Sports Betting Legal States: Where All 50 States Stand On Legalized Sports Gambling

It’s years since the monumental decision by the Supreme Court to overturn the federal ban on sports betting. This groundbreaking verdict opened the door for states across the U.S. to legalize sports betting should they so choose. In light of this, we have undertaken an in-depth analysis of all 50 states, including Washington D.C., providing their projected legalization dates, along with insights on the current status and future prospects of this thriving industry.

Where is sports betting legal?

As of the most recent update, 38 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have legalized sports betting in some capacity, reflecting a significant shift towards embracing sports wagering across the United States. Among these, approximately 20 states offer comprehensive online betting options, featuring multiple operators to cater to the digital consumer. The landscape of legal sports betting varies widely, with some states permitting only in-person betting at physical locations, while others have expanded access to include full online and mobile betting platforms. A few states operate under a more restricted model, offering sports betting through a single online operator. This diversity in legal sports betting frameworks demonstrates the evolving nature of sports wagering legislation and regulation in the country.

List of legal online sports betting states:

List of in person online sports betting states:

States with no sports betting:

As of the most recent updates, several states have yet to legalize online sports betting, maintaining restrictions on this form of gambling. These states include Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Utah. In these jurisdictions, residents and visitors are unable to engage in online sports betting through apps or websites, reflecting varying legislative stances on sports gambling.

State-by-State Status of Sports Betting

Each state in the U.S. is at a different stage in the legalization process for sports betting. To simplify, we can broadly categorize them into three groups: those where sports betting is already legal, those with pending legalization, and those where it’s not currently legal. Each of these categories can be further divided based on whether the betting is in-person or online, and if multiple or limited options are available.

State of the Market Leaders

In the burgeoning U.S. sports betting market, industry titans FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM have taken the lead. They’re not the only ones making a mark in this industry, though, as Fanatics Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook. For those not yet in a legal sports betting state, alternative platforms such as social sportsbook Fliff and DFS site Parlayplay offer a similar experience.

How Legalization In Each State Currently Stands

Alabama – Possible Action in 2024

Alabama stands out as one of the few remaining states without a lottery. Although a bill to permit a state-run lottery and mobile wagering gained traction in 2023, lawmakers adjourned without voting on it. Establishing a robust sports betting market would be challenging in a state with only three tribal casinos and no existing lottery infrastructure. But legislation is being introduced once again in 2024 to try and change the status quo.

For the latest check out our Alabama page.

Alaska – No Movement

Alaska has yet to make any significant strides toward legalizing sports gambling. The state has been relatively inactive in this regard and does not currently have a framework in place for sports betting.

For the latest check out our Alaska page.

Arizona: Full Mobile Betting with Multiple Options

Arizona has experienced rapid growth in the sports betting industry since passing its sports betting bill in April 2021. The state is now home to some of the country’s first in-stadium sportsbooks and became one of the top 10 states in monthly betting handle for the first time in March 2022.

For the latest check out our Arizona page.

Arkansas: Mobile Betting on the Rise

Arkansas took a significant step in February 2022 by finalizing rules to bring sports betting online, broadening it beyond the three casinos that initially provided the service. While the state law allows for up to eight online sportsbooks, big-name brands like DraftKings and FanDuel have yet to enter this market.

Find out more on sports betting in Arkansas here.

California – Possible in 2024-2025, But Unlikely

The 2022 election witnessed two distinct ballot proposals to legalize sports betting in California. However, both proposals fell short of gaining sufficient support. One of the proposals, supported by DraftKings and FanDuel, aimed to legalize online betting, but it faced significant opposition from the state’s tribes. Another potential path forward for California would involve a constitutional amendment. While this option gained some momentum in 2019 and 2020, it was ultimately hindered by complex gaming laws and disagreements between tribes and card rooms, among other factors. At present, the tribes hold substantial influence in the state and can afford to wait for a favorable outcome, potentially stalling progress for the next couple of years.

For the latest check out our California page.

Colorado: Booming Betting Market

Colorado’s market has blossomed into one of the most robust in the U.S. following the legalization of online and retail wagers in May of 2020. Home to dozens of betting apps, Colorado ranks among the top states for monthly betting handle and overall dollars bet.

