States Where Sports Betting is Legal – 2025

There’s never been more states where sports betting is legal than there is right now. And while US gambling laws might be complicated, what you need to know is simple. Here, you’ll discover what’s legal where you live, and where you can bet online.

Best Legal USA Betting Site in 2025

How Online Sports Betting Became Legal in Certain States

Before we look into individual gambling by state, it’s a good idea to understand the context through which state laws work. While there are many decades of legislation which are noteworthy, the most relevant to online betting would be the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992. It is commonly known as PASPA.

This effectively outlawed all sports betting across the nation with very few exceptions. In the modern day, this meant that online sports betting sites were also banned. However, this was overturned by the Supreme Court in May 2018, allowing individual jurisdictions to decide whether they wanted to become legal betting states. This is why, when we talk about legal betting sites in the United States, most of the relevant history is so recent.

Common Differences Between Legal States

You may imagine that all that’s relevant to know is whether your state allows you to bet on sports legally, but there’s actually many more variables across online sports betting states than most realize. So much so that two states with legal sports betting can offer wildly different experiences, with the below being the most common distinctions:

These are just some examples. All state’s gambling laws are an ever evolving, distinct, and complicated entity.

Where Is Sports Betting Legal?

To make the most of your sports betting options, there’s a few key things you’ll need to know.

First is what’s legal, as each state has its own unique rules and restrictions. There’s also the minimum age, and whether you can bet online, in-person or both. And of course, there’s the question of which sportsbooks are available to you.

Arizona

The first of our states where sports betting is legal, Arizona allows anyone aged 21 or over to legally bet on most sporting events online and in-person. The only notable exceptions would be college sports prop bets or entertainment events like the Oscars.

This was made possible with the signing of HB 2772 which allows for up to 20 event wagering licenses. 18 of these are already live, three of which launched on the 9^th September 2021, the first day Arizona joined the online sports betting states.

They were Fanduel, Caesars Sportsbook and BetMGM. They were soon joined by Bally Bet, bet365, Betfred, BetRivers, Betway, Desert Diamond Sports, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock Bet, SaharaBets, SuperBook, Unibet and WynnBET. All are overseen by the Arizona Department of Gaming.

Arkansas

Online sports betting in Arkansas officially went live on March 5^th, 2022, fulfilling the promise of bill SB669 which was signed into law way back in November 2018.

It means that everyone aged 21 or over can legally bet on just about every legitimate sport going, as Arkansas sports betting law has few restrictions. All professional sports and even college sports (including in-state teams) are available for wagering, with the only exception being virtual sports. This goes for both online and in-person betting.

All licensing is overseen by the Arkansas Racing Commission, and up to eight licenses are allowed to enter this market.

But right now, only three online sportsbooks are available: Betly debuted first, followed by Oaklawn Sports and Bet Saracen.

Colorado

One of the most versatile legal betting states, you can enjoy 20 world class legal sportsbooks in Colorado, a selection which began with the launch of DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and BetRivers on May 1^st 2020.

Others soon became available including Bally Bet, Bet Monarch, bet365, Betfred, Caesars, Circa Sports, ClutchBet, ESPNBet, FanDuel, Fanatics, SI Sportsbook, Smarkets, Sporttrade, Superbook and Tipico. Up to 30 licenses are possible, all of which are regulated by the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission and the Colorado Division of Gaming.

Colorado joining the list of states where sports betting is legal (onlineand in-person) became possible with the signing of bill HB 1327 by Gov. Jared Polis, and the approval of voters via referendum.

This allows anyone 21 or over to bet on all sports, except for entertainment events.

Connecticut

The state of Connecticut legalized all forms of sports betting in May 2021 for all residents aged at least 21 with the passing of bill 6541. This saw bookmakers go live a few months later on October 19^th, 2021.

You can even bet on college sports, with the sole restriction of Connecticut based teams unless they are competing in a tournament.

The operator selection is quite small compared to others on the list of states where sports betting is legal, but with the excellent DraftKings and FanDuel launching first, followed by the fantastic Fanatics, it’s a case of quality over quantity.

Both the Mohegan Tribe and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe are eligible to operate online sports betting sites, in partnership with the Connecticut Lottery. These are authorized by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection for users’ physically present in the state of Connecticut.

The Connecticut Lottery currently has the right to offer up to 15 retail sports betting locations with an online sports betting skin.

Delaware

Despite being one of the first to join the map of states where sports betting is legal, Delaware only offers a single online sportsbook in BetRivers (launched January 3^rd, 2024) alongside three in-person sportsbooks.

