Where is Sports Betting Legal? A Full 50 States Guide - 2024

Fact Checked and Updated May 2024 by: Michael Savio

May 2023 marked the fifth year since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was overturned, giving the green light to the meteoric rise of sports betting.

Since then, more than half of the United States has legalized it to some degree, and more are always on the way.

Below, we’ll examine online sports betting and states where sports betting is legal. Consider this your go-to resource for legal sports betting in the United States.


Where You Can Legally Gamble Online in the US

Click On a State to See Full Details

      Sports Betting (Retail or Online)

      Sports Betting & Online Casinos

      Not Legal/ Movement Expected


Sports Betting Active Legislation/Ballot Initiative

South Carolina

South Carolina has a bit to go and some hurdles to cross before sports betting arrives. In 2022, bipartisan lawmakers proposed a bill to allow up to 12 online sportsbooks, but it didn’t go anywhere. In late 2022, Rep. J. Todd Rutherford proposed a constitutional amendment to allow residents to vote on legal sports betting. The bill failed to gain traction, which wasn’t helped by opposition from Governor Henry McMaster.

HB 3749 is currently making it through the state’s legislature, but expectations for its approval remain low. The bill would legalize up to eight sports betting apps.

Georgia

Although two bills to bring sports betting to Georgia died in March 2023, there is a new initiative already under way for 2024. While there are a lot of legislators in favor of legalizing sports betting, the bills being proposed would require an amendment to the state's constitution. That means for a sports betting bill to become law, it would need to have two-thirds of the House and Senate approve it. If that high bar is achieved, it would then need to be put on a ballot for the public to vote. Over 50% of the Senate and House support the bill, but others remain wary over including it in the constitution. 

Texas

Texas presented some new bills in February 2023 that could have brought online sports betting in early 2024, but strong opposition from Governor Dan Patrick means it is already likely dead. As long as Patrick remains in office, legal sports betting in Texas remains unlikely. If Texas opts to legalize the industry, it would likely not happen until 2025 at the earliest.

Oklahoma

Rep. Ken Luttrell’s HB 1027 advanced through the House on March 21, 2023. However, it’s believed that Governor Kevin Stitt and the state’s gaming tribes are too far apart to get the industry going. Efforts to legalize the industry failed once again in 2023, but there is a new proposal submitted for 2024. However, its chances of passing remain unlikely.

Missouri

Missouri sports betting bills failed once again in 2023, but that could change in 2024. Proponents of the industry are in the process of gathering signatures for a couple of new proposals. Some expect these to find more success in part because State Representative Denny Hoskins is looking for a new role in the government. Hoskins has been a vocal opponent against legalizing sports betting, filibustering in each bill that has come up for a vote. He is expected to do the same for the two new sports betting bills submitted for 2024, however local pro sports team have formed a coalition to help legalize the industry by having it added to the 2024 ballot.

Minnesota

The 2023 legislative session saw a few different bills proposing legal sports betting, but they were not able to pass them. While the Tribes and many legislators support legalized sports betting, there is a debate over the ability to offer live betting. A new amendment to a 2024 sports betting bill would ban in-game betting, easing some fears of problem gambling. However, proponents of sports betting are dropping their support, citing a major cut to revenue and increased incentive to use offshore sportsbooks. Given the strong disagreement, it is unlikely we see a bill passed in 2024. 

Hawaii

A new bill in 2023 seeking to legalize sports betting, poker, and a standalone sportsbook and card room to open in Oahu failed to get enough votes to advance. This comes after HB 1973 was shot down in January 2022, leaving little hope for legalized sports betting in Hawaii.

No Active Sports Betting Legislation

Alaska

Since Rep. Adam Wool presented a bill in February 2022, the desire for sports betting in the state has been silent. We wouldn’t expect sports betting to arrive there any time soon.

Alabama

While bills were presented in 2021, 2022, and 2023 but they died relatively quickly. There are currently two new sports betting bills being considered, but the Senate has already begun to slim them down, signaling they are unlikely to pass. While the 2024 efforts may be doomed to fail once again, support is growing among Alabama legislatures, given the amount of money being made by neighboring states. 

Utah

Utah has laws that deem sports betting illegal, even if a law was passed to legalize it nationwide. Sports betting will never land in Utah.

Idaho

There are simply no developments regarding sports betting in Idaho.

California

Californians had a chance to pass sports betting during the November 2022 elections and voted against it. Two new proposals have been submitted for 2024, but have received a harsh rebuke from the state’s gaming tribes, causing them to be dropped before they signature-gathering phase was completed. 

US Sports Betting: How We Got Here

Until May 2018, sports betting was mainly available at Las Vegas, Nevada casinos.

