South Dakota approved of sports betting which is set to bring legal sportsbooks to casinos in the city of Deadwood. This approval will also allow the North American Tribal casinos in the state to offer legal sports betting in their gaming venues. The state will now work to award licenses to the new commercial sports betting operators in the state. Washington DC legalized sports betting in 2019, but the options are very limited. Intralot’s, Gambet DC, is the only sports betting app in the state. Also, William Hill is the only retail sportsbook, which is situated inside the Capital One Arena. In 2020, West Virginia became the fifth state to legalize sports betting. May 14, 2018 Only Nevada, Delaware, Montana and Oregon already allow sports betting and Nevada is the only state to allow single-game wagering. In June, New Jersey legalized sports betting and in October, a New. Jan 05, 2021 As the 2021 legislative season starts, legal sports betting will be front-and-center for a handful of states and will continue to be a frustrating topic for others. Since PASPA fell in May 2018, 24 U.S. States (plus the District of Columbia) have legalized or allowed some form of sports wagering, and 25 hav.
- List Of States That Allow Sports Betting
- States That Allow Online Sports Betting
- States That Currently Allow Sports Betting
Sports betting in the United States has changed dramatically since May of 2018 when PASPA was repealed. In fact, the changes are taking place so quickly, it's actually a bit challenging to keep up. This is not a bad thing though - it means that the sports wagering industry is expanding to fill the void that US bettors have felt for the last several decades, and state lawmakers are on board for the most part with pioneering the launch of the domestic US sports betting industry.
Following PASPA's nullification, state-regulated sports betting has come onto the scene to provide a second avenue for betting along with the handful of trusted offshore sportsbooks that have legally and reliably provided their betting services to American sports fans for decades. To assist in helping everyone stay in the know regarding which states allow or prohibit these different forms of sportsbook gambling, we've broken the information down in a few different ways.
Where Is Sports Betting Considered Legal In The United States?
Before May 2018, only one state had full-service state-regulated sports betting options, that state being Nevada. At this moment in time, the number of states offering legal domestic sports betting is 19. In addition, US players are permitted to access offshore sports betting sites in most states except in Connecticut and Washington, where lawmakers have established state laws outlawing access to all forms of online gambling. Residents in every other state can legally access offshore sportsbooks without violating any type of state or federal laws.
List Of States That Have Already Legalized State Regulated Sports Betting
What states offer legal sports betting locally? Currently, more than 20 US states have legalized state-regulated sports betting options, though you can reduce that number by one if you consider the tribal loophole used by New Mexico Indian nations to not qualify as specific state approval.
A significant number of states have passed legislation to authorize sports gambling in their state but have yet to launch any sportsbooks while additional states have legislation pending.
Here is a breakdown of the states that have already passed legislation allowing domestic sports betting entertainment as well as states that have pending active legislation in the works. States with ** indicate that they have legalized state-regulated sports betting but have not yet launched any brick and mortar or online betting options.
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Louisiana**
- Maryland**
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina**
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota**
- Tennessee
- Virginia**
- West Virginia
- Washington**
- Washington D.C.
List Of U.S. States That Don't Criminalize Offshore Betting
Even if you don't live in one of the above states which have passed legislation to legalize sports betting, there are still plenty of options to bet on sports while remaining within the confines of the U.S. law. The most important thing to understand on the legal side of things is that there are only 2 states which specifically make gambling via an offshore site illegal. These include Washington and Connecticut. So you won't be breaking any laws if you reside in any other state and choose to bet with an offshore sportsbook.
| U.S. States | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas |
| California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware |
| Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho |
| Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas |
| Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland |
| Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi |
| Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada |
| New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York |
| North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma |
| Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina |
| South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah |
| Vermont | Virginia | Washington | Washington D.C. |
| West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming | |
States Where Online Sports Betting Is Considered Illegal
A few states have taken an extra measure to strengthen their enforcement of anti-gambling laws to keep their residents from engaging in any form of gambling on the Internet, including online sports betting:
- Washington
- Connecticut
These two states are the only ones that have taken this approach as of early 2021. They each have specific state laws that outlaw all forms of gambling on the Internet, regardless of the source. Their prohibition of online sports wagering does not mean that they won't legalize state-regulated brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, as Connecticut has some betting legislation on the table right now and Washington just passed a sports betting bill of its own.
There are also a few states that have enacted laws specifically to prohibit state-regulated sports wagering, including:
- Utah
- Vermont
- Alaska
- Hawaii
We've seen that this can change as well, as Hawaii already has a pending sports gambling bill in its legislature.
