List of US States Where Sports Betting Is Legal & Illegal

Larry Mimosa October 07, 2024 | 08:52

In which states across the United States is sports betting permitted? One might assume that in a nation celebrated for its freedom, sports betting would enjoy universal legality. Currently, that's not the situation; by 2024, legal sports betting will be accessible in almost 40 states, with forecasts indicating it could reach all 50 states.

Full List of States Where Sports Betting Is Legal/Illegal in the U.S (2024 Update)

Where Is Sports Betting Legal in the U.S in 2024

Overview: Sports Betting in the United States

A study conducted by Williams Honors College at The University of Akron suggests that legalizing sports gambling online can increase a state's real GDP per capita by $1,073.28. States with fully legalized sports gambling, both online and off, can see average increases in GDP per capita of $2,845.88.

States all over the nation have legalized sports betting; the most recent to do so were Maine and Florida, which let users start placing bets.

A U.S. Supreme Court decision from 2018 has helped the industry expand. Since then, sports betting has been legalized in 38 states as well as the District of Colombia. Of those states that allow betting, 29 allow online wagering.

Though strong political opposition and intricate tribal ties will probably keep a few states from ever allowing online betting, almost every state has at least contemplated legalizing sports betting.

The majority of states that allow legal sports betting set a minimum age of 21, while some allow wagering as young as 18. A few states have also legalized sports betting in conjunction with online casino gaming.

Over thirty states have enacted laws permitting sports betting in the United States. New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, Virginia, and Arizona are currently ranked in the top ten all-time betting handle. After recently passing legislation allowing wagering to eventually be made in the state, North Carolina plans to launch online and mobile sports bets in early 2024.

The Global Sports Betting Market

In 2022, the global sports betting market was estimated by Research and Markets to be worth $83.65 billion. In the future, the market is anticipated to expand between 2023 and 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3%, reaching a valuation of about $182 billion by the end of the forecast period. The rising demand for sports betting is largely due to the expanding acceptance of smartphones and internet services, as well as the changing regulatory environment in global gambling markets.

List of States Where Sports Betting Is Illegal

At the moment, states like California, Texas, Idaho, Utah, Minnesota, Missouri, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Alaska, and Hawaii forbid sports betting in any form.

States with sizable potential markets for the online gambling sector, like Georgia, Texas, and California, have attempted to pass legislation, but thus far their efforts have not been successful.

Together, Texas and California are home to about 21% of all Americans. New York is the largest legal sports betting market in terms of population.

What is the Legal Status in 50 US States?

Here is a state-by-state analysis of the nation's position on sports betting.

Alabama: Not legal.

The state has put out several bills, one of which is scheduled for 2021, but they have all been flatly rejected. As of right now, Alabama is home to no commercial casinos.

Alaska: Not legal.

The state considered legalizing sports betting in 2020, and Governor Mike Dunleavy even expressed support for the legislation. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, ended the bill's review process, and it ultimately expired in May 2020.

Arizona: Legal.

Sports betting became legal on April 15, 2021. The legislation in place permits 20 operators in Arizona.

Arkansas: Legal.

First official sportsbook launched in July 2021 and first online sportsbook launched in February 2022. Betting on in-state professional and collegiate teams is permitted.

California: Not legal.

Two significant propositions, one pertaining to in-person sports betting and the other to online sports betting, were on the November 2022 ballot in California and had the potential to legalize sports betting. Despite having vigorous advertising campaigns and breaking spending records, both propositions were soundly rejected by California voters. At this point, it is unknown if legal sports betting in California will be discussed once more in 2023.

Colorado: Legal.

Colorado was the 19th state to legalize gambling, and on May 1, 2020, a number of operators permitted citizens to register online and place bets. When it comes to in-state college games, there are limitations: While wagering on the results of games is permitted, player prop bets are not permitted in college sports.

Colorado increased the variety and quantity of casino games it could provide in the 2020 election. Certain wagering limits were also removed by the state.

Connecticut: Legal.

Sports betting is officially allowed in Connecticut as of September 30, 2021.

