Legal Sports Betting States: Where is Sports Betting Legal in 2024?

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Looking to find out where online sports betting is legal in the U.S.? Our comprehensive guide tells you where betting sites are available and covers the latest legislation updates. 

Learn about where you can place your bets and what you need to know about the rules in each state, including college betting restrictions.

US Sports Betting at a Glance

Is US Sports Betting Legal?Yes (varies by state)
Number of States with Legal Sports Betting38 & the District of Columbia
When was Sports Betting Legalized?2018
Legal Gambling Age in US18 or 21 (varies by state)

Is Sports Betting Legal in the US?

In general, yes, sports betting is legal in the U.S. However, the legality depends on where you are.

In 2018, the United States Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), a federal ban against sports betting. PASPA was enacted in 1992, making betting illegal throughout most of the country. Certain states (such as Nevada) and events (such as horse racing) were granted exemptions.

When the ban was struck down in 2018, individual states were allowed to determine the legal status of sports betting. As a result, sports betting is legal on a state-by-state basis. For more breakdowns of specific legislation, read our coverage of online gambling regulations in the US

It is also important to note that legality depends on location rather than residency. This means, if you are within the borders of a state where sports betting is legal, you can claim sportsbook promos and place a bet even if it's illegal in your home state. 

Some states have legalized both sports betting apps and retail betting, while others have only approved one or the other.

Latest News on US Sports Betting

Legal Sports Betting States: Where is Sports Betting Legal in the US?

Some form of sports betting is currently legal in 38 states and the District of Columbia. 

Let’s take a look at the current legislative status in all 50 states. Click on a state below to learn more:

AL | AK | AZ | AR | CA | CO | CT | DE | FL | GA | HI | ID | IL | IN | IA | KS | KY | LA | ME | MD | MA | MI | MN | MS | MO | MO | NE | NV | NH | NJ | NM | NY | NC | ND | OH | OK | OR | PA | RI | SC | SD | TN | TX | UT | VT | VA | WA | WV | WI | WY | DC | PR

Alabama

Alabama sports betting is illegal in all its forms. In May 2024, the Alabama lawmakers ended this year's legislative session without legalizing sports betting in the state.

Alabama state flag
Launch Date:N/A
Legal Betting Age:N/A
Regulatory Body:None
Online Betting Options:None
Retail Betting Options:None
College Betting Rules:N/A

Alaska

Alaska sports betting is prohibited, and there are no signs of this changing anytime soon.

Alaska state flag
Launch Date:N/A
Legal Betting Age:N/A
Regulatory Body:Alaska Department of Revenue's Tax Division
Online Betting Options:None
Retail Betting Options:None
College Betting Rules:N/A

Arizona

On April 12, 2021, the state Senate approved Senate Bill HB 2772, which legalized retail Arizona sports betting and online sports betting. Online operators in Arizona took their first wagers five months later in September.

Retail licenses have been issued to professional sports teams and Native American tribes.

Launch Date: Sept. 9, 2021 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Arizona Department of Gaming
Online Betting Options:Bally Bet, bet365, BetFred, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, Desert Diamond, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock Bet, Sporttrade
Retail Betting Options:26 (including Desert Diamond casinos, Gallager Sports Grills, GIla River Hotels & Casinos, TPC Scottsdale, State Farm Stadium, Footprint Center)
College Betting Rules:Betting on game outcomes, including in-state games, is allowed, but wagering on player props is prohibited.

Arkansas

Arkansas sports betting was legalized in 2018. At first, bets could only be placed at one of three land-based casinos: the Saracen Casino Resort, Southland Casino, and the Oaklawn horse racing track and casino.

After new rules met legislative approval in 2022, online sports betting became legal and officially launched in April of that year.

In May 2024, the Arkansas Racing Commission postponed any discussion on a plan to legalize iGaming statewide. No date has been set for when the commission might address that issue. 

Arkansas state flag
Launch Date: July 2019 (retail); March 2022 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Arkansas State Racing Commission
Online Betting Options:Betly, BetSaracen, Oaklawn Sports
Retail Betting Options:3—Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Saracen Casino Resort Annex, Southland Casino Racing
College Betting Rules:No restrictions

California

Despite legislative efforts to legalize California sports betting, it remains illegal. The most recent failure came in 2022 when California voters rejected Proposition 27, an initiative to legalize sports wagering. The earliest that betting can become legal in the state is 2026.

Even with several Olympic athletes from California at the games in Paris, no one from the state can bet legally on the competition. When will California get legal sports betting?