Sports betting actually became legal in Delaware in 2009 with the passing of HB 100 thanks to an existing parlay product of the state.

Despite a limited selection, BetRivers in Delaware is excellent, and you can bet on all available sports with the exception of in-state college teams. The Delaware Lottery oversees regulation and sports betting.

There’s also the possibility of further following the advancement of House Bill 365 to the House Administration Committee, which could see the number of sportsbooks expanded to six. Who knows, we could see Delaware included amongst FanDuel legal states yet.

Florida

Following lengthy legal battles Florida can now be counted amongst the states where sports betting is legal. It was bill SB 2-A which finally got the job done in 2021, following years of failed legislation.

Anyone aged 21 or older in “The Sunshine State “, who are not key personnel of professional and college sports teams, (players, coaches, officials etc.) can legally bet on most sports online.

Key restrictions include esports and non-sporting events such as entertainment awards. Geo-blocking also prevents out-of-state bettors.

And all of this is available through the single legally available online sportsbook in Florida, the Hard Rock Bet App which launched on December 7th, 2023. This is a result of the sports betting monopoly held by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. They also launched six in-person sports betting venues on the same date.

All of this is regulated by the Seminole Tribal Gaming Commission.

It seems unlikely Florida will match other states where sports betting is legal 2024 in terms of variety any time soon, but the Hard Rock Bet app is at least a quality option.

Illinois

Illinois became one the most successful legal online sports betting states following the approval of bill 690, with eight operators currently available to all residents of Illinois aged 21 or over.

It began with the launch of BetRivers in June 2020 and BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel and Circa Sportsbook soon followed. Up to 26 licenses are allowed. These are joined by well over a dozen legal land-based sports books who have partnered up with one of the above.

All of these are regulated to the highest possible standards by the Illinois Gaming Board.

There aren’t too many restrictions, apart from entertainment events. College betting is possible, but in-state college team betting is only available for pregame wagers made in person.

Indiana

One of the earliest states where sports betting is legal, Indiana saw its first retail sportsbook open its doors in September 2019 and online sports betting launched with BetRivers in October 2019. This became possible with the signing of HB 1015 by Republican Governor Eric Holcomb in May 2019.

They were followed by Bally Bets, bet365, BetMGM, Betway, Betr, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN, Fanatics, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet and SBK. Up to 15 licenses are possible.

This bill and the subsequent regulation by the Indiana Gaming Commission is largely as expected with the minimum age for online gambling at 21 and both professional and college sports largely unrestricted.

The only unusual wrinkle is live betting is limited and only available at the discretion of the regulatory body. Lastly, esports remains unavailable in the state.

Iowa

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission regulates 18 legal online sports betting sites at the time of writing. These include Bally Bet, bet365, Betfred, BetMGM, BetRivers, Betway, Caesars, Circa, ClutchBet, DraftKings, DRF, ESPN BET, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet, PointsBet, Q Sportsbook, Superbook and Tipico. A whopping 28 (two for each online casino in the state) licenses are possible.

The minimum age for betting in Iowa is 21, and this includes in-person betting.

It’s an incredible amount of growth since the passing of bill HF 2497, which put Iowa on the map of states where sports betting is legal in May 2019. Caesars became the first to launch in August of that year.

Key limitations include betting on entertainment or esports, although the latter restriction is currently being appealed by DraftKings.

Kansas

With the addition of language elements from HB 2470 into bill SB 84 Kansas finally joined the list of states where sports is legal on June 1^st 2022. All six operators currently available, including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET and Fanatics hit the ground running with a soft launch on September 1^st that year.

That immediately allowed anyone aged 21 or older to bet on any professional and college sports, alongside special events authorized by the state. Unfortunately, esports are prohibited. 

Interestingly, while Kansas isn’t generally amongst the states where sports betting is legal at 18, you can bet on horse racing from that age. This is also the case for in-person sports betting.

There are four state casinos, each of which can have up to three online skins meaning that 12 online sportsbooks in total are possible in Kansas. All of this is overseen by the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission.

Kentucky

While online betting only launched in Kentucky on September 28^th 2023 (in-person betting began on September 7^th 2023) following the passing of sports betting bill HB 551, there’s already eight excellent operators to choose from.

This includes bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel and ESPN BET.

Kentucky are among states where sports betting is legal at 18, providing access to pro and college sports for anyone above that age. However, do note that individual sites may only allow access to users at or above the age of 21.

The Kentucky Sports Wagering Advisory Board approved a catalog of sports for wagering, including most major league, esports and MMA. However, there are restrictions on things like college prop bets and awards ceremonies.