Understanding States’ Rights
The United States Department of Justice issued a Formal Opinion in 2011 clarifying that the Wire Act only pertained to US-based online sports gambling businesses. This freed up states to issue legislation that would legalize online casinos and poker.
However, the application of this law changed in 2018 with the repeal of PASPA and again in 2019 with another clarification of the law's reach post-PASPA. Now the Act simply prohibits any interstate gambling transmissions for all state-regulated gambling, meaning that state gambling businesses are not permitted to accept wagers across state lines. This interpretation is being challenged in court, so the application of the Wire Act could change yet again.
Until its repeal in May of 2018, PASPA was a federal ban that superseded states’ rights. There was an argument against the ban stating that it violated states’ constitutional rights. PASPA prohibited states from authorizing or licensing sports betting enterprises themselves. After being sued by the major sports leagues in the US, NJ decided to do something about PASPA.
New Jersey was victorious in their historic Supreme Court case where they are argued that PASPA violates their rights as they tried to authorize sports betting in 2014. SCOTUS ruled that PASPA was indeed unconstitutional and rendered the law null and void and has therefore placed the authority to regulate sports wagering into the hands of the individual states.
Make Your Voice Heard
You can help with the ongoing US sports betting legal disputes by contacting your state representatives and encouraging them to vote on matters you support. Contact your state representatives and tell them to support sports betting legislation. If you visit our state bill tracker page - you will see a map with all the states. If you click on that map you will see a list of all pending bills for any given state. If a state is not 'clickable', you will know there are no sports betting bills pending for that state.
Understanding The Legal Gambling Age Of Each State
One of the most stringent protocols for any gambling sector is age verification. States have gambling age requirements to prevent minors from gaining access to both brick-and-mortar and online gambling platforms. Most states have a minimum gambling age somewhere between 18 and 21. However, most state-regulated sports betting platforms that we've seen launched require participants to be at least 21 years old, but there are a few exceptions. Be sure to check with your state’s gambling laws before participating in gambling to ensure you are within your legal limits.
What The Future Holds For Legal Online Sports Betting In America
This depends on whether the 2019 DOJ opinion on the Wire Act will be challenged in court (though it has received a temporary injunction on its new 'interpretation'). This new opinion flipped the domestic market on its head as it placed many restrictions on operations, forcing providers to be 100% intrastate-supported and compliant by mid-2019. However, New Hampshire and other states are attempting to challenge this opinion in court, and so far things are looking good.
Sports Gambling - By The Numbers
Be the legal situation as it may, sports betting still happens. American bettors are flocking to regulated offshore sportsbooks or illegal online and offline bookies to place their wagers. Sports gambling is a billion-dollar industry.
To put things in perspective, check out this information provided by the American Gaming Association of sports betting statistics from Super Bowl LIV (2020).
- 26 million—Number of American adults to bet on SB54
- 5 million—Bets placed online/offshore
- $6.8 billion—Total Super Bowl betting handle
- $154.7 million—Legal bets placed in Nevada
- $6.65 billion—Gray-market bets placed everywhere else
- 97.7%—Percentage of all bets placed through non-US-licensed means
- 25%—Increase in total Super Bowl bets from the previous year
The AGA is also estimating that a total of over $40 billion will be wagered on MLB games during the next season. Imagine if this type of revenue was being regulated. Since the market already exists, why not put regulations on it to make it work towards our mutual benefit?
A poll conducted before the repeal of PASPA by the Morning Consult asked NFL fans their opinions on sports betting legislation. Nearly three times as many NFL fans believed the federal government should lift the ban on sports betting. The majority also believed that individual states should have the power to decide if they want sports betting, not the federal government. Americans want to bet on sports, and they've made it clear.
To learn more about state gambling revenue, see our guide to sportsbook revenue by state, where we go into detail about each state's services and the money the local gambling industry is generating.
Voice Your Opinion
Legal online sports gambling is increasing throughout the United States. Several states have already legalized sports betting, while many others have begun discussions on how sports betting bills will benefit their state and can be passed.
Locate your state below to see what the current legal status is and check out VegasInsider's list of online sportsbooks in each state to find reviews and get started with online sports wagering.
In a bold move, the US Supreme Court did away with the ban on legal sports betting in 2018. Since then, US states have been quick to move forward with bills and legislation allowing legal sports betting to operate on various platforms.
