Sports
Where Sports Betting is Legal: Legislative Tracker for All U.S. States
Legal sports betting in the United States has taken off in the 5+ years since the Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA). And while not every state has opted to introduce sports betting yet, the number of places where Americans can place a legal sports wager increases every year.
Is Sports Betting Legal in the U.S.?
Key Legislative Takeaways
- More than a quarter-century after the U.S. banned sports betting, the Supreme Court ruled the PASPA federal ban was in violation of state sovereignty and therefore illegal, repealing the act and allowing states to decide whether to legalize sports betting
- A whopping 38 states and territories offer legal sports betting in the United States as of March 2024, with a handful of others having introduced bills either centered around or featuring sports betting language.
- While the quest to introduce legal sports betting is the same for the majority of states, the approach to sports wagering can differ significantly. Tax rates, number of licenses and eligible markets are some of the most notable areas where state approaches vary wildly.
U.S. Supreme Court Legal Ruling
A landmark U.S. Supreme Court case out of New Jersey forever changed the sports betting landscape.
Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association saw New Jersey Governor Philip D. Murphy (who had taken over the case from departing Governor Chris Christie) seek to overturn a federal ban on sports wagering and allow for state-sponsored sports betting.
While Christie had sought to have the act repealed previously, he was met with considerable resistance from the major professional sports leagues and the NCAA. In 2017, however, the Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal built around the contention that PASPA violated the anti-commandeering principle, which states that Congress cannot issue directives (such as making sports betting illegal) to the states outside of direct constitutional orders.
The Supreme Court agreed in a majority, repealing PASPA on May 14, 2018 – and predictably, New Jersey was one of the first states to adopt legislation.
Potential Sports Betting States
Alabama
Online sports betting: No
Retail sports betting: No
The
gist: Sweet Home Alabama? Not for sports betting – at least, not yet. Despite concerted efforts from lawmakers to pass a bill legalizing wagering, Alabama sports betting remains a wish rather than a reality. And with Alabama legislators passing a lottery bill in March 2024 that excludes sports betting from the agenda, things look less promising for an imminent introduction to wagering in the state.
The
highlights:
- March 7, 2024: Following a tense and lengthy session, the Alabama Senate passes gambling legislation without sports wagering or casino gaming; only pari-mutuel betting and horse racing machines are included in the amended bill.
- Feb. 15, 2024: The Alabama House approves a pair of bills (HB 151 and HB 152) which would allow for legal sports betting, casinos and a state lottery.
- Nov. 23, 2023: More than a year and a half after a pair of sports betting bills failed to advance past the Senate, lawmakers confirm that multiple gaming bills will be introduced at the start of the next legislative period, set to kick off in early 2024.
The
latest: With the House of Representatives having rejected the amendments to the original sports betting bill on April 5, 2024, both chambers head back to the drawing board in hopes of reaching a compromise – but time is running out. As it stands, it looks like Alabama sports betting is a longshot for 2024.
California
Online sports betting: No
Retail sports betting: No
The
gist: The Golden State has made its bones as the home of dramatic performances – and the story unfolding on the California sports betting front is movie script-quality. With lawmakers and the state’s tribal nations at odds over how to roll out sports wagering, the state with the largest population in the U.S. can only watch as tens of millions of Americans in other jurisdictions wager legally each month.
The highlights:
- Nov. 17, 2023: More than 50 members of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) officially oppose a pair of sports-betting initiatives filed with the attorney general. “The entire effort surrounding these initiatives was handled abhorrently by the initiative sponsors,” CNIGA chairman James Siva said in a press release.
- Nov. 8, 2022: Voters overwhelmingly reject both sports betting initiatives (Proposition 26 and 27) in a one-sided result that eliminates the possibility of legal sports wagering in California for at least another two years.
The
latest: Speaking at the Western Indian Gaming Conference in late-February 2024, CNIGA chairman James Siva once again railed against recent sports betting initiatives that left him unimpressed. “These initiatives attempted to use the tribes’ good names to cleanse illegal offshore gambling corporations with an appalling track record of malfeasance,” Siva said.
Georgia
Online sports betting: No
Retail sports betting: No
The
gist: The introduction of legal Georgia sports betting will have to wait at least another year. Lawmakers failed to advance two pieces of legislation past the House Rules Committee before the state’s legislative session wrapped for the year, meaning we likely won’t see legal sports wagering in The Peach State until well into 2025 at the earliest.
The
highlights:
- Feb. 28, 2024: Georgia lawmakers pass Senate Resolution 579, moving one step closer to a statewide referendum to decide whether voters wish to legalize sports betting in the state.
- Feb. 1, 2024: The Georgia Senate green-lights sports betting bill SB386 – but with an amendment that requires voters to approve the bill in a referendum during the 2024 election in order to pass.
- March 29, 2023: The state Senate doesn’t vote on an amended House Bill 237, ending all hopes of legal sports betting in Georgia for the year.
The
latest: The Georgia House of Representatives adjourns the state’s 2024 legislative session without advancing either SR579 or SB386 past the House Rules Committee – effectively scuttling any chance of Georgia introducing sports betting in the next 12 months.
Missouri
Online sports betting: No
Retail sports betting: No
The
gist: It’s a case of “better late than never” for the Show-Me State, which continues to plod along in its quest to finally introduce sports betting legislation. While neighboring states have beaten them to the punch, Missourians have reason for optimism that 2024 (or more likely 2025) will be their year as House Bill 2331 makes its way through the legislative chain.
The
highlights:
- Feb. 28, 2024: A Missouri coalition is making progress in its quest to get a sports betting initiative on the 2024 ballot. Winning for Missouri Education had secured 100,000 signatures as of the end of February; 170,000 are required by the May 5 deadline.
- Feb. 12, 2024: The Missouri House Committee passes House Bill 2331, another step in the right direction toward legalizing sports wagering in the state.
- Feb. 12, 2024: Lawmakers file bills SB 852 and SB 824, both of which are aimed at bringing legal sports wagering to Missouri.
The
latest: Given Missouri lawmakers’ inability to enact sports betting legislation, it’s feasible that the best chance at legalizing sports wagering will come from Winning for Missouri’s Education’s ballot initiative. Barring the passing of HB2331 before the end of the legislative season in early May, the future of Missouri sports betting will likely come down to the voters.