Delaware: Legal.

Within a month of the Supreme Court's ruling in 2018, Delaware legalized sports betting. Even though there are no in-state online sportsbooks, it is legal to bet on sports online. There is no way to bet on any collegiate teams located in the state.

Florida: It's complicated.

Only three weeks were allowed for sports betting in Florida in 2021 before a judge declared that a deal between the Seminole Tribe and the state of Florida was unconstitutional. A D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that had prohibited regulated sports betting in the state was reversed in June 2023. Following a series of hearings, the tribe was given permission to proceed, and they informed Florida customers about a limited "test" of Hard Rock Bet that would begin in early November. Since then, a pressing request to outlaw mobile sports wagering in the state has been made. Customers will be able to legally bet in the state for an unknown amount of time.

Georgia: Not legal

Legislators in Georgia introduced bills in January 2023 that would have made sports betting legal in the Peach State without requiring a vote by Georgians. However, on March 6, 2023, the Georgia Senate rejected a number of bills that would have allowed sports betting in the state, and the House was unable to pass any new legislation before the deadline.

Hawaii: Not legal.

A bill was proposed in January of 2019 that would've allowed for the regulation of sports gambling through a newly-established corporation, but the bill was denied.

Idaho: Not legal.

No legislation proposed.

Illinois: Legal.

Sports gambling was legalized in June, although the new law will not apply to in-state collegiate contests. It will legalize gambling online and in a number of physical venues, including Wrigley Field. On March 9, 2020, the state legalized betting. College football wagers can only be made in-person; they cannot be made online. Player prop bets are forbidden, but wagers on the results of in-state college games are accepted.

Indiana: Legal.

In September 2019, there was a legalization of betting on professional and collegiate sports, allowing for mobile and in-person wagering at various locations. While wagering on the results of college games is permitted, placing player prop bets is not.

Iowa: Legal.

In 2019, Iowa legalized sports betting, and by the end of the summer, a number of sites were accepting wagers. State law permits wagering on collegiate and professional sports. Player prop bets are not permitted in college games, but wagering on the results of in-state collegiate games is.

Kansas: Legal.

Legal online sports betting launched in Kansas on July 1, 2022.

Kentucky: Legal

Kentucky voted to legalize in March and the first online sports betting sites launched on Sep. 28, 2023

Louisiana: Legal.

Retail sports betting launched in October 2021 in many parishes. Mobile sports betting launched in January 2022.

Maine: Legal.

November 3, 2023, saw the launch of sports betting in the state; as of right now, the only two online sportsbooks with Maine licenses are DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook. The tribes of the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Micmac, and Maliseet have each been granted four online licenses, which means the state will soon welcome two more legal sportsbooks. Maine saw wagers totaling more than $4 million in its first five days of legal sports betting.

Maryland: Legal

After the 2020 election, Maryland legalized sports betting, and in-person sportsbooks opened for business in the Baltimore region in December 2021. In November 2022, Maryland's online sportsbooks made their official debut.

Massachusetts: Legal

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

Michigan: Legal.

Massachusetts sports betting launched on January 31, 2023 at three in-person locations. Massachusetts online sports betting is expected to launch in March 2023.

Minnesota: Not legal.

Legislation to legalize Minnesota sports betting passed in August 2022, but a launch date has not been set yet.

Mississippi: Legal.

The first sports bets in Mississippi were placed on August 1, 2018. The state enacted a law in 2017 that allowed for sports betting.

Missouri: Not legal, but legislation proposed.

Missouri had several sports betting bills introduced in recent years but the state hasn't taken action on them yet. They have been stalled at the state legislature level.

Montana: Legal.

In March 2020, sports betting became legal in the state. The state lottery is the regulatory body for sportsbooks. The director of lotteries has the authority to determine which sports and what kinds of bets are accepted.

Nebraska: Legal.

On May 25, 2021, Governor Pete Ricketts signed legislation legalizing sports betting, though at this time it is limited to in-person wagering. It is forbidden to place any kind of wager, including player prop bets, on in-state college games or events.

Nevada: Legal.