The first state to legalize sports betting since 2018 was Delaware, and others have quickly followed. Almost half the American states allow legal sports betting at brick and mortar establishments, although online sports betting is not as prevalent as yet.
As the concept of legal sports betting becomes more widespread, we anticipate more and more states to offer the best sports betting options through retail sportsbooks or sports betting apps.
To get the freshest US sports betting news and learn about recent developments, you can also check out our weekly industry report from February 2nd 2021 : Weekly Sports Betting News
States With Legal Online Sports Betting
Wondering how to place an online sports bet now that it's legal where you live? Just click on your State for our expert review about the best betting sites and sports betting apps available near you!
Updated on :
The best us sportsbooks have great welcome offers to get you started with you online sports bet
| Rank | Sportsbooks | Welcome Offer | Legal States | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | FanDuel Visit | Review | Risk-Free Bet up to $1,000 T&C’s Apply, 21+ | Available in CO, IA, IL, IN, NJ, PA, TN, WV | |
| 2. | BetMGM Visit | Review | Risk-Free Bet up to $500 T&C’s Apply, 21+ | Available in CO, IA, IN, NJ, NV, TN, WV | |
| 3. | WynnBet Visit | Review | Up To A $500 Risk-Free Bet T&C’s Apply, 21+ | Available in CO, NJ |
States With Sports Betting in Retail Only
Online sports betting may not be available yet in theses states but there are other options when it comes to betting on your favorite sports or teams. Read our full coverage of all available sports betting options in your home state!
States With Legalized Sports Betting Launching Soon
Come find out what's currently being discussed in your State and wether legal sports betting or even online sports betting could be coming soon to you. Click on your State for all the information you're looking for!
States Discussing Legal Sports Betting
Most of theses states are still in the first stages of considering legal sports betting. But situations vary and you may be in for a surprise when it comes to your own state's status about online sports betting.
States With No Meaningful Sports Betting Legislation
At the moment these states seem pretty far away from any meaningful legislation towards online sports betting. We've still gathered all interesting information available about sports betting over there.
Is Sports Betting Not Available in Your State? Try Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a unique new way to bet on your favorite sports teams and players. If your interested in playing DFS, then read our Monkey Knife Fight review. Instead of playing against other players, you are playing against the MKF house.
Daily fantasy sports are available in some US states where online sports betting is not yet legal. This is because they are considered games of skill and not games of chance; therefore, they don’t fall under the gambling umbrella.
Daily fantasy games are a shortened version of the real thing, with competing teams handpicked by the DFS players. Contests can run for just one day or as long as a week. Traditional fantasy sports run for an entire season.
DFS is a fantastic alternative to legal sports betting. The fast pace and the excitement DFS generates makes it a growing market among US sports fans.
| Rank | Daily Fantasy Sports | Welcome Offer | Claim Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Monkey Knife Fight Visit | Review | 100% Match up to $50 - Code: BONUSMAX T&C’s Apply, 21+ | |
| 2. | DraftKings DFS Visit | Review | Deposit Bonus up to $500 T&C’s Apply, 21+ |
Available Bet Types
The best sports betting sites have a variety of bet types. From straightforward moneyline bets to multi-selection accumulators, online sportsbooks cater to all levels of bettors. Here are some of the popular bets you may encounter at sportsbooks and on sports betting apps.
Moneyline
In a moneyline bet, you bet on a team to win the game outright. Although these are very straightforward bets, they aren’t always lucrative unless you bet on the underdog. Backing the favorite to win rarely gives you good odds.
Point Spread
Point spread wagering is standard in basketball and football. The sportsbook allocates either a negative or positive number to each team. This number indicates the number of points that must be subtracted from or added to the final score. The favorite in a match will have a negative number.
In a point spread bet, the winner or loser doesn’t matter. The important thing is that they cover the point spread. The favorite must win by the number of points allocated, whereas the underdog must win outright or lose by less than the number of points allocated.
Here’s an example. Team A is the underdog with a point spread of -3.5, and Team B has a point spread of +3.5. For team A to win the bet, it must win by 4 points or more. To win a bet on Team B, the team must either win outright or lose by 3 points or less.
Totals (Over/Under Bets)
A total bet is another straightforward wager. You are betting on whether both team’s combined score will be under or over the specified number. If the sportsbook sets the number at 50 and you believe that the total game score will be more than that, you bet over. Alternatively, you bet under if you feel that the teams won’t reach that combined total.
Parlays
Simply put, a parlay bet allows you to combine multiple bets on one slip. You can include different bet types and wager on various games, all on the one ticket. To win a parlay bet, all individual selections on the slip must win.
