States With Legal Sports Betting
Ever wonder about legal sports betting in the United States? And we mean really wonder, not just assume that since you had heard somewhere that placing bets on sports outside of Las Vegas was banned that you were not able to do it. An assumption like that would be terribly unfortunate, as there are actually plenty of opportunities for sports fans to get in on the action of betting real money on their favorite teams. Additionally, new developments in the realm of politics are about to blow the industry up bigger than ever before.
With that in mind, we want to welcome you to SportsBettingStates.com, a site where wagering on sports and the laws surrounding the activity here in the United States is the primary topic. The goal here is pretty simple. We want to veteran bettors and newcomers to the hobby alike the best and most current information relating to state sports betting. This is not just information on the current state of affairs either, but rather a general scope of all the options available as well.
In that last regard, there are actually plenty of options as far legally betting on sports in the US is concerned. We will take a look at how this works from the perspective of both land-based and online sports betting outlets – primarily those based overseas. There are some states where land-based sports betting has been legal for decades, and now that a key federal anti-sports betting law has been overturned by the US Supreme Court, there are going to be plenty more states offering sportsbooks too. Read on to find out all the ins and outs of this exciting hobby that puts fans in the middle of the action of their favorite sports.
Current Sports Betting States
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Which States Have Land-Based Sports Betting In The United States?
Land-based sports betting can be done legally in the United States, but only one state has had any sportsbooks to speak of in the last quarter of a century or thereabouts. We are, of course, referring to Nevada, and you can bet everything imaginable at Sin City’s famous sports betting shops lining the Strip. While placing legal sports wagers has been limited in terms of geography until the recent repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) by the US Supreme Court, federal laws did previously allow for certain states to participate and regulate legal sports betting prior to PASPA’s overturn in May of 2018.
Though many more states will likely be looking to add sports betting services to their already established repertoires of other gambling activities following the SCOTUS justices’ 6-3 majority decision in favor of declaring PASPA unconstitutional, while the law was still in effect only four states – Nevada, Delaware, Oregon and Montana – could legally permit sports betting. Because these four states had to carry the torch of sports betting alone for so long, it will help our readers gain a better understanding of the direction the hobby could take if we have a thorough grasp on where it came from since the early ‘90s. In many ways, the new sports betting states will probably be looking to follow the lead of these states that passed legislation regulating sports wagering activities so long ago.
Arizona:
On September 9, state-sanctioned sportsbooks officially launched for Arizona residents to begin placing their wagers. There are 10 tribal casinos offering sportsbooks, three state-licensed sportsbooks, and eight mobile sportsbook apps to download. For a more eclectic selection of betting lines and odds, Arizona residents are able to sign up with offshore online sports betting sites, most of which offer phenomenal sign-up promotions. The tax rate on sports betting revenue in Arizona, ranges fr om 1% to 8%. 10% of the money made from taxes is given to the Arizona Department of Gaming, and the rest goes to the General Fund.
- Phoenix: Chase Field, Footprint Center
- Payson: Mazatzal Hotel & Casino
Arkansas:
Only a few months after sports betting was federally decriminalized, Arkansas had regulated and launched sports betting in late 2018. Although the current options citizens have access to are somewhat limited, with only three state-sanctioned sportsbooks in Arkansas, and no state licensed online options to speak of. Offshore online sportsbooks are accepting new members from Arkansas however, with a larger selection of odds and sports to bet on than the land-based competition. The first $150 million in sports revenue is taxed 13%, after that it's 20% for all any subsequent wagering revenue.
- Hot Springs: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
- Pine Bluff: Saracen Casino Resort Annex
- West Memphis: Southland Casino Racing
Colorado:
Sports betting launched in Colorado on November, 2019, wh ere it opened to a thriving market of bettors. Colorado residents have access 16 land-based sports betting operators, and 25 mobile sports betting operators, all of which are licensed by the Colorado state government. There are also a handful of online sportsbooks liscenced in other countries accepting Colorado residents, these sportsbooks can often have more lines and odds to take advantage of. The state government taxes sports betting at 10%, and directs those funds towards a state water plan and general fund.