Minnesota
Online sports betting: No
Retail sports betting: No
The
gist: There might have been plenty of initial excitement over the release of the Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0, but sports betting is unfortunately no closer to being a reality in the state. Sen. Jordan Rasmussen’s stunning amendment aimed at banning in-game wagering was seen by most sports betting proponents – most notably outgoing Rep. Pat Garofolo – as a deal breaker for Minnesota’s hopes of adopting sports betting legislation.
The
highlights:
- March 6, 2024: Citing a commitment to responsible gaming, Rasmussen’s amendment was promptly approved by the Senate Commerce Committee, significantly capping the potential tax revenue of Minnesota sports betting and likely inviting resistance from sportsbooks looking to set up shop in the state.
- Feb. 13, 2024: Gov. Tim Walz tells reporters he’s ready to sign a sports betting bill – if one ever makes it across his desk. “I think the issue is can they get a bill through the house and Senate that meets all those constituency needs. If they do, I’ve said I will sign it.”
- Jan. 19 2024: Sen. Jeremy Miller introduces the Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0, a proposal aimed at finally bringing legal sports betting to the state.
The
latest: Minnesota legislators face yet another hurdle in their quest to legalize online sports betting in the state, with Rep. Zack Stephenson saying April 5 that the legalization of historic horse racing machines would definitely not be part of his sports betting mandate. Stephenson’s decisive statement comes just days after the Minnesota Racing Commission voted to legalize the machines at two racetracks, a move some legislators claim is illegal.
Oklahoma
Online sports betting: No
Retail sports betting: No
The
gist: The introduction of a pair of sports betting bills – one new, one left over from 2023 – might have bettors in the Sooner State feeling optimistic, but residents still face a long path to legislation in Oklahoma. A massive gap still exists between lawmakers and the state’s tribal nations, which have exclusive gaming rights and are not keen on either legislative proposal presented earlier this year.
The
highlights:
- April 18, 2023: House Bill 1027 misses the deadline to advance to the Senate prior to the end of the state’s legislative session, ending any hopes of legal sports betting in Oklahoma for 2023.
- Feb. 7, 2023: Rep. Ken Luttrell and Sen. Bill Coleman introduce House Bill 1027, which would allow for both online and in-person sports wagering in Oklahoma.
The
latest: Gaming tech giant Kambi Group announced a nationwide partnership with Choctaw Nation in late April 2024.
States Where Online Betting is Legal
Arizona
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The gist: Arizona sports betting became legal on April 15, 2021. The first Arizona sports betting apps launched on Sept. 9 of the same year, coinciding with the 2021 NFL season. The HB2772 betting bill allowed for up to 20 sports betting licenses, half granted to professional sports teams and organizations and the other half to Native American tribes. By the latest count, there are 17 online sportsbooks in Arizona.
The Highlights:
- March 13, 2024: Just under $706.4 million in handle is generated by Arizona sportsbooks in January, according to the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG). The betting action generated $69.3 million in gross revenue.
- Sept. 8, 2022: BetMGM and the Arizona Cardinals open a retail sportsbook within an NFL stadium, the first of its kind in the U.S.
- Sept. 9, 2021: Sports betting launches in Arizona, with seven sportsbooks going online.
The Latest: Fanatics officially goes live in Arizona, becoming the 17th sports betting site to operate in the state.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 17 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | Arizona Department of Gaming |
See our top Arizona sportsbook promos.
Colorado
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: In a November 2019 referendum, voters allowed
the 33 in-state casinos to apply for up to 30 Colorado sports betting
licenses. The referendum upheld the House Bill 1327 that Governor Polis signed
in May. With 20 legal Colorado betting apps currently in operation, there’s still
room for expansion in Colorado.
The
highlights:
- March 7, 2024: Colorado kicks off the new calendar year on the right foot, generating a record $53.5 million in revenue. It’s a 32% increase from December 2023 and a 51% boost year-over-year.
- March 17, 2022: Sports betting rules are adjusted to allow for fixed-odds horse and greyhound racing wagering during an 18-month trial run.
- May 1, 2020: The first four online sportsbooks (DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers) go live in Arizona, officially launching online sports betting in the state.
The
latest: In early December 2023, Colorado regulators
approved new sports betting rules to allow fixed-odds betting on horse and
greyhound racing.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 20 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | Colorado Division of Gaming |
See our top Colorado sportsbook promos.
Connecticut
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: As with the majority of states that have legalized sports betting, Connecticut didn’t come about it easily. After falling short in 2019 and 2020, retail Connecticut sports betting finally became a reality after the state reached an agreement with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes. Connecticut sports betting apps were given the green light later in 2021, and the Netmeg State now boasts a healthy sports betting ecosystem.
The
highlights:
- Dec. 1, 2023: Fanatics officially enters an agreement with the Connecticut Lottery Corp, assuming the online and retail sports betting license previously owned by PlaySugarHouse. Fanatics joins powerhouses FanDuel and DraftKings as the state’s only operators.
- Oct. 19, 2021: The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection officially approves online sports betting and iGaming, making the state one of just a handful in the U.S. to offer both options.
- May 2021: Gov. Ned Lamont signs the historic tribal gaming compact, paving the way for legal sports betting in Connecticut.
The
latest: Connecticut enjoyed a strong showing in March 2024, taking in $187.7 million in bets – a 15.3% increase over last year’s March total.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 3 |
| Online casino | Yes |
| State regulator | Department of Consumer Protection (Gaming Division) |
See our top Connecticut sportsbook promos.
Delaware
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: Despite being nicknamed The First State,
Delaware is actually the second territory in the US to legalize sports betting. The
first retail sportsbooks opened their doors in 2018, while the first online
site went live in late 2023. Delaware is a small state, so other operators are
not interested in launching online sportsbooks.
The
highlights:
- Dec. 27, 2023: BetRivers launches the first online sportsbook in Delaware.
- June 5, 2018: Delaware’s three racinos unveil the first retail sportsbooks, shortly after the Supreme Court annuls PASPA.
- 1976: The first legal form of sports betting comes to Delaware via a short-lived football parlay game created by the Delaware Lottery.
The
latest: In mid-April 2024, legislators introduce House Bill 365 in the Delaware General Assembly, a bill aimed at ending BetRivers’ monopoly and supplying “the framework and requirements for a competitive mobile sports wagering market in Delaware.”
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 1 |
| Online casino | Yes |
| State regulator | Delaware Lottery |
D.C.