This is certainly far from the final form of Kentucky sports betting, with up to 27 sports betting apps possible according to legislation. All will be overseen by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

Louisiana

Unlike most states where betting on sports is legal the availability of online sports betting in Louisiana does depend on the individual parish. This is enforced by geolocation technology. It is, however, currently available in 55 of 64 parishes in Louisiana following ballot approval from November 2020.

Legislation is overseen by the Louisiana Sports Wagering Act which allowed for retail sports betting from October 31^st, 2021, and the arrival of online sports betting on January 29^th, 2022.

Mobile sports became a reality via the launch of apps from Betfred, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET and FanDuel. Also available now are bet365 and ClutchBet. With 20 locations eligible for sports betting licenses, with two skins per license, many more are expected.

All licenses and regulations are overseen by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. They allow for betting on a broad range of approved events including most professional leagues and college sports. There are however restrictions on prop bets on individual athletes and statistics related to college sporting events. 

To bet in Louisiana you must be inside state lines and the minimum age is 21.

Maine

The Pine Tree State is so new amongst legal betting states that they’ve yet to launch retail sports betting and only two operators are currently available online.

Nonetheless, it’s still good news. As the two which launched on November 3^rd, 2023 happen to be a world class duo in Caesars and DraftKings. Plus, the passing of bill LD 525 does allow for retail sports betting in as many as ten licensed online sportsbooks.

The future looks rosy then, with most professional sports leagues and college betting being available, apart from in-state college teams. Non-sporting events like the next James Bond or the winners of Dancing With The Stars, are also not allowed.

Current and future Maine betting sites will be available to anyone in the state at or over the age of 21 and are regulated by the Maine Gambling Control Unit.

Maryland

If you’re aged 21 or over and find yourself within the state of Maryland you have 11 fantastic sportsbooks to choose from. These include BetMGM, Betfred, betPARX, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, FanDuel, Fanatics, PointsBet, SuperBook and Crab Sports. The latter being exclusive to “The Old State Line”.

Under pressure from their residents, Maryland lawmakers drafted and passed sports betting bill HB 940 in July 2021, to be regulated by the Maryland State Lottery and Control Agency.

Licenses are determined by the State Wagering Application Review Commission.

They got off to a great start too, with Barstol Sports (no longer available) BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel and Fanatics all launching on November 23^rd, 2022.

Plus, there’s a whopping 60 online sportsbook and 47 retail sportsbook licenses up for grabs. Considering this and the lack of prohibitions except those on non-sporting events like the academy awards, this is amongst the most versatile legal betting states.   

Massachusetts

Passed in the closing hours of 2022, bill H5164 also known as the “Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act” allows for residents at or above the age of 21 to bet on most professional and college sports. Only a ban on in-state college teams, except when they play in tournaments stands out as a key restriction. This law applies to both online and in-person betting.

Massachusetts joined the states where sports betting is legal on March 10^th, 2023 with BarStool, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel and WynnBet all going live that morning. Only BarStool and WynnBet no longer remain, having been replaced by Fanatics and ESPN Bet.

Up to 15 licenses are possible, with eight tied to land-based partners and seven more open to bidding. That opportunity is available through the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Michigan

Residents of Michigan can enjoy one of the most liberal US states where sports betting is legal.

With the signing of bipartisan house bills 4311-12, 4916-18, 4307 and 4308, anyone aged 21 or over located in the state (as verified by geolocation) can bet on all major sports and leagues.

College betting, including in-state college betting is also available, and some entertainment bets such as those on the Oscars are also legal. The rules apply for both retail and online bookmakers.

And not only are there lots of ways to bet but there’s also plenty of fantastic places to wager as well. The Michigan Gaming Control Board currently presides over the licensing and regulation of 13 fantastic sportsbooks.

These include BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, Eagle Casino & Sports, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, FireKeepers, Four Winds, Play Gun Lake, SI and WynnBET. All state licenses are currently in use, but yearly renewal means this excellent line-up isn’t set in stone. 

Several operators launched as soon as possible on January 22^nd, 2022, meaning Michigan was added to the DraftKings, Caesars and FanDuel map all in one day.

Mississippi

While the “Magnolia State” can correctly claim to be part of states where sports betting is legal it is not without serious restrictions. They got an early start, the legalization of daily fantasy sports in 2017 with the passage of bill HB 967 also repealed state law prohibiting online sports betting.

With the overturning of PASPA it came into effect within hours.

Unfortunately, that legislation also required anyone betting online to be in person at a Mississippi sportsbook. As a result, initially only BetMGM launched a sports betting app, and have since only been joined by Caesars and the Pearl River Resort.

