Is Sports Betting Legal in the US? All 50 States Betting Laws Reviewed

Kane Pepi

Last updated: April 1, 2024 09:55 EDT | 19 min read

Sports betting can be a real blast, but it may surprise you to learn that it’s not legal in all 50 U.S. states. Before you fire up a wagering app, you’ll need to know whether you’re in one of the legal sports betting states.

Wondering whether you live in one of the states where online sports betting is legal? In this state-by-state analysis, you’ll learn about sports gambling legality, as well as relevant legislation that’s currently in the works.

States Where Sports Betting Is Legal

There are currently 30 states with legal sports betting, although some of these states require you to place your bets in person. If you’re wondering, “Where is online sports betting legal?” take a look at our handy chart to find out.

Sports betting is also legal in Washington D.C., the capital city and federal district of the United States.

Before we launch into detailed sports betting regulations for all 50 states, it may be helpful to take a look at the history of sports wagering in the U.S.

In 1992, the federal government created the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), also known as the Bradley Act, which restricted all but a few states from any form of legalized sports gambling. This law may have had good intentions, but it allowed for the rise of underground sportsbooks and betting sites, many of which were run by the mob.

Years later, facing an economic recession, the federal government realized it needed to find new sources of tax revenue. In 2018, the Supreme Court struck down PASPA in a 7-2 decision, lifting the ban and allowing states to make their own rules for sports betting.

Although sports betting was now federally legal, legislators still faced significant hurdles to legalizing it at the state level. Below, we take a look at the legality of sports betting in each state.

Legal Status of All 50 States

Alabama

Both in-person and online sports betting are currently illegal in Alabama, although there has been strong interest in passing a law that would make it legal. In 2021, such a bill made it to the Alabama Senate floor but promptly died. The following year, legislators proposed a constitutional amendment that would legalize sports betting and create a state lottery. That bill also failed.

However, there is still hope. Senator Greg Albritton believes there will be strong support for legalized sports betting in 2024, partly because the bordering states of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Florida currently allow sports wagering. Proponents believe that Alabama will eventually legalize betting to prevent the loss of tax revenue to other states.

Alaska

Both types of sports betting are currently illegal in Alaska, and that likely won’t change any time soon. The state’s isolation and vast landmass make it rather unappealing for sportsbooks, so they’re unlikely to lobby the government for change.

However, there have been a few attempts at making sports betting legal. In February 2022, Rep. Adam Wool introduced a bill, HB 385, that would legalize online sports betting. The Alaska Legislature adjourned in May 2022 with no action taken on the bill.

Arizona

Good news for those living in Arizona: Both online and in-person sports betting are 100% legal. Legalization came into effect in 2021 when Governor Doug Ducey signed sports wagering legislation into law.

Sports betting is legal for anyone 21 and up in Arizona. There are currently 16 sportsbooks in the state, including DraftKings, BetMGM, and BetRivers.

Arkansas

Arkansas was one of the first states to legalize sports betting just six months after the Supreme Court struck down PASPA. Voters approved a statewide ballot in November 2018, allowing retail sportsbooks to launch in July 2019. Online sports betting came a few years later, in March 2022.

Arkansas has just three legal sportsbooks to choose from, which is quite a few less than other states. Sportsbooks Betly, BetSaracen, and Oaklawn Sports have retail locations scattered throughout the state.

California

Both retail and online sports wagering are currently illegal in California. Prop 26 and 27 aimed to legalize wagering, but both failed to pass in 2022. Prop 26 received 70% “No” votes, while Prop 27 failed with a whopping 83% “No” votes.

In October 2023, two new initiatives were filed with the California Attorney General’s office in another attempt to legalize sports betting. To appear on the ballot, these initiatives would have to collect nearly 900,000 signatures.

Part of the reason sports betting remains illegal is opposition from the state’s tribal leaders. Without this support, there’s almost no chance of legalization.

Colorado

Both online and retail sports betting became legal in 2019 with the passage of Proposition DD. Residents voted “Yes” to legalization by a slim margin, and shortly thereafter, sportsbooks began popping up throughout the state.

