Yes, legal online sports betting in the USA exists thanks to the repealing of a previous precedent.
On May 14, 2018, the US Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) via Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association. That decision allowed states to create legal sports betting markets, whereas sports betting had been previously restricted to Nevada. Many have already jumped at the opportunity to create their own market and forge an identity in the gambling world.
Bettors can frequent regulated and offshore sportsbooks, again, depending on the state that they are in. Sportsbooks have also been made available online via web and mobile apps and at retail locations, such as casinos or sports bars & grills.
It is likely that more sports betting laws come into effect as the market continues to hit unprecedented heights, and the most highly-anticipated states (California, Florida, and Texas) come under more pressure. We will cover all online betting laws and betting sites in the USA as developments occur.
Something important to remember is that just because a state has a gambling market does not mean that they don’t have restrictions on online gambling. For example, several states require first-time customers to visit a brick-and-mortar establishment before registering with any legal betting sites. Others may have online sports betting but completely restrict online casino games, whereas they typically go hand-to-hand in other states.
Understanding differences in regulated sports betting laws is one of the first steps that should be taken on the road to becoming a full-fledged sports bettor. Check out our section on online sports betting for more information.
As we continue, we will discuss the importance of picking legal online sportsbooks and learning to discern the best betting sites from the rest. We will also dive into how you can find which legal online sportsbook is the best fit for you.
Why Is It So Important to Only Bet At Licensed and Legal Online Sportsbooks?
Betting at legal online sportsbooks is crucial for American bettors.
Simply put, betting anywhere that doesn’t offer legal sports gambling is a criminal offense. You will be in direct violation of state law and could face serious punishment. Don’t let that scare you, though, because finding legal online sportsbooks is a piece of cake.
What Is The Size of the Legal US Sports Betting Market?
The size of legal sports gambling in the United States is ever-changing. As more states create legal sports betting markets, the handle, revenue, and profit margins all increase.
In 2021, the retail and online betting sites in the USA claimed a $57.2bn handle. Sportsbooks managed a combined $4.29bn in revenue, with the Super Bowl serving as the biggest betting draw of the year.
Legal gambling sites are also constantly entering the American market, whether they may be powered by local casinos, larger conglomerates, or international corporations looking to capitalize on the Land of the Free.
States deliver their betting figures every month in published reports. Nevada, New York and New Jersey have dominated the market, although Illinois recently crept into the number-two spot for sports gambling online.
States also claim a certain percentage (which differs depending on the state) in taxes, which go towards funding projects such as schools, roads, and conservation efforts.
The Future of Legal Sports Betting in the US?
As we mentioned earlier, many states are enamored by the prospect of adding a legal sports betting market to their list of offerings.
Ohio, for example, has already regulated sports betting and is set to launch its market at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2023. California is also sending two controversial sports measures called Proposition 26 and Proposition 27 to the November ballot, where the public will decide how and if sports betting will enter the state.
The success of legal sports betting has also started to influence betting offerings in other regions, such as politics. A group of influential businessmen and women from Washington recently began lobbying for political betting markets.
As far as sports go, the biggest cries will come around the time of the biggest events, namely the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, World Series, UFC fights, and March Madness. The World Cup and Olympics are also less frequent but cyclical events that cause huge turnouts.
Legal sports betting is a topic in nearly every state in America, except for Hawaii and Utah, neither of which have any form of legal gambling. We will be sure to provide updates on every measure, law, and rule change if and when they happen all across the country.