California state flag
Launch Date:N/A
Legal Betting Age:N/A
Regulatory Body:California Gaming Control Commission
Online Betting Options:None
Retail Betting Options:None
College Betting Rules:N/A

Colorado

Mobile and land-based Colorado sports betting became legal during the spring of 2020. Retail sports betting is limited to casinos in Black Hall, Central City, and Cripple Creek.

Several online operators are available to choose from, including Caesars, Fanatics, and BetMGM.

Colorado state flag
Launch Date: May 1, 2020 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:

Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission

Colorado Division of Gaming

Online Betting Options:Bally Bet, bet365, BetMGM, BetMonarch, BetRivers, Caesars, Circa Sports, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, SBK Sportsbook, Sporttrade
Retail Betting Options:18 (located in Black Hawk, Cripple Creek, Central City, and Towaoc)
College Betting Rules:Betting on game outcomes, including in-state games, is allowed, but wagering on player props is prohibited.

Connecticut

Both in-person and online Connecticut sports betting were legalized in 2021. While there are other retail locations, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun tribal casinos are the two most popular places in the state to bet on sports. Fanatics, DraftKings, and FanDuel are available online.

Connecticut state flag
Launch Date: Oct. 19, 2021 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection's Gaming Division
Online Betting Options:DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel
Retail Betting Options:13 (including Bobby V's restaurants and Winners locations)
College Betting Rules:Betting on most college sports, including player props, is legal. However, wagers on in-state schools is not allowed unless the team is in a tournament.

Delaware

In 2018, Delaware became the first state outside of Nevada to legalize sports betting. Until recently, the state only supported retail sports betting at one of the state’s three racinos.

However, at the beginning of 2024, BetRivers launched its state app to make online Delaware sports betting available.

Delaware state flag
Launch Date: June 2018 (retail); Dec. 2023 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:

Delaware Lottery

Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement

Online Betting Options:BetRivers
Retail Betting Options:3—Delaware Park Casino, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, Harrington Raceway & Casino
College Betting Rules:Betting on game outcomes is generally legal. However, you cannot place wagers on in-state games and player props. 

Florida

Retail and online sports betting is legal in the Sunshine State; however, the situation in Florida is more complicated than in most legal states.

In-person Florida sports betting is available at certain casinos run by the Seminole Tribe. Meanwhile, Hard Rock Bet, an app relaunched in 2023 after being shut down for two years, is the only legal option for online sports betting in Florida. The Florida Seminole Tribe owns and operates the Hard Rock brand, including its sportsbook.

Other online operators challenged in court what they believed to be a monopoly by the tribe. However, on June 17, 2024, the United States Supreme Court declined to hear the case, meaning the Seminoles will maintain control of sports betting in the state through the end of a 30-year pact that began in 2021. 

Tribes in states such as California might use Florida as a template in amending their current state compacts to legalize sports betting without having to endure a costly ballot initiative, analysts say.

Florida state flag
Launch Date: Nov. 7, 2023 (online); Dec. 7, 2023 (retail)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Florida Gaming Control Commission
Online Betting Options:Hard Rock Bet
Retail Betting Options:3—Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Seminole Classic Casino Hollywood, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
College Betting Rules:Betting on any college game outcome is legal, but player props wagers are not.

Georgia

While several bills that would legalize Georgia sport betting have been put to a vote in the last few years, none have passed. In-person and online sports betting are still illegal in the state. 

Florida state flag
Launch Date:N/A
Legal Betting Age:N/A
Regulatory Body:Georgia Lottery
Online Betting Options:None
Retail Betting Options:None
College Betting Rules:N/A

Hawaii

All kinds of gambling, including sports betting, are illegal in Hawaii. While bills have been introduced in legislative sessions that would legalize Hawaii sports betting, none have passed.

Hawaii state flag
Launch Date:N/A
Legal Betting Age:N/A
Regulatory Body:N/A
Online Betting Options:None
Retail Betting Options:None
College Betting Rules:N/A

Idaho

In-person and online Idaho sports betting is prohibited. It’s not likely to become legal anytime soon since not a single bill has been proposed to introduce it.

Idaho state flag
Launch Date:N/A
Legal Betting Age:N/A
Regulatory Body:N/A
Online Betting Options:None
Retail Betting Options:None
College Betting Rules:N/A

Illinois

Illinois sports betting went live in March of 2020. Retail wagering is available at facilities throughout the state, and there are currently eight options for Illinois online sports betting, including Caesars Sportsbook and BetMGM Sportsbook.