There are reasons to be optimistic though. Regulators continue to push for a truly mobile online. If this comes to pass, then we’ll be looking at one of the most competitive on the states where sports betting is legal map.

Mississippi allows for betting on all professional leagues and college sports to residents aged 21 or over with entertainment, esports and individual college player prop bets prohibited. Up to 26 available licenses are on the table.

Montana

Although Montana offers more retail locations to bet on sports than any other state, there’s only one legal sports betting option online – Sports Bet Montana. Worse still, this requires you to be in a legal betting location to use it. The site is primarily used to register and set up your account while at home.

Unfortunately, while the Montana Code and the signing of bill HB 725 allowed for legal sprots betting, the Montana Lottery regulates and operates online sports betting, leading to a very restrictive market. In other words, it’s among states where sports betting is legal, but is among the most limited of them.

If you do head on over to one of the admittedly very ample selection of retail locations, you can bet in most professional or college sports. They’re also one of the few states where sports betting is legal at 18.

But there are some other unusual restrictions. Esports and entertainment betting are not allowed. There’s also a maximum bet amount of $1000 on a single wager through the app, and up to $250 in-person. So, we suppose there is a benefit to playing online but in location if you want to bet above a few hundred bucks.

Nebraska

Here, we have a state in the unusual position of being among states where sports betting is legal with the passing of LB 561 in May 2021, but no mobile sports betting is included. The only place you can bet on sports generally would be the WarHorsE Casino in Lincoln and Grand Island Casino Resort in Grand Island.

The closest thing to mobile sports are the apps which allow you to bet at specific horse racing tracks. Plus, DraftKings and FanDuel allow residents to play daily fantasy sports on their platforms.

If mobile sports betting does become available in Nebraska, it will likely follow the rules set for in-person betting. The National Racing and Gaming Commission currently offers residents betting in legal locations a broad selection of professional and college sports, esports and simulated games. Key restrictions include prop bets on individual college athletes and contests between in-state college teams. The minimum betting age is 21.  

Nevada

For many, when they think of states where sports betting is legal, Nevada is the first that springs to mind. And while we don’t have to tell you that retail gambling is thriving in the home of Las Vegas, you may be delighted to hear its online selection is just as impressive. The list currently includes Atlantic, BetMGM, B-Connected, Caesars, Golden Nugget, Rampart, STN, Treasure Island, Westgate SuperBook, WynnBET, William Hill, Circa Sports and Southpoint.

Residents of Nevada at or over the age of 21 have been able to enjoy online betting long before the overturn of PASPA, since 2010 with the opening of Station Casinos. Very few events are off limits, and you are as free to bet on college or entertainment events just as readily as professional leagues. 

The only wrinkle here is that unlike most online sports betting states, Nevada requires you to register at an actual brick and mortar casino and make your first deposit in person and in cash, before you can play online.

Unlike most states where sports betting is legal online, the legislation here is a mis-mash of bills dating back decades. The good news is all you need to know is that if a sportsbook is licensed and regulated by the Nevada Gaming Commission and the Nevada Gaming Control Board, then they are legitimate.

New Hampshire

One of the first post PASPA legal sports betting states, retail and online sports betting became legal in New Hampshire with the passage of HB 480 in July 2019.

Their first and only sportsbook DraftKings launched on December 30^th, 2019, who operate a virtual monopoly in that state thanks to an agreement with state regulator the New Hampshire Lottery. Nonetheless, up to five online sportsbooks (and 10 retail outlets) are legally possible within the current legal framework.

Plus, DraftKings is a fantastic betting site and if you can only have one operator there’s arguably none better. In addition, they are one of the few states where sports betting is legal at 18.

The majority of professional and college sports are available, however betting on college teams from New Hampshire, or college games taking place in the state, is prohibited.

New Jersey

With a huge selection of amazing legal sports betting sites available to residents, New Jersey might very well be the best place to bet online in the United States.

They get their start early on August 1^st 2018 with DraftKings, who were soon joined by an all-star selection including bet365, BetMGM, betPARX, BetRivers, Betway, Borgata, Caesars, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock Bet, Prime, Sporttrade, SuperBook and Tipico. The minimum age for all is 21. 

This became possible with the signing of an updated NJ sports betting bill (4111) in June 2018, which modernized an initial attempt to make gambling legal in the state in 2012. It allows for retail and online betting on professional and college sports, except in state college teams and college sporting events in NJ. Entertainment betting is also legal. Unusually, betting on the weather is specifically restricted. 

