The Current Status of Online Sports Betting Legalization Across All 50 U.S. States

Sports betting remains a prominent and dynamic subject of discussion across the United States, with an increasing number of states embracing various forms of sports wagering within their legal frameworks. The landscape has evolved significantly from the time when Nevada held the exclusive distinction of offering legal sports betting within the country. However, a landmark Supreme Court ruling in May 2018 effectively transformed this landscape, opening avenues for individual states to independently legalize and regulate sports betting platforms according to their distinct preferences. As a result, more than 34 states and Washington D.C. have now embraced legalized sports betting, and numerous others are on track to unveil their legal sports betting platforms before the conclusion of 2023.

Nonetheless, the decentralization of regulatory authority to individual states has brought about a diversity of rules governing legal sports betting practices. The specific regulations governing sports betting can markedly differ from one state to another. Some states confine sports betting to select in-person locations, while others permit online sportsbooks to operate. Additionally, variations exist in terms of allowable wagers, ranging from exclusively professional teams to stringent prohibitions on prop bets. This expansive scope for divergent legal frameworks can sometimes lead to confusion regarding the specific regulations implemented in each state.

Navigating this intricate web of legal nuances is where we come into play. We offer a comprehensive, state-by-state overview of the current status of sports gambling across the nation as of June 2023. Our endeavor is to provide a clear snapshot of the varying legalities associated with sports betting, ensuring that enthusiasts and participants remain well-informed about the legal environment in their respective locations. Furthermore, for those residing in states that have embraced legal sports gambling, we encourage you to explore SportsLine for expert insights and predictions to enhance your betting experience.

State-Specific Breakdown:

Alabama: Not legal. Despite the introduction of multiple bills, including one in 2021, Alabama has yet to establish legal sports betting. The absence of commercial casinos further contributes to the absence of legal sports wagering in the state.

Alaska: Not legal. Efforts to legalize sports betting were briefly considered in 2020, with Governor Mike Dunleavy expressing support. However, these initiatives were thwarted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the expiration of the proposed bill in May 2020.

Arizona: Legal. The legal landscape in Arizona witnessed a transformation on April 15, 2021, with the formal legalization of sports betting. This legislative change paves the way for up to 20 operators to provide sports betting services within the state.

Arkansas: Legal. Sports betting officially debuted in Arkansas in July 2021, followed by the launch of the first online sportsbook in February 2022. Notably, wagering on in-state professional and collegiate teams is permitted.

California: Not legal. Despite two significant propositions on the November 2022 ballot—one for in-person sports betting and the other for online sports betting—both were resoundingly defeated by Californian voters. The fate of legalized sports betting in California for 2023 remains uncertain.

Colorado: Legal. Becoming the 19th state to legalize sports betting, Colorado initiated its sports betting venture on May 1, 2020. Online account creation and wagering capabilities are available to residents, with certain restrictions in place for in-state college games.

The information provided in this excerpt offers a glimpse into the diverse legal landscapes that govern sports betting across various states. It’s essential to recognize that these snippets are part of a larger narrative, each state contributing to the intricate tapestry of sports gambling regulations in the United States. Our mission is to provide you with comprehensive and up-to-date insights, ensuring that you stay well-versed about the ever-evolving world of sports wagering legality in your region.

Connecticut: Legal. Connecticut joined the ranks of states allowing sports betting as of September 30, 2021. Both retail and online platforms offer sports wagering opportunities to residents and visitors alike.

Delaware: Legal. Delaware made swift strides to embrace legal sports betting in 2018, shortly following the Supreme Court’s pivotal decision. While in-state online sportsbooks are absent, Delaware’s physical casinos offer legal sports betting options.

Florida: Complex Situation. Legal Florida online sports betting launched in 2021, followed by a legal dispute regarding an agreement between the state and the Seminole Tribe. Ultimately, a D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a prior decision in June 2023, reigniting preparations for legal Florida sports betting, expected to return by the fall of 2023.

Georgia: Not legal. Despite the introduction of bills aimed at legalizing Georgia sports betting in January 2023, legislative efforts were thwarted by the Senate’s rejection. Consequently, sports betting remains off the table for Georgians, at least for the time being.

Hawaii: Not legal. While a bill proposing sports gambling regulation through a new corporation emerged in January 2019, it was ultimately denied, leaving Hawaii without legal sports betting provisions.

Idaho: Not legal. Currently, no legislation pertaining to legal sports betting has been proposed in Idaho, maintaining the state’s status quo.

Illinois: Legal. In June, Illinois enacted legislation legalizing sports gambling, paving the way for in-person and online betting across the state. The law permits betting in various locations, encompassing both physical venues and online platforms.

Indiana: Legal. The green light for sports betting was granted in September 2019 in Indiana, encompassing both in-person and mobile betting options. Wagering on professional and collegiate sports is allowed, with some restrictions in place.

Iowa: Legal. Iowa legalized sports betting in 2019, culminating in several sites launching their services later that year. State laws permit betting on both professional and collegiate sports, while certain restrictions apply.

Kansas: Legal. Online sports betting became legally accessible to residents of Kansas on July 1, 2022, offering another avenue for sports enthusiasts to engage with their favorite games.

Kentucky: Legal, Awaiting Launch. Kentucky approved legal sports betting in March, with the first online sports betting platforms anticipated to go live by the close of 2023.

Louisiana: Legal. Retail sports betting launched in October 2021, followed by the introduction of mobile sports betting in January 2022. Louisiana’s sports betting landscape is dynamic, with availability varying by parish.

Maine: Not legal, but legislation proposed. In May 2022, Maine passed legislation to legalize online sports betting. Despite this, the actual launch date remains undetermined.

Maryland: Legal. Following the 2020 election, Maryland ventured into legal sports betting, commencing in-person sportsbooks in December 2021. Online sportsbooks were introduced in November 2022.

