In 2018, US Supreme Court lifted the ban on sports betting, practically making it legal on the federal level. However, it did leave the final decision to individual states. What this practically means is that when it comes to the sports betting legality in the US, it differs from one state to another.
That said, we are now going to provide you info about sports betting laws in all 50 US states. This is where you can find out whether sports being is legal, which forms of wagering are allowed, and whether sportsbooks are allowed to offer prop bets. So, let’s start!
Nevada Sports Betting
Sports betting in Nevada is legal and available in land-based casinos in Las Vegas, Reno, and other places. Alternatively, one can place bets on the internet, using the services of those sportsbook brands that have an operating license in this state.
Nevada Prop Bets
It’s not legal for sportsbooks to offer prop bets in which someone could know the outcome in advance. For example, it’s impossible to bet on whether Tesla will start accepting BTC as a payment method again.
However, the state does allow its sportsbooks to offer Super Bowl props, such as those regarding the color of Gatorade, and similar. Betting on Oscars is also permitted.
New York Sports Betting
Since 2019, sports bets are legal in the state of New York. New York lawmakers decided to allow sports betting at four on-site locations. They saw sports betting as a chance to collect much-needed tax revenue.
Also, it was well-received by many who were patiently waiting for legislation to pass through. Earlier this summer, lawmakers came to a new agreement. They declared mobile sports betting will be permitted too. Many New York sportsbooks are waiting for a license to launch, and we expect that to happen in the following months.
New York Prop Bets
When it comes to proposition bets, we can say it’s still not permitted in most of the US states. Whether they will be allowed in New York, we will know perhaps later this year. However, what is clear by now is that betting on games involving in-state college teams isn’t allowed.
Iowa Sports Betting
For the past two years, sports betting has been legal in Iowa. Many bookmakers entered the market and welcomed their first customers.
Of course, that didn’t come without a price. Every operator has to pay a licensing fee of $45,000, and a 6.7% revenue tax. The good news is that the new law welcomes mobile wagering too. Allowing mobile wagering in Iowa motivated both operators and their users.
Iowa prop bets
Even though Iowa permitted in-person and mobile wagering, they strongly refuse to allow placing bets on in-state college athletics. If anything changes, we will let you know.
Oregon Sports Betting
Unlike many other states, Oregon already had a law that permitted some forms of sports betting. So, after quite a pause, sports betting is legal in Oregon again, as of 2019. In October that year, Oregon launched mobile betting too. Their state-run lottery launched a new website and a mobile app. At the moment of speaking, their law allows betting in-person and placing wedges on mobile devices.
Oregon Prop Bets
Apart from the NFL prop bets, other ones are usually not allowed in the states. What you should also know, Oregon Lottery still doesn’t permit betting on in-state colleges.
Indiana Sports Betting
After September 2019, many different sportsbooks opened at numerous locations throughout Indiana. Lawmakers from Indiana control the market and issue licenses for the most suitable operators. Their new law permits both in-person and mobile wagering.
Indiana Prop Bets
Even though lawmakers issue licenses to sportsbooks, there are few conditions. Placing bets on college and pro sports is allowed, but bets regarding esports and high school sports aren’t.
However, sports leagues and colleges must submit a request for specific events, but the outcome is not easily predictable.
New Hampshire Sports Betting
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu placed the ceremonial first wager on December 30, 2019. He placed a wager on the New England Patriots and welcomed eager bettors to do so.
New Hampshire state’s lottery is controlling the market for now. We expect that retail and mobile sports betting will be allowed, and bettors will be able to place bets on many different sports.
New Hampshire Prop Bets
Prop bets are not permitted for now and neither is betting on in-state colleges. Sportsbooks usually offer NFL props, but we expect some changes soon.
Illinois Sports Betting
Sports betting become legal in Illinois in March 2020. A year before a bill that permits online, and in-person betting passed. To step into the Illinois sports betting market, operators must apply for a license. Once the state of Illinois permits it, they can start offering wagers to their users.
Illinois Prop Bets
Notable prohibitions are declared in Illinois. Wagering on minor leagues and Illinois college teams is not allowed. Other prop bets are still under consideration but for now, they are still not permitted in most of the states.
Michigan Sports Betting
The “Lawful Sports Betting Act” was signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer at the beginning of 2020. At that moment, sports betting become legal in Michigan. So, for almost two years, placing wedges is permitted both in-person and online.
Michigan Prop Bets
So far, there hasn’t been any notable prohibitions in Michigan, which is very interesting. Even college contests are permitted. This sets Michigan apart from the majority of US states. So, maybe you’ll be lucky enough to find yourself placing bets there.
Arkansas Sports Betting
Arkansas Racing Commission currently regulates sports betting in Arkansas. Back in 2019, the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort offered the first legal sports bets.
A few other retail locations opened soon after that. For now, sports betting is permitted only in-person and placing wedges on in-state college teams aren’t allowed.