In-Play Bets
You place an in-play bet when a match or game is already underway. This type of betting is also called live betting. It allows you to wager when you feel the odds are more favorable in a game or more reflective of the state of play. Online sportsbooks often combine in-play betting with live streaming of matches.
Props
Props bets, or proposition bets, are smaller wagers placed on specifics within a game and don’t rely on a game’s outcome. They are popular in football betting, but we see prop bets more and more on the best sports betting sites.
You can wager on anything from the Most Valued Player to the time of the first touchdown in a game. These bets are more for entertainment and fun than the serious side of online sports betting.
Futures
As the name suggests, a futures bet is one on a game that’s taking place some time from when you place the wager. The NFL Super Bowl and NBA Finals are popular options for futures betting.
You would usually place a futures bet at the start of a season for the final game. To win the bet, the team you’re backing must make it through to the finals and then win.
Where Is Sports Betting Legal In The US?
Ever since Nevada made the initial move to legal sports betting, there has been a steady stream of states following suit, with many states keen to provide the best sports betting options. Some states are in the process of passing the necessary bills, while others are lagging a bit further behind and still deciding on the relevant structures for regulation.
It’s interesting to note that during 2019, a whopping $13bn passed through sportsbooks’ coffers. This turnover shows that the American public was more than ready for legal sports betting and have eagerly welcomed this pastime. Here’s a rundown of 20 of the states where legal sports betting is in the making.
New Jersey Legal Sports Betting
Gambling in New Jersey started in the 19th century. In the 70s, the state designated Atlantic City its casino hotspot, which rose to prominence at the national level, competing with the likes of Las Vegas
New Jersey is one of several states that has legalized sports betting in the US in recent years. In 2018, Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill legalizing sports betting. A mere three days later, sports betting began in earnest in NJ, using pre-existing infrastructure from the casinos.
Before that, the only legal form of sports betting in the state was visiting a racetrack. Nowadays, online sports betting is available throughout the state. Dedicated betting sites and apps are available. Customers may reside in any state, but must be physically located in New Jersey.
The Garden State is a pioneer in the modern sports betting industry. New Jersey took on the federal government and major US sports leagues such as the NFL in the courts. In the end, it won the right to offer legal sports betting.
New Jersey is also at the forefront of legal online sports betting. Partnerships have been formed between the Atlantic City casinos and New Jersey racetracks with online operators. Companies such as DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet and BetMGM now play a prominent role in NJ online betting.
Recent sports betting revenues show just how fast the sports betting industry in New Jersey has grown. This trend should continue with more and more sites coming online in time for the upcoming football season.
Pennsylvania Legal Sports Betting
New Jersey’s neighbor to the West wasted little time in going live with legal sports betting throughout the Keystone State. Following in the footsteps of NJ, the PA online sports betting industry is up and running.
Legal sports betting in PA also got its start in the state’s casinos and racetracks with land-based sportsbooks. State legislation from a comprehensive gambling expansion bill in 2017 also paved the way for online betting sites.
SugarHouse Sportsbook PA was the first to offer sports betting online. Parx and BetRivers launched their sites and FanDuel was up and running a month later. The online sites are also tied to land-based casinos and racetracks through strategic partnerships. This is another state with fast growing revenue figures in its early returns.
Colorado Legal Sports Betting
Among the many US states, Colorado isn’t the friendliest towards gambling. Casino gambling is generally illegal in Colorado, with a very reduced number of exceptions. These include tribal casinos (such as the Ute Mountain Casino) and three designated towns.
Each of those towns had legalized gambling at the local level by 1991. They are Black Rock, Cripple Creek, and Central City. State law specifically authorized these locations to offer regulated casino gambling services. No form of online casino gambling exists in the state.
Nevertheless, after the Supreme Court struck down the Professional & Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018, things started to change. The state legislature started to consider legalizing sports betting to add revenues to the state’s coffers. A bill legalizing sports betting finally passed in May 2020.
Within weeks, several operators launched online sportsbooks catering to gamblers in Colorado. In the following months, all the largest players in the market have moved into this new legal sports betting market. Oddly enough, online casino gambling remains illegal in the state. Still, you can bet on your favorite sports from the comfort of your own home at any time.
Indiana Legal Sports Betting
For more than a century and a half, all forms of gambling were banned in Indiana. It wasn’t until 1988 that the state first legalized the lottery. A year later, the state legalized its first form of regulated sports betting: parimutuel wagering. By the 2000s, the state had two racinos, Indiana Downs and Hoosier Park.
