the latest sportsbook bonuses in Iowa.

Kansas           

Retail and mobile legal, casinos, lottery

In September 2022, the legal retail and mobile sports betting market in Kansas started taking bets after a noticeably short regulatory setup period. That haste attributed to wanting to launch before the beginning of the NFL season since football is king when it comes to creating handle.

There are no pro teams in Kansas which is one of the reasons state lawmakers were determined to launch their legal sports betting market before neighbor Missouri to lure that state’s teams to the more lucrative Kansas. That state has generated a $718 million handle, creating $21 million in revenue and $2 million in taxes.

In Kansas, Casinos are permitted to work with retail locations like pro team venues where they can oversee betting kiosks for fans. The 2.9 million residents of that 36th most populous state also enjoy college sports where some NCAA teams play.

Get all the latest sportsbook news for the Sunflower State in our Kansas sports betting guide.

Kentucky        

Retail legal, online launching September 28

Despite being surrounded by six states with legal sports betting, Kentucky gamblers have had no access to an in-state market since lawmakers previously failed to pass a bill.

This changed in 2023 with HB 551 passing both the House and Senate, making in-state sports betting legal. The suggested timeline is fairly aggressive with the state hoping to be taking bets ready for the start of the new football season.

The new law allows for an open, competitive market with no restrictions on college wagering, a legal age of 18, no requirement for using official league data, and a tax rate of 14.25%

Kentucky has 4.5 million residents (26th most populous state), currently home to two professional soccer teams: Louisville City FC, which plays in the USL Championship, and Racing Louisville FC, which plays in the NWSL.

NCAA sports rule the Bluegrass State including the University of Kentucky Wildcats, the University of Louisville Cardinals, and Morehead State University Eagles.

Find out more in our Kentucky sports betting guide. You can also browse all the sportsbook promos available in Kentucky.

Louisiana       

Retail and mobile legal, casinos, lottery

The state of Louisiana is divided up into parishes and at the end of 2020, 55 of the state’s 64 parishes approved legal sports betting, including in three of the state’s largest cities: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette.

The retail market launched there in October 2021 and the mobile market started at the end of January 2022. Since then, that combined operation has generated a $2.4 billion handle which has produced $188 million in sportsbook revenue and $34 million in tax revenue for the state.

Louisiana has 4.6 million residents (25th most in the U.S.) and is considered to be the least populous state with more than one major pro sports franchise, the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans and the NFL’s New Orleans Saints making their homes there.

Find out more on our Louisiana sports betting page.

Maine 

Legal, not launched, expected summer 2023, casinos, lottery

Maine residents who like to bet on sports might have to wait until the summer of 2023 to place wagers there but at least that activity is now legal now that state legislators and Gov. Janet Mills turned LD 585 into law in May 2022. All four of Maine’s federally recognized native tribes can acquire a license to offer sports betting online.

There are no pro sports teams based in Maine but residents are fans of the New England teams that play in Massachusetts, including the NHL’s Boston Bruins, the NBA’s Boston Celtics, the MLB’s Boston Red Sox, and the NFL’s New England Patriots.

About 1.4 million people live in Maine so its sports betting market might not compete with the big boys like New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania but it should still bring additional tax funds to the state.

Stay updated on progress with our Maine sports betting guide.

Maryland        

Retail and mobile legal, casinos, lottery

Maryland voters legalized sports betting in November 2020, but that market didn’t launch until November 2022, making that the longest go-live period so far in the growing U.S. sports betting market.

An odd hiccup occurred when that operation finally did launch, with the sportsbooks going live for eight hours before being shut off for a day and then reopened, that procedure to ensure a safe gambling environment.

Maryland has 6.2 million residents who support the college sports teams located there as well as several pro sports teams, including the MLB’s Baltimore Orioles and the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens.

Despite only being in operation a short time, Maryland’s legal sports betting market generated over a billion dollar handle in its first several months of operation which resulted in $6.7 million in tax revenue for the state, a clear sign that new industry is welcome.

Check out our Maryland sports betting page for more info.

Massachusetts          

Retail and mobile legal, casinos, lottery

One of the newer legal sports betting markets belongs to the state of Massachusetts, its lawmakers making it the third state to legalize that activity in 2022, though bettors were not able to place legal wagers until March 2023. This put it right on time for the 2023 NCAA’s March Madness tournament in which multiple Massachusetts school basketball teams participate.

There are also plenty of pro teams based in Massachusetts that receive support from those residents including the NFL’s New England Patriots the NBA’s Boston Celtics, the MLB’s Boston Red Sox, and the NHL’s Boston Bruins, historic teams with diehard (and gambling) fans.

Currently, there are six mobile sports betting sites available in MA, where almost 7 million residents live making it the 16th most populous state in the U.S.

Find the best Massachusetts online sportsbooks using our state betting guide. Be sure to also check out all the latest sportsbook promotions in Massachusetts.

Michigan

Legal retail and mobile, casinos, lottery

Since March 2020 retail sports betting has been legal in Michigan and soon after in early 2021 the mobile market launched there. There are now 15 online MI sportsbooks operating – the most allowable by law – and the country’s 10th most populated stated (10 million residents) has become one of the larger markets in that industry.

Since its inception, Michigan’s legal sports betting market has generated an $8.9 million handle which has equated to $756 million in sportsbook revenue of which they paid the state $26.4 million in taxes. That money is reinvested in projects that upgrade the state.