The Illinois House of Representatives approved the state budget, including a major sports betting tax increase, on May 29, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed it into law.

The increase would be "devastating" to the industry, the Sports Betting Alliance has said.

Launch Date: March 2020 (retail); June 2020 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Illinois Gaming Board
Online Betting Options:BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, Circa Sports, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet
Retail Betting Options:15, including Club Hawthorne locations, Hollywood Casinos, Wrigley Field
College Betting Rules:Except for player props, betting on college sports is allowed. However, you can only bet on a game involving an Illinois team in a retail setting.

Indiana

Land-based and mobile Indiana sports betting became legal in 2019. In fact, there are 13 online operators to choose from.

As required by law, all of these sports betting sites have retail partners, so land-based sports wagering is readily available in the state as well.

The popularity of Indiana Fever rookie guard Caitlin Clark is causing WNBA sports betting to "sky rocket," experts say.

Launch Date: Sept. 2019 (retail); Oct. 3, 2019 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Indiana Gaming Commission
Online Betting Options:Bally Bet, bet365, BetMGM, Betr, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet, SBK Sportsbook
Retail Betting Options:17, including Winner's Circle OTBs, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
College Betting Rules:Betting on game outcomes, including in-state games, is allowed. You can bet on player props too, but only before the game starts; in other words, you cannot make in-play bets on player props.

Iowa

Since it was legalized in 2019, in-person and mobile Iowa sports betting is widely available. In addition to 18 brick-and-mortar casinos, bettors can choose from several online options in Iowa, such as Fanatics and Caesars.

Launch Date: Aug. 15, 2019 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Iowa Racing & Gaming Commission
Online Betting Options:Bally Bet, bet365, BetFred, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, Circa Sports, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, Q Sportsbook, Sporttrade
Retail Betting Options:20, including Wild Rose casinos, Diamond Jo casinos
College Betting Rules:Betting on player props isn't allowed. Everything else as it pertains to college sports is legal.

Kansas

Kansas sports betting has been legal online and in-person since legislation passed in 2022. Bettors can place wagers at four in-state retail casinos as well as six online operators, including Caesars Sportsbook and BetMGM Sportsbook.  

Launch Date: Sept. 1, 2022 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Kansas Racing & Gaming Commission
Online Betting Options:BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel
Retail Betting Options:5—Boot Hill Casino & Resort, Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, Kansas Crossing Casino + Hotel, Kansas Star Casino, Prairie Band Casino & Resort
College Betting Rules:No restrictions

Kentucky

Launched in September 2023, Kentucky is one of the newest states where sports betting has become legal. Numerous horse racing tracks across the state offer retail Kentucky sports betting, and eight online sites, including Caesars and Fanatics, allow bettors to place wagers remotely.

Launch Date: Sept. 7, 2023 (retail); Sept. 28, 2023 (online)
Legal Betting Age:18
Regulatory Body:Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
Online Betting Options:bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa Sports, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel 
Retail Betting Options:9, including Churchill Downs, Mint Gaming Hall locations
College Betting Rules:No restrictions

Louisiana

Louisiana sports betting is legal online and in person. Retail sports betting began in October 2021, and online sports betting soon followed in January 2022. Currently, race tracks, as well as commercial and tribal casinos, across the state house retail betting locations.

Meanwhile, bettors can sign up for as many as eight Louisiana online sports betting sites.

Louisiana could see a falloff in gaming revenue if Texas legalizes sports betting and commercial casinos, says the Louisiana Gaming Control Board chairman, adding that some of the nine Louisiana parishes without sports betting still might legalize sports wagering.

The incoming Louisiana Gaming Control Board chairman vows to keep gaming "free from criminal and corrupt elements."

Retail locations in northwest Louisiana expect a double-digit increase in sports betting now that the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners are in the SEC. Sports betting is illegal in Texas and Oklahoma but legal in Louisiana.

Launch Date: Oct. 2021 (retail); Jan. 2022 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Louisiana Gaming Control Board
Online Betting Options:bet365, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel 
Retail Betting Options:16, including L’Auberge Casinos, Boomtown Casinos
College Betting Rules:Wagers on college player props are prohibited.

Maine

Maine sports betting is legal. Currently, there are only two online sportsbooks, Caesars and DraftKings, that are operating in the state. However, expect this to change in the near future because there are 10 retail betting licenses, as well as two additional online licenses available.

Maine state flag
Launch Date: Nov. 3, 2023 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Maine Gambling Control Unit
Online Betting Options:Caesars, DraftKings
Retail Betting Options:None
College Betting Rules:Betting on college sports is generally permitted. However, without exception, you cannot make player prop wagers and you cannot bet on games involving in-state schools.

