sports betting is legal in which states

The legal landscape of sports betting in the United States has undergone significant changes since the Supreme Court’s decision in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association in 2018, which struck down the federal ban on sports betting. Since then, individual states have been able to legalize and regulate sports betting within their borders. Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of where sports betting is currently legal.Fully Legalized StatesThese states have fully legalized both online and retail sports betting:Nevada: The pioneer of legal sports betting, Nevada has long been the epicenter of sports wagering in the U.S.New Jersey: One of the first states to legalize sports betting post-PASPA, New Jersey offers both online and retail options.Delaware: Delaware was the first state to take advantage of the Supreme Court’s decision, offering full-scale sports betting.Mississippi: While Mississippi offers retail sports betting at its casinos, online betting is restricted to within casino premises.West Virginia: Both online and retail sports betting are legal in West Virginia.Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania offers a comprehensive sports betting market, including online and retail options.Rhode Island: Rhode Island has legalized both online and retail sports betting.New Mexico: New Mexico has tribal-operated sportsbooks, though it has not passed a statewide sports betting law.New York: New York offers retail sports betting at its casinos, with plans to expand to online betting.Arkansas: Arkansas has legalized retail sports betting at its casinos.Iowa: Iowa offers both online and retail sports betting.Oregon: Oregon has legalized sports betting through its state lottery.Indiana: Indiana offers both online and retail sports betting.New Hampshire: New Hampshire has legalized online sports betting through its state lottery.Illinois: Illinois offers both online and retail sports betting, with some restrictions on online betting.Colorado: Colorado offers both online and retail sports betting.Tennessee: Tennessee has legalized online sports betting only, with no retail options.Virginia: Virginia offers online sports betting, with plans for retail options in the future.Washington, D.C.: Washington, D.C.

Sports betting has seen a significant transformation in recent years, with many states legalizing and regulating the industry. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the current legal landscape for sports betting across the United States.

Key Considerations

Before diving into the specifics of each state, it’s essential to understand the factors that influence the legality of sports betting:

  • State Legislation: Each state has the authority to legalize sports betting through its own legislation.
  • Federal Law: The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was overturned in 2018, allowing states to legalize sports betting.
  • Regulatory Bodies: States often establish specific regulatory bodies to oversee sports betting operations.
  • Types of Bets: Some states permit only in-person betting, while others allow online and mobile betting.

Nevada

  • Overview: Nevada has long been the epicenter of legal sports betting in the U.S.
  • Types of Bets: In-person, online, and mobile betting.
  • Regulatory Body: Nevada Gaming Control Board.

New Jersey

  • Overview: New Jersey was a pioneer in challenging PASPA and successfully legalized sports betting in 2018.
  • Types of Bets: In-person, online, and mobile betting.
  • Regulatory Body: New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.

Delaware

  • Overview: Delaware was one of the first states to legalize sports betting post-PASPA.
  • Types of Bets: In-person, online, and mobile betting.
  • Regulatory Body: Delaware Lottery.

Mississippi

  • Overview: Mississippi legalized sports betting in 2018, focusing on casino-based betting.
  • Types of Bets: In-person and mobile betting (within casino premises).
  • Regulatory Body: Mississippi Gaming Commission.

West Virginia

  • Overview: West Virginia legalized sports betting in 2018.
  • Types of Bets: In-person, online, and mobile betting.
  • Regulatory Body: West Virginia Lottery Commission.

Pennsylvania

  • Overview: Pennsylvania legalized sports betting in 2019.
  • Types of Bets: In-person, online, and mobile betting.
  • Regulatory Body: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

Rhode Island

  • Overview: Rhode Island legalized sports betting in 2019.
  • Types of Bets: In-person and mobile betting.
  • Regulatory Body: Rhode Island Lottery.

Indiana

  • Overview: Indiana legalized sports betting in 2019.
  • Types of Bets: In-person, online, and mobile betting.
  • Regulatory Body: Indiana Gaming Commission.

Iowa

  • Overview: Iowa legalized sports betting in 2019.
  • Types of Bets: In-person, online, and mobile betting.
  • Regulatory Body: Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

New Hampshire

  • Overview: New Hampshire legalized sports betting in 2019.
  • Types of Bets: Online and mobile betting.
  • Regulatory Body: New Hampshire Lottery Commission.

Oregon

  • Overview: Oregon legalized sports betting in 2019.
  • Types of Bets: Online and mobile betting.
  • Regulatory Body: Oregon Lottery.