There are millions of sports fans who bet on the pro teams that make their home there including the NFL’s Detroit Lions, the NBA’s Detroit Pistons, the NHL’s Red Wings, and the MLB’s Detroit Tigers as well as minor league and college teams.

Get all the latest news and MI sportsbook promo codes in our Michigan sports betting guide. You can also find legal online casinos in Michigan.

Minnesota      

Not legal, casinos, lottery

There is no legal sports betting in Minnesota however gamblers can visit one of many native casinos or play the legal lottery. Like in many states that share land with native tribes, Minnesota’s indigenous people control the gambling concerns there and have a big say in which direction the future of the sports betting market might go. There are 11 native tribes there that operate 19 casinos and they are interested in controlling the sports betting market, as well.

Minnesota’s 2023 legislative session started in January and runs through the middle of May, plenty of time for state lawmakers to debate and compromise enough to get a passable bill on the table.

Many of the 5.7 million residents of that state enjoy being fans of the pro teams that are based there including franchises for the MLB, NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL and MLS.

Stay updated by checking our Minnesota sports betting page.

Mississippi     

Retail legal, mobile legal while in-person, casinos, lottery

Once the U.S. Supreme Court overturned PASPA in May 2018, Mississippi was one of the first states to jump aboard. It launched its retail sports betting market in August 2018 and added a mobile option, as well.

Except here’s the catch: Though you can register online to play from anywhere in the state, to place a bet using a mobile sportsbook, bettors must show up to a licensed casino, a hiccup that state lawmakers have repeatedly tried to fix.

Mississippi bettors have generated a $1.9 billion handle since that market’s launch in 2018, which has created $218.8 million in revenue for those operators and over $26 million in tax income.

A sixth bill that could expand the mobile sports betting market there has been introduced, those lawmakers with months to create a compromise, not scheduled to adjourn until May 30th.

Read more on our Mississippi sports betting page.

Missouri

Not legal, bills filed, casinos, lottery

There is no legal sports betting in Missouri yet but having Kansas move forward with their market has put a fire under state lawmakers in 2023. Two new house bills – HB581 and HB556 – were filed for the legislative session that started in January and runs through May.

With over 6 million residents, Missouri is the 18th most populated state and they already enjoy gambling at the multiple casinos located there. So far there is no wagering on the pro teams who are based there including the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs.

The main proponent for this issue is State Rep. Dan Roux who sponsored both those House bills, his goal to give the bettors living their a chance to partake in a regulated market instead of spending their money elsewhere.

Get more info on our Missouri sports betting page.

Montana         

Legal retail and mobile, casinos, lottery

There are just 1.1 million people living in Montana (ranked 44th) and those of them who are over 21 years old can legally bet on sports either in person or by using a mobile sportsbook. That market launched in March 2020 in conjunction with their state lottery The law there allows all licensed lottery retailers in the state to offer sports betting on their premises yet because of that bettors have a limited choice of mobile sportsbook options.

Since that legal market opened in Montana, that state has generated a $116.8 million handle which has created $16 million in sportsbook revenue of which they paid the state a yet to be determined amount.

Due to the widespread population, there are no pro teams based in Montana but residents there have some college teams and minor league franchises to root on.

Read more in our Montana sports betting guide.

Nebraska        

Legal retail and mobile since 2021, not yet launched, casinos, lottery

In May 2021, Nebraska state lawmaker made sports betting legal there, except they have not launched a market since. As part of a larger gambling expansion measure backed by voters, Gov. Pete Ricketts signed that legislation into law but still no launch date from the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. Their current legislative session runs from January through the end of May.

With just under two million residents in Nebraska (ranked 38th), whatever legal sports betting market there might have trouble competing with the more populous states with more active gamblers.

There are no teams from the major pro leagues based in Nebraska, but the state has a number of college teams to cheer on including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Cornhuskers and the Creighton University Bluejays.

Stay updated by reading our Nebraska sports betting guide.

Nevada

Legal retail and mobile, casinos, no lottery

There are at least a million in person places to bet in Nevada including in Las Vegas where the sport of gambling was practically invented, though it becomes more challenging if you prefer to bet using a mobile sportsbook. The law there requires bettors to register for those mobile sportsbooks in person. That hurt the market there, especially during the Covid lockdown.

Despite there being gambling everywhere in Nevada, it does not sponsor a state lottery for its residents. There are three major league pro teams based in the Las Vegas Valley - the Vegas Golden Knights (NHL), the Las Vegas Raiders (NFL), and the Las Vegas Aces (WNBA).

Nevada legal sports betting has generated a $28.7 billion handle which has created $1.6 billion in sportsbook revenue and $110 million in taxes.

New Hampshire         

Legal retail and mobile, casinos, lottery

New Hampshire Governor and New England Patriots fan Chris Sununu wanted to bet on his Pats in 2019 so the state legalized the activity with the passage of HB 480 and did it in such a way that Boston Massachusetts based DraftKings has a virtual monopoly on that market.

New England is sports bettor friendly with all states (sans Vermont) with either a legal market or one in the works, with New Hampshire’s operation so far generating a $1.9 billion handle which has created $134 million in sportsbook revenue which has resulted in $62 million in taxes for the state.