Maryland

Online Maryland sports betting launched in November 2022, nearly a year after retail betting became legal.

Now there are eleven online sites taking wagers, including Fanatics Sportsbook and Caesars Sportsbook.

Maryland state flag
Launch Date: Dec. 2021 (retail); Nov. 23, 2022 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Maryland Lottery & Gaming Control Agency
Online Betting Options:Bally Bet, BetMGM, betPARX, Betr, BetRivers, Caesars, Crab Sports, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel 
Retail Betting Options:12, including FedEx Field, Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, MGM National Harbor
College Betting Rules:No restrictions

Massachusetts

Massachusetts sports betting is legal both in-person and online sports betting. The state’s retail casinos accepted the first wagers on the last day of January in 2023. Then, online operators launched in Massachusetts in March 2023, just ahead of the start of the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament. 

It should be noted that Massachusetts does not allow betting on college player props or in-state college teams (unless they are in a tournament.)

Massachusetts state flag
Launch Date: Jan. 31, 2023 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Massachusetts Gaming Commission
Online Betting Options:Bally Bet, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel
Retail Betting Options:4—Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, Plainridge Park Casino, Raynham Park Sportsbook
College Betting Rules:Betting on college sports is allowed with two exceptions. You cannot make player prop wagers, and you cannot bet on in-state schools unless they are in a tournament.

Michigan

Legal Michigan sports betting went live on March 11, 2020. You can bet on sports in person at most of the state’s tribal and commercial casinos, and online sports wagering is readily available.

Launch Date: March 2020 (retail); Jan. 2021 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Michigan Gaming Control Board
Online Betting Options:BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, Eagle Casino & Sports, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, FireKeepers, Four Winds, Play Gun Lake, SI Sportsbook
Retail Betting Options:22, including Four Winds Casinos, Kewadin Casinos, Odawa Casinos
College Betting Rules:No restrictions

Minnesota

Federally recognized tribes of Minnesota have blocked the expansion of gambling in the state; consequently, neither retail nor online Minnesota sports betting is legal. However, legalization bills have been introduced, so there is still hope.

Minnesota state flag
Launch Date:N/A
Legal Betting Age:N/A
Regulatory Body:Minnesota Gambling Control Board
Online Betting Options:None
Retail Betting Options:None
College Betting Rules:N/A

Mississippi

Sports betting is legal in Mississippi and can be accessed at casinos throughout the state. While there are numerous retail locations across the state, online Mississippi sports betting is only available to app users who are physically present on the premises of a licensed casino.

Mississippi state flag
Launch Date: Aug. 2018 (retail)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Mississippi Gaming Commission
Online Betting Options:BetMGM*, Caesars*, Pearl River Sports*
Retail Betting Options:26, including Hollywood Casinos
College Betting Rules:You're allowed to bet on games involving Mississippi schools, but you cannot wager on any college player props.

*Only on the premises of designated retail locations

Missouri

A coalition sought to put Missouri sports betting on the November 2024 ballot submitted voter signatures to the secretary of state several days before the May 5 deadline. On Aug. 13, Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft announced that the sports betting referendum had enough signatures to appear on November's ballot. However, days later, a lawsuit was filed with the Circuit Court of Cole County asserting that Ashcroft miscounted and that the petition did not meet the threshold of valid signatures. 

On September 6, Judge Daniel Green ruled against the plaintiffs, deeming the lawsuit did not meet the "burden of proof." Pending an appeal, Missouri voters will still decide whether to legalize sports betting in the state on the November 5th ballot.

Missouri state flag
Launch Date:N/A
Legal Betting Age:N/A
Regulatory Body:Missouri Gaming Commission
Online Betting Options:None
Retail Betting Options:None
College Betting Rules:N/A

Montana

Montana has legalized in-person sports betting through its lottery system. There are well over 100 different sites with sports wagering kiosks, but there is no mobile sports gaming in the state.

Montana state flag
Launch Date: March 2020 (online)
Legal Betting Age:18
Regulatory Body:Montana Lottery
Online Betting Options:SportsBet Montana*
Retail Betting Options:160, including Happy Endings Casinos, Jack Rabbit Red's Casinos, Lucky Lil’s locations, Montana Lil's locations, Magic Diamond Casinos 
College Betting Rules:Like Mississippi, you need to be at a retail location the place a bet on college sports. Betting on Montana teams and player props is allowed.