There are currently 20 legal sportsbooks in Colorado, which is more than any other state. A few favorites include FanDuel, bet365, Draft Kings, and Caesars Sportsbook.

Connecticut

Sports betting became legal in Connecticut after Governor Ned Lamont signed new tribal gambling compacts in 2021. Residents can bet on all major sports leagues and college sports, except Connecticut-based teams (unless the team is competing in a tournament).

Currently, DraftKings, FanDuel, and SugarHouse are partnered with the Connecticut Lottery to offer sports betting in the state. Fanatics will soon be replacing SugarHouse as the company recently pulled out of a 10-year agreement with the state.

Delaware

Delaware was one of the first legal sports betting sites after the Supreme Court struck down PASPA. Both retail and online wagering are allowed, but the state hasn’t currently launched any online betting apps and doesn’t yet have plans to do so.

Delaware residents have just three retail options for betting: Delaware Park Casino & Racing, Bally’s Dover Casino Resort, and Harrington Raceway and Casino.

Florida

Both online and retail sports wagering are legal in Florida, but the path to getting there hasn’t been easy. In 2021, the state agreed to give the Seminole Tribe the exclusive right to operate a betting app in Florida. However, the tribe took down the app after an onslaught of legal challenges and disagreements among lawmakers.

Online sports betting resumed in November 2023. Currently, Hard Rock Bet is the only legal sportsbook in the state. This sportsbook has six retail locations throughout Florida.

Georgia

There have been several efforts to legalize retail and online sports betting in Georgia, but so far, none have succeeded. In 2023, a bill that would have legalized sports betting failed to pass through the Senate. Other bills were put up for vote, but the 2023 legislative session ended without passing any of them.

Sports betting proponents expect lawmakers to renew their efforts for legalization in 2024.

Hawaii

Hawaii doesn’t have any form of sports betting — or any type of gambling at all, for that matter. Because the state has no casinos or lottery, it would be quite difficult to get sports betting up and running.

There have been some attempts at legalization, though. In 2023, lawmakers introduced a bill that would legalize poker and sports betting while bringing a retail sportsbook to Oahu. This bill did not pass.

Idaho

Both retail and online sports betting are illegal in Idaho and will likely remain that way for the foreseeable future. There have been zero attempts to introduce a bill that would legalize sports betting since the Supreme Court deemed PASPA unconstitutional.

Idaho does have several options if it chooses to legalize sports betting. The state has seven tribal casinos that could serve as retail sportsbooks. It could also choose an online-only format run through the state’s lottery.

Illinois

Retail and online sports betting are both legal in Illinois, but the path to reach legalization has been a rocky one. After several false starts, lawmakers finally managed to push legal sports betting through as part of a 900-page bill that Governor JB Pritzker signed in 2019.

Residents can bet on professional leagues and college sports at one of eight sportsbooks, including BetMGM, DraftKings, and BetRivers.

Indiana

Indiana legalized retail and online sports betting in 2019. This decision has proved financially advantageous for the state, with its sports handle hitting a record $513.6 million in November 2023.

Indiana residents have more than a dozen sportsbooks to choose from, including BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and FanDuel.

Iowa

In Iowa, online and retail sports betting became legal in 2019. At first, bettors had to register at one of the state’s in-person sportsbooks, but now it’s legal to register online as well.

State law allows residents 21+ to bet on professional and college-level sports. It’s legal to bet on in-state college games; however, residents are prohibited from making prop bets on those events.

Iowa has 17 legal sportsbooks to choose from, including Betway, FanDuel, and BetRivers.

Kansas

Kansas became one of many legal sports betting states in 2022 when Governor Laura Kelly signed SB 84 into law. The bill officially went into effect in July 2022, making this one of the quickest launches of sports wagering nationwide.

There are currently six sportsbooks operating in Kansas, although legislation allows for up to 12, so residents could have more options in the future. Sportsbooks include DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel.

Kentucky

Kentucky is one of the most recent states to legalize retail and online sports wagering. Seven sports betting apps went live in September 2023, including ESPN Bet, FanDuel, and Caesars. Bettors can wager on professional and collegiate sports.

Kentucky is an interesting outlier when it comes to betting age. Unlike many states that require bettors to be at least 21, residents 18+ can bet on sports within the state. Some online wagering apps require bettors to be 21+, though.