Obviously.

New Hampshire: Legal.

On the second day of 2020, New Hampshire became one of the states that had legalized sports betting. The state and DraftKings reached a six-year agreement that will allow mobile sportsbooks to operate across the state. It is forbidden to place any kind of wager, including player prop bets, on in-state college games or events.

New Jersey: Legal.

Long a supporter of legalized sports betting, New Jersey was the driving force behind the Supreme Court's federal reversal in the case. As a result, they moved quickly to legalize sports betting following the ruling, launching the first sportsbooks in the state on June 14, 2018. Legalized sports betting is currently available in a number of locations, including MetLife Stadium and Atlantic City. It is forbidden to place any kind of wager, including player prop bets, on in-state college games or events.

New Mexico: Legal... kind of.

Sports betting is neither expressly forbidden by state law as of right now, nor is it listed as a Class III game in the gaming compacts that the state and tribes share. This has made it possible for the Pueblo of Santa Ana tribe to operate an in-state sportsbook at their casino that is both legally and technically acceptable. The Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel and four other tribal casinos allow sports wagering.

New York: Legal.

Even though a bill legalizing sports gambling was passed in New York in 2013, the first sportsbook to open in the state wasn't until July 2019. The first day of mobile sports betting was January 8, 2022. There are nine active online sportsbooks in the Empire State right now. On the other hand, betting on any in-state college event or game—including player prop bets—is illegal.

North Carolina: Legal.

The Cherokee tribe used to be the only entity allowed to operate casinos in North Carolina. However, in July 2019, the state passed a bill allowing sports gambling, which included horse racing, to remain a part of that monopoly. On March 18, 2021, in-person sports betting opened in three locations. After an online sports betting bill was signed into law on June 14, 2023, North Carolina saw an increase in sports betting as new sportsbooks entered the market. It is anticipated that online sports betting will debut in 2024.

North Dakota: Not legal, but legislation proposed.

Tribal casino betting only. The last effort to legalize North Dakota sports betting was in 2019 and was unsuccessful.

Ohio: Legal.

Ohio legalized sports betting in December 2021, and on January 1, 2023, it opened for business. Both mobile and in-person sports betting are permitted in Ohio.

Oklahoma: Legal, not yet launched.

Effort to get sports betting in Oklahoma legalized in 2022 failed. There is no word yet as to whether a new motion will be proposed in 2023.

Oregon: Legal.

Though they didn't formally begin accepting bets until August of 2019, Oregon already had limited sports betting legality established at the state level, so they didn't need to pass new legislation. It is forbidden to wager on any college game or event, including player prop bets.

Pennsylvania: Legal.

In 2018, Pennsylvania accepted its first legal sports wager at a casino sportsbook, six months after the Supreme Court's reversal. Since then, more licenses have been granted, and in-state mobile and internet gambling is also permitted.

Rhode Island: Legal.

Prior to the September 4, 2019 launch of online betting, Rhode Island also opened its first sportsbook six months after the US Supreme Court's ruling and now only allows sports gambling at two in-state casinos. It is forbidden to place any kind of wager, including player prop bets, on in-state college games or events.

South Carolina: Not legal, but legislation proposed.

Gambling in South Carolina is restricted solely to casino riverboats but state legislature has proposed bills in consecutive years that would open the door to sports gambling. No action has been taken yet.

South Dakota: In the 2020 election, South Dakota approved sports betting.

On September 9, 2021, four casinos in Deadwood started taking sports bets. Legislators authorized sports betting in Deadwood in 2021 with the passing of legislation. But, gamblers have to place their wagers on those four casinos' premises. When mobile sports betting will be accessible in the state is unknown. It is forbidden to place any kind of wager, including player prop bets, on in-state college games or events.

Tennessee: Legal.

In the spring of 2019, the Tennessee state legislature passed a sports betting bill that restricts betting to mobile apps and the internet. On November 1, 2021, the state legalized sports betting on mobile devices. While wagering on the results of college games is permitted, placing player prop bets is not.

Texas: Not legal.