There are no pro teams based in New Hampshire for its 1.4 million residents, but they enjoy the nearby teams like the NFL’s New England Patriots the NBA’s Boston Celtics, the MLB’s Boston Red Sox, and the NHL’s Boston Bruins.

More information can be found on our New Hampshire sports betting page.

New Jersey    

Legal retail and mobile, casinos, lottery

It was thanks in part to the efforts of New Jersey lawmakers that the U.S. Supreme Court eventually overturned PASPA in May 2018 which opened the way for all states to legalize their own sports betting market. Not long after that the Garden State launched its own retail and mobile operations.

Now New Jersey is one of the top sports betting states having generated a $33.7 billion handle which has created $2.4 billion in sportsbook revenue and counting. The state has received over $300 million in tax revenue to reinvest in its 9.3 million residents (11th most in the U.S.).

There are at least four major league teams based in New Jersey including two that bear the state’s name: the New Jersey Devils (NHL) and the New Jersey Nets (NBA), with residents also supporting pro teams from New York.

Our in-depth NJ sports betting guide has everything you need to know, as well as our NJ sportsbook promos page for the latest bonuses and offers. You can also find more about gambling in New Jersey in our NJ online casinos guide.

New Mexico  

Legal, retail only, casinos, lottery

New Mexico became one of the first U.S. states to offer legal sports betting but the situation there is unique in that it is offered in-person only at one of its four tribal run casinos. No sports betting legislation has been passed there. Instead, the tribes have interpreted their gaming compact with the state in a way that allows them to offer any form of Class III gaming. So far, the U.S. Dept. of Interior has not intervened.

There are 2.1 million people living in New Mexico (ranked 37th) and the gamblers among them have been active but since those bets are made in tribal casinos there are no public records available.

There are no major league professional sports teams based in New Mexico, but the Albuquerque Isotopes are a Pacific Coast League Triple-A baseball affiliate of the MLB Colorado Rockies.

Read more on our New Mexico sports betting page.

New York       

Legal retail and mobile, casinos, lottery

It took just over a year after PASPA was overturned in May 2018 for New York to legalize sports betting, with the first retail sportsbooks launching in July 2019. The mobile market took longer to set up – it launched in January 2022 after lawmakers included mobile sports betting in the stated budget bill which was then signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Now New York has become one of the largest U.S. legal sports betting market having generated a $16.7 billion handle since its inception, that total giving sportsbooks $1.4 billion in revenue which has accounted for almost $700 million in tax revenue.

Those healthy numbers make sense for the fourth most populated state (19.7 million residents) which is home to sports teams from multiple major leagues including the MLB’s world famous Yankees and the NFL’s Giants.

Find the best NY sportsbooks right here, and the latest NY sportsbook promotions here.

North Carolina           

Retail sportsbooks legal, online sports betting approved and expected to launch in Jan. 2024, casinos, lottery

Right now, residents of North Carolina can sports bet in person only at one of the two tribal casinos that are located far from the state’s major cities. However, that is about to change. 

In 2022, mobile sports betting was on the legislative docket, but that bill lost by one vote during the session. An amended sports betting bill was once again put to the Senate in June 2023, which passed and was subsequently signed by Governor Roy Cooper. Early indications suggest a January 2024 launch date for online sports betting in NC.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is a longtime proponent of online sports betting, and since his term lasts through 2025, there has always been a good chance that if a bill passes he would sign it into law. The new bill allows for 12 mobile sportsbook licenses, as well as pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing and more retail sportsbooks.

North Carolina is the 9th most populous state in the U.S. with 10.7 million residents who cheer on the three major league sports franchises based there: the Carolina Panthers (NFL), the Charlotte Hornets (NBA), and Carolina Hurricanes (NHL).

Read more about North Carolina sports betting.

North Dakota

Legal, retail only, casinos, lottery

Due to the language in the compacts that exist between North Dakota and its federally recognized native tribes, in-person sports betting is allowed there but there is no mobile option. Residents must show up to bet in-person at one of the tribal venues located throughout the state.

North Dakota legislators did not approve a ballot measure motion in 2021 that would make retail sports betting officially legal at the tribal locations rather than rely on the tiny print in those compacts. They convene in 2023 from January through the end of April.

North Dakota is home to less than 780k people which makes it the 48th most populous state in the U.S. with no in-state pro sports to root for but some NCAA teams are located there.

Check out our North Dakota sports betting page for more insights.

Ohio    

Legal, retail and mobile, casinos, lottery

It was better late than never for Ohio, that state finally joining the legal sports betting market at the start of 2023 when, by law, over a dozen sportsbooks there began taking bets at midnight on New Years Day. That’s after state lawmakers passed a bill at the end of 2021 and Gov. Mike DeWine signed it into law soon after.

Ohio has 11.8 million people living it (ranked 9th) and the gamblers among them should help the state become one of the major sports betting markets in the U.S.

Buckeye bettors have plenty of pro and college sports teams to root for and gamble on including two NFL teams (Bengals, Browns), two MLB teams (Reds, Guardians), an NBA team (Cavaliers), a WNBA team (Rockers), an NHL team (Blue Jackets) and one from the MLS (Crew).

Check out our Ohio sports betting guide for more information. If you're looking for a bonus, browse the latest Ohio sports betting promotions.

Oklahoma       

Not legal, casinos, lottery

There is no legal sports betting in Oklahoma, but a bill (HB 1027) sponsored by state Rep. Ken Luttrell will be up for debate during the state’s 2023 legislative session that started in January and will end near the end of May. Lawmakers there have little time to make a move towards legalizing this activity.

