Legal Online Sports Betting Across the US
Legal sports betting is expanding across the United States, with more and more states embracing the opportunity to offer legal online sportsbooks. Since 2018, the US Government made a landmark decision to empower states to regulate sports betting, opening up new possibilities for economic growth and individual choice.
Over 30 states have welcomed the convenience and excitement of legalized sports betting, offering in-person and online options. US residents living in states without sports betting approval can still enjoy a variety of betting options through safe offshore sportsbooks. Let’s now explore the exciting world of the legality of online sports betting in the US.
1
Best Overall Sportsbook For US Players: BetUS
BetUS consistently ranks as the best US bookmaker across our team of experts. In addition to being available in all 50 states, BetUS features competitive odds for US and foreign sporting leagues, eSports, entertainment, financial markets and more. BetUS TV and the Locker Room blog provide regular free picks, analysis and discussion for major US sporting leagues. Further, there is a full in-play section for live sports betting, as well as regular contests with cash prizes of thousands of dollars.
New players at BetUS can claim a 100% match bonus when they deposit over $100. This minimum deposit on the higher end when it comes to online sportsbook bonuses, and it is notably well above the minimum accepted deposit of $10 offered by the site. However, the bonus allows you to claim up to $2,500, which is a large boost compared to the promotions found at competitors.
In short, BetUS delivers an exceptional all-round betting experience. The site is fully optimized for betting on mobile or tablet devices, has toll-free telephone and live chat customer support, and delivers excellent promotions for loyal customers too. It’s this well-rounded approach that means BetUS is our top choice for online sports betting.
While BetUS is graded as our best overall sportsbook for US players, there are plenty of other great options on the market. Check out our list of the best online sports betting sites for more.
Sports Betting Legality In The US
The legality of sports betting (both online and otherwise) is decided on a state-by-state basis. That’s why some states have brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, while others have mobile-based gambling apps. However, online bookmakers based outside of the USA are available to players in all fifty states.
Online sportsbooks based outside of the USA (like the ones featured on this page) operate outside of the jurisdiction of United States betting laws. They are operating in countries such as Panama and Costa Rica, and so adhere to the laws and regulations of those nations.
Since the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018 through the case of Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association, 38 states have legalized sports betting in some form. However, the accessibility of sportsbooks across these states still varies significantly. For example, New Jersey, New York and Ohio have active regulated sports betting both online and at retail locations, while Tennessee and Wyoming only have online sports betting.
We’ll take a closer look at the laws later. For now, just know that the legal situation is ever-changing and that sports betting at offshore bookmakers is available to all US residents over the age of 21.
US Sports Betting Laws
Nevada was the first state to legalize and regulate sports betting in 1949. For decades, The Federal Wire Act of 1961 and PASPA dissuaded more states from legalizing sports betting. This was until New Jersey fought in a historic Supreme Court case to authorize state run sports betting in 2018 and won.
Since then, PASPA’s repeal and national support for legal sports betting has created a new boom in the industry. Here’s a look at three key US sports betting laws that have had a major impact on sports betting availability today:
The Federal Wire Act Of 1961
The Wire Act prohibited the use of wire communication facilities to transmit bets and wagers on sports events across state lines. Initially intended to address organized crime, the Department of Justice has since used the act to prohibit all forms of online gambling, including sports betting. Currently, the law applies to gambling establishments and organized gambling syndicates rather than individual bettors.
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act Of 1992 (PASPA)
At the time PASPA was passed, four states had specific sports betting laws: Nevada, Delaware, Montana, and Oregon. PASPA In an effort to protect the integrity of sports and public confidence in fair competitions, PASPA prohibited new sports betting laws and limited private gambling operations. However, PASPA faced constitutional challenges and was ultimately overturned in 2018, allowing individual states to legalize sports betting.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act Of 2006 (UIGEA)
The UIGEA targeted online gambling and sports betting by prohibiting financial transactions related to unlawful internet gambling. While it didn’t make sports betting illegal, it did impose restrictions on payment processing for online betting operators. This affected the industry’s growth and drove some offshore operators away from the US market.
Current State Of Sports Betting In The US
Americans have bet $220 billion on sports in the five years since the repeal of PASPA, according to a report published by PBS in May 2023. Legal sports betting pulled in a handle of $93.2 billion in 2022. This translated to a total revenue for sportsbooks of $7.5 billion per the American Gaming Association (AGA). New York’s huge tax rate of 51% on mobile sports betting has helped the state enjoy massive success, with over $1 billion generated in revenue.
