In Which States is Sports Betting Legal? (2025 Update)
Sports betting has risen in popularity since the Supreme Court decision in 2018 made it the state’s choice whether or not to legalize it within their state. Each state can vote to have sports betting completely legal, legal with limits, or illegal.
Currently, most states in the United States have legalized sports betting in some form or another. There are more than 30 states where it is legal to place sports bets, and others may join soon.
If you want to learn more about where you can make sports bets in the United States, you’re in the right place. Read on to learn more about the states where you can participate
Regulations on Sports Betting in the United States
In 2018, the United States Supreme Court overturned the regulation that outlawed sports betting on both college and professional sports. In its place, they gave the authority to the individual states to decide if sports betting should be legal within their state.
Many states jumped at the opportunity to legalize the activity, eager to add another revenue stream to the local economy. While not all states agree on the legality of the activity, a surprising number chose to participate.
Where is Sports Betting Legal?
Since 2018, many states have updated their regulations regarding sports betting. Although some chose to do so on a limited basis, others opened the doors to the industry entirely, allowing all types of betting to take place.
To learn more about the states where it is legal to participate in sports betting, read on. More than 30 have adopted it in some capacity.
Arizona
Arizona may not have been one of the first states to legalize sports betting after the ruling, but they have embraced it since. Currently, it is legal in the state to place sports bets in-person and online.
Arkansas
The government in Arkansas voted to allow sports betting within the state with a limited scope. While they only allowed in-person sports betting at first, they have recently passed regulations making it legal to place sports bets online.
Colorado
In November 2020, sports betting in-person and online was approved by voters in Colorado. Even though the vote barely passed, supporters worked tirelessly to create opportunities for sports betting within the state.
Connecticut
Connecticut is another state that legalized sports betting with the limit of only allowing it for those who were in-person. Since 2021, however, the state has decided to additionally offer online sports betting.
Delaware
Delaware quickly brought sports betting to the table after the Supreme Court decision in 2018. However, they only provide it in person.
District of Columbia
In the nation’s capital, it is legal to place sports bets whether you visit the casino in person or online. Sports betting for most people can happen using their mobile devices.
Florida
November 2023 marked the first release of sports betting in Florida. It’s legal and live, offering most betting through applications via smartphone.
Illinois
Although sports betting has been allowed since 2020, it was limited, at that time, to in-person sports betting only. However, in June of 2021, the ability to place sports bets online became a reality when it was voted into play.
Indiana
In September 2019, Indiana made it legal to bet on pro and college sports through mobile and in-person locations. However, player prop bets are illegal for college games.
Iowa
Iowa legalized sports betting in 2019. Interested parties can bet on in-state college and professional games online and in person.
Kansas
Kansas is newer to the sports betting table than some other states on the list. On July 1, 2022, they adopted in-person and online sports betting.
Kentucky
There are several brick-and-mortar sports betting locations in Kentucky and a few apps launched in 2023 when sports betting was made legal in the state.
Louisiana
Like many other states in the U.S., Louisiana allowed in-person betting to occur starting in late 2021. Since then, the state voted to additionally allow online sports betting to occur.
Maine
Maine launched sports betting in November 2023, with two online sports books. There are two apps to bet through for state residents right now, though more may be added in the future.
Maryland
After the 2020 election, Maryland legalized sports betting. In-person locations arose in Baltimore, and then online options followed in 2021.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is another newcomer, legalizing sports betting in January of 2023. There are three in-person locations and six apps to bet through currently.
Michigan
Michigan has made it perfectly legal to participate in sports betting events. Citizens of the state can place sports bets either in-person or online, depending on their personal choice.
Mississippi
The very first sports bet in Mississippi happened in late 2018. Still, only in-person betting is legal in the state.
Sports betting first appeared in Montana at the beginning of 2020. The state lottery is in charge of all sports betting within the state.
Nebraska
Sports betting is currently legal in Nebraska and has been since 2021.