Rhode Island Sports Betting
In Rhode Island, their state lottery provides regulatory oversight. Bookmakers welcomed their bettors in 2018. Five months after Government Gina Raimondo allowed sports betting. A year later the law was altered and besides placing bets in-person, mobile betting was allowed too.
Rhode Island Prop Bets
Prop Bets are usually banned but so is betting on games that involve in-state college teams. However, this might change in the future, and we will keep you updated.
Pennsylvania Sports Betting
Since November 2018. sports betting is officially legal in Pennsylvania. The Hollywood Casino became the first operator who offered sports betting to Pennsylvanian users. They offer in-person and mobile wedges and since the beginning prohibitions were none. Not even on in-state college teams.
New Mexico Sports Betting
New Mexico betting market can be sometimes confusing. It isn’t permitted or not allowed. At the moment of speaking, four tribal casinos offer in-person sports betting.
The Santa Ana Star Casino and Hotel, Buffalo Thunder and Isleta Resort & Casino and also Buffalo Thunder and Isleta Resort & Casino.
So far, betting on games that involve college teams are not allowed. We expect New Mexico lawmakers to make some changes regarding their betting law and we hope online bets will be available soon too.
West Virginia Sports Betting
West Virginia was one of the first among the US states that legalized sports betting. Penn Nationals Hollywood Casino was the first one to open its doors to bettors.
This happened six months after the bill passed. Also, we should mention that the Lottery Commission regulates the market at the moment. Lawmakers declared betting will be possible both in-person and online.
West Virginia Prop Bets
Even though most of the US states don’t allow placing prop bets, so far there are no restrictions on the West Virginia market. Not even on college sports.
Delaware Sports Betting
Single-game betting is offered in Delaware since June 2018. Many different sports are covered and there are currently three casinos in the whole state.
New locations are being considered all the time, and we expect them soon. If Delaware lawmakers make new changes in sports betting law, online betting could be available soon too.
Delaware Prop Bets
Sadly, and like in many other states, prop bets aren’t allowed in Delaware. Also, the bets that involve college sports aren’t permitted too. However, we expect that to change with the new enactment of the law.
New Jersey Sports Betting
On June 11, 2018, Gov. Phil Murphy signed the bill regarding sports betting. William Hill and Monmouth Park were the first ones to open the doors to their bettors.
As expected, Governor Murphy was the first one in line. Many other sportsbooks stepped into the market soon after. Since the beginning, placing bets was possible in person but now you can place them online too.
New Jersey Prop Bets
Proposition bets are limited in New Jersey, you may find only the ones that refer to NFL. Also, it isn’t possible to place bets on games with in-state college teams and collegiate events held in the state of New Jersey.
Mississippi Sports Betting
Since August 2018 it is possible to place sports bets in Mississippi. The Supreme Court enacted sports betting law in 2017 and it was very well received.
Mississippi Gaming Commission regulates the market, and they currently allow placing bets in-person. They declared that mobile wagering will be considered too, but it wasn’t the priority at the time.
Mississippi Prop Bets
The Mississippi sports betting market is well-regulated, and it offers a variety of betting options and sports markets. Nothing is banned so far, so you can enjoy placing many different types of bets.
Montana Sports Betting
Legal sports betting exists in Montana since March 2020. Governor Steve Bullock agreed to sign the bill that encourages wagering in this country. Governor declared that the state lottery has a track record of responsibility and integrity.
That is the reason the state lottery controls the sports betting market now. Placing wagers is possible only in person, but it is expected that online sportsbooks will launch soon.
Montana Prop Bets
The sports betting market in Montana gives away freedom to both operators and bettors. There haven’t been any restrictions so far and anyone of legal age can place numerous different bets at any time.
Colorado Sports Betting
Colorado came up with a very smart strategy. Their lawmakers decide to regulate sports betting through casinos they choose to license.
This way, Colorado will receive a significant amount of tax revenue. They will use the money to fund the state’s water project so it’s a win-win. At the moment of speaking, you can find many different operators on their sports betting market. Also, residents can place wedges in-person and online.
Colorado Prop Bets
Another way to motivate operators and residents to take part in this market is to allow all of the betting options. Prop Bets are available and every sports event in the country is covered. If you are a resident, you have a lot to choose from.
Washington, D.C. Sports Betting
Since Congress did not openly object to the bill regarding sports betting law enactment, a new market was formed. The Office of Lottery and Gaming controls and regulates all sports wagering. The lottery also launched “GameBetDC” in 2020. It is a platform that allows users to place bets online.
Washington, D.C Prop Bets
Even though Washington lawmakers permitted online and in-person betting, they draw the line when it comes to some sort of wagers. Many Prop Bets are banned alongside bets regarding states college sports.
Tennessee Sports Betting
Tennessee is one of the few states that permit online betting only. As of 2020, they regulated their online sports betting market by licensing four different operators. All of them offer plenty of options, and anyone can find something for themselves.
Tennessee Prop Bets
There are no limitations when it comes to Tennessee Prop Bets. Online sports betting is known to be more diverse. Players can find many different sports markets and plenty of betting options. Proposition bets included. If you are a resident, we encourage you to take advantage of this.