*Must be on retail premises to place bets

Nebraska

In-person sports betting was legalized in Nebraska by the state legislature in 2021. However, online wagers are still illegal, and this is not expected to change soon.

Nebraska state flag
Launch Date: Nov. 2023 (retail)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Nebraska Racing & Gaming Commission
Online Betting Options:None
Retail Betting Options:3—Grand Island Casino Resort, Warhorse Casino Lincoln, Warhorse Casino Omaha
College Betting Rules:All wagers placed on in-state schools are not allowed.

Nevada

The home of legalized gambling in the United States, Nevada offers in-person sports betting at any of its many casinos, as well as other retail establishments. Nevada is home to perhaps he most famous gambling destination in the world: Las Vegas, which hosts 45 casinos along the main strip.

Nevada made online sports betting legal in 2010.

Nevada state flag
Launch Date: 1992 (retail); 2010 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:

Nevada Gaming Commission

Nevada Gaming Control Board

Online Betting Options:Atlantis Sports, Baldini's Sports, BetMGM, Boyd Sports, Caesars, Circa Sports, Peppermill Sports, Rampart Sports, ResortsWorld, SouthPoint Sports, STN Sports, William Hill Nevada, Westgate SuperBook, Wynn Sports
Retail Betting Options:55, including Harrah's Casinos, MGM locations
College Betting Rules:No restrictions

New Hampshire

In-person and online sports betting are both legal in New Hampshire. However, for mobile betting, DraftKings Sportsbook is the only option in the state due to a contractual license agreement. This arrangement restricts all other operators from accepting bets online in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire state flag
Launch Date:Dec. 30, 2019 (online)
Legal Betting Age:18
Regulatory Body:New Hampshire Lottery
Online Betting Options:DraftKings
Retail Betting Options:4—DraftKings Sportsbooks at the Brook, Manchester, and Filotimo Casino; Gate City Casino
College Betting Rules:Betting on player props & college games is allowed unless game involves NH team or is played in NH

New Jersey

New Jersey was the state that challenged PASPA, which led to the Supreme Court overturning the law in 2018. So it’s not surprising that the state immediately took advantage and legalized New Jersey sports betting that very year. Now, the state allows betting in person at at Atlantic City casinos and NJ horse tracks, as well as online. 

Despite being one of the states most known for gambling along with Nevada, New Jersey prohibits bets of any kind on in-state college teams as well as games taking place in the state.

Launch Date: Aug. 2018 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:

New Jersey Casino Control Commission

Division of Gaming
Enforcement

Online Betting Options:bet365, BetMGM, betPARX, BetRivers, Borgata, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet, Prime Sports, Sporttrade
Retail Betting Options:12 (in Atlantic City, Freehold, East Rutherford, and Oceanport)
College Betting Rules:Betting on player props and college games is allowed unless the game involves a New Jersey school.

New Mexico

New Mexico has Native American casinos that operate under compacts with the state in accordance with the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Under the terms of the compacts, they have been allowed to open retail sports betting locations at their gaming facilities.

Online sports betting is not permitted, and sports bettors cannot wager on college football or similar games that involve schools located in New Mexico.

New Mexico state flag
Launch Date: Oct. 16, 2018 (retail)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:New Mexico Gaming Control Board
Online Betting Options:None
Retail Betting Options:4—Hilton Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino, Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino, Isleta Resort & Casino, Santa Ana Star Casino & Hotel
College Betting Rules:You can only place bets at tribal casinos and each one has different rules regarding college sports.

New York

Legal New York sports betting went live in 2019 when retail betting sites launched at upstate casinos. Online betting began in January 2022 and has since grown to nine operators. 

Launch Date: 2019 (retail); Jan. 8, 2022 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:New York State Gaming Commission
Online Betting Options:Bally Bet, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, Resorts World Bet
Retail Betting Options:11, including Seneca casinos
College Betting Rules:You can bet on college sports with two key exceptions. You can't bet on games involving New York schools. Also, player props are prohibited.

North Carolina

On March 11, 2024, North Carolina became the latest state to allow online sports betting. North Carolina sports betting is available with eight online operators in the state. 

During the 2024 legislative session, two lawmakers submitted bills to ban college player proposition bets

In May, two North Carolina lawmakers told Gambling.com their bills to ban college player prop bets probably would not win legislative approval this year, adding they might seek other ways to ban those bets. Indeed, that legislation never made it out of committee in 2024. 

Retail locations were legalized in the Tar Heel State in 2019, and retail Caesars Sportsbooks have operated at tribal casinos since 2021. Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy is adding a poker room and 12-story hotel tower in two phases.