For the latest check out our Colorado page.

Connecticut: Opportunities and Challenges

Connecticut, a relatively small state, managed to set up full mobile betting in a promising way. The state’s governor, Ned Lamont, authorized online sports betting by partnering with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes in May 2021. Collaborating with renowned platforms such as DraftKings, FanDuel, and others, Connecticut began accepting online wagers on October 19th, shortly after introducing in-person betting.

However, the state’s market is still finding its footing. As more states legalize sports betting, the impact on Connecticut’s numbers will be worth monitoring. Despite this, Connecticut’s active stance and strategic partnerships may offer an advantage.

For the latest check out our Connecticut page.

Delaware: Retail Betting Only

Delaware was the first state outside Nevada to accept a legal single-game sports bet. However, despite its head start, the state’s lottery-run sports betting market still prohibits online betting, restricting its potential for revenue growth.

For the latest check out our Delaware page.

Florida: Online Betting

Sports betting is legal in Florida, and the legal betting age is set at 21. Despite some delays and legal challenges, Florida online sports betting officially resumed on November 7, 2023. Additionally, it is expected that retail sports betting will begin in the state soon.

For the latest check out our Florida page.

Georgia: A Potential Comeback in 2024

Georgia’s two sports betting bills, unfortunately, did not make it past the early March 2023 legislation. While the legislative session concluded with no discussion on HB 237 in the Senate, future attempts to reintroduce this bill are plausible in 2024.

HB 237 proposed the authorization of up to 16 online sports betting operators, with the Georgia Lottery overseeing sports betting regulation. Furthermore, the bill planned for tax revenue from sports betting to finance educational measures in the state.

For the latest check out our Georgia page.

Hawaii: A Slim Chance in 2024-25

Hawaii is one of the few states without significant gambling operations. However, there were traces of movement towards legal betting in January 2022, instigated by the bill introduced by Rep. John Mizuno. Despite the regulatory session ending without significant progress, upcoming sessions may see further developments.

For the latest check out our Hawaii page.

Idaho: A Standstill

In Idaho, laws currently oppose gambling, excluding horse racing. The state also does not allow fantasy sports, and there is little political interest in legal sports betting.

For the latest check out our Idaho page.

Illinois: A Thriving Betting Market

In June 2019, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law legalizing online sports betting as long as bettors registered in person, then in October 2021 Illinois General Assembly passed a law allowing remote registration. Gamblers in the state can now bet at over a half-dozen online sportsbooks.

For the latest check out our Illinois page.

Indiana: Rapid Growth and Future Prospects

Having legalized sports betting in May 2019, Indiana quickly embraced the change, launching online sports betting by October of that year. To date, the state has attracted over billions of dollars in bets, making it one of the top performers nationwide. With over 10 active online sportsbooks and the potential for more, Indiana’s sports betting market shows a promising future.

For the latest check out our Indiana page.

Iowa: An Exemplar of Growth and Accessibility

Beginning August 15, 2019, Iowa stepped into the sports betting domain and has seen consistent progress since. A hub for over a dozen online sportsbooks, Iowa’s economical licensing fees—$45,000 for the first year, followed by $10,000 annually—have contributed to its attractiveness to bookmakers. The imminent entry of global leader bet365 in Iowa will undoubtedly elevate its standing in the U.S. The abolition of the in-person registration mandate in 2021 accelerated Iowa’s monthly handle. Despite its smaller population and the absence of professional sports teams, Iowa’s lucrative per capita market and advantageous location, sharing borders with states yet to legalize sports betting, enhance its appeal.

For the latest check out our Iowa page.

Kentucky: Online & Retail

Sports betting is now legal in Kentucky. This development occurred on March 31, 2023, making Kentucky the 34th state to legalize sports betting and the 25th state to provide online/mobile access. Retail sports betting locations in Kentucky opened on September 7, 2023, and online sports betting became legal in the state on September 28, 2023.

For the latest check out our Kentucky page.