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: D.C. sports betting went legal barely a
year after SCOTUS overturned PASPA. D.C. only had to sign a bill into law, which
mayor Bowser did in January 2019. Since Congress didn’t veto it, wagering was
legalized in May. The capital has a unique setup as mobile betting is
lottery-run. Meanwhile, retail sportsbooks can offer online wagering in
predetermined district zones.
The
highlights:
- March 11, 2024: FanDuel announces it is taking over from GambetDC as the exclusive D.C. online sportsbook. The emergence of FanDuel, which projects nearly $200 million in revenue within the first five years of operation, ends an ignominious chapter in D.C. sports betting fueled by GambetDC’s disappointing performance.
- May 26, 2021: William Hill opens a retail sportsbook at a professional sports venue, the first of its kind in the United States.
- May 3, 2019: Sports betting goes live in D.C.
The
latest: FanDuel officially takes over as the official D.C. online sportsbook April 15, supplanting GambetDC.
| Legal betting age | 18+ |
| Online betting sites | 3 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | D.C. Office of Lottery and Gaming |
See our top D.C. sportsbook promos.
Florida
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: No
The
gist: No state has seen more legislative twists and turns than Florida when it comes to legal sports betting. For the moment, Floridians can wager online via Hard Rock Sportsbook – but with West Flagler tirelessly challenging what it considers a tribal sports betting monopoly, residents of the Sunshine State shouldn’t get too comfortable with the current state of Florida sports betting.
The
highlights:
- Feb. 20, 2024: Florida lawyer and The Athletic legal analyst Daniel Wallach submits an amicus curiae brief in support of West Flagler, which is challenging Florida’s decision to offer legal sports betting via off-reservation gaming avenues.
- Dec. 5, 2023: Nearly two years to the day after Hard Rock Sportsbook is forced to suspend operations, Florida sports betting is live again via a Hard Rock re-launch.
- Oct. 5, 2023: The Supreme Court strikes down West Flagler’s latest request to intervene in the state’s agreement with the Seminole Tribe, setting the stage for legal sports wagering to return to Florida.
The
latest: Sports betting is alive in well in Florida, but pick ’em-style DFS games are on the way out after the state sent a handful of operators – including PrizePicks – cease-and-desist letters in mid-February 2024 following concerns over the legality of their contests.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 1 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | Florida Gaming Control Commission |
Illinois
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: Since Illinois sports betting was legalized in June 2019,
Illinois has become one of the most successful betting markets in the country.
Both retail and online sports betting became legal then, with the first Illinois sports betting apps launching in June 2020. The state allows for eight licenses, all of
which are now taken.
The
highlights:
- Jan. 19, 2024: Illinois continues to smash records, establishing a new state record for handle for the third month in a row with a $1.4-billion showing in November 2023.
- June 2020: BetRivers becomes the first online sportsbook in Illinois, roughly three months after Rivers Casino makes history as the first retail sportsbook in the state.
- June 2019: Governor J.B. Pritzker signs SB 690 into law, effectively legalizing sports betting in Illinois and blocking out-of-state operators from entering the market in the next 18 months.
The
latest: Gov. Pritzker targets sportsbooks as he looks to make up a state budget deficit. Pritzker proposes raising the tax rate on Illinois sports betting sites to a whopping 35% – up from the current 15% – to raise an additional $100 million in tax revenue annually.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 9 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | Illinois Gaming Board |
See our top Illinois sportsbook promos.
Indiana
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: Indiana entered the legal sports betting waters
in May 2019 by signing the HB 1015 bill into law. Indiana sports betting
platforms opened up only a few months later, and today, Indiana is home to 12
online and 13 retail sportsbooks. There is no restriction on who can place wagers on Indiana betting apps, even for non-residents; they only have to be physically present in
Indiana and at least 21 years old.
The
highlights:
- June 6, 2023: Indiana sports betting generates the wrong kind of headlines, as the NFL opens an investigation after Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers made approximately 100 bets with an unidentified sportsbook within the state.
- Oct. 3, 2019: BetRivers launches an online sportsbook in the state, making it Indiana’s first online wagering platform.
- May 8, 2019: Governor Holcomb signs HB 105 into law, making retail and online sports betting legal.
The
latest: Indiana’s sports betting market continues to grow in 2024; bet365 entered The Hoosier State at the end of January while Fanatics became the state’s 13th sports betting operator just under a month later.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 13 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | Indiana Gaming Commission |
See our top Indiana sportsbook promos.
Iowa
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: Iowa sports betting went live on Aug. 15,
2019, when the first retail and online sportsbooks entered the newly formed
market. Initially, Iowa sports betting apps didn’t have remote registration, but this
was eventually scrapped, allowing bettors to have a full online experience.
According to the latest count, there are 17 different sports betting sites.
The
highlights:
- January 2021: Bettors are no longer required to be physically present in a casino when registering for an online sportsbook.
- Aug. 15, 2019: Elite Sportsbook and William Hill are the first online sportsbooks to launch in the state.
- May 2019: Governor Reynolds signs SF-617 into law, making retail and online sports wagering in Iowa legal.
The
latest: Iowa prosecutors on March 1 dropped sports betting-related charges against more than 20 Iowa State University student-athletes accused of identity theft and records tampering surrounding underage sports betting.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 17 |
| Online casino | Yes |
| State regulator | Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission |
See our top Iowa sportsbook promos.
Kansas
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: Both forms of Kansas sports betting went legal on June 20, 2022, following what you might call a legislative race with its
neighbor Missouri. Kansas betting apps and retail sportsbooks launched relatively
quickly on Sept. 1. More than three years after the market opened, the
state has six online platforms out of the 12 it can hold by law.
The
highlights:
- Feb. 16, 2024: Kansas joins several other states in issuing cease-and-desist letters to prominent daily fantasy sports/pick ’em operators, including Underdog.
- Sept. 1, 2022: The first six online sportsbooks launch in Kansas, including BetMGM, Caesars, PointsBet, DraftKings, Barstool, and FanDuel.
- June 20, 2022: Governor Kelly signs SB 84 into law, making retail and online sports betting legal in Kansas.
The
latest: Momentum appears to be slowing among Kansas sportsbooks, with the state generating just $203 million in handle for February 2024 – the lowest monthly figure since the previous August. Kansas sportsbooks also saw just $3 million in revenue for the month, the worst showing in a year.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 6 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission |
See our top Kansas sportsbook promos.
Kentucky
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: After several unsuccessful attempts, Kentucky sports betting finally became a reality in March 2023. In late
September, as many as seven Kentucky sportsbook apps entered the new market. The
interest was high, as the operators collected around $50 million in wagers in
only the first week.