Launch Date: 2022 (retail); March 11, 2024 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:North Carolina State Lottery Commission
Online Betting Options:bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, Underdog Sports
Retail Betting Options:3—Catawba Two Kings Casino, Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah's Cherokee Valley River
College Betting Rules:No restrictions

North Dakota

Tribal casinos in North Dakota have opened retail sports betting locations under existing gambling compacts. North Dakota’s state legislature has not legalized online betting, but there is some support among lawmakers.

North Dakota state flag
Launch Date: Dec. 2021 (retail)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:North Dakota State Gaming Commission
Online Betting Options:None
Retail Betting Options:3—Dakota Magic Casino, Spirit Lake Casino & Resort, 4 Bears Casino & Lodge
College Betting Rules:Like New Mexico, you can only place bets at tribal casinos and each one has different rules regarding college sports.

Ohio

Ohio sports betting is legal both in-person and online. There are nearly 20 online betting operators, and there are many retail locations throughout Ohio, as well. In fact, sports wagers can even be placed at select Kroger grocery stores in Cincinnati and Dayton.

Ohio state flag
Launch Date: Jan. 1, 2023 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Ohio Casino Control Commission
Online Betting Options:Bally Bet, bet365, betJACK, BetMGM, betPARX, Betr, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet, MVGBet, Prime Sports
Retail Betting Options:15, including Hollywood Casinos, Great American Ball Park, JACK casinos, Nationwide Arena, Progressive Field, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
College Betting Rules:Betting on college sports, including those involving in-state college teams, is allowed. You cannot place any wagers on player props.

Oklahoma

Sports betting is not legal in Oklahoma. As with several other states where sports betting is illegal, gaining the approval of tribes in the state is the primary obstacle. 

However, Governor Kevin Stitt supports legalization, which suggests there may be a path forward. By mid-May, bills that would legalize sports betting appeared unlikely to win approval at the 2024 legislative session.

Oklahoma state flag
Launch Date:N/A
Legal Betting Age:N/A
Regulatory Body:N/A
Online Betting Options:None
Retail Betting Options:None
College Betting Rules:N/A

Oregon

The first legal Oregon sports bet was placed at the Chinook Winds Casino Resort in August of 2019. Online sports betting is legal and live as well. However, DraftKings is currently the only legal online operator in Oregon.

Oregon state flag
Launch Date: Aug. 2019 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Oregon State Lottery
Online Betting Options:DraftKings
Retail Betting Options:3—Chinook Winds Casino Resort, The Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park, Spirit Mountain Casino
College Betting Rules:The state does not allow betting of any kind on college sports.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania sports betting is legal both online and in person. 

In November 2018, the sportsbook at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course opened its doors. Legal mobile betting in Pennsylvania followed in 2019. 

Launch Date: Nov. 2018 (retail); May 2019 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Pennsylvania Gaming and Control Board
Online Betting Options:bet365, Betfred (as Wind Creek Bethlehem) BetMGM, betPARX, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, SugarHouse
Retail Betting Options:16, including Live! Casinos, Parx Casinos, Rivers Casinos
College Betting Rules:Betting on college sports, including those involving Pennsylvania schools, is allowed. You cannot place a wager on player props.

Rhode Island

There are two casinos that allow sports betting in Rhode Island, which legalized betting on sports in 2018. The Lottery Commission oversees online Rhode Island sports betting. 

Currently, the lottery-run Sportsbook RI is the only online sports betting app available in the state.

Rhode Island state flag
Launch Date: Nov. 26, 2018 (retail); March 2019 (online)
Legal Betting Age:18
Regulatory Body:Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation's Gaming & Athletics Division
Online Betting Options:Sportsbook Rhode Island
Retail Betting Options:2—Twin River Lincoln Casino, Twin River Tiverton Casino
College Betting Rules:Betting on player props and college games is allowed unless the game involves a Rhode Island team or is played in the state.

South Carolina

Sports betting is currently illegal in South Carolina. A sports betting bill has stalled in the state’s House after passing the Senate in 2023. However, current governor Henry McMaster opposes gambling, so it’s unlikely sports betting will be legalized anytime soon.

South Carolina state flag
Launch Date:N/A
Legal Betting Age:N/A
Regulatory Body:N/A
Online Betting Options:None
Retail Betting Options:None
College Betting Rules:N/A

South Dakota

South Dakota legalized retail sports betting in 2021. Casinos in Deadwood offer retail sports betting as do some tribal properties.