With just over 4 million residents, Oklahoma is the 28th most populated state with just one pro team to root for there – the Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA - but with a few NCAA level teams based in the state. Many sports fans there route for neighboring pro teams like the KC Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys.

Four of Oklahoma’s neighbors already have legal sports betting – New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, and Arkansas – so that gives border residents a nearby solution until state lawmakers can launch a market there.

Read more in our Oklahoma sports betting guide.

Oregon           

Legal, retail and mobile, casinos, lottery

In August 2019, Oregon launched its legal sports betting market, but it was done through the state lottery instead of through legislative action. So bets had to be placed via a single mobile app that bettors found to be limiting and troublesome. At the start of 2022, Oregon switched from that lottery app to DraftKings as its sole sportsbook, giving gamblers there a quality option, generating over a $1 billion handle by the start of 2023.

There are multiple tribal casinos in Oregon that take in-person sports bets, though gamblers can not place wagers on in-state colleges since that is prohibited by law.

Oregon is home to over 4.2 million people (ranked 27th) most of whom are fans of the state’s three major league sports teams — the Portland Trail Blazers (NBA), the Portland Timbers (MLS), and the Portland Thorns FC (NWSL).

Find more information in our Oregon sports betting guide.

Pennsylvania             

Legal, retail and mobile, casinos, racetracks, lottery

The legal retail and mobile market in Pennsylvania is a top-5 operation in the U.S., so far having generated a $19 billion handle since its retail inception in 2018. The mobile betting market launched in 2019 and together with in-person betting that combined operation continues to top the charts.

Residents of Pennsylvania can also bet at the racetracks and casinos there and purchase lottery tickets operated by the state. It’s the fifth most populous state in the U.S. with almost 13 million people calling it home.

There are plenty of pro teams from the major leagues based in Pennsylvania including two teams from the NFL (Steelers and Eagles), two teams from the MLB (Pirates and Phillies), and NBA team (76ers), two NHL teams (Flyers and Penguins), and an MSL team (Union).

Find more information in our Pennsylvania sports betting guide. Browse our PA sportsbook promos page for the latest bonuses. You can also learn about online casinos in PA if you're a fan of playing slots or table games.

Rhode Island             

Legal, retail and one mobile option, casinos, lottery

Rhode Island was one of the first states to launch a legal sports betting market soon after the U.S. Senate overturned PASPA in 2018, its two commercial casinos taking sports bets right away. After state legislators ended the in-person requirement for signing up to play using mobile apps, that handle did increase, but the state’s low population keeps that market from growing.

Rhode Island is the 45th most populated state with just over 1 million residents there, so even if every one of them loved to gamble, that market will struggle to compete with its New England neighbors, most of which now have their own legal markets.

By the start of 2023, that Rhode Island legal sports betting market has generated a $1.4 billion handle which has created $134.4 million in sportsbook revenue and $64 million in tax revenue.

Read more on our Rhode Island sports betting page.

South Carolina          

Not legal, casinos, lottery

Despite multiple attempts to bring legal sports betting to South Carolina, right now that activity remains illegal. That’s after a related bill – HB 5277 – was introduced to lawmakers in 2022, generated bipartisan support for legalization but then somehow died in committee. That could reflect a legislative apathy towards this contentious issue which does not breed much hope for its future there.

The South Carolina legislature meets in 2023 from January through the end of June, so lawmakers have a half a year to put something together if they hope to join in that multi-billion dollar industry.

There are 5.3 million people living in South Carolina (ranked 23rd in the U.S.) and many of those residents enjoy rooting for the Carolina based pro teams including the Carolina Bobcats (NBA), the Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), and the Carolina Panthers (NFL).

More info can be found in our South Carolina sports betting guide.

South Dakota             

Legal, retail, no mobile, casinos, lottery

Legal sports betting in South Dakota launched in September 2021, but bettors can only place wagers in person in Deadwood and at the state’s tribal casinos. That’s despite a recent effort to bring a mobile option to residents via a 2022 bill – SJR 502 – which passed the Senate but failed to get approval by the House.

With just over 900k residents (ranked 47th), South Dakota’s retail sports betting market has not generated a lot of action, and so far it has created a $9.8 million handle which has given sportsbooks $1.1 million in revenue and the state just $101k in taxes.

There are no major league professional teams in South Dakota, but a variety of professional and semi-professional level teams play in Rapid City and Sioux Falls:

• Rapid City Rush (hockey)

• Sioux Fall Pheasants (baseball)

• Sioux Falls Skyforce (basketball)

Find out more on our South Dakota sports betting page.

Tennessee     

Legal, mobile but no retail, no casinos, lottery

Due to a lack of casinos in Tennessee, only mobile sports betting is legal in that state since the start of November, 2020. That market is regulated by the state’s Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC). Now there are 13 online sportsbooks licensed to operate in Tennessee giving residents there a wide choice of options.

Tennessee is home to more than 7 million people (ranked 15th) and as of the start of 2023 the gamblers among them have been using their devices to place $6.9 billion in wagers which has given sportsbooks $646 million in revenue which has meant $113 million in taxes for the state.

Residents of Tennessee root for the three major league professional sports teams based there including the Tennessee: Memphis Grizzlies (NBA), the Nashville Predators (NHL), and the  Tennessee Titans (NFL).