Prior to the 2023 legislative session, a senator pre-filed a bill that would amend the Texas constitution to allow sports betting in the state. According to the bill, a select few establishments in Texas will be able to offer legal sports betting. If the amendment is approved by the legislature with a two-thirds majority and by the state's voters in November 2023, sports betting will be legalized in Texas.

Utah: Not legal.

And very unlikely to happen.

Vermont: Legal, waiting to launched

In June 2023, the governor of Vermont signed a bill that sought to legalize mobile sports betting within the state. The bill was approved by both the House and Senate. It is anticipated that online sports betting in Vermont will debut in late 2023 or early 2024.

Virginia: Legal.

Sports betting launched in 2021, both in person and online. Betting on in-state collegiate games and events, and player prop bets on all collegiate games, is prohibited.

Washington: Legal.

Early in 2020, the state passed legislation allowing sports wagering at its tribal casinos. The state forbids internet or mobile wagering. It is forbidden to place any kind of wager, including player prop bets, on in-state college games or events.

Washington D.C.: Legal.

The city launched its sports wagering website and app, which is operated by the DC Lottery, in May 2019, following the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018. It is forbidden to wager on any college game or event, including player prop bets.

West Virginia: Legal.

In August of 2018, West Virginia became the fifth state to legalize sports gambling. The state offers both in-person and online sports wagering.

Wisconsin: Retail authorized.

A deal allowing for both in-person and smartphone app betting at Oneida Nation gaming locations was signed by Governor Tony Evers. It is forbidden to wager on any in-state amateur and collegiate sporting events, including player prop bets.

Wyoming: Legal.

On September 1, 2021, legal sports betting went live in the state.

List of the Legal Online Betting States

The states that allow legal online sports betting are listed below, along with a list of some of the operators that are permitted. Although operator licenses for sports betting are still available in many states, it is anticipated that the sports betting market will eventually consolidate in many areas.

Arizona Legal Online Sportsbooks

Bally Bet

Betfred Sportsbook

BetMGM Sportsbook

BetRivers Sportsbook

Betway Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook

ESPN BET

FanDuel Sportsbook

Hard Rock Sportsbook

Unibet Sportsbook

Arkansas Legal Online Sportsbooks

Betly Sportsbook

BetSaracen

Oaklawn Sports

Colorado Legal Online Sportsbooks

Bally Bet

Bet365 Sportsbook

Betfred Sportsbook

BetMGM Sportsbook

BetRivers Sportsbook

Betsafe Sportsbook

Betway Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook

Circa Sports

DraftKings Sportsbook

ESPN BET

FanDuel Sportsbook

PointsBet Sportsbook

Tipico Sportsbook

Connecticut Legal Online Sportsbooks

DraftKings Sportsbook

FanDuel Sportsbook

PlaySugarHouse Sportsbook

Florida Legal Online Sportsbooks

Hard Rock Bet

Illinois Legal Online Sportsbooks

BetMGM Sportsbook

BetRivers Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook

Circa Sports

DraftKings Sportsbook

ESPN BET

FanDuel Sportsbook

PointsBet Sportsbook

Indiana Legal Online Sportsbooks

BetAmerica Sportsbook

BetMGM Sportsbook

BetRivers Sportsbook

Betway Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook

ESPN BET

FanDuel Sportsbook

Hard Rock Sportsbook

PointsBet Sportsbook

Unibet Sportsbook

Iowa Legal Online Sportsbooks

Bally Bet

Bet365 Sportsbook

Betfred Sportsbook

BetMGM Sportsbook

BetRivers Sportsbook

Betway Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook

Circa Sports

DraftKings Sportsbook

FanDuel Sportsbook

ESPN BET

Hard Rock Sportsbook

PointsBet Sportsbook

Tipico Sportsbook

Kansas Legal Online Sportsbooks

BetMGM Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook

FanDuel Sportsbook

ESPN BET

PointsBet Sportsbook

Kentucky Legal Online Sportsbooks

Bet365 Sportsbook
BetMGM Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook
Fanatics Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook
ESPN BET