Nevada
Sports betting is allowed and monitored within the state of Nevada. Since casinos are at the heart of this state, it is critical to point out that online sports betting requires individuals to sign up through an in-person casino. Sadly, many of the popular apps across the US, like DraftKings, is illegal in Nevada.
New Hampshire
Even though the state approved sports betting for in-person bets and later added online opportunities, other limitations exist. For example, it is prohibited to place sports bets on college-level teams in New Hampshire.
New Jersey
Known as one of the first states to jump at the opportunity to allow sports betting within its borders, it launched its regulations in 2018. New Jersey currently offers in-person and online betting as the third state to legalize it.
New Mexico
New Mexico is a bit of a weird one as sports betting was never specifically prohibited—nor was it ever specifically allowed either. Currently, you can only find sports books in casinos on tribal land.
New York
Casinos have existed in New York since 2013, allowing residents to gamble on games like slots and blackjack. Therefore, it should be no surprise that they created their sports betting ventures as soon as the Supreme Court issued their ruling in 2018.
North Carolina
In March 2024, it became legal to participate in online betting in North Carolina. Participants may also bet in person on certain tribal lands.
North Dakota
Sports betting in-person is legal in North Dakota. However, it can only happen in one of a few tribal casinos, restricting local access.
Ohio
Ohio officially launched its sports betting in January of 2023. In-person and mobile sports betting are allowed here.
Oregon
Oregon already partially had betting limitations when the Supreme Court met in 2018. However, it took until 2019 for the first bet to occur within the state.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania took initial steps towards legalizing betting in 2018. Since then, they’ve added and further amended rules to allow in-person and online betting.
Rhode Island
Half a year after the Supreme Court’s decision, Rhode Island opened up sports betting within the state. Online betting launched in 2019, but you can only gamble at two brick-and-mortar locations.
South Dakota
South Dakota approved sports betting in 2020. In 2021, they decided to also allow access to mobile sports betting.
Tennessee
Tennessee only permits mobile and online betting, which it first introduced in 2019 and pushed further in 2021. However, player prop bets for collegiate athletes are prohibited.
Vermont
Sports betting is legal and launched in Vermont as of January 2024. There are several online sportsbooks available for individuals to wager on their favorite games.
Virginia
Virginia launched sports betting back in 2021. In this state, you’re allowed to participate both online and in person.
Washington
Washington made in-person wagering legal at the beginning of 2020. However, online and mobile betting is still banned.
West Virginia
West Virginia was one of the first to legalize in August of 2018. They provide online and in-person wagering.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin only allows sports betting at Oneida Nation’s gaming locations. Thus, it’s only legal when done in person.
Wyoming
Finally, sports betting is legal online in Wyoming. The state adopted the measure in September of 2021 and is currently looking to expand their program due to how well it has been received.
States Where it is Legal but Launch is Pending
Many states have launched sports betting in a full-time capacity or with a limited scope. Although the votes have been conducted and passed, the launch dates in the locations listed here are still pending.
Here are the states that are currently pending after passing legislation to legalize sports betting:
· Alabama
· Georgia
· Hawaii
· Minnesota (Tribe only)
· Missouri
· Oklahoma
· South Carolina
While these states are waiting for their launch date, many other states are expected to join. It takes time to decide and put in place a new adoption. Pretty soon, we expect that sports betting will be legal in all 50 US states.
In Which States is Sports Betting Illegal?
Many states have adopted legalized sports betting, but there are still a few where it remains illegal. While sports betting is bound to bring money to the economy, the risks to the population can be much higher.
● Alaska
● Idaho
● Texas
● Utah their borders.
You can participate in sports betting in most of the United States. Whether you want to place your bets in person or online, MintDice launched its Crypto sportsbook in 2022, so not you can bet on all the sports you want from the comfort of your home using your favorite cryptocurrencies!
Before you check out the sportsbook, be sure to take a look at our related article How to Win at Sports betting.