Read more in our Tennessee sports betting guide and find the latest bonuses on our Tennessee sportsbook promotions guide.

Texas 

Not legal, casinos, lottery

Texas has no legal sports betting so many resident bettors must travel out of state or use unregulated means, though that could change in 2023 since there is a legislative session scheduled. Since that body only meets every two years, it’s been since 2021 since the legal sports betting debate could take place in those chambers.

The Texas 88th Legislature will be in session from January 10 until it is scheduled to adjourn on May 29, enough time to work out a compromise between tribal interests, industry insiders, state lawmakers, lobbyists, and the pro sports teams that make their home there.

Given that Texas is the second most populated state (30 million) in the U.S., proponents argue that a legal sports betting market there could compete with giants like New York, New Jersey, and Illinois. 

Stay abreast of any changes in our Texas sports betting guide.

Utah                

Not legal, casino, pari-mutuel facility, no lottery

The Mormons of Utah do not permit gambling so that state has no legal sports betting market or lottery, though there is a single gambling venue in Salt Lake City called the Wendover Nugget Hotel and Casino. There does not appear to be any future plans to chance this and legalize sports betting though lawmakers meet there in 2023 from January until the start of March.

There are almost 3.4 million people living in Utah (ranked 30th), a state where Salt Lake City is the biggest city there.

Betting might not be legal, but Utah residents do enjoy sports and root for the NBA's Utah Jazz who play at the Vivint Smart Home Arena in downtown Salt Lake City. The Jazz also have an NBA development (G-League) team, the Salt Lake City Stars.

Read more on our Utah sports betting page.

Vermont         

Approved, expected to launch Jan. 2024

In Feb. 2023, Vermont took a significant step towards the legalization of online sports betting when Rep. Matthew Birong introduced a new sports betting bill. The bill received the nod from a Senate committee towards the end of April and subsequently, the full Senate gave its approval in early May.

Governor Phil Scott endorsed this shift towards online sports betting by officially signing the bill into law on the 14th of June. The bill allows between 2-6 mobile sportsbooks to operate in Vermont. The process of sportsbook operators submitting their proposals to secure a license in the state now begins, and the expectation is that the doors will open for mobile sports betting in Vermont in early 2024.

With no major league pro teams in Vermont, sports fans there mostly cheer on the teams from New England like the NFL’s Patriots and the MLB’s Red Sox.

Take a look at our Vermont sports betting guide for more information.

Virginia           

Legal, mobile, limited retail, casinos, lottery

Legal sports betting launched in Virginia at the start of 2021 with 13 sportsbook apps, but a retail location was not made available until July 2022. Now more casinos are in the works thanks to provisions in the sports betting law that called for the construction of those venues.

As of the start of 2023, the Virginia legal sports betting market has generated a $7.6 billion handle which has created $711 in sportsbook revenue and $65 million in tax revenue for the state.

Virginia is surrounded by states with their own legal sports betting markets – NC, TN, MD, WV and DC – and its 8.7 million residents (ranked 12th) also enjoy a state run lottery.

With no major league pro sports team based there, sports fans can cheer on nearby teams like the NFL’s Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers, or the Baltimore Ravens.

Find all the best VA sportsbooks in our Virginia sports betting guide.

Washington    

Legal, retail and limited mobile, casinos, lottery

In 2020, Washington state lawmakers passed a sports betting bill and in September 2021 that legal market launched. However, residents there can only place sports bets at one of the state’s tribal casinos located on tribal lands. Bettors are also permitted to place wagers online, but only when in those casinos using tribal sports betting apps.

Washington is the 13th most populous state with 7.8 million residents calling it home, the sports fans among them with plenty of college and pro teams to cheer on including five major league teams based in Seattle:

• Kraken, NHL

• Mariners, MLB

• Seahawks, NFL

• Sounders, MLS

Reportedly, legal sports betting at Washington tribal casinos is expected to become a $94 million industry in five years, a welcome cash cow that could be reinvested to fund projects that improve local lives.

Read more in our Washington sports betting guide.

Washington D.C.       

Legal, retail, limited mobile, casinos, lottery

The U.S. District of Columbia has legal sports betting with retail and mobile options available. Here’s where D.C. mobile sports betting gets interesting – the district is what is known as a ‘sole-source operator jurisdiction,’ meaning there is only one betting app – GamBetDC – available for bettors there. However, due to that app’s limitations, other options have been made available to residents:

• Capital One Arena - full sportsbook bar and restaurant and Caesars Sportsbook allows mobile wagering only within stadium.

• Nationals Park - retail sportsbook opened Feb. 1, 2022, mobile app available within a two-block radius.

• FedExField - home of the Washington Commanders, the first NFL stadium to open a retail sportsbook with the launch of Fanatics Maryland Sportsbook.

D.C. is home to 672k people and those who bet have generated a $480 handle as of 2023.

Check out our Washington D.C. sports betting page for more insights.

West Virginia

Legal, retail, mobile, casinos, lottery

West Virginia was one of the first U.S. states to legalize sports betting soon after the Supreme Court overturned PASPA in 2018. Residents there can bet on sports in person at the casinos located around the state and also by using mobile apps like DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, and others.

