Where is Sports Betting Legal in 2024?

Since the creation of sports, people have been eager to spend their own hard-earned money by betting on their favorite teams and players. However, there have always been rules that have prohibited people from being able to do just that.

For the last generation, betting on sports has only been permitted in a few parts of the country, such as Las Vegas. While it has been allowed in multiple other countries, America has been slow to act. Yet, the tides have been changing and sports betting has become not only legal but accepted and welcomed in many more states throughout the country.

On May 14, 2018, the United States Supreme Court issued a ruling in Murphy v. NCAA that will fundamentally alter the sports betting environment. The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which had barred full-scale sports betting in all states save Nevada since 1992, was repealed by a 6-3 vote.

After that major ruling, the race was suddenly on for states to establish their own sports betting legislation. Many states were ready and eager to get started after waiting years for permission to go ahead and establish statewide sports betting. The Garden State, New Jersey, was the first to go live, with most Atlantic City casinos setting up temporary sportsbooks. DraftKings was the first online sportsbook to accept bets in August of 2018.

Following New Jersey, states including Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia have started accepting wagers both in person and online, with many more on the way. In a few years, the majority of states in America may be fully on board and allowing sports betting for its residents.

However, it is important to remember that some states allow certain things that others do not. You should be well aware of the prohibitions and rules in your state before you make any plans to bet on your favorite team. It’s important to know where things stand.

Where is Sports Betting Legal

The number of regions that allow sports betting is growing. These states (as well as Washington, DC) are the only ones that have have legalized and regulated both in-person and online sports betting:

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington DC
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

Draftkings Sportsbooks by State

You have likely seen ads for DraftKings. In fact, if you regularly watch sports, you have probably seen a lot of advertisements for it. It promises huge gains for people who bet smartly and wager their money on their favorite teams. Best of all, it says that signing up is simple. In fact, DraftKings even grants new users free money to bet.

But is DraftKings, the wildly popular online sports betting platform, legal? It all depends on the individual's location. It is important to remember that just because you see a commercial for DraftKings during a game at home, it doesn’t mean you can use the app. If you live in a state that hasn’t legalized sports betting, you cannot use DraftKings or its competitors, no matter how many ads you see.

Despite the fact that DraftKings is best known for daily fantasy sports, its sportsbook is still a huge moneymaker. So, where is DraftKings legal in terms of their sportsbook? 

• Arizona
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

Despite the fact that they've all decided to legalize DraftKings Sportsbook, there are still some variances, including the taxation of DraftKings wins. The states that aren't listed have chosen not to authorize DraftKings Sportsbook. Now, some of those jurisdictions have outright prohibited sports betting, while others have banned DraftKings expressly or just allow one sort of service.

Washington, Nevada, Montana, South Dakota, Arkansas, and Rhode Island are among the states where this is the case. Each choice might have been made for a variety of reasons, including business dealings with DraftKings' rivals or criticism of the company's regulations.

Fanduel Sportsbook by State

FanDuel is another popular way for Americans to enjoy sports betting across the country. 

As of September 2023, FanDuel Sportsbook is available in 20 states. Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

FanDuel's first legal state was New Jersey in September 2018. It is scheduled to be offered in Vermont and Texas in the near future. 

The states where it is fully legal to use Fanduel are:

• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana 
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New Jersey
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

How Do DraftKings and FanDuel Work?

DraftKings and FanDuel are daily fantasy sports, sports betting, and gambling services, respectively. Users may access the items through the company's website or by downloading the company's mobile app.

DraftKings and FanDuel make money by collecting a share of the proceeds from tournaments, sports betting and gambling products.

DraftKings and FanDuel are platforms for daily fantasy sports and betting. Users may participate and wager on games in a number of sports and leagues, including as the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and soccer leagues such as the Premier League.

FanDuel and DraftKings have eliminated the need for long-term commitment in fantasy sports by allowing players to participate in short-term fantasy sports on a far larger scale.

The Best States for Online Sports Betting

While many states allow for online sports betting, some are actually better than others if you are trying to make a lot of money and enjoy betting from home.