- Black Hawk: 10 different sportsbooks
- Cripple Creek: Wildwood, Johnny Nolon’s, Bronco Billy’s, Colorado Grande
- Central City: Grand Z Casino Hotel, Johnny Z’s Casino
Connecticut:
Following the passing of bill HB 6451, as signed by Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut finally launched their own sports betting operations on September 30 2021. There are also state-sponsored online sports wagering options in Connecticut and two land-based options for residents to take advantage of. For sports bettors hoping to place their wagers with a more convenient online option, several international sportsbooks are currently accepting new members from Connecticut. 13.75% of all revenue made from state-sanctioned sportsbooks goes to the Connecticut general fund.
- Ledyard: Foxwoods Resort Casino
- Uncasville: Mohegan Sun
Delaware:
Delaware is one of very few states to have offered sports betting before 2018 when PASPA, the federal legislation the prevented sports betting, was revoked. Although at that time the offerings were admittedly in a limited capacity. Since then, however, more options have opened up to Delaware citizens. Three different cities in Delaware now offer an officially state licensed sportsbook, and although there are no Delaware licensed online wagering options, there are several great internationally licensed sportsbooks accepting Delaware residents. 50% of the revenue from the three retail sportsbooks goes to the state's general fund.
- Wilmington: Delaware Park Casino
- Dover: Dover Downs Hotel & Casino
- Harrington: Harrington Raceway and Casino
Illinois:
On March 9, 2020, Illinois sports betting officially launched in a state-sponsored capacity. Governor Pritzker signed an executive order that allows Illinois residents to sign up for in-state online sportsbooks, and this order had been renewed repeatedly. There are currently six state licensed online sports betting apps, and nine land-based sportsbooks in Illinois. Internationally-licensed sports betting sites also accept Illinois residents as members too. All sports betting revenue is taxed at 15% (15-17% for land-based sportsbooks,) with the funds going towards infrastructure projects such as recreational facilities and schools.
- Elgin: Grand Victoria Casino
- Des Plaines: Rivers Casio Des Plaines
- East St. Louis: DraftKings at Casino Queen
Indiana:
Indiana sportsbooks launched in September of 2019 with 14 retail and 11 online state-sponsored sports betting options being made available to its residents. With such an eclectic number of wagering choices within state borders, it's great to say that Indiana citizens have even more options via offshore online sportsbooks, with potentially even more odds and offerings than the in-state competition. Sports betting revenue is taxed at 9.5%, all of which goes to the state general fund, and gambling addiction assistance.
- Indianapolis: Winner’s Circle OTB in Indianapolis
- Hammond: Horseshoe Hammond Casino
- Florence: Belterra Casino Resort
Iowa:
Iowa became the 10th state to offer sports betting in the country after launching their own sportsbooks on August 15, 2019. With both retail and online sports betting being regulated, Iowa residents have access to 18 state-sanctioned, land-based, and 13 online sportsbook operators. Alternatively, offshore online sports wagering sites are always accepting Iowa residents as well. All Iowa sports betting revenue is taxed at 6.75% with that money being placed into the state general fund.
- Dubuque: Diamond Jo Casino Dubuque, Q Casino,
- Council Bluffs: Ameristar, Horseshoe, Harrah’s
- Larchwood: Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort
Michigan:
After Governor Whitmer signed the bill MI HB 4916, sports betting was made legal in Michigan for its residents to participate in. For state-sponsored wagering locations, there are 12 land-based options throughout the state, and 14 mobile apps to take advantage of. Any Michigan residents looking for a broader selection of sports and events to bet on, or better odds, online sportsbooks licensed over-seas offer the biggest array of opportunities for bettors. Land-based sportsbook operators are taxed 8.40%, and in-state online operators are taxed 9.65%, all of which goes to helping schools, and firefighters undergoing cancer treatment.