Even though West Virginia only has just under 1.8 million people living there (ranked 40th in the U.S.), so far the gamblers among them have generated a $1.8 billion handle which has created $150 million in sportsbook revenue and almost $15 million in tax revenue for the state.

There are no major league pro sports teams in West Virginia, but there are pro minor league sports including the Bluefield Blue Jays (baseball) Princeton Rays (baseball), and West Virginia Chaos (soccer).

For more info take a look at our West Virginia sports betting page or our West Virginia online casinos page. You can also browse all of the available West Virginia sportsbook promotions right here.

Wisconsin      

Legal via tribal compact, retail only, limited mobile, casinos, lottery

Residents of Wisconsin can gamble on sports thanks to a 2021 agreement with the Oneida Indian Nation that amended the compact between that tribe and the state. Now bettors can place sports wagers in Green Bay at any of the Oneida One-Stops (truck stops) located in that general area. The tribe also offers a sports betting app that only works on those One-Stop locations.

Wisconsin has the 20th biggest state population in the U.S. with almost 5.9 million residents living there.

There are several pro teams from the major leagues based in Wisconsin including the Green Bay Packers of the NFL, the Milwaukee Brewers of the MLB, and the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA. Several NCAA teams are also based there including the University of Wisconsin Panthers of Milwaukee and Badgers of Madison.

More information can be found on our Wisconsin sports betting page.

Wyoming

Legal, mobile, limited retail, tribal casinos, lottery

Wyoming’s legal sports betting market launched in September 2021 so as to be in time for that NFL season. There are several tribal but no commercial casinos in the state so that sports betting market exists primarily via mobile. Presently, four sportsbook mobile apps are available in Wyoming including DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, and Caesars with PointsBet and Barstool to soon follow.

Wyoming has lots of acreage, but the least amount of residents in the U.S. with just over 581k people living there, though ad of the start of 2023 the gamblers among them have generated a total handle of $184 million which has created $18.8 million in sportsbook revenue and $955k in tax revenue.

There are no major league pro sports teams based in Wyoming, but several minor league teams play there: Cheyenne Grizzlies (baseball), Wyoming Knights (football), and Laramie Colts (baseball).

Read more in our Wyoming sports betting guide.

Current Online Sports Betting Situation in the USA

Right now, full-on sports betting is available legally in the states highlighted in the table above.

Chances are if you’re a sports fan, a gambler, or both you’ve heard people talking about the Supreme Court decision we mentioned earlier. In this section, we’ll explain it in detail and tell you exactly how it affects the current legal situation of online sports betting in the United States.

Prior to May of 2018 sports betting was largely regulated by the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). This legislation effectively made sports betting illegal across the country with a few major exceptions:

• All forms of gambling remained legal in Nevada.

• State sports lotteries remained legal in Delaware, Montana, and Oregon.

• Jai alai and pari-mutuel betting on horse racing and dog racing remained legal.

In 2011 New Jersey Governor Chris Christie filed a lawsuit saying that the PASPA violated US States’ rights to govern themselves. That same year, New Jersey held a non-binding referendum to find out whether its citizens were in favor of legalized sports betting. The state voted overwhelmingly in favor of legalized gambling on sports.

It took until 2018 for the case to be settled but the Supreme Court eventually ruled in favor of New Jersey, now led by new Governor Phil Murphy, giving each state the authority to legislate its own rules governing sports betting.

Since then, the sports betting landscape has progressed rapidly as the majority of states scrambled to pass laws and get in on the wealth of tax revenue associated with regulated sports betting.

Which States Offer Legal Online Sports Betting?

Although sports betting is now legal in many states, not all have realistically set up provisions or given out licenses to authorize sports betting online and mobile sportsbooks.

These are the states that currently offer viable online and mobile betting platforms where you can place mobile wagers:

• Arizona

• Arkansas

• Colorado

• Connecticut

• Illinois

• Indiana

• Iowa

• Kansas

• Louisiana

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Michigan

• Nevada

• New Hampshire

• New Jersey

• New York

• Ohio

• Oregon

• Pennsylvania

• Rhode Island

• Tennessee

• Virginia

• Washington D.C.

• West Virginia

• Wyoming

Which States Are Likely to Legalize Online/Mobile Sports Betting?

There are a few states which are likely to introduce online sports betting in the near future.

The following states have approved online sports betting and will launch soon:

• Kentucky

• Maine

• Nebraska

• North Carolina

• Vermont

Other states actively pursuing legal sports betting but face bigger obstacles include Alabama, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Minnesota, Missouri, South Carolina, and Texas.

Which States Are Unlikely to Legalize Online Sports Betting?

The only state we believe to be TRULY unlikely to ever legalize sports betting is Utah. The state’s strict Mormon population has always taken an extremely tough stance on gambling and we don’t predict that will change any time soon as long as they have a majority in the state legislature where they account for nearly 90 percent of representatives.

Other states that have no indications whatsoever towards legal sports betting are Hawaii and Alaska. Politics in these two states that are not a part of the continental US are less influenced by nearby states (or lack thereof) and therefore are not pressured by watching their tax revenue seep away to nearby states such as the relationship between New York and New Jersey. This has created an isolated environment where sports betting is not such an immediate issue.

What Sports Can You Bet on Online in the USA?

It depends on which state you’re in but generally, if a state has allowed legal sports betting, you can bet on all professional sports and most college sports. With exclusions generally being put on sports where competitors (or a majority of competitors) are under the age of eighteen.