Riverboat casinos were legalized and developed through the 90s, with over a dozen now in the state. In the 2000s, Indiana’s first and only Indian casino opened its doors. Recently, Indiana voted to allow riverboat casinos to switch to land-based operations, to remain competitive with neighboring states. Both online casinos and sports betting remained distant dreams, though.
That was until 2019, when Indiana voted to legalize sports betting. BetRivers became the first operator in the state, followed by DraftKings. By late 2020, nine operators serviced the market, with two more entering in the near-future: Fox Bet and William Hill.
Sports betting is legal in the state at all registered land-based and riverboat sportsbooks. Online sports betting and sports betting apps are also readily available. Indiana has embraced the world of sports wagering in full.
Illinois Legal Sports Betting
Illinois has a relatively long history with gambling. The state first legalized horse race betting in the 1920s, covering local tracks. Gambling expanded in the state in 1990, with the Riverboat Gambling Act. This allowed many river casinos to flourish across Illinois.
Sportsbooks remained illegal, though, as did all forms of online gambling. Despite having several casinos to choose from, state residents couldn’t gamble online. Several attempts were made to regulate online gambling, but they faced considerable opposition from local casinos. To date, online casinos are still illegal in Illinois.
However, the Supreme Court striking down PASPA changed things forever. A few months after the ruling, the state legislature moved to legalize sports betting at riverboat casinos. Governor J. B. Pritzker signed the bill into law in June 2019. It was a complicated piece of legislation, and it took considerable time for the state’s gambling operators to adapt to it.
Although at first, there was a requirement to complete registration in person, that provision has been scrapped – for the time being. Right now it seems likely that the IL Gaming Board and Gov. Pritzker will keep fully online registration going forward.
Tennessee Legal Sports Betting
Legal sports betting in the Volunteer State was approved by lawmakers in May 2019. Since there are no land-based casinos in the state, the plan was to go online from the start. BetMGM Tennessee got the ball rolling Sunday, November 1 with plenty of other sportsbooks following its lead. This endeavor is being overseen by the Tennessee Gaming Commission.
The state voted to implement a lottery in 2002, with the first ticket being sold in 2004. The rise of online gambling and web-based casinos largely missed Tennessee, where such business remains illegal. Casino fans in the state must instead resort to social casinos with play money.
Surprisingly, Tennessee jumped on the sports betting bandwagon after PASPA was struck down in 2018. The state legislature quickly discussed a few proposals, settling on S16 in early 2019. Governor Bill Lee didn’t sign the bill, but allowed it to become law without vetoing. The bill legalizes and regulates online sports betting and parimutuel wagering.
Curiously, retail sports betting remains illegal in the state. Customers must use regulated apps or licensed online betting sites instead. Online casinos remain broadly illegal, and no land-based casinos exist either. In the future, it’s entirely possible that the legislature may revisit these issues. Only time can tell what’s in store for gamblers in TN.
Iowa Legal Sports Betting
The state of Iowa has a long trajectory in the world of gambling. All forms of gambling were banned starting in 1846, when Iowa first became a state. The Iowa Constitution of 1857 reaffirmed that prohibition, plainly barring the constitution of any lotteries. State legislators considered this to essentially ban all games of chance and forms of gambling.
This went on for over a century, until 1972, when the state repealed the relevant provision in a constitutional amendment. By 1973, the state legalized bingos and raffles, followed by parimutuel wagering in 1983. Iowa slowly warmed up gambling in general. Riverboat casinos became legal in 1989. Three tribal casinos operator in the state as well.
Sports betting was legalized in Iowa after the Supreme Court struck down PASPA. In May 2019, the state legislature approved a bill that regulated retail and online sports betting. The first operators went live in August of that year.
As of January 1st 2021, bettors in Iowa don't have to go through in-person registration anymore and can sign up directly online in order to place a sports bet with their favorite sportbooks.
Today, half a dozen major sportsbooks offer their services online in the state. Each offers both an Iowa sports betting app and an Iowa sports betting site. If legal sports betting proves to be a success, it could pave the way for online casinos in the future.
Michigan Legal Sports Betting
Michigan has nearly a century’s worth of gambling history. Sports betting first became legal in the state in 1933, albeit only covering parimutuel horse racing. A state lottery was passed and organized in 1972. That year legalized the operation of charitable gambling events as well. In the 90s, several tribal casinos were established. Today, there are well over a dozen.