Sseveral states have enabled remote registration, which means patrons can sign up from the comfort of their own homes and then immediately begin betting with some of the country's best online sportsbooks from their couches. Many states have created partnerships with online sites and operators so they can present the best online sports betting for their residents. If you are living in any of the states below, you are living in a location that has created an online sports betting experience that is better, smoother, and more exciting than other states.

• Virginia
• Pennsylvania
• Arizona
• Colorado
• West Virginia
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Maryland
• Michigan
• New Jersey
• Tennessee
• Wyoming

Meanwhile, these are the areas that have online sports betting run by just one operator or the state lottery commission, which is generally seen as an approach that streamlines the entire online sports betting industry:

• Montana
• Connecticut
• New Hampshire
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Washington, D.C.

Unlike the in-house sign-up procedure, jurisdictions that enable real online sports betting will not require users to join and fund their accounts at a live book. Instead, they are frequently able to do so from almost any location (although real-money wagers are still restricted to within state lines). 

Online bettors will go through a quick identification validation process, in which they will provide personal details such as their name, address, contact information, and the last four digits of their social security number, in order to protect player security and keep accounts private. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes, and approval is almost immediate.

States Where Sports Betting is Legal

Since the Supreme Court made their ruling in 2018, a large number of states have expanded their residents’ abilities to participate in sports betting. However, there are definitely still restrictions. Based upon the state you live in, you have certain regulations that you are required to follow.

It is best that you check your state’s rules before heading out to the casino or downloading a sports betting app. Remember that sports betting rules can change quickly and often.

Arizona

The federal Department of the Interior formally authorized tribal-state gaming compacts on May 24, 2021 for the state of Arizona, which allows both sports wagering and fantasy sports. The state also permits both in-person and mobile betting, with some commercial sportsbooks collaborating alongside sports venues to gain market access, which makes the entire process easier, smoother, and more rewarding for many residents.

Arizona's mobile and retail sports betting markets finally opened on September 9, 2021.

Types of wagering permitted: Full mobile betting

Prohibitions: None

Arkansas

The Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort took the first legal sports bets in Arkansas on July 1, 2019. In the months that followed, two more retail establishments opened sportsbooks as well. The Arkansas Racing Commission oversees sports betting.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person

Prohibitions: No betting on games involving in-state college teams

Colorado

The Mile High State, Colorado, legalized most sports betting on May 1, 2020, with numerous providers allowing citizens the ability to establish accounts and place their bets online. The decision came less than six months after Colorado voters passed a ballot issue that would allow "sports betting regulation through licensed casinos." Sports betting is allowed on both mobile and in-store. Sports betting tax income will be used to help pay for a variety of state water projects.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person and mobile

Prohibitions: None

Connecticut

The Connecticut legislature legalized sports betting under a tribal-state compact in May 2021. The federal Department of the Interior had 45 days to ratify the amended compacts once Governor Ned Lamont's signature was gained one day later. The retail sports betting market opened on the final day of September, and internet sports betting is anticipated to open this Fall. It is illegal to bet on collegiate athletics involving Connecticut colleges.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person and mobile

Prohibitions: No betting on games involving in-state college teams

Delaware

On June 5, 2018, Delaware's three casinos became the first in the state to provide single-game betting on a variety of sports. Sports betting possibilities may be expanded at more places or online. Delaware's approval of "a full-scale sports gambling enterprise," as Governor John Carney characterized it, came just under a month after the Supreme Court declared that the federal regulation that limited single-game betting to Nevada was unconstitutional.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person

Prohibitions: Online betting

Illinois

On March 9, 2020, Illinois legalized sports betting. The decision was made less than a year after the Illinois legislature enacted a wide gaming statute that legalized both online and in-person sports betting. The new law, which was signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker also allowed for on-site betting at sites including Wrigley Field. 