Popular sports to bet on include:

• Football - Find the best NFL betting apps in your state

• Basketball - Find the best NBA betting sites in your state

• Baseball - Find the best MLB betting sites in your state 

• College basketball

• College football - Check if there is legal NCAAF betting in your state 

• Horse racing

• Golf - Find the best golf betting sites in your state

• Hockey

• NASCAR

• MMA - Find the best UFC betting sites in your state

• Soccer

• Esports

• Tennis

Is Betting on Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in the USA?

Wagering real money on Fantasy Sports is legal in the majority of US states. The fact that playing fantasy sports is legal and traditional sports betting is illegal boils down to a distinction made in the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act of 2006.

The UIGEA makes a specific exception for fantasy games where the outcome relies on the player’s understanding of stats and other information instead of on chance.

The distinction between skill in fantasy sports and in traditional sports betting is confusing at best and it was put to the test in the 2007 New Jersey District Court case Humphrey vs. Viacom Inc. The court found in favor of fantasy sports being a game of skill and therefore exempt from anti-gambling laws.

Real money fantasy sports betting is now available in every US state in some form except Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Hawaii.

Which States Allow Legal Betting on Horse Racing?

Below is a full list of all the states that currently offer legal betting on horse racing. In short, betting on horse racing is legal in all US states with the exception of Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Texas, Utah and Washington DC.

Legal states to bet on horse racing:

• Alabama

• Arizona

• Arkansas

• California

• Colorado

• Connecticut

• Delaware

• Florida

• Idaho

• Illinois

• Indiana

• Iowa

• Kansas

• Kentucky

• Louisiana

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Michigan

• Minnesota

• Missouri

• Montana

• Nebraska

• New Hampshire

• New Mexico

• New York

• North Dakota

• Ohio

• Oklahoma

• Oregon

• Pennsylvania

• Rhode Island

• South Dakota

• Tennessee

• Vermont

• Virginia

• Washington

• West Virginia

• Wisconsin

• Wyoming

History of Online Sports Betting in the USA

While the history of online sports betting in the US technically didn’t begin until the advent of the internet and online sportsbooks, the factors that set the stage for it began more than 150 years ago.

Let’s take a closer look at the major developments in US sports betting and gambling law and how it layed the groundwork for the revolutionary changes we’re seeing right now.

1860: All Forms of Gambling Banned in the US

Following the revolutionary war, gambling had developed a bad reputation and was beginning to be associated with vice and corruption. In 1860 the US federal government banned almost all forms of gambling that involved a bettor making a cash wager with a bookmaker or casino, including betting on sports.

Interestingly, betting on horse-racing was not included in the ban. This ban further encouraged the negative public opinion of gambling and it also inspired organized crime and other shady elements to offer gambling services illegally.

1867-1890: Horse Race Betting Legalized

In 1867 horse racing was officially licensed and regulated at the state level. It was also the first year horses raced at the Belmont Stakes. The Preakness Stakes started not long after in 1873 and the Kentucky Derby kicked off in 1875.

By 1890 there were over 300 racetracks spread throughout the country, clearly showing Americans’ love of betting on sporting contests.

1910: All Gambling Banned Again

As the 20th century began basically all forms of gambling had been deemed illegal once again, including lotteries. By 1911 less than 30 racetracks remained and organized crime had solidified its position as the main option for gambling and sports betting.

1931: New Deal Legalizes Gambling in Nevada

Following the Great Depression, the United States was in desperate need of revenue. To help accomplish key elements of his New Deal, namely the Hoover Dam, FDR legalized gambling in Nevada.

1949: First Legal Sportsbook Opens in Las Vegas

The first legal bookmakers opened their doors in Las Vegas in 1949 and were given permission to accept bets on all pro sports including horse racing. The sports books were called Turf Clubs and operated independently of Vegas casinos.

This was a big moment in sports betting history because it was the first time people could legally bet on events like horse racing without physically being at the racetrack.

1951: 10% Tax Levied on Sports Books

The sports betting industry took a bit hit in 1951 when the US federal government introduced a 10% tax on all sportsbooks' gross revenue. It ultimately proved unmanageable for bookmakers and drove many of them out of business completely. This was another factor that led to more illegal sports books run by organized crime groups.

1961: The Wire Act

Because organized crime had developed sports betting into such a profitable business, JFK tried to come up with new tools for law enforcement to use to combat the problem.

The Wire Act made it illegal for anyone to use wire communication like phones and telegrams to pass on information pertaining to sports betting.

1974: Federal Government Cancels 10% Tax

In 1974 the 10% tax that was choking out legal sports books in Nevada was rescinded. Nevada Senator Howard Cannon was responsible for the move, arguing that by reducing the tax to 2%, so many sports books would open up that the federal government would make more money than they did with 10% tax. It worked, allowing sports betting led to a flourish of betting operators in Las Vegas.

1975: First Sportsbook in a Vegas Casino

Three quarters of the way into the 20th century the first sportsbook was opened inside a casino at the Stardust which was run by Frank Rosenthal. Rosenthal is said to be the inspiration for Martin Scorsese’s iconic film Casino.

1979: First Casino on Native American Reservation

The Seminole Tribe in Florida was the first indigenous group in America to open a casino and even though they didn’t feature sports betting right away, it would prove to be a pivotal step towards widespread sports betting to come.