Then, in 2017, the Supreme Court accepted a case and heard arguments in December 2017, Murphy v. National College Athletic Association. The “Murphy” in the lawsuit was New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who had taken over after Governor Chris Christie’s term ended. In May 2018, the Supreme Court ruled in a 7-2 decision that sections of PASPA were unconstitutional as they commandeered power from the states. A 6-3 decision determined all of PASPA was unconstitutional.

When this occurred, states began moving immediately to bring sports betting to their state. Unsurprisingly, New Jersey was among the first, bringing it to the state in June of that year.

Since May 2018, 33 states and Washington D.C. have brought sports betting in some capacity to the respective state.

United States Sports Betting Restrictions

Throughout the legal betting sites and states, several states have restrictions on what you can and cannot bet on. These restrictions typically focus on college sports betting and, in a few instances, on mobile betting. Below is a comprehensive list of the restrictions in each state.

  • Arizona: You cannot bet on college player props.
  • Colorado: You cannot bet on college player props.
  • Connecticut: You cannot bet on in-state college teams.
  • Delaware: You cannot bet on in-state college teams.
  • Illinois: You can bet on in-state teams, but you must do so at retail sportsbooks.
  • Indiana: You cannot bet on college player props.
  • Iowa: You cannot bet on player props on in-state teams.
  • Massachusetts: You cannot bet on in-state teams unless they’re playing in a tournament.
  • Mississippi: Mobile sports betting is legal, but only on the campuses of certain sites.
  • New Hampshire: You cannot bet on in-state teams or games.
  • New Jersey: You cannot bet on in-state college teams or games.
  • New York: You cannot bet on games in-state college games or player props.
  • Oregon: You cannot bet on college sports in the state at all.
  • Pennsylvania: You can't bet on college player props.
  • Rhode Island: You cannot bet on in-state teams or games.
  • South Dakota: You cannot bet on in-state college teams or college player props. You can only wager in person in South Dakota.
  • Tennessee: You cannot bet on college props pregame or in-play.
  • Virginia: You cannot bet on games involving an in-state college team or any college player props.
  • Washington: You cannot bet on in-state teams.
  • Washington D.C.: You cannot bet on college games or teams in D.C.
  • West Virginia: You cannot bet on college player props.
  • Wisconsin: Retail-only, but you cannot bet on in-state college teams.

The Impact of Sports Betting Nationwide

Socially

While the expansion of the legal sports betting industry will result in some people experiencing problematic sports betting addiction, there are numerous resources that can be consulted to help curb its impact. There have been a number of conflicts with state politicians over the matter, with some states being much more in support of it while others are completely against it.

Economically

With more than 38 states and Washington D.C. having legalized sports betting, the industry has generated well north of $15.569 billion as of January 2023. In terms of handle, the states have also taken in more than $200.5 billion in wagers. On top of the revenue generated by the sportsbooks and the taxes that the state receives, this industry has created thousands of new jobs and has increased investments in sports venues.

Sports

Professional sports have completely embraced legal sports betting. Each league has its own official sports betting partner, and advertisements for these platforms are seen during commercials, broadcasts, and even throughout the arena. Professional teams have also seen an uptick in revenues in states where sports betting is legal.

Media

The rise of legal sports betting has had a massive impact on sports media. Some examples include DraftKings purchasing the sports gambling network VSIN, SI Sportsbook licensing its brand for an online sportsbook, Barstool Sports opening an online sportsbook and then rebranding to ESPN BET, and more. This impact comes before sports betting is even legal in some of the larger states like California, Florida, and Texas.

Partnerships and Sponsorships

The partnerships that have come as a result of sports betting are almost endless. Not only do numerous professional teams have sports betting partners, but some sites have partnerships that enabled them to offer sports betting in the state.

These partnerships extend beyond sports teams, though, such as partnerships with actual stadiums and arenas, like Madison Square Garden.

These partnerships provide an influx in revenue for the leagues, and now it’s common to see particular networks promote the odds for games airing on their network.

Below is a sample of the partnerships you’ll find with most sportsbooks mentioned above:

BetMGMBoston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, Richard Childress Racing, Philadelphia 76ers, Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans
Bet365San Antonio Spurs, Colorado Rockies
BetRiversDetroit Pistons, Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Bears
DraftKings SportsbookBoston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies, 23XI Racing, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings, Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, St. Louis Blues, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, Nashville Predators, Cleveland Guardians
FanDuelDetroit Tigers, New York Yankees, DC United, Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Washington Commanders, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, New York Liberty
UnibetPhiladelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Stewart-Haas Racing, New Jersey Devils
Play SugarHouse SportsbookPhiladelphia Flyers

Sports Betting: Comparing Regulated and Offshore Sites

Regulated sportsbooks in the United States have several advantages over unregulated/offshore sportsbooks. Regulated sites protect players should any sportsbooks try to take advantage of them or not pay you out. With offshore sportsbooks, you don’t have that same luxury. Most offshore sites have licenses from countries that are so small it’s almost irrelevant and inconsequential—it serves as a way to prop up a site as being “licensed” without it actually providing the benefits that you receive in the United States.