- MGM Grand Detroit, Greektown Casino, MotorCity Casino Hotel
- Island Resort & Casino
- FireKeepers Casino Hotel
Montana:
Governor Steve Bullock signed House Bill 725 into law which resulted in sports betting becoming a legal reality in Montana. Following that event, and the choice to allow any establishment with a liquor license to take wagers, Montana now has too many sportsbooks to count. Despite the numerous land-based sportsbook options, there's only one state-sanctioned online sportsbook to choose from. Montana bettors interested in a wider array of odds and sports to put wagers on can find more options via international online sportsbooks. Sportsbook operators are taxed 6% of whatever is handled.
- Billings: 10+ different sportsbooks
- Missoula: 10+ different sportsbooks
- Great Falls: 10 different sportsbooks
Nevada:
Ground zero for the sports betting and gambling industry in the United States, Nevada had been offering sports betting to its citizens for decades. Between the dozens of different casinos with retail sportsbook offerings, and the 13 sports betting apps to choose from, Nevada is the place to be for sports betting fans. For bettors looking for something a little different, there are a few offshore online sportsbooks accepting new members from Nevada right now, with all kinds of promotions for first time sign-ups. The Nevada state government taxes sports betting revenue at 6.75%, and puts that money towards education, health-care, and the general fund.
- Las Vegas: Caesar's Palace, Bellagio, Palms, Harrah's
- Henderson: Green Valley, M Resort Spa, Eldorado, Jokers Wild
- Stateline: Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Harvey’s Lake Tahoe
New Hampshire:
On July 12 2019, Governor Chris Sununu signed a bill called HB 480, which legalized sports betting in New Hampshire. It wasn't launched until December of 2020 however, when DraftKings Sportsbooks actually started taking wagers. New Hampshire features three state-sanctioned sportsbooks, two retail, and one mobile. Not to mention the multiple international sportsbooks who accept New Hampshire residents as well. The state government has a 50/50 split tax rate agreement with these sportsbooks, where the government allocates the tax funds towards education and the state general fund.
- Seabrook: DraftKings Sportsbook at The Brook
- Manchester: DraftKings Sportsbook at Manchester
New Jersey:
New Jersey may not be the first state to offer sports betting to its residents, but it's certainly the state responsible for opening the door for the rest of the country to do so thanks to the role its lawmakers played in the removal of PASPA. Now, New Jersey offers 20 online state-sponsored sportsbooks, and nearly a dozen retail options. Offshore online sportsbooks also accept New Jersey citizens who may be looking for a bigger selection of odds or sports to bet on. The tax rate for New Jersey sports betting is different between retail and online, with 9.75% of retail revenue and 14.25% of online revenue going to the 'Casino Revenue Fund.'
- Atlantic City: Eight sportsbooks.
- Oceanport: Monmouth Park
- East Rutherford: Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment
New Mexico:
Sportsbooks first opened their doors to New Mexico citizens on October 16, 2018. New Mexico is the sixth state to begin offering sports betting to its residents, although these offerings are exclusively land-based via tribal casinos. With no state-sponsored online sports betting options to speak of, internationally-licensed online sportsbooks are currently accepting New Mexico residents. Since retail sports betting is exclusive to tribal casinos, tax information is totally inaccessible to the public.
- Albuquerque: Isleta Resort & Casino
- Santa Fe: Hilton Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino
- Bernalillo: Santa Ana Star Casino & Hotel
New York:
Retail sportsbooks launched in July of 2019, with attempts to licensee online sportsbooks starting in 2021. New York currently has 11 state regulated land-based sportsbooks across 11 different cities, but no online sportsbooks as of yet. Fortunately, there are a handful of international sportsbooks where New York residents can place their wagers online immediately. 10% of the revenue fr om these sportsbooks goes to the state government, and is put towards education and tax relief for New York citizens.