New Mexico

Unfortunately, at the time of writing, the only way to place a bet in New Mexico is to visit one of the six tribal casinos in the state. While New Mexico is amongst the states where sports betting is legal, all must be in-person and that looks unlikely to change any time soon.

Attempts are still made, for instance bill HB 101 attempted to make online and retail sports betting legal at New Mexico racetracks but failed to gain any ground. Nonetheless the state’s casinos are open to anyone at or over the age of 21, and there’s few general restrictions on the sports/markets you can bet on. If you want to bet on college sports though, do check with the policy of the individual casino you’re visiting.  

New York

The “Big Apple” joined their New Jersey neighbors in the list of states where sports betting is legal online on January 8^th 2022 with the launch of DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars and BetRivers.

This fabulous foursome has since been joined by Bally Bet, BetMGM, Fanatics, Resorts World Bet and WynnBet. There are no plans on expanding the number of licenses regulated by the New York Gaming Commission, but ESPN.BET is set to replace WynnBet in the near future. 

In other words, New York is already among the best places in the US to bet online for anyone aged 21 or over. The hard-fought legislation which finally came into law as part of the 2022 budget bill allows for betting on all sports except in-state college teams and college prop bets.

Other prohibitions include betting on entertainment events. In-person betting has actually been allowed at state casinos since 2013 and retail locations began opening in 2019.

North Carolina

Sports betting bill HB 347 was signed into law by governor Roy Cooper on June 14^th 2023, legalizing online and retail sports betting.

Up to 12 online sportsbooks are allowed, which currently includes bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, Underdog Sports, and Caesars. Most of which launched on the first day North Carolina landed on the states where sports betting is legal map, 11^th March 2024.

All these options, which can offer markets on professional, amateur and college sports with very few restrictions, are available to anyone over the age of 21 in the state of North Carolina. Even bets on in-state college teams and prop bets are permitted, although bills are being put forward by Rep.Marcia Morey to ban the latter. Horse racing betting has not launched in the state but is legal and is expected to become available in the near future.

North Dakota

Interestingly, North Dakota is the only state which offers sports betting without a distinct statute or law. Yet they are considered amongst states where sports betting is legal due to a clause in state compacts.

Essentially, this means federally recognized tribes can offer sports betting on reservation lands. These are regulated by the individual tribes themselves, who recently agreed with Governor Doug Burgum to lower the minimum gambling age from 21 to 19.

Unfortunately, this means that only in-person betting is available, with mobile betting only possible on devices within reservation boundaries. It seems unlikely this will change anytime soon.  

In terms of available events to bet on, that is down to the what the individual tribe wishes to offer.

Ohio

With tons of in-person sports betting locations and 19 active Ohio sportsbook apps, the Buckeye State is one of the most versatile legal online betting states out there.

Your all-star list of options includes Bally Bet, bet365, Betfred, BetJACK, MVGBet, BetMGM, BetPARX, Betr, BetRivers, Betway, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet, Prime, Superbook and Tipico.

This became possible with the signing of HB29 by Governor Mike DeWine. Sports betting launched with Draftkings, FanDuel, bet365 Caesars, BetMGM and PointsBet on the first day of 2023.

Up to 25 licenses are possible through the Ohio Casino Control Commission. All come with a minimum age of 21. Disallowed forms of betting include prop bets on college athletes, plus wagering on certain entertainment events such as The Oscars.

Oregon

Oregon sports betting has been available in some form for decades now. A constitutional amendment in 1984 (Oregon Measure 4, State Lottery Profits for Economic Development Initiative) allowed the lottery to provide betting on NFL games, meaning they bypassed PASPA altogether. Sports betting is now available in person across several tribal casinos.

Online sports betting launched in August 2019. Initially this was through Oregon Lottery’s own Scoreboard app. However, it was turned over to DraftKings wholly in January 2022. Currently, there’s no change or suggestion of expansion.

Nonetheless, DraftKings are a fantastic bookmaker available to everyone 21 or over located in the state of Oregon. Most professional sports are available, apart from esports. Unlike most legal sports betting states, college games are also entirely prohibited.  

Pennsylvania

Governor Tom Wolf signed house bill 271 into law back in October 2017 meaning Pennsylvania was ready to join the US states where sports betting is legal as soon as PASPA was overturned.

They got started with retail betting launching in November 2018. The first online sports bet was made at PlaySugarHouse in May 2019. It was available to anyone at or over the age of 21 within state lines and betting is available on both professional and college sports including in-state teams. This does not, however, include player props on individual college athletes. Other restrictions include betting on e-sports or entertainment events.