In 1997, the Michigan Gaming Control & Revenue Act was passed. This allowed land-based casinos to open for business in select locations across the state, including Detroit. Three set up shop in Detroit: Greektown, Motor City, and the MGM.
Online casinos remained illegal in the state into the 2000s, with a 2006 bill banning it entirely. However, time would eventually change this. After PASPA was struck down, the state was quick to consider sports betting legislation. In 2019, Michigan legalized sports betting, online gambling, and online sports betting.
Retail sportsbooks started wagers in March 2020. By June, the state’s first tribal sportsbook opened for business. Online sports betting has yet to go live in Michigan, though. Sports betting apps and online betting sites are expected to launch at some point in late 2020 or early 2021.
Nevada Legal Sports Betting
Home to Las Vegas, Nevada is one of the world’s most prominent gambling hubs. However, at the start of the 20th century, gambling was banned in the state. Once the Great Depression hit Nevada, though, lawmakers were quick to search for ways to increase revenue. In 1931, Nevada legalized gambling, and sports betting followed in 1949.
The world’s largest casinos would be erected along the Vegas Strip in the following decades. For many years, Nevada was the only state in the Union where you could legally gamble on sports. 1992’s PASPA bill effectively gave the state a national sports betting monopoly. The situation didn’t change until 2018, when the act was finally struck down.
Several states have since legalized sports betting, so Nevada is no longer the only game in town. Still, online sports betting is fully legal anywhere in the state. Registered land-based casinos and sportsbooks in the state offer both online bookmaker sites and sports betting apps.
Curiously, unlike most of the country, Daily Fantasy Sports betting isn’t currently available in Nevada. It’s classified as gambling, which means that operators require a full gambling license. So far, DFS companies have been unwilling to acquire that license.
West Virginia Legal Sports Betting
West Virginia has a rather long gambling history. Parimutuel wagering has been legal in WV since the 30s, with Wheeling Downs and Waterford Park leading the way. Racing was huge for the local economy, allowing for sizable infrastructural improvements in the state.
40 years down the line, West Virginia once again looked to gambling to increase state revenues. In 1987, video slots were introduced to Mountaineer Park (formerly Waterford Park). The 1994 Racetrack Video Lottery Act and subsequent bills slowly introduced video slots elsewhere. By the 2000s, Wheeling and Mountaineer offered poker and full casino table games.
Greenbrier Casino received its authorization to operate in 2010. After the Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018, the state was quick to regulate sports betting. The first retail sportsbooks opened up land-based casinos throughout WV. The first online sportsbooks went live that year as well. Oddly enough, online casinos wouldn’t follow in their footsteps until 2020.
Today, gamblers in West Virginia have a selection of sports betting apps to explore. They include some of the biggest players in the industry, such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM. In the near future, more online sports betting sites will likely join their ranks.
Maryland Legal Sports Betting
Maryland has a long and complicated history with gambling. Horse racing has been part of Maryland since the 18th century, with Pimlico Race Course. Other forms of gambling have had slower adoption, though. Charitable bingo was first legalized in the 50s. Slots were legal for a few decades in the 20th century, before a final ban in 1968. The state lottery opened in 1973.
By the 90s, there was considerable pressure to reconsider the legality of slots, particularly due to competition from neighboring states. Various measures were considered, with the state eventually legalizing land-based casinos in 2008, issuing five licenses.
In the following decade, these licenses were leveraged into sprawling casinos across the state. At first, they could only offer video slots, but a 2012 reform legalized table games and poker tournaments. Today, Maryland is a hotspot for international poker players.
Sports betting remained illegal for a few years, even after PASPA was struck down by the Supreme Court. Legislators wouldn’t outright legalize sports betting, leaving it up to the voters. In November 2020, Maryland voters weighed in, deciding to legalize sports betting in the state to raise revenues for education. The first Maryland online sportsbooks are expected in 2021.
Washington DC Legal Sports Betting
Sports betting in the state of Washington is still illegal, but it is now legal in our Nation’s Capital. The City Council of DC approved a measure in late 2018. In the absence of land-based casinos, Washington DC online betting will be legal at numerous venues. Stadiums, restaurants, and even liquor stores will be able to offer betting kiosks.
The DC Lottery has been designated to oversee these mobile betting apps. The target date to get things up and running with legal online sports betting is by the end of 2019.
Oregon Legal Sports Betting
Sports betting became legal in Oregon in August 2019 and is controlled by the Oregon Lottery. The following month, the first sportsbook for legal sports betting went live at Chinook Winds, a tribal gaming facility.