Montana

  • Overview: Montana legalized sports betting in 2019.
  • Types of Bets: In-person and mobile betting.
  • Regulatory Body: Montana Lottery.

Illinois

  • Overview: Illinois legalized sports betting in 2019.
  • Types of Bets: In-person, online, and mobile betting.
  • Regulatory Body: Illinois Gaming Board.

Colorado

  • Overview: Colorado legalized sports betting in 2020.
  • Types of Bets: In-person, online, and mobile betting.
  • Regulatory Body: Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission.

Tennessee

  • Overview: Tennessee legalized sports betting in 2020, focusing on online and mobile platforms.
  • Types of Bets: Online and mobile betting.
  • Regulatory Body: Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation.

Virginia

  • Overview: Virginia legalized sports betting in 2020.
  • Types of Bets: In-person, online, and mobile betting.
  • Regulatory Body: Virginia Lottery.

Michigan

  • Overview: Michigan legalized sports betting in 2020.
  • Types of Bets: In-person, online, and mobile betting.
  • Regulatory Body: Michigan Gaming Control Board.

Washington, D.C.

  • Overview: Washington, D.C. legalized sports betting in 2019.
  • Types of Bets: In-person and mobile betting.
  • Regulatory Body: D.C. Lottery and Gaming Control Agency.

North Carolina

  • Overview: North Carolina legalized sports betting in 2019, but only for in-person betting at two tribal casinos.
  • Types of Bets: In-person betting.
  • Regulatory Body: North Carolina Lottery Commission.

Arkansas

  • Overview: Arkansas legalized sports betting in 2019, but only for in-person betting at casinos.
  • Types of Bets: In-person betting.
  • Regulatory Body: Arkansas Racing Commission.

New Mexico

  • Overview: New Mexico has tribal casinos that offer sports betting, though it is not state-regulated.
  • Types of Bets: In-person betting.
  • Regulatory Body: Not state-regulated.

South Dakota

  • Overview: South Dakota legalized sports betting in 2020, but only for in-person betting at Deadwood casinos.
  • Types of Bets: In-person betting.
  • Regulatory Body: South Dakota Commission on Gaming.

Washington State

  • Overview: Washington State legalized sports betting in 2020, but only for tribal casinos.
  • Types of Bets: In-person betting.
  • Regulatory Body: Washington State Gambling Commission.

Wyoming

  • Overview: Wyoming legalized sports betting in 2021, focusing on online and mobile platforms.
  • Types of Bets: Online and mobile betting.
  • Regulatory Body: Wyoming Gaming Commission.

The legalization of sports betting in the U.S. is a rapidly evolving landscape. As more states continue to legalize and regulate sports betting, it’s crucial for bettors to stay informed about the specific laws and regulations in their state. This guide provides a snapshot of where sports betting is currently permitted, but it’s always advisable to check for the latest updates and changes in legislation.

draftkings legal states

Sports betting has seen a significant shift in legality across the United States over the past few years. With the Supreme Court’s decision in 2018 to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), states were granted the authority to legalize and regulate sports betting within their borders. As a result, the landscape of sports betting in the U.S. has become quite diverse. Here’s a breakdown of where sports betting is currently legal:

Fully Legalized States

These states have fully legalized both online and retail sports betting:

  • Nevada: Known as the gambling capital of the U.S., Nevada has long been a hub for sports betting. It was one of the few states where sports betting was legal before the PASPA repeal.
  • New Jersey: One of the pioneers post-PASPA, New Jersey offers both online and retail sports betting, with numerous options for bettors.
  • Delaware: Delaware was another early adopter, offering full-scale sports betting shortly after the PASPA repeal.
  • Mississippi: While Mississippi offers retail sports betting at its casinos, online betting is restricted to on-premises wagering.
  • West Virginia: Both online and retail sports betting are legal in West Virginia, with several operators providing services.
  • Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania has a robust sports betting market, with both online and retail options available.
  • Rhode Island: Rhode Island offers both online and retail sports betting, with the state controlling the operations.
  • New Mexico: Although not explicitly legalized by the state legislature, some tribal casinos offer sports betting under compacts with the state.
  • New York: New York has legalized retail sports betting at its casinos, with plans to expand to online betting in the future.
  • Arkansas: Arkansas allows retail sports betting at its casinos, with no current plans for online betting.
  • Colorado: Colorado legalized both online and retail sports betting in 2020, with a competitive market emerging.
  • Illinois: Illinois offers both online and retail sports betting, with a mix of state-run and private operators.
  • Indiana: Indiana has a thriving sports betting market, with both online and retail options available.
  • Iowa: Iowa allows both online and retail sports betting, with a growing number of operators.
  • Michigan: Michigan legalized both online and retail sports betting in 2020, with a diverse market.
  • Montana: Montana offers sports betting through a state-run app and retail locations.
  • Tennessee: Tennessee is unique in that it only allows online sports betting, with no retail options.
  • Virginia: Virginia legalized online sports betting in 2021, with plans for retail options in the future.
  • Washington, D.C.: Washington, D.C. offers sports betting through a state-run app and retail locations.
  • Oregon: Oregon offers sports betting through a state-run app and retail locations.
  • North Carolina: North Carolina allows retail sports betting at two tribal casinos, with no current plans for online betting.
  • Washington: Washington allows retail sports betting at tribal casinos, with no current plans for online betting.
  • Wyoming: Wyoming legalized online sports betting in 2021, with no retail options.