The
highlights:
- Sept. 28, 2023: Online sports betting in Kentucky goes live, with DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, Barstool, and bet365 entering the market.
- Sept. 7, 2023: Governor Beshear places the first wager at Churchill Downs, marking the start of retail betting in the state.
- March 31, 2023: Governor Beshear signs HB 551 into law, legalizing retail and online sports betting in Kentucky.
The
latest: The NCAA asked that Kentucky ban college player prop betting in April 2024, but the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission had not yet addressed the request as of the end of the month.
| Legal betting age | 18+ or 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 8 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | KHRC |
See our top Kentucky sportsbook promos.
Louisiana
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: The government began working on the legislation
after 55 of the state’s 64 parishes voted in favor of legal Louisiana sports betting
in their areas in November 2020. The law was signed in June 2021, officially
making the practice legal in the said 55 parishes. The market launched in
October, and by the start of 2024, there were eight active Louisiana sports betting apps.
The
highlights:
- Jan. 28, 2022: The first six online operators launch their sports betting services in Louisiana.
- Oct. 6, 2021: Sports betting in Louisiana goes live, as Betfred Sportsbook becomes the first retail sportsbook to operate in the state.
- Nov. 3, 2020: 55 of 64 parishes approve of sports betting in a referendum.
The
latest: Louisiana appears to be focused on bucking a nationwide trend in which many states are considering raising taxes on sportsbooks. Rep. John Illg Jr. and Rep. Steven Jackson have filed House Bill 473, which would allow sports betting sites to deduct up to $10 million per year from their taxable revenue via promotions – a 100 percent increase.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 8 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | Louisiana Gaming Control Board |
See our top Louisiana sportsbook promos.
Maine
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: The legal Maine sports betting landscape is one of the newest in the country, having only launched in November 2023. Even though both
online and retail forms are legal, bettors only have two Maine sports betting apps and
no land-based sportsbooks at the moment. The law allows for four online and ten
retail betting licenses. Most types of sports betting are legal, except for
esports and some limitations on college sports wagering.
The
highlights:
- Nov. 3, 2023: DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook launch in Maine, marking the official start of the sports betting market.
- May 2, 2022: Governor Mills signs sports betting legislation, officially legalizing retail and online wagering.
The
latest: Maine’s sports betting sites took in more than $47 million in wagers for March 2024, but saw just over $270,000 in revenue for the month.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 2 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | Maine Gambling Control Unit |
See our top Maine sportsbook promos.
Maryland
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: Legal Maryland sports betting kicked off in November 2022, two years after the people voted in its favor
through a referendum. Both online and retail sports wagering were legalized a
year prior. The law allows for 47 retail and 60 online licenses. A dozen Maryland betting apps have been rolled out so far.
The
highlights:
- March 4, 2024: The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency announces that the state will no longer allow college athlete prop wagers due to ongoing player harassment.
- Nov. 23, 2022: The first online sportsbooks launch in Maryland, including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers, Barstool, Caesars, and PointsBet.
- May 2021: Governor Hogan Jr signs the HB 940 bill into law, formally allowing sports betting in Maryland.
The
latest: Maryland sports betting handle for February 2024 comes in at $442.6 million, a drop of nearly 19% from January’s record-breaking total.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 12 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency |
See our top Maryland sportsbook promos.
Massachusetts
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: Legal Massachusetts sports betting is a recent development, with both retail and online sports wagering having been legalized in
2022. Meanwhile, the first websites started operations in early 2023. Almost a
year later, players have eight Massachusetts sports betting apps from which to choose. The law accepts as
many as 15 licenses, eight of which are tied to land-based casinos and
racetracks, and seven obtained through a competitive bid.
The
highlights:
- March 15, 2024: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission approves an expanded sports betting catalog for the state’s sportsbooks, including an increase in prop markets across most of the major professional sports leagues.
- Jan. 31, 2023: The retail sports betting market debuts in Massachusetts, with three land-based casinos starting to take bets; Massachusetts online sports betting becomes a reality six weeks later, with six sportsbooks going live.
- Aug. 10, 2022: Governor Baker signs bill H.5164 bill into law, legalizing retail and online sports betting.
The
latest: College basketball fuelled huge gains in Massachusetts for the month of March 2024. The state saw a 20.7% jump in monthly handle, taking in $654.9 million, while gross revenue came in at $47.8 million on a 7.3% hold.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 8 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | Massachusetts Gaming Commission |
See our top Massachusetts sportsbook promos.
Michigan
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: Michigan sports betting entered the legal
realm in 2019. Retail sportsbooks debuted in 2020, followed by online
sportsbooks in early 2021. Interestingly, Michigan is one of the few states
where most gambling forms are legal, with esports missing from the list.
According to the latest count, players have 14 Michigan betting apps and 22 retail locations at their disposal.
The
highlights:
Jan. 22, 2021: The first online sportsbooks in
Michigan launch, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, and BetMGM included.
March 2020: The first two retail sportsbooks
in Michigan, belonging to MGM Grand Detroit and Greektown Casino-Hotel, open.
Dec. 20, 2019: Governor Whitmer signs HB 4916
into law, making retail and online sports betting legal.
The
latest: ESPN Bet made history in Michigan at the tail end of April 2024, opening its first retail sportsbook at Detroit’s Hollywood Casino at Greektown.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 14 |
| Online casino | Yes |
| State regulator | Michigan Gaming Control Board |
See our top Michigan sportsbook promos.
Nevada
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: The Silver State boasts the oldest gambling laws in the
US, with Nevada sports betting having been legal since 1949. It was also the first to
launch online betting platforms, with STN Sports debuting in 2010. This early
start allowed Nevada to enjoy an online betting monopoly until 2018. Presently,
the state offers around 200 retail betting locations and 14 betting apps. A
notable rule in Nevada is that bettors must register in person to use these
apps, usually with a minimum $50 deposit.
The highlights:
- Jan. 20, 2022: Nevada allows remote registration for casino accounts.
- March 2011: AB 258 updates Nevada’s online gaming regulations.
- June 2001: Internet gaming launches in Nevada.
- 1949: Nevada legalizes sports betting at independent turf clubs.
The
latest: Nevada didn’t cash in on the March Madness hype in March 2024, seeing a 32.1% drop in gross revenue over the previous year. Handle was also down to $784.4 million for the month, a 5.5% decrease from 2023.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 14 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | Nevada Gaming Control Board |
See our top Nevada sportsbook promos.