Louisiana

Louisiana has long been known for its thriving casino industry, so it should come as no surprise that online and retail sports wagering are legal here. Louisiana has legalized wagering in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes.

Legislation allows for up to 40 online sports wagering apps, but there are currently only eight in operation. They include PointsBet, bet365, and BetMGM.

Maine

Retail and online sports wagering became legal in Maine in 2022. Governor Janet Mills granted exclusive mobile sports wagering rights to the state’s Wabanaki Tribes, three of which have partnered with Caesars Sportsbook. Residents can also place their bets with DraftKings.

Maryland

Both retail and online sports wagering are legal in Maryland. Legalization occurred in 2021 after Governor Larry Hogan signed HB 940 into law. However, the sports betting launch was delayed until November 2023, when online sportsbooks finally began taking bets.

There are currently ten legal sportsbooks in the state, although legislation allows for up to 60. Online sportsbooks include DraftKings, BetRivers, and BetMGM. Those who prefer in-person wagering can head to Greenmount Station, Horseshoe Baltimore, Ocean Downs, or one of several other retail sportsbooks throughout the state.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts retail and online sports wagering became legal in 2022. Retail sports betting launched on January 31, 2023, and online wagering followed on March 10.

Bettors can wager on professional leagues but cannot bet on college-level teams (unless the teams are in a tournament). Betting is limited to residents 21+.

Legislation allows for up to 15 sportsbooks, eight of which are tied to a land-based partner. Sportsbooks include FanDuel, WynnBET, and Betr.

Michigan

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the bill to legalize sports wagering in 2019. Retail sportsbooks launched in 2020, but online wagering apps had a slower start and launched several months later in January 2021.

It’s legal to bet on pro and in-state college sports teams in Michigan. The state also allows residents to bet on some entertainment awards ceremonies, such as the Oscars.

There are currently 14 sportsbooks operating in Michigan, including FanDuel, Caesars, and BetMGM.

Minnesota

Minnesota is not one of the legal sports betting states. Lawmakers proposed new legislation that would legalize wagering in 2023, but bills fell short of passage.

Minnesota regulators are expected to make another attempt at legalization in 2024. Reportedly, gaming company IGT has been in talks with officials, which could prompt the introduction of new sports wagering bills.

Mississippi

Retail sports wagering has been legal in Mississippi since 2018. Many residents would love an online betting option, but wagering over the Internet is currently illegal in the state. Bettors must be located at a land-based, licensed casino to place bets.

Residents have quite a few retail sportsbooks to choose from, including Fitz Casino Hotel Tunica, Bally’s Vicksburg, and Harrah’s Gulf Coast.

Missouri

There have been substantial efforts to legalize retail and online sports betting in Missouri, but so far, none have succeeded. Although the legislation passed the House in 2023, it failed in the Senate, so lawmakers must wait until the 2024 session to try again.

Five of Missouri’s neighboring states allow sports betting, so proponents expect the eventual legalization of sports wagering to discourage residents from heading across state lines.

Montana

Montana is a friendly state for sports bettors. State law allows all licensed lottery retailers to offer on-site sports betting, which means residents can head to one of hundreds of sportsbooks to place their bets.

Online sports betting is technically allowed, but residents must be physically located at a retail sportsbook to use this option.

Nebraska

Retail sports betting has been legal in Nebraska since 2021. Online sports wagering isn’t yet legal, and it’s unclear whether this will change soon.

Residents can place bets at one of two retail sportsbooks: Grand Island Casino Resort and WarHorse Casino in Lincoln.

Nevada

Sports betting has been legal in Nevada since 1949. It was one of the few states not affected by PASPA, which made exceptions for states with existing state wagering programs.

Although online sports betting is legal, getting started is a bit complicated. Residents will need to download a sportsbook app, head to one of their retail locations, complete an application, and make their first deposit in person and in cash.

New Hampshire

Sports betting was legalized in New Hampshire with the passage of HB 480 in 2019. New Hampshire law allows for up to 10 sportsbooks in the state, and so far, 16 cities have authorized the placement of retail sportsbooks.