Kansas: Racing Ahead with Legislative Reform

The introduction of legalized sports betting in Kansas in 2022, outpacing neighboring Missouri, showcased its legislative agility. The launch of both online and in-person betting on September 1 marked one of the swiftest rollouts among states—just in time for the 2022 NFL season. With up to 12 online sportsbooks allowed under Kansas law, six online operators and two casinos initially started accepting bets, with an anticipation of more to join the fray soon. In a future-forward move, Kansas law permits the state’s native tribes to update their gaming agreements and collaborate with commercial operators for online betting.

For the latest check out our Kansas page.

Louisiana: Progressive Approach Amid Southeastern States

In a landmark decision in November 2020, 55 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes approved legal sports betting. Commencing in-person betting in October 2021, Louisiana bolstered its offerings with six online sportsbooks—including FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM—going live on January 28, 2022. With provisions for up to 41 different mobile apps, Louisiana stands out among Southeastern states for its progressive stance on online betting.

For the latest check out our Louisiana page.

Maine: We Have Launch

Sports betting is legal in Maine. Betting in the state officially commenced at 9 a.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023. The legislative approval for sports betting in Maine came when Governor Janet Mills signed the bill in May of 2022, and it became official law in August of that year. Already, marquee names like DraftKings and Caesars are up and running in this state.

For the latest check out our Maine page.

Maryland: Overcoming the Longest Go-Live Period

Maryland’s legalization of sports betting during the 2020 election culminated in a full-scale launch on November 23, 2022, following the lengthiest go-live phase in U.S. betting history. The state permits up to 60 online sportsbooks and 30 retail sites, starting with seven initial operators. This robust ecosystem is expected to expand further, as the number of sportsbooks operating in this state has reached double digits.

For the latest check out our Maryland page.

Massachusetts: Late Bloomer with a Fast-Paced Approach

Massachusetts was the first state in 2023 to legalize and go live with online betting, so far eight sportsbooks have been given the green light to launch in the state, including the new ESPN Bet.

For the latest check out our Massachusetts page.

Michigan: A Leader in Mobile Betting

Since launching in-person betting at the MGM Grand Detroit on March 11, 2020, Michigan has seen the rise of multiple online sportsbooks including BetMGM and DraftKings. The state, now host to 15 online sportsbooks – the maximum allowed – has quickly ascended to the top tier of betting states, habitually securing a spot in the top ten based on monthly handle.

With a population exceeding seven million, aged 21 and above, coupled with major-league sports teams, Michigan’s future as a betting state looks promising. Thanks to the state’s favorable rules for operators, Michigan is expected to remain a leading player in the sports betting industry.

For the latest check out our Michigan page.

Minnesota: Failed in 2023, Potential in 2024

Minnesota’s legislative attempts to legalize sports betting fell short once more in 2023. Despite the unsuccessful attempts, lawmakers introduced companion bills aiming to legalize both in-person and online betting, giving the state’s 11 tribes exclusive access.

For the latest check out our Minnesota page.

Mississippi: Betting at Physical Sportsbooks

Although Mississippi introduced sports betting back on August 1, 2018, the state only allows for mobile wagering within casino premises. This restriction has undoubtedly curtailed its market share, even with the scarcity of legal Southern betting states. With staunch political opposition to gambling, enhancing sports betting in this conservative state remains a formidable challenge.

For the latest check out our Mississippi page.

Missouri: Hopes for 2024

After nearly passing legislation in 2022, Missouri introduced two new sports betting bills in 2023. However, promising efforts again fell short in the Senate in early May.

For the latest check out our Missouri page.

Montana: Limited Betting Options

Much like Mississippi, Montana’s mobile wagering is confined to retail locations’ property. Intralot, a Greek company that runs the state lottery, started accepting bets in March 2020. However, with limited betting choices and a sparse population, Montana represents a minor portion of the broader U.S. market.

For the latest check out our Montana page.

Nebraska – Approved, Awaiting Further Action by Regulators

In November, Nebraska voters approved three constitutional amendments that would legalize “games of chance” at licensed horse tracks. A regulatory bill allowing retail sportsbooks has been signed into law. The state anticipates that in-person sports betting could commence at new brick-and-mortar gaming facilities sometime in 2022. Notably, the bill excludes bets on Nebraska college teams played within the state.