New Hampshire
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: While the majority of legal U.S. states feature multiple competitors in the space, New Hampshire sports betting is a one-sportsbook show. DraftKings is the exclusive provider of online sports wagering in The Granite State, launching in tandem with the New Hampshire Lottery Commission in late 2019.
The highlights:
- Feb. 28, 2022: New Hampshire officially joins the $1-billion club in all-time betting handle after generating a healthy $99.5 million in wagers in January 2022.
- December 2019: Gov. Sununu makes the historic first legal wager in New Hampshire history, betting on the New England Patriots to win the Super Bowl.
- July 16, 2019: Governor Chris Sununu officially signs bill HB 480 into law, allowing for New Hampshire to offer legal online and retail sports betting.
The
latest: On Feb. 19, 2024, the New Hampshire Lottery Commission announced that its partnership with DraftKings has generated $100 million in taxes for public education. Bettors in the state wagered more than $2.7 billion over that span.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 1 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | New Hampshire Lottery Commission |
See our top New Hampshire sportsbook promos.
New Jersey
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: New Jersey is often seen as having the US’s most
developed sports betting market, setting a blueprint for other states.
Legislators passed the Sports Wagering Act in 2012, but pushback from
professional sports leagues stalled its progress. A month after PASPA was
repealed, Gov. Phil Murphy signed Assembly Bill 4111, green-lighting New Jersey sports betting at casinos and racetracks. Each brick-and-mortar licensee can link with up to three New Jersey betting app platforms.
The highlights:
- July 2023: NJ extends iGaming until November 2028.
- November 2021: NJ voters reject betting on state college teams.
- June 2021: NJ is the first to legalize fixed-odds horse race betting.
- August 2018: DraftKings spearheads NJ’s online sports betting market.
- June 2018: NJ legalizes sports betting at casinos and racetracks.
- November 2011: New Jersey votes to challenge the federal sports gambling ban.
The
latest: February 2024 was another good month for New Jersey sports betting, thanks in no small part to the Big Game. The state saw $141 million in handle generated from the Super Bowl alone – a 30% increase over last year’s number.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 16 |
| Online casino | Yes |
| State regulator | New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement |
See our top New Jersey sportsbook promos.
New York
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: New York has emerged as the nation’s biggest
betting state by monthly handle despite a steep 51% tax on operators. Online
betting is available through nine apps, alongside in-person options at state
casinos. The online New York sports betting bill was signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in
April 2021. Nine months later, the first New York betting apps launched. Notably,
bets on local college teams, high school games, and political events are
off-limits.
The highlights:
- Jan. 8, 2022: New York rolls out statewide mobile sports betting.
- April 2021: Gov. Cuomo signs a state budget into law, legalizing online sports betting.
- July 2019: NY’s first retail sportsbooks open.
- November 2013: Gov. Cuomo approves sports betting in four upstate NY casinos,
pending the lift of the federal ban.
The
latest: On Feb. 13, 2024, PENN Entertainment announced that it was finally entering the New York sports betting market via its partnership with ESPN BET. PENN, which will be taking over the license freed up by the departure of WynnBet, is set to launch in NY later in 2024.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 9 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | NYS Gaming Commission |
See our top New York sportsbook promos.
North Carolina
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: The origins of the North Carolina sports betting scene date back to July
2019 when Gov. Roy Cooper signed S154. The law legalized sports betting on
tribal lands, with the Eastern Band of Cherokee as the sole eligible tribe
initially. HB 347 was enacted two years later, opening the doors for state-wide
mobile wagering. This law saw the introduction of legal North Carolina betting apps on March 11, with eight sportsbooks in the mix.
The highlights:
March 11, 2024: North Carolina online sports betting officially goes live, with eight sportsbooks taking part in the initial launch – just in time for March Madness.
June 14, 2023: Gov. Cooper signs HB 347, mandating the launch of legal online sports
betting in North Carolina from Jan. 8 to June 14, 2024.
July 26, 2019: North Carolina’s Gov. Cooper signs S 154, legalizing sports betting.
The
latest: Rep. Marcia Morey told a Raleigh television station in late April 2024 she would be filing a bill aimed at banning college player prop wagers in the state.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 8 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | North Carolina State Lottery Commission |
See our top North Carolina sportsbook promos.
Ohio
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: The Ohio sports betting market is one of the biggest in the country. The state’s law provides 40 licenses for retail betting outlets and up
to 46 for Ohio betting apps. As of now, Ohio has 20 active betting sites and
14 physical betting shops. Sports betting became legal in December 2019 when
Gov. Mike DeWine signed HB 29. Each Type-A license holder for online betting is
connected with either an Ohio-based pro sports team or a local casino.
The highlights:
- July 5, 2023: Ohio announces plans to double the sports betting tax to 20% and introduces measures to ban abusive bettors.
- Jan. 1, 2023: Ohio kicks off online sports betting with 16 mobile sportsbooks.
- Dec. 22, 2021: Gov. DeWine signs HB 29, paving the way for Ohio’s sports betting launch on Jan. 1, 2023.
The
latest: On Feb. 23, 2024, the Ohio Casino Control
Commission announced that it is banning player-specific prop wagers as of March 1. The move came following an appeal from the NCAA amid widespread player-specific harassment, including threats.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 20 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | Ohio Casino Control Commission |
See our top Ohio sportsbook promos.
Oregon
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: Oregon sports betting has been active longer
than most states, thanks to its exemption from the 1992 PASPA ban. Things took a pause
in 2007, but the market resurfaced in August 2019 when Chinook Winds Casino
Resort began accepting in-person bets. Fast forward to now, and Oregon’s
betting scene is buzzing both in retail shops and online. DraftKings became the
exclusive betting app in 2022 after taking over from the less successful
Scoreboard app.
The highlights:
- Jan. 12, 2022: DraftKings announces takeover of Oregon’s mobile betting.
- October 2019: Oregon Lottery launches the Scoreboard app.
- August 2019: Chinook Winds Casino reintroduces sports betting in Oregon.
- July 2007: Oregon’s Sports Action closes due to HB 3466.
- October 1992: PASPA exempts Oregon from the federal sports betting ban.
The
latest: In March 2023, DraftKings unveiled its horse
racing app, DK Horse Racebook, in Oregon just in time for the Kentucky Derby.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 1 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | Oregon State Lottery |
See our top Oregon sportsbook promos.