Currently, three sportsbooks operate in New Hampshire, all of which are run by DraftKings.

New Jersey

Retail and online sports betting became legal in New Jersey in 2018. Residents can choose from one of 16 sports betting apps, including FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetRivers. If residents want to bet in person, they may have to head to Atlantic City, as most of the state’s retail sportsbooks are located there.

New Mexico

Retail sports betting has been legal in New Mexico since 2018. Residents can only place bets at one of five tribal casinos, including Buffalo Thunder Casino, Route 66 Casino, Santa Ana Star Casino, and Inn of the Mountain Gods.

Residents don’t yet have any options for online sports betting, and it’s unclear whether there will be any legalization efforts in 2024.

New York

New York legalized in-person sports betting in 2019, with online sports betting following in 2021. Residents can currently bet using one of nine apps, including PointsBet, DraftKings, and BetRivers.

North Carolina

Both retail and online sports betting are legal in North Carolina, but bettors will have to wait until 2024 until online wagering launches in the state. For now, residents can place bets at Catawba Two Kings Casino and one of two Harrah’s casinos.

Legislation will allow for up to 12 online sportsbooks in North Carolina. It’s unclear which will launch in the state, but experts believe FanDuel, Caesars, and BetMGM are likely picks.

North Dakota

Retail sports betting was legalized in North Dakota in 2021. The state allows federally recognized tribes to accept bets on their reservation lands. Three have opened sportsbooks: Sky Dancer Casino & Resort, Dakota Magic Casino, and 4 Bears Casino and Lodge.

Online sports betting currently isn’t legal in North Dakota. Lawmakers rejected a bill to legalize online wagering in 2021, and it’s unclear whether any efforts will be made in 2024.

Ohio

Ohio is one of the most recent states to legalize sports wagering. Governor Mike DeWine signed HB 29 into law in 2021, and 16 sportsbooks launched in January 2023. Currently, residents can place bets at one of 20 sportsbooks, including DraftKings, BetRivers, and Caesars.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma has no shortage of tribal casinos, but surprisingly, both retail and online sports betting remain illegal in the state. Governor Kevin Stitt is a strong proponent of sports wagering and plans to introduce legislation in 2024 that would legalize betting online and in person.

Oregon

Oregon sports betting became legal in 2019. DraftKings currently operates as the sole online sportsbook in the state.

Residents who wish to bet in person must do so at one of four tribal casinos: The Mill Casino & Hotel, Chinook Winds Casino Resort, Spirit Mountain Casino, and Three Rivers Casino Resort. Unlike some other states, these casinos allow residents to bet on in-state collegiate games.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania legalized sports betting in 2017 before the banning of PASPA, but its retail sportsbooks didn’t officially launch until November 2018. Online sports wagering launched in 2019.

Sports betting was legalized with the passage of HB 271, which included a comprehensive gambling package that established licensing fees and tax rates. The state has one of the highest tax rates in the country for sports betting at 36%.

Residents can bet at one of 12 legal sportsbooks in Pennsylvania, including FanDuel, BetPARX, PointsBet, and Unibet.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island started offering sports betting in 2018, just months after the banning of PASPA. The state only has one online sports wagering app, Sportsbook Rhode Island, which is part of the Rhode Island Lottery’s collaborations with William Hill and IGT.

Residents have just two options for in-person wagering: Bally’s Twin River Lincoln and Bally’s Tiverton.

South Carolina

All types of sports betting are illegal in South Carolina, but there has been a substantial push from lawmakers toward legalization. Legislators proposed bills in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023, but so far, all have failed.

The most recent attempt is HB 3749, which could gain traction during the 2024 legislative session. This bill would legalize up to eight betting apps and make sports betting legal for anyone 18+. It also places no prohibitions on college sports wagering.

South Dakota

Sports betting is legal in South Dakota but with quite a few restrictions. The state only allows sports wagering in person at a Deadwood sportsbook or tribal casino. Residents can place bets from their mobile devices, but they must be physically located at a licensed casino or sportsbook. The state also prohibits betting on in-state college teams and minor league games.

