Where is Sportsbetting Legal? (Updated 2023)
Sportsbetting has risen in popularity since the Supreme Court decision in 2018 made it the state’s choice. Each state can vote to have sportsbetting completely legal, legal with limits, or illegal.
Currently, most states in the United States have legalized sportsbetting 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 Sportsbetting in the United States
In 2018, the United States Supreme Court overturned the regulation that outlawed sportsbetting on both college and professional sports. In its place, they gave the authority to the individual states to decide if sportsbetting should be legal.
Many states jumped at the opportunity to legalize the activity, eager to add another revenue stream. While not all states agree, a surprising number chose to participate.
Where is Sportsbetting Legal?
Since 2018, many states have updated their regulations as they pertain to sportsbetting. Although some chose to do so on a limited basis, others opened the doors to the industry.
To learn more about the states where it is legal to participate in sportsbetting, read on. More than 30 have adopted it in some capacity.
Arizona
Arizona may not have been one of the first states to legalize sportsbetting 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 sportsbetting within the state with a limited scope. While they only allowed in-person sportsbetting at first, they have recently passed regulations making it legal and placing 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 sportsbetting within the state.
Connecticut
Connecticut is another state that legalized sportsbetting with the limit of only allowing it for those who were in-person. Since 2021, however, the state offers online sportsbetting.
Delaware
Delaware quickly brought sportsbetting 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. Sportsbetting for most people can happen using their mobile devices for a limited time.
Illinois
Although sportsbetting has been allowed since 2020, it was limited, at that time, to in-person sportsbetting 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 sportsbetting in 2019. Interested parties can bet on in-state college and professional games online and in person.
Kansas
Kansas is new to the table. On July 1, 2022, they adopted in-person and online sportsbetting.
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 allow online sportsbetting to occur.
Maryland
After the 2020 election, Maryland legalized sportsbetting. In-person locations arose in Baltimore, and then online options followed in 2021.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is another newcomer, legalizing sportsbetting in January of 2023. There are three in-person locations and six apps to bet through.
Michigan
Michigan has made it perfectly legal to participate in sportsbetting events. Citizens of the state can place sports bets either in-person or online, depending on their personal choice.
Mississippi
The very first bet in Mississippi happened in late 2018. Still, only in-person betting is legal in the state.
Montana
Sportsbetting first appeared in Montana at the beginning of 2020. Most of the time, the best receive regulation through the state’s lottery.
Nevada
Sportsbetting is allowed and monitored to ensure every patron is treated regularly. Since casinos are at the heart of this state, it is critical to point out that sportsbetting online requires individuals to sign up through an in-person casino.
New Hampshire
Even though the state approved sportsbetting for in-person and later online opportunities, other limitations exist. For example, it is prohibited to place sports bets on college-level teams.
New Jersey
Known as one of the first states to jump at the opportunity to allow sportsbetting within its borders, it launched its regulations in 2018. New Jersey offers in-person and online betting as the third state to legalize it.
New York
Casinos have existed in New York since 2013, when owners launched several casinos around the state. Therefore it should be no surprise that they created their sportsbetting ventures as soon as possible by the Supreme Court.
North Carolina
In June of 2023, it became legal to participate in online betting in North Carolina. Participants may also bet in person on certain tribal lands.
North Dakota
Sportsbetting in-person is legal in North Dakota. However, it can only happen in one of a few tribal casinos.
Ohio
Ohio officially launched its sportsbetting in January of 2023. In-person and mobile sportsbetting 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 in their system.
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 sportsbetting. Online betting launched in 2019, but you can only gamble at two locations.
South Dakota
South Dakota approved sportsbetting in 2020. In 2021, they allowed access to mobile sportsbetting.
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.
Virginia
Virginia launched sportsbetting back in 2021. In this state, you’re allowed to participate online or in person.
Washington
Washington made in-person wagering legal at the beginning of 2020. However, online and mobile betting is 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 sportsbetting at Oneida Nation’s gaming locations. Thus, it’s only legal when done in person.
Wyoming
Finally, sportsbetting is legal online in Wyoming. The state adopted the measure in September of 2021.
States Where it is Legal but Launch is Pending
Many states have launched sportsbetting 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 sportsbetting:
● California
● Florida
● Maine
● Nebraska
● Kentucky
● Missouri
● Vermont
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.
In Which States is Sportsbetting Illegal?
Many states have adopted legalized sportsbetting, but there are still some where it remains illegal. While sportsbetting is bound to bring money to the economy, the risks are much higher.
● Alabama
● Alaska
● Florida
● Georgia
● Hawaii
● Idaho
● Kentucky
● Maine
● Minnesota
● Missouri
● Nebraska
● Oklahoma
● South Carolina
● Texas
● Utah
● Vermont
Many states listed here have begun legalizing sportsbetting within their borders.
You can participate in sportsbetting 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 Sportsbetting.