Types of wagering permitted: In-person and mobile

Prohibitions: No betting on minor league teams or Illinois college teams

Indiana

On Sept. 1, 2019, legal sports betting became available in a handful of Indiana areas. All sports betting rules are overseen by the Indiana Gaming Commission, which has awarded licenses to operators all around the state. Betting on college and pro sports is legal, but eSports and high school sports are prohibited. Mobile and in-person wagering are both permitted under Indiana's new statute. Sports organizations or institutions can ask to "use a geofence to prevent bets at the venue of a particular athletic event," according to the rules.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person and mobile

Prohibitions: No prop betting on in-state college teams

Iowa

On Aug. 15, 2019, Iowa became the first state to legalize sports betting, with numerous providers welcoming clients on the first day. The decision came just three months after Governor Kim Reynolds signed an extensive measure legalizing sports betting into law. A $45,000 license fee is required, as well as a 6.75% revenue tax. Mobile wagering is now legal under the new law. While betting on college sports is legal, certain types of in-game prop bets on college games are prohibited. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission now has the ability to regulate sports betting under the new law.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person and mobile

Prohibitions: No prop betting on in-state college teams

Kansas

Online sports betting launched in Kansas on July 1, 2022.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person and online

Prohibitions: None

Kentucky

Kentucky voted to legalize in March. The official launch is expected by the end of 2023.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person and online

Prohibitions: None

Louisiana

Retail sports betting launched in October 2021, mobile sports betting launched shortly after in January 2022.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person and online

Prohibitions: Some Parishes do not currently allow for sports betting online or in person

Maryland

Sports betting was approved following the 2020 election, with in-person sportsbooks launching in the Baltimore area in December 2021. Online sportsbooks officially launched in November 2022.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person and online

Prohibitions: None

Massachusetts

Sports betting launched on January 31, 2023 at three in-person locations. Online sports betting through six mobile betting apps launched shortly after on March 10, 2023.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person and online

Prohibitions: None

Michigan

On March 11, 2020, Michigan legalized sports betting, with two Detroit-area casinos debuting on the same day. Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently signed the "Lawful Sports Betting Act" into law. The new rule allows bets on a wide range of sports, including college football games.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person and mobile

Prohibitions: None

Mississippi

On August 1, 2018, two MGM Resorts casinos in Mississippi took their inaugural sports bets. In 2017, Mississippi passed a new legislation allowing sports betting awaiting a positive Supreme Court judgement. The Mississippi Gaming Commission passed implementing regulations in June 2018 that require all gambling to be done in person, with mobile wagering to be addressed later.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person

Prohibitions: None

Montana

The Big Sky state legalized sports betting in March 2020. The action occurred after Governor Steve Bullock signed a 28-page measure into law that allowed sports betting to be offered through the state lottery. When signing the law, Governor Bullock praised the Montana Lottery's "established track record of accountability and honesty."

Type of wagering permitted: In-person

Prohibitions: None

Nebraska

In-person only sports betting became legal May of 2021.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person sports betting

Prohibitions: Online sports betting. Collegiate betting

Nevada

Nevada has been a betting paradise for decades now. With no notable prohibitions and many different ways to bet and gamble, Nevada is the model that most other states look to when creating their own sports betting programs.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person and mobile

Prohibitions: None

New Hampshire

On December 30, 2019, Governor Chris Sununo placed the ceremonial first legal sports wager in the state, on the New England Patriots. The lottery in the state is in charge of regulatory monitoring. Sports betting will be available in both retail and mobile formats on a wide range of sports, with the exception of betting on New Hampshire's in-state institutions.

Types of wagering permitted: Mobile

Prohibitions: No betting on in-state college teams

New Jersey

Gov. Phil Murphy signed the sports betting law that had passed the week before on June 11, 2018. On Thursday, June 14, at 10:30 a.m. ET, a William Hill sportsbook at Monmouth Park took the first bets. Governor Murphy happened to be the first patron in line. 

Types of wagering permitted: In-person and mobile

Prohibitions: No betting on games related to in-state college teams or any collegiate events that take place within New Jersey

New Mexico

The Santa Ana Star Casino & Hotel placed the first sports wager through Nevada-based USBookmaking on Oct. 16, 2018. Despite the fact that New Mexico has not approved any new sports betting laws since the Supreme Court's ruling, the Santa Ana Star Casino & Hotel made the move thanks to a gaming agreement with the state. According to the Department of the Interior's Office of Indian Affairs, which monitors tribal gaming compacts, the New Mexico compacts allow "any or all forms of Class III Gaming," which includes "any sports betting and pari-mutuel wagering."