Oregon Lottery launched an online sports betting app called Scoreboard to facilitate sports wagering in the state. There are no other sports betting apps available in Oregon.
Maryland Legal Sports Betting
Maryland voters made it clear in a recent referendum that they want legal sports betting in the state. It’s now up to the lawmakers and regulators to develop the framework for sports betting and decide on the necessary rules.
There are currently no legal sports betting options in the state, apart from horse racing. This situation is likely to change in 2021, provided the legislature passes the sports betting bill. Once this happens, the governor can sign the legislation into law, and legal sports betting will become a reality.
South Dakota Legal Sports Betting
In November 2020, voters in South Dakota chose to allow legal sports betting, but only in Deadwood. Deadwood is a gaming town in the Black Hills region of South Dakota and home to most of the state’s casinos.
While lawmakers are pushing for legal sports betting to launch in 2021, it doesn’t allow for online sports betting at this stage. We’ll have to wait a while longer before sports betting apps and online sportsbooks are signed into law.
Louisiana Legal Sports Betting
In November 2020, Louisiana’s voters chose to legalize sports betting in the state. While it’s clear from the recent referendum that legal sports betting is very much in demand, it won’t happen overnight. If all goes well, you could see sportsbooks launching later in 2021.
Online sports betting may take longer to reach Louisiana. The recent vote didn’t include either online sportsbooks or sports betting apps, and lawmakers may only discuss it after finalizing legal sports betting.
New York Legal Sports Betting
New York first legalized sports betting in 2013; however, it couldn’t go live until after lifting the federal ban. Legal sports betting finally got underway in July 2019, at sportsbooks located in commercial and tribal casinos only.For now, mobile and online sports betting isn’t an option in New York. Sports betting apps can launch in the state after lawmakers draft new laws to expand the reach of current legislation.
New Hampshire Legal Sports Betting
Legal sports betting started in New Hampshire at the end of 2019 and is still somewhat limited. DraftKings currently has a monopoly, and the only way to wager on sport in the state is through the DraftKings sports betting apps.
DraftKings has a firm grip on sports betting in New Hampshire, although the state Lottery intends to offer a sports betting option. We also expect multiple retail sports betting facilities to open in the future.
List Of States That Allow Sports Betting
Rhode Island Legal Sports Betting
Joining the list of states with legal sports betting was Rhode Island in November 2018. Residents and visitors to the state can visit the two brick and mortar casinos in Rhode Island for the best sports betting on sports teams and matches.
In early 2019, online sports betting went live across the state. To register, bettors must present at one of the two Twin Rivers casinos to verify their identity. Once verification is complete, you can wager on the sports betting apps from the comfort of your own home.
Delaware Legal Sports Betting
After Nevada, Delaware was the second state to legalize sports betting, and it did so on June 5th, 2018. Before this, though, residents could still place 3-team parlays on NFL games. The reason was that some sports bets had been allowed before the implementation of PASPA.
Although online gambling is legal, Delaware does not yet allow online sports betting. Players must visit one of the three physical casinos in the state to wager on a sports match or team.
Montana Legal Sports Betting
Montana was one of the few states where PASPA didn’t restrict sports betting. Running sports betting in bars and taverns, albeit via a lottery system and not a sportsbook, remained legal.
Legal sports betting launched in Montana in March 2020 and the Montana Lottery oversees this process. You can choose to wager via the sports betting app from Sports Bet Montana or at one of 180 kiosks for legal sports betting located throughout the state.
History Of Sports Betting Legislation In The US
The Beginning
Like many countries, gambling in the United States of America has its roots in centuries-old history. It started with lotteries, which in the 17th and 18th centuries were excellent ways to raise funds. Among other things, these funds went towards developing schools and universities. Yale, Harvard, and Princeton all benefited from lottery funding.
Fast forward to the 19th century, and many people perceived gambling as linked to corruption. In 1860, authorities banned all forms of gambling and sports betting, apart from horse racing. In those days, horse racing was viewed differently to other sports betting types and was generally enjoyed by the elite society.
Horse racing experienced a boom in the latter part of the 19th century. This changed in 1910 when the gambling ban was extended to include lotteries. Although horse racing was still exempt, the stigma attached to gambling and sports betting resulted in many racetracks closing down.
The Middle
The gambling landscape changed again in the 1930s when funds were in short supply after the Great Depression. In Nevada, authorities lifted the ban on table games where players bet against the house, like poker and blackjack. One thing led to another and, in 1949, the state eventually legalized sports betting.