Right now, there are 12 places to bet online in Pennsylvania, these include Betfred, BetMGM, BetRivers, PlaySugarHouse, Betway, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, FanDuel, Fanatics, BetPARX and TwinSpires.  

Rhode Island

One of the earliest legal online sports betting states, following the lift of the federal ban, Rhode Island nonetheless remains limits in what they offer.

There are two retail locations and one sports betting app known as Sportsbook Rhode Island, which is ran by the state regulator Rhode Island Lottery. They are one of the few states where sports betting is legal at 18 and is available to anyone within state lines.

The app itself is decent thanks to a partnership with IGT and Caesars, but more choice would of course be preferred. The number of markets is at least decent, with most professional sports available. College betting is allowed except for betting on in-state teams.

Rhode Island became part of US states where sports betting is legal as a result of bill S2045 being signed off by Governor Gina Raimondo, and the first legal bet took place in November 2018. Further apps unfortunately look unlikely at the moment.

South Dakota

Only retail sports betting is available in the city of Deadwood for South Dakota residents, this became possible in September 2021 with the passing of bill SJR 501.

This is laid out explicitly in South Dakota’s codified laws. Title 42, Chapter 7B states that that sports wagering can only take place on a licensed gaming establishment approved by the commission “within the city of Deadwood”. All locations are regulated by the South Dakota Commission on Gaming.

Restrictions on in-person sports betting include bets on college athletes or in-state college teams. Sports betting in general comes with a minimum age of 21.

The only exception to these rules is pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing, available online from the age of 18 at the likes of TwinSpires and NYRA Bets.

Tennessee

While there are no retail options in Tennessee, their online selection of sportsbooks is thriving.

The first batch of online sportsbooks, FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM, launched in November 2020 following the passage of bill HB 0001.

The total selection of sportsbooks is now at 11, with the addition of Caesars, Bally Bet, Fanatics, Betly, ZenSports, ESPN BET, Hard Rock Bet, Superbook and Tennessee Action 24/7.

Plus, there’s no limit on how many licensing can be provided or regulated by the Sports Wagering Advisory Council so the skies the limit.

All are available to those in the state at or above the age of 21. And the number of available events to bet on is as versatile as the sportsbook selection in this most diverse of legal betting states.  The only key restrictions we’re aware of are prop bets on college athletes and/or teams.  

Vermont

One of the most recent legal online sports betting states, Vermont has gotten off to a flying start with DraftKings, Fanatics and FanDuel all getting their start on launch day January 11^th, 2024. They’re regulated by the Department of Liquor and Lottery.

Bill H127 is the legislation which made sports betting legal in Vermont with a minimum age of 21. Most professional and college sports are available, but in-state college betting is only allowed if the team is in a tournament. NCAA player props are also banned. Unusually for states where sports betting is allowed, this is online only with in-person betting being explicitly illegal.

We expect more operators soon, with up to six licenses currently being available.

Virginia

The signing of Senate bill 36 and House Bill 896 paved the way for the launch of sports betting in Virginia on January 21^st 2021.

They began on the FanDuel states map, the first operator to launch on the day, and soon expanded to 15 sportsbooks.

These include Bally Bet, bet365, Betr, Betfred, BetMGM, BetRivers, Betway, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet, Fanatics, Sports Illustrated and SuperBook.

Up to 18 are possible with provisions for up to five land-based casinos capable of housing a retail sportsbook via the Virginia Lottery.

All are free to offer markets on all professional sports and college sports to anyone aged 21 or older, with prohibitions on college prop bets and in-state college teams.

Washington

The passage of bill HB 2638 through Governor Jay Inslee technically made online and retail sports betting legal on March 25^th 2020.

However, it took until September 9^th, 2021, for a bet to be made by Snoqualmie Casino, and things are still quite slow to progress. For starters the law limits sports betting to the land of 29 federally recognized tribes, so while online sportsbooks are legal for those 21 and over, it remains a largely retail market.

That said some casinos have partnered with big names like Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings and BetFred. So if you make the trip, you are in for a world class experience. This is especially the case when you consider that virtually all professional and college sports are available. Only in-state college betting is a notable exception.

Washington D.C.

The online sports betting laws in Washington D.C are truly unique, a result of the signing of B22-0944 by Mayor Muriel Bowser. Initially the solitary GameBet DC (now unavailable) was available for the May 2020 launch. Now, only FanDuel is available throughout.

Your other options, Caesars and BetMGM are also available but are limited to a two-block radius directly surrounding their physical retail locations. They are known as Entertainment Sports Gaming Restriction Zones and they’re enforced by the Office of Lottery and Gaming.