Massachusetts: Legal. Massachusetts entered the legal sports betting arena on January 31, 2023, establishing both in-person and online platforms. Mobile betting apps were also introduced on March 10, 2023, further enriching the betting experience.

Michigan: Legal. Much like Massachusetts, Michigan introduced legal sports betting on January 31, 2023, offering in-person betting options. The state is poised to unveil its online sports betting services in the upcoming months.

Minnesota: Not legal. Though legislation to legalize sports betting was passed in August 2022, implementation has yet to be realized.

Mississippi: Legal. Mississippi commenced sports betting on August 1, 2018, with a law enacted in 2017 facilitating this transition.

Missouri: Not legal, but legislation proposed. Efforts to legalize sports betting in Missouri have been introduced through multiple bills, yet definitive action has yet to be taken at the legislative level.

Montana: Legal. Montana embraced legal sports betting in March 2020, regulating the industry through the state lottery. The state maintains control over the types of sports and wagers permitted.

Nebraska: Legal. Governor Pete Ricketts authorized sports betting in Nebraska in May 2021, albeit exclusively in-person. Legal provisions extend to restrictions on betting involving in-state college games and events.

Nevada: Legal. As the pioneering state in legalized sports betting, Nevada continues to serve as a hub for sports gambling activities.

New Hampshire: Legal. New Hampshire introduced legal sports betting at the outset of 2020, partnering with DraftKings for mobile sportsbooks across the state. In-state college games and events, however, remain excluded from betting.

New Jersey: Legal. New Jersey played a pivotal role in championing the cause of legalized sports betting, with the state opening its first sportsbooks on June 14, 2018. Atlantic City and MetLife Stadium offer licensed sports wagering opportunities.

New Mexico: Legal, with nuances. New Mexico boasts a complex legal framework regarding sports betting, with tribal casinos operating sportsbooks without explicit prohibition under state law.

New York: Legal. New York initiated legal sports betting in 2013 and further expanded its online offerings on January 8, 2022, with nine live online sportsbooks currently operational.

North Carolina: Legal. North Carolina introduced sports betting under Cherokee tribal governance, permitting horse racing as part of this endeavor. Online sports betting is set to launch in 2024.

North Dakota: Not legal, but legislation proposed. North Dakota’s efforts to legalize sports betting in 2019 were unsuccessful, leaving the state without a regulated framework.

Ohio: Legal. In December 2021, Ohio welcomed legal sports betting, with both in-person and mobile platforms available since January 1, 2023.

Oklahoma: Legal, pending launch. Efforts to legalize sports betting in Oklahoma during 2022 were unsuccessful. However, the possibility of future proposals remains open.

Oregon: Legal. Oregon, which already had some level of legal sports betting, officially began accepting bets in August 2019. Despite the pre-existing legal framework, betting on in-state collegiate games and events, including player prop bets, remains prohibited.

Pennsylvania: Legal. Pennsylvania swiftly embraced legal sports betting in 2018, allowing both in-person and online wagering, and has since expanded its licensed offerings.

Rhode Island: Legal. Rhode Island introduced its first sportsbook shortly after the Supreme Court’s ruling and later initiated online betting options, both exclusively available at two in-state casinos.

South Carolina: Not legal, but legislation proposed. Efforts to open doors for sports gambling in South Carolina have yet to materialize into action, maintaining the state’s restrictive stance on the matter.

South Dakota: Legal. South Dakota joined the ranks of states allowing sports betting, launching it in four casinos located in Deadwood in September 2021. While mobile sports betting is not yet available, the state has laid the foundation for its introduction.

Tennessee: Legal. Tennessee’s legislature paved the way for online and mobile sports betting in 2019, which began on November 1, 2021. Bettors can engage in wagering on collegiate game outcomes, but player prop bets in collegiate games are prohibited.

Texas: Not legal, but potential change on the horizon. Texas witnessed the introduction of a bill ahead of the 2023 legislative session, seeking to legalize sports betting with limitations. If successful, Texas sports betting could become a reality with approval from both the legislature and voters.

Utah: Not legal. Sports betting remains off-limits in Utah, aligning with the state’s conservative stance against gambling activities.

Vermont: Legal, awaiting launch. Vermont took a significant step towards legalized sports betting with a bill passing through both the House and Senate, set to bring mobile sports wagering to the state, expected to launch in late 2023 or early 2024.

Virginia: Legal. In 2021, Virginia embraced legal sports betting, catering to both in-person and online preferences. Some restrictions apply, particularly to collegiate games and events.

Washington: Legal. Washington authorized sports gambling at tribal casinos in 2020, with an emphasis on in-person experiences. Online/mobile wagering is not permitted, and betting on in-state collegiate games and events is prohibited.

Washington D.C.: Legal. The nation’s capital adopted legal sports betting through the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018, paving the way for an app and website managed by the DC Lottery.

West Virginia: Legal. West Virginia emerged as an early adopter of legalized sports betting, offering both in-person and online platforms.

Wisconsin: Retail authorized. Wisconsin established in-person and mobile app betting through an agreement with Oneida Nation’s gaming locations. Betting on in-state collegiate and amateur games and events, as well as player prop bets, is prohibited.

Wyoming: Legal. As of September 1, 2021, Wyoming joined the roster of states with legal sports betting, introducing both mobile and online platforms.

In conclusion, the landscape of sports betting in the United States has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. Numerous states have embraced legal sports betting, offering diverse options ranging from in-person to online and mobile platforms. The intricacies of each state’s regulatory framework shape the scope and restrictions of their respective sports betting environments. As the industry continues to evolve, residents and visitors in various states can engage in legal sports wagering, enjoying the thrill of sports predictions while adhering to state-specific regulations.