States with Pending Legislation

Several states are in the process of considering or implementing sports betting legislation:

  • California: A hotly debated topic, California has seen multiple proposals for sports betting, but no legislation has been passed yet.
  • Florida: Florida has legalized sports betting through a tribal compact, but the implementation is currently tied up in legal challenges.
  • Georgia: Georgia has seen several proposals for sports betting, but no legislation has been passed yet.
  • Hawaii: Hawaii has considered sports betting legislation, but no progress has been made.
  • Idaho: Idaho has not shown significant interest in legalizing sports betting.
  • Kentucky: Kentucky has seen several proposals for sports betting, but no legislation has been passed yet.
  • Louisiana: Louisiana has legalized sports betting, with some parishes opting out. Implementation is ongoing.
  • Maine: Maine has considered sports betting legislation, but no progress has been made.
  • Maryland: Maryland has legalized sports betting, with implementation ongoing.
  • Massachusetts: Massachusetts has considered sports betting legislation, but no progress has been made.
  • Minnesota: Minnesota has considered sports betting legislation, but no progress has been made.
  • Missouri: Missouri has considered sports betting legislation, but no progress has been made.
  • Nebraska: Nebraska has legalized sports betting, with implementation ongoing.
  • New Hampshire: New Hampshire offers online sports betting through a state-run platform.
  • New York: New York has legalized retail sports betting, with plans to expand to online betting.
  • Oklahoma: Oklahoma has considered sports betting legislation, but no progress has been made.
  • South Carolina: South Carolina has not shown significant interest in legalizing sports betting.
  • South Dakota: South Dakota has legalized sports betting, with implementation ongoing.
  • Texas: Texas has considered sports betting legislation, but no progress has been made.
  • Utah: Utah has not shown significant interest in legalizing sports betting.
  • Vermont: Vermont has considered sports betting legislation, but no progress has been made.
  • Wisconsin: Wisconsin has not shown significant interest in legalizing sports betting.

States with No Current Plans

These states have shown no significant interest in legalizing sports betting:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona (Note: Arizona has legalized sports betting, but it is included in the fully legalized states list)
  • Connecticut (Note: Connecticut has legalized sports betting, but it is included in the fully legalized states list)
  • Kansas (Note: Kansas has legalized sports betting, but it is included in the fully legalized states list)
  • Nevada (Note: Nevada is included in the fully legalized states list)
  • Ohio (Note: Ohio has legalized sports betting, but it is included in the fully legalized states list)
  • South Dakota (Note: South Dakota is included in the pending legislation list)

The landscape of sports betting in the United States is continually evolving, with more states likely to join the ranks of those offering legal sports betting in the coming years.

Related information

sports betting is legal in which states - FAQs

In which states is sports betting currently legal in the U.S.?

As of 2023, sports betting is legal in over 30 U.S. states, including New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Colorado. These states have either fully legalized sports betting or have passed legislation to allow it. New Jersey was a pioneer in overturning the federal ban, leading to a wave of legalization across the country. Nevada has long been a hub for sports betting, while Pennsylvania and Colorado have quickly embraced the industry. Other states like New York, Michigan, and Illinois have also legalized sports betting, contributing to the growing market. This expansion reflects a broader shift in public opinion and regulatory acceptance of sports betting in the U.S.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Hawaii?

Online sports betting is currently not legal in Hawaii. The state has strict gambling laws and does not permit any form of sports betting, including online platforms. Hawaii is one of only two states in the U.S. without any legal gambling options, making it a unique case in the country. Efforts to legalize sports betting have not gained significant traction due to strong opposition from local lawmakers and the community. Therefore, residents of Hawaii must look to other states or offshore platforms, which may not be regulated or safe, for their sports betting needs.