High taxes, organized crime, and various Acts prohibiting the movement of information and materials required for sports betting led to many sportsbooks closing down. However, in the mid-1970s, the government imposed lower taxes on sportsbooks, and for the first time, a sportsbook could operate inside a casino.
The Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978 was a turning point for sports betting. This Act made it legal for bettors in states with legal gambling to wager on horse races outside their state. It was a sign that lawmakers recognized the potential in regulated sports betting. Congress reduced taxes on sportsbooks even further, resulting in a boom across Nevada.
Professional And Amateur Sports Protection Act
In 1992, Congress introduced the PASPA. This Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act led to a massive decline in sports betting. It prohibited states from allowing sports betting on professional and amateur sports, with a few exemptions. Horse and dog racing could continue, as could sportsbooks in Las Vegas and sports lotteries in Delaware, Oregon, and Montana.
Contrary to expectation, PASPA didn’t sound the death knell for sports betting. Some four years later, the internet became an integral part of connecting bookmakers to bettors. On January 17th 1996, online sports betting was born and the first wager was placed across state lines. Online sportsbooks started to flourish and became a viable form of legal sports betting.
Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act
Online sports betting hit a snag in 2006 when the federal government passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). This Act made accepting money from someone participating in illegal online gambling on US soil a criminal act.
States That Allow Online Sports Betting
While it didn’t specifically prohibit online betting, the UIGEA targeted the financial transactions linked to sports betting. The result was that online sportsbooks with any legal or financial connection to the US withdrew from the country.
The Future
In May 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that PASPA effectively took away each state’s authority to regulate sports betting. SCOTUS overturned the federal ban imposed by PASPA. Each state now has the responsibility of determining how to monitor and control online betting within state lines.
Since the overturning of the ban, there’s been a massive movement towards legal sports betting. More and more states are putting structures in place to make the best sports betting available to its residents.
Legal Sports Betting FAQ
What Is The Minimum Age For Online Sports Betting?
The minimum age for legal sports betting varies. Some states allow people 18 years and older to bet, while in others, bettors must be 21-years-old. You must check the laws of the state that you reside in, or are visiting, for the correct minimum age.
Which Of The Online Sportsbooks Should I Join?
You can join as many sportsbooks as you would like to. Do your research and choose those with the best sports betting options and payment methods you’re comfortable with.
How Much Money Should I Bet?
Online sportsbooks have minimum and maximum wager limits. You can wager as much or as little as you would like to, but the amount must be within the set limits.
Can I Download An App For Betting?
The best sports betting operators tend to have downloadable sports betting apps, usually for both iOS and Android devices. If not, then you can access online sports betting through your web browser on your device.
When Did Sports Betting Become Legal In The USA?
The Supreme Court overturned the law prohibiting sports betting in 2018. Since then, legal sports betting has become prominent in many states across America.
What Sports Can I Wager On?
There is a wide range of sports available at online sports betting sites, although each sportsbook is different. Find a sportsbook that offers the sport you want and register to place your bets.
Is Online Sports Betting Safe?
Betting online is perfectly safe as long as you do so with a legal, licensed sportsbook. Each sportsbook should be licensed and regulated by an appropriate authority, and you can find this information on the sportsbook’s website.
What Is In-Play Betting?
“In-play” or “live” bets in online sports betting are ones placed while a game is underway. You can watch the game unfold and place bets according to how the teams are performing.
Can I Register With More Than One Sportsbook?
Yes, you can. The number of online sportsbooks that you choose to register with is up to you. You might find better odds for some sports on other sports betting apps. For this reason, it can be beneficial to use different sportsbooks for different sports.
What Are Daily Fantasy Sports?
In daily fantasy sports, you select your team from an allocated pool of players and compete against other fantasy teams. Contests take place over a day or a week, but the timeframes are shorter than for classic fantasy games that unfold over a season.
States That Currently Allow Sports Betting
Final Thoughts On Legal Sports Betting
It’s no secret that legal sports betting is becoming popular worldwide. The age of technology and a general shift to an online environment has brought the best sports betting options to our screens.
Sports betting apps make connecting to the best sports betting operators as easy as a few clicks, and legal sports betting offers players of a range of sports and betting options without leaving our homes.
With most US states already embracing legal sports betting, the rest are sure to follow. As long as sportsbooks comply with regulations and bettors gamble responsibly, legal sports betting is here to stay.