Otherwise, Washington D.C is typical of states where sports betting is legal online. Most college and professional sports are available to bet on except for in-state teams. Plus, you only need to be 18 to get involved.  

West Virginia

The Mountain State got ahead of the US Supreme Court by legalizing retail and online sports betting in March 2018, a few months before the overturn of PASPA.

Bill SB 415 then set the stage for online sports betting to be launched by the end of the year for anyone at or over the age of 21 in Virginia. This is verified by geolocation technology. The regulations are straightforward, with no standout restrictions on either college or professional sports betting. Initially, esports were prohibited, but that was overturned with bill HB 4826 in April 2022.

The first bookmaker to take a bet was the now defunct BetLucky in December 2018. However, they only lasted a few months closing in August 2019, leaving the state without sportsbooks until August 2019. Nonetheless they’ve come back with a bang and can now offer residents access to DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Betly, Caesars, Fanatics, ESPN Bet, and BetRivers. Up to 15 are possible via the West Virginia Lottery.

Wisconsin

One of the most unusual sports betting states, Wisconsin has no laws that make sports betting legal. Nonetheless, it is legally available to bet on sports betting from the age of 21 due to several compact amendments between federally recognized tribes and the state.

The most recent was a 2024 agreement with the Lac de Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, which further enhances the potential scope of retail betting in Wisconsin. There are currently six casinos where sports betting is available.

In some ways the selection of sports betting events available is broader than most other states, both entertainment and esports betting are possible in Wisconsin. Only betting on in-state college teams is specifically restricted.

Unfortunately, the options boil down to zero for mobile players, with the only available online betting taking place within tribal properties. 

Wyoming

The magnificent duo of BetMGM and DraftKings legally launched in Wyoming on the 1^st September 2021. They’re available to anyone in the state at or over the age of 18. This was mere months after Governor Mark Gordon signed house bill 133 into law earlier that year on April 5^th.

They’ve since been added to the FanDuel map, a boon for all states where sports betting is legal, alongside the addition of Fanatics and Caesars. Better still, there’s no regulatory limit to how many operators could make Wyoming their home online. In-person sports betting, however, is not available.

In addition, there are no notable restrictions on which college or professional sports you can bet on. That said, state regulator the Wyoming Gaming Commission looks likely to prohibit college prop bets in the near future.  

Sports Betting States Possible Launches 2025 -2026

Right now, the following are states where sports betting is not legal. However, there have been enough positive signs for us to believe it’s likely they will legally launch in the next couple of years.

Here’s the states we think are most likely to launch in 2025-26.

Alabama

Lotteries and gambling are both banned in Alabama, putting them quite firmly amongst states where sports betting is illegal.

However, there’s been plenty of lawmakers attempting to push forward this issue. While these bills have so far been unsuccessful, they are being taken increasingly seriously by the house and some concrete legislation is certainly possible in 2025.

Considering that daily fantasy sports were legalized in 2019, it would make sense to us for the already operational FanDuel and DraftKings to be among the first set of online sportsbooks in Alabama.  

Georgia

There was a big push to allow Georgia to join states where sports betting is legal 2024 but sadly all the bills failed to get over the finishing line.

They will need to wait until 2025 to be considered. Nonetheless, the desire to legalize online gaming is clearly there, and we think a bill will eventually be passed.

The only wrinkle is that such an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Georgia will require a vote to become law.

If that happens, FanDuel already has investment in Georgia, so they seem like a likely starting point. Plus, Caesars has been expanding rapidly lately and it would be an excellent opportunity for them.  

Minnesota

The only form of online betting currently legal in Minnesota is horse racing thanks to a constitutional amendment voted through by residents in 1982. The Minnesota Constitution allowed pari-mutual betting on horse racing, but not dog racing or any other form of betting.

There’s been multiple attempts in 2023/24, and bettors will have to wait until 2025 to see if further legislation is passed. Nonetheless what seemed impossible two years ago has now gained a great deal of traction and optimism. Local sports teams have even come out in favour of legislation.

BetMGM would be a logical fit for Minnesota, considering their history of setting up shop in states with major sports teams. Betfred, who are major players in neighboring Iowa, could also be an early adopter.

Missouri

With the Winning for Missouri Education campaign submitting 340,000 signatures to the secretary of state’s office to put sports betting on the November 2024 ballet, it’s fair to say there’s an appetite for change.

If the Missouri Sports Betting Legalization Amendment does appear on the ballot for a constitutional amendment, we could see MI sports betting in 2025. If that happens, it seems very likely that FanDuel and DraftKings will be first to sign up, considering they donated millions of dollars towards signature collection efforts.  