- Niagara Falls: Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel
- Buffalo: Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino
- Bridgeport: Point Place Casino
North Dakota:
While technically sports betting has yet to be legally regulated by North Dakota lawmakers, tribal casinos still offer sports betting to local residents. There are three tribal casinos currently taking wagers in North Dakota, but no online options from within state borders. Internationally licensed online sportsbooks do accept North Dakota residents however, meaning there are still easy and convenient wagering options whether on-the-go, or at home. Since the current land-based sportsbooks are tribal, they are exempt from taxation.
- New Town: 4 Bears Casino & Lodge
Oregon:
Thanks to bill HB 2288 filed by Representative Brad Witt, Oregon sports betting officially launched in August 2019. Retail sportsbooks began operating out of its three different Class III tribal casinos, with online sports betting being handled by a single app called "Oregon Lottery Scoreboard." There are other online sports betting options thanks to offshore online sportsbooks who are welcoming Oregon residents with first-time sign-up promotions. Lottery sports betting revenue is directed to the state general fund.
- St. Lincoln City: Chinook Winds Casino Resort
- North Bend: The Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park
- Grand Ronde: Spirit Mountain Casino
Pennsylvania:
Since launching in late 2018, Pennsylvania has made a name for itself as one of the biggest sports betting states in the country. Between the 14 state licensed retail sports betting locations, 13 online/mobile options, and the several internationally licensed online sportsbooks taking wagers from Pennsylvania residents, it's no wonder it has the third biggest betting handle in the country. Sports betting revenue is taxed 36%, and placed into the Pennsylvania general fund.
- Philadelphia: Three Sportsbooks
- Pittsburgh: Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
- Bensalem: Parx Casino & Racing
Rhode Island:
As one of the earliest states to adopt sports betting, regulated Rhode Island bookmakers started taking wagers in November of 2018. Only three sportsbooks are currently operational from within state borders; the two Twin River casinos host the only land-based sportsbooks in Rhode Island. The third book is a mobile application called "Sportsbook Rhode Island." A few offshore online sportsbooks also accept members from Rhode Island looking for a better selection of odds and sports to bet on. The state government receives 51% of all sports betting revenue, and places it into the general fund.
- Lincoln: Twin River Lincoln Casino
- Tiverton: Twin River Tiverton Casino
South Dakota:
South Dakota launched their sports betting operations on September 9, 2021, just in time to see the NFL season, but only in one city. Deadwood is home to four different gaming locations that host sportsbooks for South Dakota citizens, and since there are no state-licensed mobile options, anyone interested in placing a wager will have to either do so in Deadwood, or with an offshore online sports betting site that accepts South Dakota residents. All sports betting revenue is taxed at 9%, with that money being distributed wherever is best determined by the state government at the time.
- Deadwood: Cadillac Jack’s, Gold Dust, Mustang Sally’s, Tin Lizzie
Tennessee:
Online sportsbooks in Tennessee began taking wagers in November 2020 -during the heart of that year's NFL season- wh ere they opened to a tremendous number of wagers being placed in the first month amounting to over $130,000. Tennessee does not have any in-person sports betting options within its borders, but there are eight state-regulated sportsbook apps currently available. For those wanting a bigger selection of sports to bet on, or just better odds than they're able to find on those apps, there are several offshore online sports betting sites accepting Tennessee residents. A 20% tax is applied to all sports betting revenue that then goes to fund state education, the local government, and gambling addiction.
- Online exclusive sportsbooks
Virginia:
Having been fully regulated in November of 2020, state-sanctioned sports betting options were made available to Virginia residents in January 2021. Although these options are exclusively online -as there are no land-based sportsbooks in Virginia- there are plenty of them to choose from. Virginia has eight sportsbooks licensed from within its borders to choose from, and a host of offshore online sports betting websites currently accepting Virginia residents. 15% of the revenue collected from sports betting goes into Virginia's state fund, and towards gambling addiction.