While offshore sites may offer large welcome bonuses, it’s unknown whether you’ll actually receive those benefits. If you do, questions remain around whether you’ll receive your withdrawn funds in a timely manner or, again, at all. With legal US betting sites, you know that your bonus is guaranteed, and all of your winnings will be available for withdrawal via a payment method that is available on the betting site.

The peace of mind of playing at a legal and regulated online sportsbook in the United States cannot be understated. Regardless of how attractive the odds or welcome bonuses are, the downside of playing could prove to be financially catastrophic.

Regulated Sportsbooks

  • They provide security that you’ll never run into issues of not receiving your winnings.
  • Partnerships with professional teams.
  • Responsible gaming initiatives to assist those with problematic gambling tendencies.
  • Peace of mind.

Offshore Sites

  • Licensed by less than reputable entities or countries.
  • No peace of mind that you’ll certainly receive funds you withdraw.
  • Potentially worse encryption software to keep your data safe, if anything at all.
  • Some sites have very little customer support.

States Likely to Legalize US Online Gambling

Indiana

After the legislation was brought but ultimately died in 2022, Rep. Ethan Manning made it a point that he’d pursue additional legislation in 2023. That attempt failed after the House Public Policy Committee wouldn’t even allow a hearing to discuss the bill.

Illinois

With 12 land-based casinos in the state, Illinois should be one of the next states to launch online gambling. There are currently two bills in the Illinois General Assembly, but they are with committees that may never actually review the bills. That means Illinois will likely need to wait at least one more year for legal online casinos.

Maryland

After adding online sports betting in late 2022, lawmakers in the state will look to move online gambling along by adding a referendum to the 2024 ballot.

New Hampshire

While online sports betting is legal in the state with DraftKings Sportsbook as the sole provider, there hasn't been much traction for online gambling. That changed this year as the Senate passed the online gambling bill SB 104, but by only one vote. While it will be a challenge to get the bill through the House vote, the Senate vote was a major step forward for the industry.

New York

Online sports betting has been a massive success in The Empire State, and online gambling certainly will be too. A few pieces of legislation have been on the subject, but they all fail to make any headway. However, Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. has another bill proposed, but a lack of support means it likely won’t be voted on until 2024.

States Where Gambling Is Legal

As seen by the lists above, online gambling at real money casinos is not quite as widespread as online sports betting.

Below is a table showing all the states online where casino gambling is legal, as well as states where casino gambling is illegal.

FAQs

Is sports betting legal?

Yes. Sports betting has been legal in the United States since PASPA was overturned in May 2018. Now, each state can pass laws to allow for legal betting. As of March 2023, more than 30 states where sports betting is legal.

What’s the difference between registering for an account online and in person?

By registering for an account online, you’ll input your information and may also need to provide documents to prove your identity. However, if the state you’re in calls for in-person registration only to play online, this could verify your account faster, but you’ll need to travel to the land-based casino in person. You can use our resources above and, on our site, if you need to find a “sportsbook near me.”

How do I make a deposit at an online sportsbook?

After creating an account, you’ll want to head back to the homepage of the site. In the upper right-hand corner, you’ll likely find a link to the cashier page where you can browse the various methods and choose which works best for you.

How many states have legal sports betting?

There are currently 38 states where sports betting is legal, including Washington, D.C.

Do you have to live in a legal sports betting state to wager?

No. You don’t need to be a resident of a legal sports betting state, but you need to be located within the borders of the state to make real-money transactions.

Which states offer legal online sports betting?

Legal online sports betting is available in the following states:

Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wyoming.

Why hasn’t the state I live in legalized sports betting?

There are a dozen states where sports betting isn’t yet available. Each state has its own circumstances, so it’s best to monitor all of the latest updates, including where to find a “sportsbook near me.”

Can I get into legal trouble for betting at offshore sportsbooks?

While wagering at offshore sportsbooks won’t really result in breaking any bettings in the US, you do run the risk of losing out on the money you deposited and want to withdraw.

That said, Washington State does have a law where you could face felony charges.

Is gambling illegal?

Gambling isn’t necessarily illegal as there are multiple retail locations throughout the country where you can gamble, such as states with casinos. However, if your state doesn’t have any passed legislation and no retail casinos, that means it's not yet available.

What states allow online casino gambling?

Online gambling is legal in Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.

Where are the top sportsbooks legal online?

  • BetMGM States: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wyoming.
  • FanDuel Sportsbook States: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming.
  • Caesars States: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wyoming.
  • DratKings States:Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
  • Bet365 States: Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Virginia.