There is no provision for online sports gaming, but there are lawmakers who are in favor of mobile sports betting, so it is still a possibility.

South Dakota state flag
Launch Date: Sept. 2021 (retail)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:South Dakota Commission on Gaming
Online Betting Options:None
Retail Betting Options:8, all in Deadwood 
College Betting Rules:Betting on game outcomes is generally allowed, but you cannot bet on in-state teams or player props.

Tennessee

Online Tennessee sports betting is legal. In-person betting is not offered because there are no retail locations in the state. With no limit on licenses, there is a lot of competition among nearly a dozen online operators.

Tennessee state flag
Launch Date: Nov. 2020 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Tennessee Sports Wagering Council
Online Betting Options:Action 247, Betly, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet, ZenSports Bet
Retail Betting Options:None
College Betting Rules:Bets on game outcomes, including those involving in-state schools is allowed, but placing wagers on player props is prohibited.

Texas

Although there have been bills introduced to legalize it (including one in 2023), sports betting remains prohibited in Texas. Legislative sessions only occur every other year in Texas, so 2025 is the earliest a sports betting bill can be considered again.

In advance of the 2025 legislative session in Texas, Las Vegas Sands Corp. is circulating an online petition to expand gaming in the Lone Star State

Texas state flag
Launch Date:N/A
Legal Betting Age:N/A
Regulatory Body:N/A
Online Betting Options:None
Retail Betting Options:None
College Betting Rules:N/A

Utah

Utah is one of two states, along with Hawaii, that doesn’t allow gambling of any kind. The state has a large population of Mormons, who are strongly opposed to gambling, so it’s possible that sports betting will never be legalized.  

Utah state flag
Launch Date:N/A
Legal Betting Age:N/A
Regulatory Body:N/A
Online Betting Options:None
Retail Betting Options:None
College Betting Rules:N/A

Vermont

Vermont sports betting was legalized in 2023. Three online operators, including Fanatics, FanDuel, and DraftKings, launched in January 2024. Currently, there are no retail locations in the state. 

Like Massachusetts, the Green Mountain State prohibits wagers of any kind placed on in-state collegiate teams unless the team is in a tournament or the playoffs.

Launch Date: Jan. 11, 2024 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Vermont Department of Liquor & Lottery
Online Betting Options:DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel
Retail Betting Options:None
College Betting Rules:Like neighboring Massachusetts, betting on college sports is allowed with two exceptions. You cannot make player prop wagers or bet on in-state schools unless they are in a tournament.

Virginia

At the beginning of 2021, online Virginia sports betting went live. Over a dozen legal sites now operate in the state. In-person betting is also an option at several Virginia casinos. Wagering on collegiate sports is illegal.  

Virginia state flag
Launch Date: Jan. 21, 2021 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Virginia Lottery
Online Betting Options:Bally Bet, bet365, BetFred, BetMGM, Betr, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet, SI Sportsbook
Retail Betting Options:1—Rivers Casino Portsmouth
College Betting Rules:While you can bet on college games, they cannot involve in-state schools or player props.

Washington

Tribal casinos in Washington, some of which have partnered with online operators, started taking bets in September of 2021. You can bet on mobile while on the premises of one of these casinos, but statewide online wagering is not yet legal. 

Washington sports betting on in-state collegiate games is not allowed.

Washington state flag
Launch Date: Sept. 2021 (retail)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Washington State Gambling Commission
Online Betting Options:None
Retail Betting Options:11 
College Betting Rules:Betting on in-state schools or player props is prohibited.

West Virginia

Both in-person and online West Virginia sports betting are legal. There are brick-and-mortar sports betting locations in the West Virginia horse tracks and The Greenbrier, which is a private resort. 

Fanatics and Caesars Sportsbook are among the online sports betting sites operating in the state.

West Virginia state flag
Launch Date: Aug. 2018 (retail); Sept. 2019 (online)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:West Virginia Lottery Commission
Online Betting Options:Betly, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel
Retail Betting Options:5—Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races; Mardi Gras Casino & Resort; Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort; Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack; Casino Club at Greenbrier
College Betting Rules:No betting on player props. All other wagers involving collegiate sports are allowed.

Wisconsin

Sports betting is legal in Wisconsin only at tribal casinos in the state. Legal online sports betting would require an adjustment to the state constitution. It is worth noting that in-state betting on college competition is prohibited.