Types of wagering permitted: In-person

Prohibitions: No betting on games related to in-state colleges

New York

The first legal sports bets were placed in New York on July 16, 2019. J. Gary Pretlow, a New York state legislator and leader of the state's racing and wagering council, was one of the first to gamble at the Rivers Casino in Schenectady. Six years after New York approved legislation allowing sports betting at four on-site venues, all in upstate New York, a legal sportsbook opened. 

Types of wagering permitted: In-person with mobile on the way

Prohibitions: No betting on games related to in-state colleges

North Carolina

In March 2021, North Carolina allowed sports betting. Gov. Roy Cooper approved a law in 2019 to "enable sports and horse race gambling on tribal grounds," with such wagering labeled as a "Class III" gaming activity under the state compact. The new rule allows bettors to gamble on collegiate and professional sports, but they must do so in person at one of two retail locations.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person 

Prohibitions: No online betting

North Dakota

Sports betting has recently launched in North Dakota, run solely by tribal casino operators in the state.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person

Prohibitions: No mobile betting

Oregon

Following a massive absence, legal sports betting returned to the state of Oregon on August 27, 2019, with the first bets being placed on-site at the Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City. Because Oregon is one of only a few states with a legislation allowing some types of sports betting, the resumption of gambling did not necessitate the legislature passing a new law or the governor amending an existing tribal-state compact. Mobile sports betting made its debut in Oregon in mid-October 2019, with the state lottery overseeing the development of a new website and app.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person and mobile

Prohibitions: No betting on games involving in-state college teams

Pennsylvania

In mid-November 2018, the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course took the first legal sports bets in Pennsylvania. Just over a year ago, Governor Tom Wolf passed a new sports betting statute as part of a larger legislative drive that included online poker and daily fantasy sports. 

Types of wagering permitted: In-person and mobile

Prohibitions: None

Rhode Island

On November 26, 2018, the Twin River Casino in Lincoln opened its doors to legal sports betting. Under the bill, only two venues would be authorized to provide sports betting, with the state lottery overseeing the process. The law was changed in early 2019 to allow for mobile betting.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person and mobile

Prohibitions: No betting on games related to in-state colleges

South Dakota

South Dakota voters passed a ballot item allowing "sports wagering in Deadwood" on November 3, 2020. Other tribal areas in South Dakota may also witness the introduction of regulated sports betting. Legislators in each state must now create a regulatory structure and tax organization for regulated sports betting. Sports betting became legal in Deadwood on September 9, 2021, and is available on-site at casino establishments. Mobile wagering is only permitted within the confines of a casino.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person; although you can do mobile betting on the premises of a casino

Prohibitions: No mobile betting

Tennessee

In Tennessee, regulated sports wagering began on November 1, 2020, with four licensed operators offering a wide range of possibilities. The "Tennessee Sports Gaming Act" allows for statewide mobile sports betting without the need for a physical location. As a result, the state has no physical retail sports betting outlets. Tennessee's new rule mandates all licensed operators to "exclusively employ official league data for purposes of live betting" unless an exemption applies.

Types of wagering permitted: Mobile only

Prohibitions: None

Virginia

After the Commonwealth of Virginia authorized legalized sports wagering in April 2020, sports bettors in Virginia began making legal bets in January 2021. Online betting is permissible, however gambling on Virginia-based collegiate sports and some minor sports is prohibited. In 2021, the Virginia Lottery granted the Washington Football Franchise a sports betting license, making it the first time an NFL team has received a wagering-related license.

Types of wagering permitted: Online

Prohibitions: No betting on games related to in-state colleges and minor league sports

Washington

On September 9, the retail sports betting market at Washington's tribal casinos opened. Mobile betting is not legal statewide, however it is permissible where a licensed tribal casino is present. Betting on games involving in-state schools, as well as minor league sports, is forbidden.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person

Prohibitions: No online betting or betting related to in-state school or minor league teams

Washington, D.C.