Pennsylvania
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: In 2017, The Keystone State set the stage for a
thriving iGaming scene, giving the green light to Pennsylvania sports betting, online
casinos, and poker. Bets began to flow after PASPA fell, beginning in November
2018 and taking off online in May 2019. Up to 14 licenses are up for grabs,
each tethered to a land-based partner, and 12 Pennsylvania sports betting apps have already launched. The
state’s betting menu is comprehensive, but player props on college games are
prohibited.
The highlights:
- May 2019: SugarHouse launches, becoming Pennsylvania’s inaugural online sports betting site.
- November 2018: The first legal sports bet in Pennsylvania is placed at Hollywood Casino.
- Oct. 30, 2017: Pennsylvania’s Gov. Tom Wolf signs H 271, paving the way for legal sports betting.
The
latest: March was very good to Pennsylvania operators, who collected $63.7 million in gross gaming revenue (a 26% increase over February’s number) on just over $800 million in total wagers.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 12 |
| Online casino | Yes |
| State regulator | Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board |
See our top Pennsylvania sportsbook promos.
Rhode Island
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: Rhode Island might be the smallest state of all, but it has one of the more robust gaming offerings in the country. Not only has Rhode Island sports betting been in place since the summer of 2020, but it became just the seventh U.S. state to offer legal online casino action following the approval of amended Senate Bill 948 Sub B. That said, players looking for some variety in their Rhode Island betting apps will be disappointed.
The
highlights:
- June 13, 2023: The state’s House Finance Committee passes Senate Bill 948 Sub B, an amended bill that allows for the introduction of legal online iGaming and casino.
- July 16, 2020: The Rhode Island General Assembly green-lights bills H8097 and S2919, making online sports betting legal in the state. Gov. Gina Raimondo signs both into law less than a week later.
- June 22, 2018: Rhode Island’s state budget is signed into law, officially allowing for retail sports betting operated by Sportsbook RI (run via the Rhode Island Lottery).
The
latest: On March 5, 2024, Rhode Island officially introduced live-dealer iGaming, joining six other states in the U.S. in the legal online casino space.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 1 |
| Online casino | Yes |
| State regulator | Rhode Island Lottery |
See our top Rhode Island sportsbook promos.
Tennessee
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: In July 2019, Tennessee broke new ground as the
first state to embrace a mobile-only sports betting market with the Tennessee
Sports Gaming Act. Despite being opposed to gambling, Gov. Bill Lee let the
Tennessee sports betting bill slide into law without his signature. The state sets no limit on the
number of sportsbooks, and currently, 12 Tennessee sports betting apps are in operation. It
took the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council about a year to hammer out the
rules, launching the first books in November 2020.
The highlights:
- May 18, 2023: Gov. Lee enacts a new sports betting tax rule, shifting from a 20% tax on gross revenue to a 1.85% tax on total handle.
- Nov. 1, 2020: Tennessee launches its first online sportsbooks.
- July 2019: Tennessee’s sports betting law officially takes effect.
- May 2019: Gov. Bill Lee allows the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act to become law.
The
latest: On Nov. 13, 2023, ESPN BET went live in Tennessee, taking over the sports betting license the departed WynnBet had abandoned three months earlier.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 12 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | The Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC) |
See our top Tennessee sportsbook promos.
Vermont
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: The launch of Vermont sports betting completed New England’s foray into the industry. The Green Mountain State said “yes” to betting on sports in
June 2023, with Bill H127 permitting up to six Vermont sports betting apps.
DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics snagged the first nods from Vermont’s
Department of Liquor and Lottery and went live as expected on
Jan. 11, 2024.
The highlights:
- Jan. 11, 2024: Legal sports betting kicks off in Vermont at the stroke of midnight, with DraftKings, FanDuel and Fanatics Sportsbooks offering wagers.
- Dec. 12, 2023: Scott’s office sets Jan. 11, 2024, as the kickoff date for sports betting in Vermont.
- June 14, 2023: Scott signs off on Bill H127, green-lighting sports betting in Vermont.
The
latest: On March 12, 2024, Vermont joined Ohio and Maryland on the list of states to ban college player prop betting markets, just days before the start of March Madness.
| Legal betting age | 18+ |
| Online betting sites | 3 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | Vermont Board of Liquor and Lottery |
See our top Vermont sportsbook promos.
Virginia
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The gist: Gov. Ralph Northam
laid the groundwork for Virginia sports betting on April 22, 2020, with
amendments to two bills. This paved the way for Virginia betting apps to go live on
Jan. 21, 2021. The legislation also greenlit retail sports betting, allowing
up to five casinos in the state to run their own sportsbooks. Among these, Hard
Rock, Rivers Casino, and Caesars have already opened their brick-and-mortar
betting shops.
The highlights:
- July 8, 2022: Hard Rock opens the first retail sportsbook in Virginia.
- Jan. 21, 2021: Virginia’s online sports betting kicks off with FanDuel making the first legal bet.
- April 2020: Virginia sports betting becomes legal after lawmakers approve Gov. Northam’s amendments to SB 384 and HB 896.
The
latest: On Dec. 18, 2023, Virginia’s Attorney
General labeled daily fantasy sports as gambling, a non-binding opinion that
could shape future court decisions. This matter is slated for discussion by
lawmakers in the General Assembly session on Jan. 10, 2024.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 16 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | The Virginia Lottery |
See our top Virginia sportsbook promos.
Washington
Online sports betting: Legal on casino grounds
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: Washington sports betting became legal in
March 2020, but the market only got off the ground in September 2021. Strictly
confined to tribal lands, the state offers in-person betting at over 15
casinos. Mobile betting is also available, but it’s geo-locked to the grounds
of these tribal casinos. Several casinos have partnered with major operators
like DraftKings and Caesars, facilitating on-site app usage.
The highlights:
- Feb. 21, 2023: A federal court decision blocks Maverick Gaming’s effort to extend sports betting beyond tribal casinos in Washington.
- Dec. 29, 2021: Snoqualmie Casino rolls out the state’s first mobile sports betting app on-site.
- March 25, 2021: Gov. Jay Inslee enacts HB 2638 in Washington, legalizing sports wagering at tribal casinos.
The
latest: Maverick Gaming took its challenge against
Washington’s tribal-only sports betting and casino gambling policy to the Ninth
Circuit Court of Appeals with an appeal filed on July 7, 2023.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 6+ |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | Washington State Gambling Commission |
See our top Washington sportsbook promos.