For the latest check out our Nebraska page.

Nevada: The Gold Standard

Nevada, while an iconic symbol for in-person betting, hasn’t quite perfected online wagering. Nevada’s requirement for in-person casino registration before online betting has been a stumbling block, particularly during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its illustrious history in American gaming, Nevada is slowly falling behind more populous states with statewide mobile wagering.

For the latest check out our Nevada page.

New Hampshire: Single Mobile Betting Platform

New Hampshire went live with online betting on December 30, 2019, with DraftKings as the solitary mobile operator. Despite a limited market, the state has achieved moderate success but will face an uphill battle as Massachusetts has launched online betting.

For the latest check out our New Hampshire page.

New Jersey: The Trailblazer

New Jersey, the state responsible for bringing the sports gambling case to the Supreme Court, has reaped significant rewards from its efforts. Recognized as the “Gold Standard” for legal sports betting, New Jersey hosts 21 online sportsbooks and continues to break records thanks to its competitive, operator-friendly system.

In 2021, New Jersey registered $10.9 million in bets, outpacing Nevada in handle every month of that year. Despite a betting ban on in-state colleges, New Jersey maintains its position as the leader in terms of handle.

For the latest check out our New Jersey page.

New Mexico: Retail Sportsbooks Available

New Mexico currently operates under a unique circumstance, allowing Native American tribes to run in-person sports betting at their casinos since October 2018. This action occurs under the interpretation of their gaming compact with the state, permitting any form of Class III gaming. With only six retail locations available, online sports betting remains an unexplored frontier.

For the latest check out our New Mexico page.

New York: A Leader in Full Mobile Betting

New York successfully launched online sports betting on January 8, 2022, leaving many other states trailing in its wake. The state has witnessed an explosion in revenue since online betting became available, leading to a significant shift in the betting habits of New Yorkers. Now, they can place bets from the comfort of their homes, leading to a decline in cross-border bettors traveling to New Jersey.

For the latest check out our New York page.

North Carolina: In-Person and Online Launching Soon

North Carolina legalized in-person sports betting in 2019, and the state is on the verge of launching online betting. This new legislation allows for 12 online sportsbook licenses, inviting the entry of major players like FanDuel and DraftKings. The new law also allows pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing and adds more brick-and-mortar sportsbooks to the state’s offerings.

For the latest check out our North Carolina page.

North Dakota: Limited to In-Person Sportsbooks

North Dakota is currently in a stagnant phase regarding the legalization of sports gambling. However, state tribes have begun opening retail sportsbooks under the authority granted by the federal government, mirroring New Mexico’s situation.

For the latest check out our North Dakota page.

Ohio: A Mobile Betting Hub

Ohio, a state famed for its fervor for sports, legalized online sports betting late in 2021. The state started the new year with more than a dozen sportsbooks launching on the first day of 2023, with more expected to join the fray. This development positions Ohio as one of the most sizable and competitive sports betting markets in the country.

For the latest check out our Ohio page.

Oklahoma: A Longshot

While a new sports betting bill was filed in Oklahoma in 2023, legal betting in the state remains a longshot, primarily due to disagreements between Native American gaming entities and the state government.

For the latest check out our Oklahoma page.

Oregon: A Single Mobile Betting Option

In Oregon, betting is facilitated through the state lottery app, which began taking bets in 2019. However, the state’s single mobile wagering option has been unable to match more competitive markets. Starting 2022, Oregon switched from its lottery app to DraftKings as its only operator.

For the latest check out our Oregon page.

Pennsylvania: Full Mobile Betting with High Revenue

Pennsylvania was one of the early adopters of sports betting, both retail and digital. It consistently ranks in the top five states for sports betting handles, despite higher taxes and fees. Its large population and popular sports teams continue to drive impressive revenue, keeping it among the highest-grossing states for sports betting.

For the latest, check out our Pennsylvania page.

Rhode Island: Single Mobile Betting, High Potential

Rhode Island legalized sports betting in 2018, with William Hill (now Caesars) as the only legal retail and online sportsbook. Repealing an in-person mobile registration requirement has simplified the process, but the state’s small population limits the potential revenue.