Virginia Sports Betting
Placing bets became legal in Virginia recently, in January 2021. It was approved in the Commonwealth of Virginia the year before.
It is possible to place bets online, but it is not allowed to place bets on youth sports or college sports in Virginia. Interestingly, Virginia Lottery licensed The Washington Football Team for sports betting. This is the first time an NFL team has received this type of license in history.
North Carolina Sports Betting
In March this year, sports betting is legal in North Caroline as their Governor Roy Cooper signed a 2-year-old bill. According to this bill, operators can offer bets on both professional and college team sports.
However, online betting isn’t allowed yet. Every bettor must place his bets at one of the two existing retail locations. Since all of this happened recently, we expect some changes to be made soon. But we’ll keep you posted.
Washington Sports Betting
Washington’s sports betting bill was signed on March 25, 2020. The new bill declares regulatory oversight to the Washington State Gambling Commission. This newly enacted law allows sports wagering at Class III tribal casinos in the state.
However, mobile sports wagering isn’t permitted, at least not for now. Bettors can place wedges on esports events but wagering on minor leagues and college sports is banned for now.
Maryland Sports Betting
It is expected that sports betting in Maryland will probably see the light of the day by the end of this year. Voters approved this law mainly for educational purposes.
Revenue collected from taxes will be invested in Maryland’s schools so everyone can benefit from it. Also, it is expected that both mobile and in-person betting is going to be available.
South Dakota Sports Betting
South Dakota residents can expect the launch of legal sports betting later this year. Their Governor Kristi Noem signed follow-up legislation in March.
What is left to do is to regulate tax rates and establish a regulatory body. We expect both in-person and online sportsbooks with a variety of sports markets and competitive odds.
Louisiana Sports Betting
In November 2020, Louisiana’s residents approved a ballot measure permitting sports betting. Soon enough New Orleans, as well as many other cities, could welcome regulated wagering.
Changes are being made in the past couple of months and it is just a matter of time when the operators will get their licenses. Also, Lawmakers are currently debating on the regulatory scheme and regulatory apparatus.
Wyoming Sports Betting
Wyoming law regarding sports betting is quite similar to Tennessee’s. Their Governor Mark Gordon signed the sports betting bill, but this time it only applies for mobile wagering.
Casinos might find this disappointing, but it is in its early days still. We expect markets to open by the end of the year, and hopefully, by then, we will be able to provide more information.
Nebraska Sports Betting
This fall, we can expect the launch of a few sportsbooks in Nebraska too. As the voters agreed and voted for the legalization of sports betting, their Governor Pete Rickets signed a bill to regulate this market.
However, at the moment of speaking it is quite restricted. Mobile wagering isn’t permitted yet, so bettors can place bets only in person. Also, bookmakers are prohibited from offering wagers on college and youth sports.
Arizona Sports Betting
Bettors from Arizona will be thrived to hear that both in-person and mobile wagering is allowed in their state. Tribal-state gaming compact was permitted by the federal Department of the Interior, in May this year.
Many famous sportsbook names partnered with sports venues so they can get better market access. All in all, we expect sport betting to launch in Arizona later this year, once they regulate the market fully.
Florida Sports Betting
Since the Supreme Court decided to allow the legalization of sports betting, many US countries started bringing sportsbooks to their markets. Florida is now one of them.
In May this year, Florida lawmakers made a deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. As it seems, it is possible sports betting will launch by the end of this year, both in-person and online.
Connecticut Sports Betting
Connecticut lawmakers permitted sports betting via tribal-state compact too. Their Governor Ned Lamont signed the bill in May 2021. Both retail sports betting and online wagering will be allowed.
We expect sportsbooks to start entering the Connecticut market every day now. They are allowed to offer many different types of bets except the ones related to college sports.
Oklahoma Sports Betting
A new gaming compact has been made as two-state tribes agreed with Governor Stitt. They agreed on the topics of sports betting. It is declared that sports betting will launch as soon the compact is published in Federal Register.
However, a few Oregon lawmakers along with Oklahoma’s attorney general expressed their discontent. They are not happy about sports betting legislation. So, for now, all is still up in the air. But as always, we’ll keep you posted.
Maine Sports Betting
In 2019 Maine Governor vetoed the bill regarding oversight of sports betting. As it seems, Maine lawmakers could look back on the bill soon.
We expect they will follow many US states that are already changing that their sports betting laws. The betting market is in transition, and we can expect almost anything.
Utah Sports Betting
This state’s constitution stands firmly against gambling and sports betting of any kind. Utah is well-known for prohibiting any sort of gambling, even lottery tickets, and table games. Having this in mind, we are not optimistic about the sports betting market. That would be a huge deviation from their traditional views.
States such as Idaho and Wisconsin haven’t been discussed in this article because there haven’t been any changes in their legislation so far. However, the sports betting market is expanding, and new laws are passed every day. As soon as we get new information, we will let you know.