The D.C. Lottery debuted its "GameBetDC" platform in June 2020, allowing users to "wager on major sports globally while in the District" via computer or mobile device. The approval of the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018 and a Congressional review period during which Congress did not publicly oppose led to sports betting in the nation's capital. The Office of Lottery and Gaming regulates all sports betting in the District of Columbia.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person and mobile

Prohibitions: No betting on games related to colleges in the D.C. area

West Virginia

When the Hollywood Casino, a sportsbook operated by Penn National, opened its doors on Aug. 30, 2018, West Virginia became the fifth state to provide regulated sports betting. The decision came about six months after the West Virginia legislature enacted a new measure that established the West Virginia Lottery Commission as the primary regulator.

Types of wagering permitted: In-person and mobile

Prohibitions: None

Wyoming

On April 5, 2021, Governor Mark Gordon signed a mobile-only sports betting bill into law. The new law, like Tennessee's, permits statewide mobile sports betting without the need for a physical casino. 

Types of wagering permitted: Online

Prohibitions: No in-person betting

Where is Sports Betting Legal, But Not Launched Yet

Florida

The Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Florida legislature ratified a tribal-state gaming compact on May 19, 2021. Since the Supreme Court case was won in 2018, the new agreement allows for both retail and mobile sports betting, making Florida the most populous state to permit sports gambling. 

Nebraska

Nebraska voters passed changes to the state constitution on November 3, 2020, authorizing "all games of chance." Governor Pete Rickets signed a limited-scope measure to regulate in-person sports betting six months later. There would be no mobile wagering or betting on Nebraska college sports. 

Louisiana

The great majority of Louisiana's 64 parishes supported a ballot proposal allowing "sports wagering activities and operations" in November 2020. 

However there are a select few parishes where sports betting is not legal in-person or online.

Where Sports Betting is Under Consideration

Georgia

According to Georgia polls, voters support legalizing sports betting. In late 2019, executives from the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, and Atlanta United endorsed sports betting. In the last hours of the 2020 legislative session, a last-minute legalization bill failed, and a similar attempt in 2021 also failed.

Widespread support for sports betting exists, but it's unclear if it will be enough to override the statehouse's anti-gambling stance. 

Alabama

Alabama is among the few American states without even a lottery, but legislators have progressed legislation that would allow for a state-run lottery as well as statewide mobile gaming. Although passing such a measure in a state with strong anti-gaming sentiments will be challenging, proponents believe that a bill might be passed in the future.

Kansas

After both the House and Senate submitted proposals to legalize sports betting in 2020, Kansas appeared to be a safe bet. The COVID-19 epidemic, however, forced lawmakers to adjourn early that year's session, and they'll have to start over after falling short in 2021.

Maine

A bill to legalize online sports betting in Maine appeared to be a done thing until Gov. Janet Mills rejected what would have been New England's most competitive market. Mills was unconvinced at the time that citizens of the state desired more gambling, and he believed the idea lacked protections for problem gamblers.

A veto override fell short by a few votes, but proponents of sports betting want to work with Mills on a new measure.

Where There Is No Movement for Legalization

California

California sports betting appears to be on the horizon, but only at tribal casinos and not until the year 2023.

State tribes were successful in getting a referendum initiative on the ballot in 2022 that would enable sportsbooks on tribal land and at specified horse races. If allowed, wagering may begin as early as 2023, but only in person, not online. Numerous tribal casinos are located in outlying areas of the state and they would the ones to benefit from the new rule.T his would be a disappointment to industry stakeholders who had hoped for nationwide online betting in what would be the most profitable market in the country. 

Oklahoma

The gambling industry in Oklahoma is controlled by Native American businesses, and the majority of them are hesitant to consent to sports betting unless other important concerns with the state government are handled. In 2020, two tribes reached a sports betting agreement, but it was subsequently revoked as part of a bigger fight between competing gaming interests and the government.