For the latest check out our Rhode Island page.

South Carolina: No Meaningful Movement

South Carolina’s efforts towards legal sports betting have been gradual. In 2022, a bipartisan pair of lawmakers proposed a bill to allow up to 12 online sportsbooks, but it failed to gain sufficient support. The wait continues into 2024 for any meaningful move toward legal sports gambling.

For the latest check out our South Carolina page.

South Dakota: In-Person Sportsbooks Available, Digital Horizon Unclear

South Dakota launched its first retail sportsbooks in September 2021. At the moment, the state constitution only permits wagering within Deadwood and tribal lands. However, it may be possible for mobile wagering to gain approval, opening up a new digital market in the years to come.

For the latest check out our South Dakota page.

Tennessee: A Trailblazer in Online Betting

In an unprecedented move, Tennessee has fully embraced mobile betting. This pioneering stance has seen the conservative state initiate an uncapped, digital sports betting market that has piqued industry-wide interest. With its online-only sports betting approach, the Volunteer State has managed to overcome its lack of physical casinos.

In April 2023, Tennessee passed a bill removing the requirement for operators to retain 10% of every dollar wagered and replaced it with a 1.85% tax rate on total betting volumes, becoming the first state to implement this kind of rule.

For the latest check out our Tennessee sports betting page.

Texas: Next Hope in 2025

Despite considerable external investments and changing demographics, Texas remains a challenging landscape for sports betting legalization. The state legislature only convenes every other year, meaning the next chance for legalization will not come until 2025.

For the latest check out our Texas page.

Utah: No Movement

Utah is unlikely to legalize sports betting as it’s the only state in the continental U.S. without any significant legal gaming.

For the latest check out our Utah page.

Vermont – Finally Taking Bets

Representative Matthew Birong introduced a sports betting bill in February 2023, proposing the allowance of 2-6 online sportsbooks in Vermont. The bill received approval from a Senate committee in late April and was subsequently passed by the full senate in early May. Governor Phil Scott signed the bill on June 14. Vermont sports betting officially launched on January 11, 2024 with three initial sportsbooks but no betting on the in-state Vermont Catamounts.

For the latest check out our Vermont sports betting page.

Virginia: Full Mobile Betting with Diverse Choices

Since January 2021, Virginia has welcomed more than a dozen operators to the state. Despite lagging behind some neighbors in terms of handle and tax revenue, the Old Dominion state is making strides to boost its sports betting industry. In 2023, Virginia introduced a phase-out clause for promo tax deductions for operators who have been in the market for over a year.

For the latest check out our Virginia sports betting page.

Washington: Betting Limited to In-Person Sportsbooks

Although Washington legalized sports betting in March 2020, only tribal casinos are permitted to accept bets. Mobile sports betting within casino facilities is allowed, but statewide mobile betting remains out of reach for now.

For the latest check out our Washington page.

West Virginia: Thriving Mobile Betting Scene

Despite initial setbacks, West Virginia’s mobile betting scene has been in full swing since August 2019. Bettors have several legal options to place a bet from anywhere within the state.

For the latest check out our West Virginia page.

Wisconsin: In-Person Betting with Online Prospects

In July 2021, Gov. Tony Evers and The Oneida Nation approved a deal that allows the tribe to open retail sportsbooks at its casinos. However, the agreement doesn’t permit statewide mobile betting or wagering on in-state college sports.

For the latest check out our Wisconsin page.

Wyoming: The Big Four Is Here

Wyoming surprised many by approving statewide mobile wagering, thereby becoming the second state to permit online betting without any retail sportsbooks. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars are all up and running in this state, making it a respectable player in this industry.

For the latest check out our Wyoming page.

Washington D.C.: A Unique Betting Landscape

The capital operates under a single-source operator jurisdiction. Currently, the only District-wide mobile app is GamBetDC. However, because of its monopoly and lack of competition, it often offers below-market-average lines. Despite the difficulties with unfair pricing and app issues, the nation’s capital is gradually seeing an increase in retail sportsbooks and location-based mobile wagering options.

For the latest check out our Washington DC page