- Online exclusive sportsbooks
Washington:
When Washington lawmakers passed HB 2638, they opened the doors to sports betting to begin within state borders. For now, though, only one sportsbook is currently available, operating out of a retail tribal casino. Although there are no state-sanctioned online sportsbooks available, international online sports betting sites do welcome Washington citizens to sign up with new-member promotions. The tribal casino is required to pay an undisclosed amount to the state government.
- Snoqualmie: Snoqualmie Casino
West Virginia:
West Virginia's lawmakers wasted no time legalizing sports betting for its residents, with state-licensed sportsbooks becoming available by the end of 2018. Unlike it's Eastern sister-state, West Virginia offers both retail and online sports betting options, with five land-based, and seven online state-sponsored sportsbooks. Internationally run online sportsbooks are also available for West Virginia residents looking for a better selection of odds and sports to bet on. Sports betting revenue is taxed at 10% and goes to the 'Public Employees Insurance Agency Financial Stability Fund'
- Charles Town: Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
- White Sulphur Springs: The Casino Club at the Greenbrier
- New Cumberland: Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort
Wyoming:
Sports betting became a reality in Wyoming on September 1, 2021 thanks to Wyoming House Bill 0133, signed Governor Mark Gordon. Both MGM and DraftKings are currently the only state-licensed mobile sportsbooks, with only one land-based sportsbook located in Riverton. Bettors looking for alternative options can take advantage of online sports betting sites licensed internationally also accept Wyoming residents. The tax rate for Wyoming sports betting is 10%, which goes to gambling addiction treatment, and the general fund.
- Riverton: Wind River Hotel & Casino
Is It Legal To Bet On Sports Online In The U.S.?
In order to answer the question, we first need to explain some grey area on the topic. There are legal issues surrounding online sports betting in the U.S., because federal laws prohibit the operation of such sites from taking place within the national borders. This is explained just below in some more specific detail about the laws that impact legal sports betting sites. Nevertheless, the key takeaway for you to know is that the individual bettor can legally place at bet at a sportsbook allowing them to do so, so long as that sportsbook is not located in the United States.
Bettors who choose to go down this route will not have to worry about getting into trouble with the law – if indeed there are any laws that specifically mention sports betting or online wagering among their prohibited gambling activities. And if you choose to go with a reputable site like the ones that we have already mentioned on this page, you can know going in that you will get paid out the winnings that you earned.
But at the onset of this answer we did mention the issue of federal laws, for which they do regulate what can and cannot be done from the perspective of online sports betting in the United States. Further down the page we'll list out and briefly explain the key aspects of the sports betting laws that all bettors should be aware, because it paints the necessary picture to ease your mind about why using reputable offshore sites is the way to go.
Can I Legally Bet On College Football Online?
You can legally bet on college football online at any reputable sports betting site. Legal online sportsbooks are based offshore and licensed to accept American bettors. With no federal laws that prohibit using an online sportsbook and only a handful of states with any type of online gaming legislation, finding states with college football betting sites is easy.
Online Sports Betting Sites That Accept USA Players
Whether you live in Nevada or some state that has zero sports betting, placing bets online might still be a better way to go then betting in Las Vegas. The truth of the matter is that there are tons of online sportsbooks that accept USA players, including some of the largest betting companies in the world. Online sportsbooks offer options that land based sportsbooks have not even dreamed of like buying points, bonuses, and more.
The number of online sports betting sites that accept USA players may be high, but the number of trusted sportsbooks is very limited. There is less then 10 online sports betting sites that we reccomend at this time, and it has been that way for quite a while. The USA sports betting sites that we list have all been online for years and have solid reputations in the industry. No matter what state you live in, we have quality sports betting sites that will accept players from your state.
Check out the sites below and then click on the review to see if that particular sportsbook accepts players from where you live. If they do not, then one of the other ones do. There is not a single state that does not have at least a few sportsbooks that will accept them.