Tennessee

Tennessee officially legalized online sports betting in June 2019, but it took until November 2020 for the first sportsbook apps to launch. Unlike many other states that have legalized sports wagering, Tennessee does not allow in-person betting and doesn’t have any plans to legalize it in the future.

Sports betting is open to residents 21+, and bettors can wager on both pro and in-state college sports.

Texas

Despite efforts from citizens and legislators, both retail and online sports betting remain illegal in Texas. The most recent effort, HB 1942, passed through the House in 2023. However, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick cut down the resolution before the Senate could vote on it despite bipartisan support.

Texas residents will have to head to neighboring Louisiana or New Mexico to place their bets. Legislators may have to give legalization more consideration if they don’t want to lose tax revenue to other states.

Utah

Sports wagering, and gambling of any kind, is illegal in Utah because of the state’s deep Mormon roots. Utah is so opposed to sports wagering that its code says it will remain illegal even if legalized at the federal level.

It’s highly unlikely that sports wagering will ever become legal in the state. Residents will have to travel to a neighboring state or try their luck with an offshore sportsbook instead.

Vermont

Vermont sports betting fans have plenty to be excited about. The state plans to launch legal sports betting on January 11, 2024, thanks to the passage of H.127.

The law will subject two to six sportsbooks and their subject operators to a 20% revenue tax. Bettors must be 21+ and cannot bet on Vermont college sports programs, except out-of-state tournaments. Bettors are also prohibited from using credit cards to fund online wagering accounts.

Right now, only two online sportsbooks have signed up for the launch: FanDuel and DraftKings. Fanatics will likely soon follow.

Virginia

Legal sports betting came to Virginia in 2021. It was one of the few states to launch an online-only option, although the state has plans for several retail sportsbooks in the works. Currently, the only retail option in the state is Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Bristol.

Online bettors have 16 apps to choose from, including Bally Bet, DraftKings, and SuperBook. Bettors must be 21+. The state prohibits residents from betting on in-state college teams and NFL drafts.

Washington

Retail sports betting became legal in Washington with the passage of HB 2638 in 2021. This bill allows for sports wagering at one of Washington’s 30 tribal casinos.

Online sports betting is not allowed in Washington. Residents will have to head to an in-person casino, such as Spokane Tribe Casino, Silver Reef Casino Resort, or Angel of the Winds Casino, to place their bets. Snoqualmie Casino offers a mobile sports betting app, but bettors must be physically located at an in-person sportsbook to use it.

West Virginia

Both online and retail sports wagering are legal in West Virginia. Residents can choose from one of nine betting apps, including Caesars, BetRivers, and BetMGM.

West Virginia places no restrictions on in-state college sports betting. The only restriction is that residents can’t bet on high school sports.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin hasn’t technically legalized sports betting, but it has made agreements with federally recognized tribes to allow in-person wagering. Residents can place bets at one of six tribal casinos, including Potawatomi Casino, St. Croix Casino, and Oneida Casino West Mason.

Online wagering is legal, but heavily restricted. Residents can only place bets from their phones at a physical Oneida One-Stop location.

Wyoming

Online sports betting became legal in 2021 in Wyoming. The state currently has four sportsbook apps: FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM. There are currently no brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in operation.

What’s To Come for Legal Sports Betting States in the U.S.?

As sports betting is legalized at the state level, it’s difficult to say what the future holds. Legislators in several states plan to introduce bills for legalization in 2024, and it’s unclear whether those bills will succeed.

If you don’t live in one of the states where sports betting is legal, your only option may be to use an offshore sportsbook. However, these sportsbooks aren’t regulated and offer few protections for consumers, so please tread carefully if you decide to go that route.

About the Author

Kane Pepi

Kane Pepi is a financial, gambling and cryptocurrency writer with over 2,000 published works, including on platforms like InsideBitcoins and Motley Fool. He specializes in cryptocurrency guides, exchange and wallet reviews, and covers new crypto projects for Cryptonews.com. His expertise includes asset valuation, portfolio management, and financial crime prevention. Pepi holds a Bachelor's in Finance, a Master’s in Financial Crime, and is pursuing a Doctorate in money laundering in crypto and blockchain. Connect with Kane on LinkedIn.

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