The world of sports betting in the United States has undergone a seismic shift over the past few years, with more than 30 states now embracing the legal betting market. This transformation began in earnest in 2018 when the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), giving individual states the authority to establish their own sports betting regulations. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the current state of sports betting across all 50 states.
States Where Sports Betting is Legal
As of October 2023, over 30 states have legalized sports betting in one form or another, with a focus on online sports betting. These states include Kentucky, New York, Ohio, and Massachusetts, among others. The proliferation of legal sports betting has opened up exciting opportunities for sports enthusiasts and bettors across the country.
Leading Online Sportsbooks
The surge in sports betting’s popularity has been accompanied by the emergence of several top online sportsbooks, making it easier than ever for individuals to place bets on their favorite sports and events. Some of the leading online sportsbooks available in various states include:
- Fanatics Sportsbook: Launched in 2023, Fanatics Sportsbook has quickly gained traction as a rewarding sportsbook. It offers up to 5% FanCash on bets, which can be used for team gear or additional bets. The Fanatics Sportsbook app is available in multiple states, including Kentucky, Ohio, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Tennessee.
- FanDuel: Originally known for Daily Fantasy games, FanDuel has evolved into a major player in the sports betting arena, offering a wide variety of markets, sports, and leagues. The FanDuel Sportsbook app is available in numerous states, such as Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, and more.
- DraftKings: With its roots in Daily Fantasy Sports, DraftKings has become a popular sportsbook, providing various ways for users to engage with their favorite sports. The DraftKings Sportsbook app operates in states like Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Pennsylvania, and more.
- BetMGM: Known for its resorts and casinos, BetMGM also offers a mobile sportsbook app that covers a wide range of sports betting options. The BetMGM Online Sports Betting app is accessible in several states, including Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and more.
- Caesars: A well-known brand in the brick-and-mortar casino industry, Caesars has ventured into the online sports betting space, offering numerous betting options. The Caesars Sportsbook app is available in multiple states, including Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and others.
- bet365: Renowned for sports betting in the UK, bet365 has entered the US market with a sports betting app that provides a wide range of sports and betting opportunities in select states. The bet365 Sports Betting app can be found in states like Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, and Virginia.
State-by-State Breakdown
To provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of sports betting, let’s delve into the situation in each state:
- Alabama and Alaska have not yet legalized sports betting.
- Arizona legalized sports betting in 2021, with 20 operators permitted.
- Arkansas allows sports betting, including wagering on in-state professional and collegiate teams.
- California has not legalized sports betting yet, despite recent propositions.
- Colorado legalized sports betting in 2020, expanding casino games and eliminating some wagering limits.
- Connecticut officially allowed sports betting in September 2021.
- Delaware launched legal sports betting in 2018, with online sports betting allowed but no in-state online sportsbooks.
- Florida has had a complicated journey, but regulated sports betting is expected to return in 2023.
- Georgia lawmakers’ efforts to legalize sports betting in 2023 were unsuccessful.
- Hawaii rejected a bill to regulate sports gambling in 2019.
- Idaho has not proposed any sports betting legislation.
- Illinois legalized sports gambling in 2020, with some restrictions on collegiate games.
- Indiana legalized sports betting in 2019, allowing both mobile and in-person betting.
- Iowa legalized sports gambling in 2019, with multiple sites accepting bets.
- Kansas launched legal online sports betting in 2022.
- Kentucky legalized sports betting in 2023, with the first online sports betting sites launching in September.
- Louisiana introduced retail sports betting in 2021 and mobile sports betting in 2022.
- Maine legalized online sports betting in 2022, with a launch date pending.
- Maryland approved sports betting in 2020, with online sportsbooks launching in 2022.
- Massachusetts launched sports betting in 2023 at in-person locations and online.
- Michigan legalized sports betting, with online sports betting expected to launch in 2023.
- Minnesota passed legislation in 2022 to legalize sports betting, with a launch date pending.
- Mississippi legalized sports betting in 2018.
- Missouri has seen sports betting bills introduced but not yet passed.
- Montana introduced legal sports betting in 2020.
- Nebraska legalized sports betting in 2021 but allows only in-person betting.
- Nevada has long been a hub for sports betting.
- New Hampshire legalized sports betting in 2020 and partnered with DraftKings.
- New Jersey was at the forefront of legalizing sports gambling.
- New Mexico has a unique situation, with sports betting not explicitly prohibited.
- New York expanded its sports betting options in 2022.
- North Carolina legalized in-person sports betting and is preparing for online sports betting in 2024.
- North Dakota has not legalized sports betting, with tribal casino betting as the only option.
- Ohio legalized sports betting in 2021, launching in 2023.
- Oklahoma did not legalize sports betting in 2022.
- Oregon already had limited sports betting legality, with a focus on in-person betting.
- Pennsylvania legalized sports betting in 2018.
- Rhode Island launched sports betting in 2018.
- South Carolina has proposed bills but has not taken action.
- South Dakota approved sports betting in 2020.
- Tennessee launched online sports betting in 2021.
- Texas is considering a constitutional amendment for sports betting.
- Utah is unlikely to legalize sports betting.
- Vermont legalized mobile sports wagering in 2023.
- Virginia launched sports betting in 2021.
- Washington permits sports gambling at tribal casinos.
- Washington D.C. legalized sports betting in 2018.
- West Virginia legalized sports betting in 2018.
- Wisconsin authorized retail sports betting.
- Wyoming legalized sports betting in 202