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Federal Sports Betting Laws In The United States
Three main federal laws impact the legality of sports betting in the U.S. All three approach the issue from different angles, and all three (until quite recently) remain a key part of limiting sports wagering in the US outside of a few states and jurisdictions. Each law serves a distinct purpose in the federal government’s ongoing plan to limit the spread of sports wagering, be that by insisting on protecting the integrity of the game or to stop criminal organization from profiting from setting up illegal betting schemes.
Professional And Amateur Sports Protection Act
PASPA is a federal law relating to land-based sports betting. This law passed in 1992 and banned sports wagering in all but a few states. Nevada and Delaware are the two states with active sports wagering today, though Montana and Oregon also have the legal ability to offer some form of sports betting.
This pervasive and widely powerful law was overturned on May 14, 2018, by a majority decision from the US Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of New Jersey in its case against PASPA, Murphy v. NCAA. The SCOTUS justices ruled that PASPA is unconstitutional on the basis of its infringements into the rights of states to regulate wagering activities, and therefore struck it down. This means that all 50 states are now free to pursue policies of legalizing, regulating and taxing sports betting as they see fit.
More: Learn More About PAPSA
Wire Act
Ruled in 2011 to apply only to sports betting, the Federal Wire Act targets sports betting businesses and the way that they accept payments for a bet. No forms of wired communication, including interstate internet connections, are allowed to be used for betting purposes under the Wire Act by a betting business to help in the process of a financial transaction for such an act.
This law was originally conceived of in the 1960s as a means of combatting the influence of organized criminal organizations, which had by that time in history come to rely on illegal betting practices such as racketeering and match fixing as a more profitable income stream than even the illicit drug trade or prostitution. The Wire Act has been in effect longer than any other comparable federal anti-sports betting law and is still quite powerful and important today, as states are beginning to consider offering online sports betting platforms for in-state users only.
More: Learn More About The Federal Bank Wire Act Of 1961
Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act
The UIGEA, like the Wire Act, forces American bettors to go to offshore sites if they want to legally place bets on sports. This law bans domestic financial institutions from processing payments for bets and wagers carried out over the internet, making it difficult even for legal overseas-based offshore operators to accept payments from or make payments to some credit cards.
To sum it up, the sportsbook sites can't do what they are designed to do, though the actual betting process is not outlawed, meaning individual bettors cannot be prosecuted under this law. Nowadays, the industry’s leading legal offshore sports betting sites all utilize their own in-house financial processors, making the use of debit and credit cards a much smoother process overall, enhancing reliability and security for account holders looking to make a deposit or collect their winnings.
State Laws About Sports Betting Online And In Person
With there being 50 states in the US, the potential exists for many different forms of sports betting laws to be made at the state level. Some states have many sets of betting laws, though many others rely strictly on the federal government’s own legislation relating to allow sports betting practices and what those laws say. In any case, the potential for states to implement their own betting laws is there, and now that the US Supreme Court has overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), we will in all likelihood be seeing some huge changes in this area in the near future.
If you are interested in your state betting laws, we invite you to check out pages dedicated to your state specifically, and check out online sportsbooks that allow bettors from your state to play for real money.
Legalization Of Sports Betting In The US
Access to sports betting is very limited when it comes to being able to walk into a sportsbook on land here in the US. The one real exception to that rule for many years was Nevada, where residents and visitors have plenty of options with regard to legally placing a bet on their favorite team, player or event. For those individuals living in the other 49 states, only recently has state-sanctioned sports betting started becoming available. There are governing bodies in the major professional and collegiate sports leagues - including leagues like the NFL and organizations like the NCAA that have historically been against any expansion of sports betting outside of Nevada. Nevertheless, the US Supreme Court’s May 2018 ruling to overturn PASPA for violations of the 10th Amendment to the US Constitution has shaken things up quite a bit, and leagues are now seeming to be in favor of online sports betting legalization in the US. Now that PASPA has been overturned, more and more state lawmakers are starting to voice their opinions on this crucial matter as well. While nationwide sports betting becoming legal on the federal level isn't a reality, it didn't take more than 3 years for 30 states to approve their own sports betting laws.