Hawaii

Hawaii is one of only two states lacking a large gambling business of any sort, and it does not appear like sports betting will be coming to the state in the near future, if at all.

Idaho

Except for horse racing, Idaho state laws prohibit gambling. Fantasy sports are not permitted in the state, and there is no political interest in regulated sports betting.

Texas

Texas is still a long shot, but significant movement in the 2021 legislative session (the legislature only meets on odd-numbered years) might help Texas overcome its long-standing anti-gambling stance in 2023.

South Carolina

Several laws have been presented in South Carolina in the past, but none of them have gained momentum. This looks to be a long shot, especially given the state's major political officials' staunch hostility toward gambling.

Minnesota

In recent years, lawmakers in the state of Minnesota have examined sports betting laws, but the state has yet to figure out how it would function or which institutions, most notably Minnesota Native American tribes, would be permitted to accept wagers.

Which States Are Least Likely to Pass Sports Betting Laws?

Alaska

When it comes to sports betting, Alaska ranks at the bottom. If ever, the 49th state might be the 49th to legalize it.

Utah

Of all the states least likely to pass sports betting any time soon, Utah takes the cake as the most resistant to the idea. That’s because the state constitution actually has an anti-gambling stance written into it. The actual state constitution would need to be changed to allow any sort of gambling or sports betting and the chances of that happening are very slim and would require the entire state to change its view on betting.

Wisconsin

Although there is a large tribal presence in the state, Wisconsin is another part of America that hasn’t shown many signs of legalizing sports betting or gambling any time soon.

Online Betting Vs. In-Person Sports Wagering

Why Bet Online?

Online sports betting makes the entire process considerably easier, less stressful, and more pleasurable from start to end. 

• You do not need to leave your home or wherever you are to place your wagers. Want to place a wager while watching a game from your family room or den? You can do that with total ease. You don't have to get off your couch.
• You won't have to deal with any of the drawbacks that come with traditional sportsbooks, like waiting in lines, traffic, and crowds.

The convenience of online betting is second to none and nearly impossible to compete with.

What is In-House Betting?

Certain states only permit mobile wagers to be transferred from casino premises, however this is more the exception than the rule. In-house betting is by far the most restricted type of internet wagering, with only minor advantages over making bets with a banker at an electronic kiosk, the most notable of which being the absence of long queues (except possibly to register and fund their accounts).

In-house sign-up is a halfway ground between in-house only and full online wagering. This varies from state to state and the rules will differ based on location. For example, Nevada has no intention to migrate to remote registration, although Iowa required in-person registration until early 2021, when it switched to remote internet registration, which is significantly more convenient.

Players are urged to install their preferred Android or iOS app before registering to get started. The next step is to visit a live sportsbook on an associated app. For example, a player in Illinois who wants to use Barstool Sportsbook must go all the way to the Hollywood Casino Aurora to finish the registration process. To complete the registration procedure, bettors must have a rewards card as well as a government-issued photo ID. Other documentation is frequently necessary, but the total procedure takes only around 10 minutes.

This is a good process if you live near an actual casino that can help you but it’s a big pain for anyone who isn’t living near one.

Overview

After the Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on single-game gambling in 2018, there was a surge in demand for legal sports betting in the United States. That demand has only grown, especially in the last year. It now seems inevitable that nearly every single state in the union will have some sort of sports betting available in the near future.

Following the COVID-19 outbreak, more states decided to look at allowing sports betting as a method to make up for budget shortfalls. It is well-acknowledged that individuals bet on sports in every state, with many of them doing so illegally through unregistered offshore sportsbooks. State lawmakers around the country are interested in capturing that money through a regulated industry that is also better suited to diagnose and treat problem gambling.

FAQs

Is sports betting legal in all states?

No, sports betting is not legal in all states. However, it is becoming more and more common and is now fully operational in 18 states, plus Washington, D.C. 

Is online betting legal?

Legal internet sports betting is accessible in a handful of states, although not in every one. Competition has been fierce in areas that have already gone live, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Illinois, as the industry's major sportsbooks fight for market dominance.