1992: Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA)

By far the biggest blow to US sports betting, PASPA made it illegal to bet on any professional or amateur sports whatsoever.

There were exceptions: All gambling in Nevada was still permitted, as was betting on jai alai, dog racing and some special sports lotteries operating in Delaware, Oregon and Montana.

1996: First Online Sports Bet

Probably the single biggest event in modern sports betting occurred when Jukka Honkavaara placed a $50 wager at Austrian-based internet sportsbook Intertops.

It was the first ever online sports betting wager. It gave US gamblers a way to sidestep the entire brick and mortar sportsbook system by betting online and it paved the way for what would become a multi-billion-dollar global industry.

2006: Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA)

Sports books and online casinos servicing Americans hit a big bump in the road in 2006 when the US government passed the UIGEA. While it didn’t make betting illegal for US citizens, it did make it illegal to accept any payments on behalf of an illegal online casino or sportsbook operating in America.

The UIGEA didn’t completely stop offshore sports betting sites from accepting US players but it did cause many of the reputable sites to pull out of America.

2018: Murphy vs. NCAA

Perhaps the biggest thing to happen to sports betting in the US in the last century, this landmark case between New Jersey and the NCAA has completely changed the outlook for sports gambling in America.

In May, 2018, the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of New Jersey, saying that each state should have the authority to regulate sports betting within its own jurisdiction.

In a few short months many states including New Jersey, Mississippi, West Virginia and New Mexico began accepting legal sports bets in land-based casinos and online.

2020: State by State Betting Is Legal

The inevitable march of sports betting legislation reforms across the country from state-to-state means that it is only a matter of time until your representatives legalize sports gambling near you (unless you’re in Utah, sorry).

After sports betting is legalized the next step is to approve sports betting online and mobile app betting. Many mobile sportsbooks are prepped and ready to move into states that legalize including DraftKings sportsbook, Caesars sportsbook, and many others. Check our sportsbook review pages to see the availability of promo codes and other offers.

How to Make Sure You’re Betting on Sports Online Legally

The best way to guarantee that your sports wagers are 100% legal is to visit our comprehensive guide for your home state. We update our guides regularly as more and more states legalize sports gambling so you’ll always get the most up to date information.

In addition to getting a clear picture of your state’s legal situation around sports betting, if it is legal, we’ll recommend the best sites to sign up and bet with.

WSN.com does not recommend betting with unlicensed offshore sportsbooks so if a sports betting site is listed here you can rest assured it’s licensed and legal in the United States.

Online Sports Betting Bonuses and Promotions in the USA

Competition in the sports betting world is fierce and sportsbooks are desperate to get a strong foothold as the market matures.

One of the ways in which they do this is to offer attractive bonuses and promotions to new customers in order to entice them to their site. These offers can be very lucrative for bettors, so if you are on the lookout for an online sportsbook to join make sure you are taking advantage of them.

There are various types of bonuses that sportsbooks typically offer. Some of the most common ones:

• Free Bet Bonus

• Risk-Free Bet

• Money-Back Bonus

• Sign Up/Deposit Bonus

• No Deposit Bonus

• Reload Bonus

• Enhanced Odds

For more information check out our complete guide to sports betting bonuses which contains everything you need to know about sportsbook promotions.

We have also created bonus guides for individual states to make sure you never miss an offer in your area. Take a look below.

Is There No Deposit Sports Betting in the USA?

No deposit bonuses are special promotions where online sports books will give you free funds or free bets with no deposit necessary.

While they are rare, they do exist and when you find one it’s an awesome opportunity since there’s literally no risk.

Most of the time no deposit bonuses come with restrictions that only allow you to withdraw the profit you make from the bet, and not the actual free betting stake that’s given to you.

Terms and conditions for bonuses vary from site to site so make sure to read the fine print to understand exactly what restrictions are in place.

Use Our State by State Guides and Get Ready for Legal US Sports Betting

The Supreme Court decision in Murphy vs. NCAA was an absolute game-changer for sports gambling in the United States.

With a handful of states already offering legal sports betting and tons more poised to get on board, there’s never been a better time to be a sports fan in the US.

Use this page and our state-by-state sports betting guides to stay up to date on the latest developments where you live. If your state doesn’t offer legal sports betting yet, get a head start on your homework by studying our sports betting strategy guides.

It won’t be long before you can put that knowledge to work making legal bets.

Responsible Gambling In The USA

As legal sports betting spreads across the country it is more important than ever to be aware of responsible gambling best practices, as well as the resources available to help you if you are struggling with gambling addiction.

It is important to remember that betting is for entertainment purposes and not a viable or sustainable form of long-term income and should not be treated as such.

Also, remind yourself to take breaks and rejoin reality whenever you notice that you have had your sportsbook open for an extended period of time. Set deposit limits to control how much you are taking out of your account to gamble, and contact any of the following resources if you have questions or would like to speak to someone about how to counteract the negative effects of gambling.

1. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)

• Call: 1-800-522-4700 (24-hour confidential national helpline)
• Text: 1-800-522-4700 (24-hour confidential national text service)

2. 1-800-Gambler

• Call: 1-800-gambler

3. Gamblers Anonymous

• Call: (909) 931-9056
• Email: [email protected]

4. Gam-Anon

• Call: 718-352-1671
• Email: [email protected]

5. Smart Recovery

•  Call: 440-951-5357

United States Legal Sports Betting FAQ