Louisiana Legal Online Sportsbooks

BetMGM Sportsbook
BetRivers Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook
ESPN BET
PointsBet Sportsbook

Maine Legal Online Sportsbooks

Caesars Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook

Maryland Legal Online Sportsbooks

Betfred Sportsbook
BetMGM Sportsbook
betPARX Sportsbook
BetRivers Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook
ESPN BET
Fanatics Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook
PointsBet Sportsbook

Michigan Legal Online Sportsbooks

BetMGM Sportsbook
BetRivers Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook
ESPN BET
FanDuel Sportsbook
FireKeepers Sportsbook
Four Winds Casino Sportsbook
Golden Nugget Sportsbook
PlayEagle
Play Gun Lake
PointsBet Sportsbook
SI Sportsbook

Nevada Legal Online Sportsbooks

Atlantis Casino Race and Sports Book
BConnected Sports
BetMGM Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook
Circa Sports
Golden Nugget Sports
Nevada Sports Book
South Point Sports
STN Sports
Tipico Sportsbook
Westgate Superbook
Wynn Sports

New Hampshire Legal Online Sportsbooks

DraftKings Sportsbook

New Jersey Legal Online Sportsbooks

Bet365 Sportsbook
BetAmerica Sportsbook
BetMGM Sportsbook
Betway Sportsbook
Borgata Sports
Caesars Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook
ESPN BET
FanDuel Sportsbook
Golden Nugget Sportsbook
Hard Rock Sportsbook
Play SugarHouse
PointsBet Sportsbook
SuperBook Sportsbook
Tipico Sportsbook
Unibet Sportsbook

New York Legal Online Sportsbooks

Bally Bet
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetRivers Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook
PointsBet Sportsbook
Resorts World BET

North Carolina Legal Online Sportsbooks

Market is not yet live.

Ohio Legal Online Sportsbooks

Bally Bet
Bet365 Sportsbook
Betfred Sportsbook
betJACK
BetMGM Sportsbook
betPARX Sportsbook
betr
BetRivers Sportsbook
Betway Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook
ESPN BET
Fanatics Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook
Hard Rock Sportsbook
MVGBet
PointsBet Sportsbook
Prime Sportsbook
Superbook
Tipico Sportsbook

Oregon Legal Online Sportsbooks

DraftKings Sportsbook

Pennsylvania Legal Online Sportsbooks

Betfred Sportsbook
BetMGM Sportsbook
betParx Sportsbook
BetRivers Sportsbook
Betway Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook
ESPN BET
FanDuel Sportsbook
Play SugarHouse
PointsBet Sportsbook
Unibet Sportsbook
Wind Creek Sportsbook

Rhode Island Legal Online Sportsbooks

Sportsbook Rhode Island

Tennessee Legal Online Sportsbooks

Betly

BetMGM Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook

ESPN BET

Fanatics Sportsbook

FanDuel Sportsbook

Hard Rock Sportsbook

Superbook Sports

Tennessee Action 24/7

Vermont Legal Online Sportsbooks

Market is not yet live.

Virginia Legal Online Sportsbooks

Bally Bet

Bet365 Sportsbook

Betfred Sportsbook

BetMGM Sportsbook

BetRivers Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook

ESPN BET

FanDuel Sportsbook

Golden Nugget Sportsbook

Hard Rock Sportsbook

PointsBet Sportsbook

SI Sportsbook

Unibet Sportsbook

Washington, D.C. Legal Online Sportsbooks

BetMGM Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook

GambetDC

West Virginia Legal Online Sportsbooks

BetMGM Sportsbook

BetRivers Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook

ESPN BET

FanDuel Sportsbook

PointsBet Sportsbook

Wyoming Legal Online Sportsbooks

BetMGM Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook

FanDuel Sportsbook

Retail-Only Sports Betting States

Some states decided to restrict sports betting to retail locations, usually at brick-and-mortar casinos. It’s possible that retail-only states expand access to sports gambling in the future.

Delaware

Mississippi

Montana

Nebraska

New Mexico

North Dakota

South Dakota

Washington

Wisconsin