What are the legal aspects of sports betting in India?

In India, sports betting is regulated under the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which prohibits most forms of gambling. However, the law is not uniformly enforced across all states, leading to varying local regulations. Some states, like Sikkim and Goa, have legalized certain forms of sports betting. Online sports betting is largely unregulated, creating a grey area where offshore platforms operate. The Supreme Court has allowed states to decide their own gambling laws, prompting ongoing debates and potential future changes. For those interested in sports betting, it's crucial to stay informed about local laws and regulations to avoid legal repercussions.

Is Bet Analysis Legal in India? What Are the Regulations?

Bet analysis, which involves studying past performance to predict future outcomes, is not explicitly illegal in India. However, the legality of betting itself varies by state. In some states, like Goa and Sikkim, betting on certain sports is legal under specific regulations. Other states have stricter laws, making betting illegal. The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is the primary legislation governing gambling in India, but it is outdated and does not cover modern betting practices comprehensively. Therefore, while bet analysis itself may not be illegal, the context in which it is used must comply with local laws to avoid legal repercussions.

What are the legal implications of Dream11 betting?

The legal implications of Dream11 betting vary by country and region. In India, Dream11 operates under the Fantasy Sports category, which is considered a game of skill and is legal under the Public Gambling Act of 1867. However, individual states may have their own regulations, such as Tamil Nadu, which banned online gaming in 2021. In the United States, fantasy sports are legal in most states, but individual state laws must be consulted. It's crucial for users to understand their local laws before participating to avoid legal repercussions. Always check the latest legal updates and consult legal experts if necessary.

Is Bet Analysis Legal in India? What Are the Regulations?

Bet analysis, which involves studying past performance to predict future outcomes, is not explicitly illegal in India. However, the legality of betting itself varies by state. In some states, like Goa and Sikkim, betting on certain sports is legal under specific regulations. Other states have stricter laws, making betting illegal. The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is the primary legislation governing gambling in India, but it is outdated and does not cover modern betting practices comprehensively. Therefore, while bet analysis itself may not be illegal, the context in which it is used must comply with local laws to avoid legal repercussions.

How is sports betting regulated under Indian law?

Sports betting in India is regulated under the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which prohibits public gambling and the maintenance of common gaming houses. However, the law is not uniformly enforced across all states, leading to varying regulations. For instance, horse racing betting is legal in some states due to specific exemptions. The Supreme Court has also allowed states to make their own laws regarding gambling, resulting in a patchwork of regulations. Recently, the Sikkim government has legalized online sports betting within its jurisdiction, setting a precedent for other states to consider. Overall, while sports betting remains largely illegal, there is a growing trend towards state-level regulation.

What are the legal aspects of sports betting in India?

In India, sports betting is regulated under the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which prohibits most forms of gambling. However, the law is not uniformly enforced across all states, leading to varying local regulations. Some states, like Sikkim and Goa, have legalized certain forms of sports betting. Online sports betting is largely unregulated, creating a grey area where offshore platforms operate. The Supreme Court has allowed states to decide their own gambling laws, prompting ongoing debates and potential future changes. For those interested in sports betting, it's crucial to stay informed about local laws and regulations to avoid legal repercussions.

What Are the Legalities of Cricket Betting in India?

In India, the legalities of cricket betting vary significantly. While gambling is generally prohibited under the Public Gambling Act of 1867, there are exceptions. Horse racing and lotteries are legal in some states, but cricket betting is not explicitly addressed. Online betting is even more ambiguous, as it falls under the Information Technology Act of 2000, which does not specifically mention sports betting. However, the Supreme Court has allowed states to regulate gambling activities. Currently, only a few states like Sikkim and Goa permit certain forms of sports betting, including cricket. For those in other states, engaging in cricket betting could lead to legal consequences.

How does Florida's sports betting landscape compare to other states?

Florida's sports betting landscape is unique due to its complex regulatory environment and tribal agreements. Unlike states like New Jersey and Nevada, which have fully legalized and operational sportsbooks, Florida's path to legalization has been fraught with legal challenges. The state's partnership with the Seminole Tribe has been central to its sports betting efforts, but ongoing litigation has stalled progress. Currently, mobile sports betting is not available, unlike in states like Pennsylvania and Michigan. Florida's future in sports betting hinges on resolving these legal issues, making its landscape distinct from more established markets.