Wisconsin state flag
Launch Date: Nov. 30, 2021 (retail)
Legal Betting Age:21
Regulatory Body:Office of Indian Gaming & Regulatory Compliance
Online Betting Options:None
Retail Betting Options:2—Oneida Casino, Potawatomi Casino Hotel
College Betting Rules:Betting on college sports is allowed unless they involve in-state schools.

Wyoming

Online Wyoming sports betting sites are legal. There are no retail options, but the tribal casinos may launch retail sports betting soon under the terms of their compacts, using the New Mexico model.

Wyoming state flag
Launch Date: Sept. 1, 2021 (online)
Legal Betting Age:18
Regulatory Body:Wyoming Gaming Commission
Online Betting Options:BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel
Retail Betting Options:Wind River Hotel & Casino
College Betting Rules:No restrictions

Legal Sports Betting in Other Jurisdictions

Now that we've covered all 50 U.S. states, we should mention some of the other U.S. territories and jurisdictions with significant sports betting updates.

Washington D.C.

DC sports betting is undergoing a major change this summer. In April 2024, FanDuel replaced GameBetDC, the city-controlled online sports betting platform, as the official partner of the DC Lottery. In the first 30 days, FanDuel brought $1.9M to the city.

However, in June 2024, the city council approved the 2025 fiscal year budget, which included provisions for up to seven online sports betting operators to launch. Before the council officially approved the new budget, FanDuel president Christian Genetski said FanDuel would terminate its relationship with the DC Lottery and continue as an independent operator. 

Mayor Muriel Bowser returned the budget unsigned to city council, allowing it to go into effect without her signature. 

On Wednesday, July 17, BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook expanded their online presence in Washington D.C., allowing bettors to place wagers from anywhere in the district. Previously, online bets were restricted to the two-block radii surrounding Nationals Park and Capital One Arena.

Hotels, bars, and restaurants can apply for retail sports betting licenses. The Office of Lottery and Gaming regulates sports betting in the District of Columbia. 

Washington D.C. flag
Launch Date: May 28, 2020 (online)
Legal Betting Age:18
Regulatory Body:Office of Lottery & Gaming (OLG)
Online Betting Options:BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel
Retail Betting Options:11, including Nationals Park, Capital One Arena, Audi Field
College Betting Rules:You cannot place bets on games taking place in D.C. or games that include a D.C. school such as Georgetown. Any other wagers on college sports are allowed.

Puerto Rico

A 2019 bill legalized sports betting in Puerto Rico. BetMGM and Caesars are the two apps available to make wagers on the island. However, to use the apps, you must first register in person at the operator's land-based locations: Casino del Mar (BetMGM) and Casino Metro (Caesars).

Puerto Rico
Launch Date: 2019
Legal Betting Age:18
Regulatory Body:Gaming Division of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company 
Online Betting Options:BetMGM*, Caesars*
Retail Betting Options:2—Casino Metro, Casino del Mar
College Betting Rules:No restrictions

*Only within designated boundaries in the city

History of Legal Sports Betting in the United States

References

  1. Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development
  2. Arizona Department of Gaming
  3. Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration
  4. California Gambling Control Commission
  5. Colorado Department of Revenue
  6. Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection
  7. Delaware Gaming Enforcement Division
  8. Florida Gaming Control Commission
  9. Georgia Lottery
  10. Illinois Gaming Board
  11. Indiana Gaming Commission
  12. Iowa Racing & Gaming Commission
  13. Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission
  14. Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
  15. Louisiana Gaming Control Board
  16. Maine Department of Public Safety
  17. Maryland Lottery & Gaming
  18. Massachusetts Gaming Commission
  19. Michigan Gaming Control Board
  20. Minnesota Gambling Control Board
  21. Mississippi Gaming Commission
  22. Missouri Gaming Commission
  23. Montana Lottery
  24. Nebraska Racing & Gaming Commission
  25. Nevada Gaming Commission & Nevada Gaming Control Board
  26. New Hampshire Lottery
  27. New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
  28. New Mexico Gaming Control Board
  29. New York State Gaming Commission
  30. North Carolina State Lottery Commission
  31. North Dakota Office of the Attorney General
  32. Ohio Casino Control Commission
  33. Oregon Lottery
  34. Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
  35. Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation
  36. South Dakota Commission on Gaming
  37. Tennessee Sports Wagering Council
  38. Vermont Department of Liquor & Lottery
  39. Virginia Lottery
  40. Washington State Gambling Commission
  41. West Virginia Lottery
  42. Wisconsin Department of Administration
  43. Wyoming Gaming Commission
  44. D.C. Office of Lottery & Gaming
  45. Puerto Rico Tourism Company
  46. American Gaming Association
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