Future Launches – Will Other States Legalize Sports Betting?

The following are also states where sports betting is not legal and seem less likely than the jurisdictions above to change that any time soon. Nonetheless, do note that any part of the US could join the sports betting states through public demand and legislative change.

Alaska

The “Last Frontier” may very well be the last place in the US to legalize sports betting. While legislation attempts have been made, including a bill on the House and Labor Committee, nothing has made it through either chamber of Alaska Legislature.

A lack of any major sports teams also makes them less appealing to sportsbooks, and there’s seemingly little passion for change amongst most lawmakers. Nonetheless, big changes start with small steps, and we did see some optimistic attempts at reform in 2024.

California

The failure of two ballot measures (Proposition 26 and Proposition 27) in 2022 by a significant margin seems to have so far halted any momentum for online sports betting legalization in California.

Realistically, a double rejection by voters means it will likely be a long time before progress is made. But never say never. Indian Gaming Association Conference Chari Victor Rocha for instance, said he thinks California will legalize sports betting, but it may not be until 2028.  

Hawaii

As one of the few states with absolutely no gambling whatsoever, Hawaii joining the states where sports betting is legal feels like a long shot right now. Nonetheless, new bills and legislation have been attempted every year since 2019, so some lawmakers are trying to push the issue forward. However, considering each attempt has been roundly rejected, it may be quite some time until they are successful.

Idaho

Even many of the least likely states to legalize sports betting have had some form of legislation put forth, not Idaho. Since the fall of PASPA in May 2018, there’s been no attempts made whatsoever.

That said, with so many of their neighbors, such as Tennessee, going the online only route, now does seem more likely than any other point in the last few years. Plus, Idaho has seven tribal casinos that could house retail sports betting. And horse racing is already legal and popular in the state.

So unlikely right now, but there’s a foundation there ready to be built upon.  

Oklahoma

Legal sports betting legislation has had a real back and forth in the “Sooner State” in the last few years. There’s been a few strong attempts to push the issue forward, only for them to stall before getting over the line. The key debate is abouttribal exclusivity over sports betting, with Senator Casey Murdock at loggerheads with the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association.

While things are heated, we would say Oklahoma will likely not remain amongst states where sports betting is illegal for many more years.  

South Carolina

Currently, the bill HB 3749 had been stalled in the house since 2023. If passed this would legalize up to eight betting apps. Interestingly, it would also make South Carolina one of the states where sports betting is legal at 18, without restrictions on college sports.

But whether it will get off the ground remains to be seen. Considering the success of North Carolina as a legal betting state, we do hope to see South Carolina join them in the next few years.

Texas

There was a big push for Texas to join the states where sports betting is legal back in 2023. Bill HB 1924 even made it through the house but was not considered in the Senate. The next opportunity will be in 2025.

There’s plenty of momentum heading into those legislative sessions. Texas is a hugely passionate state for sports with several great professional teams. Plus, there’s three states bordering Texas, namely New Mexico, Arkansas and Louisiana, with legal sports betting.

Whether or not it happens comes down to whether all that pressure is enough to sway the opinions of some politicians who are outspokenly against online gambling.

Utah

The deeply religious state of Utah looks unlikely to join the state where sports betting is legal online any time soon. In fact, it’s one of the only jurisdictions where the state’s criminal code states specifically that gambling is to remain illegal even if legalized federally.

It’s always possible, but Utah might be the least likely of any US state to legalize any form of gambling.

Which States Can You Legally Bet in?

Status	States	Total
Legal in person and online	AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, FL, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NE, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OR, PA, RI, VA, WA, WV – including Washington D.C.	28
Legal online only	TN, VT, WY	3
Legal in person only	MS, MT, NE, NM, ND, OH, SD,WI	8
Illegal	AL, GA, MN, MO. AK, CA, HI, ID, OK, SC, TX, UT	12

ThePuntersPage Final Say

We’ve hit a real turning point in the legalization of online sports betting across the United States as a whole. While there is no doubt there will be some late holdouts, possibly even permanent ones, there’s more reasons to be optimistic than ever.

Right now, the majority of American states are able to offer you access to several fantastic places to bet online. Whether it’s DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers or many more, they’re capable of providing an experience as good as any European counterpart.

And the fact that all of this has been achieved since the overturning of PASPA in 2018 is truly remarkable. The list of states where sports betting is legal is only set to grow. Plus, the numbers of operators will improve both in number, and in the quality and variety offered to US residents.

Resources