West Virginia
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: Legislators approved West Virginia sports betting ahead of the 2018 PASPA overturn. The first bet was placed in
person at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in August 2018; in December, the state launched an online market, with West Virginia sports betting apps among the first to go live in the U.S. The law permits each of the five retail
sportsbooks to partner with three online platforms, totaling 15 licenses. Nine
of these permits are already in use by juggernauts like BetMGM and BetRivers.
The highlights:
- March 14, 2022: West Virginia expands betting options to include esports events.
- December 2018: BetLucky debuts as West Virginia’s first online betting operator.
- March 2018: Sports betting gets the green light in West Virginia with Gov. Jim Justice’s endorsement.
The latest: The Mountaineer State saw significant gains in March 2024, taking in $52.1 million in sports betting handle (a 34.3% increase over February) and $4.7 million in revenue.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 9 |
| Online casino | Yes |
| State regulator | The West Virginia Lottery Commission |
See our top West Virginia sportsbook promos.
Wisconsin
Online sports betting: Legal on tribal land
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: Legal Wisconsin sports betting debuted on
Nov. 30, 2021, at Green Bay’s Oneida Casino. The Oneida, followed by Forest
County Potawatomi and St. Croix Chippewa, amended their compacts, leading to
retail sports betting at various tribal casinos. Online betting is allowed but
confined to tribal lands and properties. The Oneida tribe provides a sports
betting app, but it’s usable only in their casino and specific Green Bay
properties.
The highlights:
- March 2023: Forest County Potawatomi Community opens Kambi-powered sports betting
kiosks at casinos in Milwaukee and Carter.
- December 2021: St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin update their compact to
include sports betting.
- November 2021: Oneida Indian Nation starts sports betting in Wisconsin, launching a sportsbook at Oneida Casino in Green Bay.
The
latest: On Jan. 4, 2024, the Kenosha City Council
endorsed a pact with the Menominee Tribe gaming authority, setting the stage
for the Hard Rock Kenosha Casino to open there.
| Legal betting age | 18+ |
| Online betting sites | 1 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | DOA Office of Indian Gaming and Regulatory Compliance |
Wyoming
Online sports betting: Legal
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: The Wyoming sports betting scene took off on
Sept. 1, 2021. It was the second state to adopt an online-only model,
giving operators a smoother entry without needing land-based partners. The
Wyoming Gaming Commission is supposed to allow for least five licenses, but so
far, only four – DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars – have signed on so far.
The highlights:
- Sept. 1, 2021: Wyoming’s sports betting goes live with BetMGM and DraftKings.
- August 2021: The Wyoming Gaming Commission finalizes online sports betting
regulations.
- April 5, 2021: Governor Mark Gordon signs HB 133, making Wyoming the first state to
legalize sports betting in 2021 with a mobile-only model.
The
latest: On March 29, 2023, Wyoming adds DK Horse to its sports betting stable. The DraftKings-branded horce racing app comes out just weeks before the Kentucky Derby.
| Legal betting age | 18+ |
| Online betting sites | 4 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | The Wyoming Gaming Commission |
See our top Wyoming sportsbook promos.
Retail-Only Sports Betting States
Mississippi
Online sports betting: Limited
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: Mississippi sports betting is legal, and has
been so since SCOTUS overturned PASPA in May 2018. Only retail
sportsbooks are allowed, while mobile wagering is limited to their physical
locations – but legislators are looking to change that in 2024. Currently, there are 29 retail sportsbooks, and only two have apps.
The
highlights:
- September 2021: BetMGM launches the first online sportsbook in Mississippi, but bettors have to be physically present in one of its locations to place wagers.
- August 2018: BetMGM is the first operator to open a retail sportsbook in the state.
- June 2018: The Mississippi Gaming Commission releases the first sports betting rules and regulations.
The
latest: House Bill 774 dies in conference to close out the month of April, eliminating any chance of Mississippi passing expanded online sports betting legislation in 2024.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 0 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | Mississippi Gaming Commission |
Montana
Online sports betting: No
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: The Big Sky State has a very small gambling footprint. Montana sports betting is limited to just the state lottery platform Sports Bet Montana, operated by Intralot. Additionally, Montana residents can only wager at retail sportsbook locations.
The highlights:
- March 2020: Montana formally launches legal sports betting via Sports Bet Montana, a state lottery-run platform powered by Greek gaming giant Intralot.
- May 3, 2019: Montana Gov. Steve Bullock puts pen to paper on HB725, which amends the state’s lotto laws to allow for legal sports wagering.
The
latest: On Jan. 12, 2024, Brady Schultz of Sports Bet Montana confirms that the state saw a 22% increase in handle from 2022 to 2023, generating just under $63 million in bets for the year.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 0 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | Montana Department of Justice (Gambling Control Division) |
Nebraska
Online sports betting: No
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: The path to legal sports betting has been a long (and sometimes frustrating one) for Nebraska residents. The first retail sportsbooks didn’t appear for more than two years after LB 561 was signed into law, and while Nebraska lawmakers are keen on introducing mobile sports wagering, that might not happen for a while.
The highlights
- June 22, 2023: More than two years after the state’s sports betting bill was signed, retail sports wagering is finally available in Nebraska via WarHorse Casino, whose sportsbook is powered by Kambi.
- May 27, 2021: Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts signs LB 561 into law, but there is no timetable for when sports betting will officially launch.
- March 18, 2021: The Nebraska state legislature passes LB 561, formally legalizing sports betting in the state. Sports wagering is limited to retail gambling facilities and racetracks.
The
latest: A coalition of sportsbooks, in tandem with the economic arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, mulled over a petition drive in February 2024 aimed at getting a sports betting referendum on the Novemberballot.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 0 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | Nebraska |
New Mexico
Online sports betting: No
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: New Mexico has been one of the quietest states with regard to the advancement of sports betting. While the state was one of the first to roll out legal wagering shortly after the repeal of PASPA in 2018, New Mexico sports betting has remained a retail-only endeavor – and that doesn’t appear likely to change anytime soon.
The highlights
- 2019: Four additional locations in New Mexico welcome retail sports betting. Buffalo Thunder launches in tandem with the Pueblo of Pojoaque in May, while the Mescalero Apache oversee the debut of sports betting at three casinos over the summer.
- Oct. 16, 2018: The Pueblo of Santa Ana Tribe, in partnership with USBookmaking, take advantage of its Class III gaming compact with the state to open the first legal sportsbook in New Mexico at the Santa Ana Star Casino and Hotel.
The
latest: 2021 saw the last real effort to introduce online sports betting in New Mexico – and it didn’t go well. The New Mexico Lottery Education Assistance Act (HB 101)
was introduced with the intention of permitting sports wagering and table games at the state’s five racetracks. Yet, despite support from a handful of cosponsors, the bill never made it past the House Education Committee.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 0 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | New Mexico Gaming Control Board |
North Dakota
Online sports betting: No
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: You can legally wager on sports in North Dakota – but not on your mobile device. The state introduced sports betting late in 2021 despite not altering the language of its Century Code to do so – a unique approach to legislation. However, online sports wagering remains illegal, with no clear path to change for the foreseeable future.
The highlights:
- April 14, 2023: The North Dakota Senate fails to pass HCR 3002, a bill that would have asked voters to decide on the future of legal sports betting expansion in a November 2024 referendum. That shelves the issue until 2025 at the earlies.
- Dec. 1, 2021: North Dakota sports betting officially becomes a reality, with the Dakota Nation Sportsbook going live at Dakota Magic Casino.
- March 2021: ND lawmakers scrub a ballot measure (ND 3032) that would have allowed voters to participate in a referendum on whether to introduce online sports wagering.
The
latest: North Dakota’s second and third brick-and-mortar
sportsbooks began operation in 2023, with Dakota Nation Sportsbook expanding to 4 Bears Casino and Lodge and Sky Danver Casino and Resort.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 0 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | North Dakota Attorney General’s Office (Gaming Division) |
South Dakota
Online sports betting: No
Retail sports betting: Legal
The
gist: The South Dakota sports betting scene is much more robust than its neighbor to the north, with a whopping 11 casinos offering sportsbook access in the state (though nine of those are located in Deadwood). However, just like in North Dakota, South Dakotans can’t wager online – at least, not unless they’re actually located in one of the casinos.
The highlights:
- Sept. 9, 2021: Six months after SB 44 is officially passes, and a month after BetMGM secures exclusive sports betting rights in South Dakota, four casinos launch their sports betting operations in the state.
- Nov. 3, 2020: South Dakota voters approve a constitutional amendment with a 58.47% majority, paving the way for legislation which would permit sports betting in the state.
- February 2020: Senate Joint Resolution SJR 501 passes through both the House and Senate, giving residents the opportunity to vote on sports betting in November.
The
latest: Numbers were down across the board in February 2024. South Dakota saw a 2.9% dip in handle year-over-year, and a drop of nearly 20 percent from January’s strong results. Revenue was down 140% month-over-month and 146% year-over-year.
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Online betting sites | 0 |
| Online casino | No |
| State regulator | South Dakota Commission on Gaming |
Not Legal Sports Betting States
Alaska
Online sports betting: No
Retail sports betting: No
The
gist: You shouldn’t expect to see residents of The Last Frontier using sports betting to occupy their free time anytime soon. And not only is sports wagering illegal in Alaska, but legal gambling of any kind is significantly limited. Despite efforts to bring sports betting into the fold, it’s unlikely we’ll see legalization unless something drastic happens.
The
latest: On Feb. 22, 2022, Rep. Adam Wool introduced Bill HB 385, which proposed to bring mobile sports gaming to Alaska; it was referred to the House Labor and Commerce Committee but didn’t go any further.
Hawaii
Online sports betting: No
Retail sports betting: No
The
gist: When you’re in paradise, who needs gambling? Hawaii lawmakers have traditionally eschewed any form of cash gaming; it’s one of only two states where all forms of gambling, including sports betting, are illegal. And while 2024 saw a pair of gambling bills introduced, they both fell short short of being passed.
The
latest: On March 19, 2024, Hawaiian lawmakers announced that they could conduct a study of online sports betting, 12 days after House Bill 2765 failed to cross over to the state legislature’s other chamber and was scuttled as a result.
Idaho
Online sports betting: No
Retail sports betting: No
The
gist: There won’t be sports betting in Boise or Coeur d’Alene anytime soon. Idaho might be the furthest state in the country from adopting sports wagering legislation, and with no legislation having been proposed since the 2018 repeal of PASPA, it would take a dramatic swerve for the Idaho legislature to embrace the idea of sports betting.
The
latest: All is quiet on the legislative front when it comes to Idaho sports betting. With zero bills introduced in 2024, Idaho is still a long, long way from legal sports wagering.
South Carolina
Online sports betting: No
Retail sports betting: No
The
gist: The Carolinas couldn’t be more different when it comes to their approaches to sports betting (and gambling in general). While North Carolina triumphantly introduced legal online sports wagering in March 2024, its southern namesake has repeatedly fallen short in its quest to bring sports betting to the state.
The
latest: South Carolina lawmakers introduced House Bill 3749 in 2023, but it has made minimal progress in the months since and is at risk of falling short. The state wraps its 2024 legislative session May 9, and unless the bill crosses over to the opposite chamber before April 10, the process will end well before the legislature wraps.
Texas
Online sports betting: No
Retail sports betting: No
The
gist: Texas sports betting will remain a pipe dream until at least the 2025 legislative session. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick prevented the state Senate from referring a sports betting-related amendment to the constitution to close out the 2023 session, and since Texas only sits in odd numbered years, there is little to no chance that 2024 will see any movement on the sports betting front in The Lone Star State.
The highlights:
- Nov. 29, 2023: Mark Cuban agrees to sell off his majority stake in the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks to the Las Vegas Sands casino empire run by the Adelson and Dumont families.
- May 13, 2023: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he won’t call HB 1942 to the Senate floor, essentially scuttling any hopes for legal sports betting in Texas before 2025.
- April 18, 2023: HB 1942, a bill that would allow for legal online sports betting, is sent to the House Committee on Calendars after receiving a favorable review by the state affairs committee earlier in the month.
The
latest: Texas continues to be the focal point for businesses looking to expand their gaming empires. Las Vegas Sand Corp., which purchased a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks late in 2023, filed a petition in late March 2024 to bring legal casino gambling to Texas, with the construction of several casinos central to the plan.
Utah
Online sports betting: No
Retail sports betting: No
The
gist: The final state on this exhaustive list might also be the least likely to ever have a sports betting or casino offering. Gambling of any kind is expressly prohibited across the state, and Utah is one of only five states without a lottery.
The
latest: There has been no significant movement on the sports betting front in Utah, and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon.
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