The AGA estimates that US players wager over $60 billion per year on offshore sites. This type of wagering is especially prevalent in states that have not legalized sports betting. Super Bowl LVII reportedly generated approximately $16 billion in wagers across all sports betting channels.
The legalization of sports betting on a state-by-state basis is great progress for the industry. Yet, bettors in certain states still face limitations to what they can wager on. For instance, New York and Pennsylvania don’t allow player prop betting for college sports. State-approved sportsbooks don’t offer prop lines on politics, entertainment, and novelty sports. The good news, is that offshore sportsbooks tend to offer a plethora of betting opportunities of all kinds. From the most popular sports to niche events, making them an attractive option for US residents with limited options in-state.
Legal Sports Betting States
The landscape of legal sports betting states is constantly changing. Here is an up-to-date table on the legal status of sports betting in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. We’ve included which types of betting are legal and how long since regulation:
| State | Online Sports Betting | In Person Sports Betting | Year Regulated | Notable Bills |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A | |
| Alaska | Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A | |
| Arizona | Legal | Legal | April 2021 | HB 2772 |
| Arkansas | Legal | Legal | November 2018 | Voter referendum on November 6, 2018: Issue 4 passed 54.1-45.9 |
| California | Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A | |
| Colorado | Legal | Legal | November 2019 | Proposition DD |
| Connecticut | Legal | Legal | May 2021 | HB6451 |
| Delaware | Offshore Only | Legal | June 2018 | HB100 |
| District of Columbia | Legal | Legal | May 2019 | DC Law 22-312 |
| Florida | Legal* | Legal* | April 2021 | HB1A |
| Georgia | Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A | |
| Hawaii | Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A | |
| Idaho | Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A | |
| Illinois | Legal | Legal | June 2019 | Illinois Gambling Act |
| Indiana | Legal | Legal | May 2019 | Sports Wagering and Paid Fantasy Sports |
| Iowa | Legal | Legal | May 2019 | Senate File 617 |
| Kansas | Legal | Legal | May 2022 | SB 84 |
| Kentucky | Legal* | Legal* | N/A | 23RS HB 551 |
| Louisiana | Legal | Legal | June 2021 | RS 14:90.3 |
| Maine | Legal* | Legal* | May 2022 | LD 585 |
| Maryland | Legal | Legal | May 2022 | HB 940 |
| Massachusetts | Legal | Legal | August 2022 | H.5164 |
| Michigan | Legal | Legal | December 2019 | Act 152 |
| Minnesota | Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A | |
| Mississippi | Offshore Only | Legal | August 2018 | HB 606 |
| Missouri | Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A | |
| Montana | Offshore Only | Legal | May 2019 | HB 725 |
| Nebraska | Legal* | Legal | May 2021 | LB 561 |
| Nevada | Legal | Legal | March 1931 | Assembly Bill 98 |
| New Hampshire | Legal | Legal | May 2019 | NH HB480 |
| New Jersey | Legal | Legal | June 2018 | A 4111 |
| New Mexico | Offshore Only | Legal | October 2018 | HB0101 |
| New York | Legal | Legal | April 2021 | Senate Bill 17D |
| North Carolina | Offshore Only | Legal | June 2023 | HB 347 |
| North Dakota | Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A | |
| Ohio | Legal | Legal | December 2021 | HB 29 |
| Oklahoma | Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A | |
| Oregon | Legal | Legal | October 2019 | HB 2288 |
| Pennsylvania | Legal | Legal | October 2017 | HB 271 |
| Rhode Island | Legal | Legal | June 2018 | S 2045 |
| South Carolina | Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A | |
| South Dakota | Offshore Only | Legal | November 2020 | SB44 |
| Tennessee | Legal | Not Legal | May 2019 | SB0016 |
| Texas | Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A | |
| Utah | Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A | |
| Vermont | Legal* | Not Legal | June 2023 | |
| Virginia | Legal | Legal | April 2020 | SB 384; HB 896 |
| Washington | Not Legal** | Legal | March 2021 | HB 2638 |
| West Virginia | Legal | Legal | March 2018 | SB 415 |
| Wisconsin | Offshore Only | Legal | July 2021 | Oneida Gaming Compact |
| Wyoming | Legal | Not Legal | April 2021 | HB-0133 |
*Florida, Kentucky, Maine, Nebraska, and Vermont have all legalized sports betting. However, there are no active sportsbooks yet as these states are in the process of working out legislation.
**Washington law specifically states that sports wagering is not permitted anywhere besides tribal casinos. Nevertheless, many offshore sportsbooks remain available to US residents in Washington.
US Sports Betting History
The legal landscape is ever-changing. That said, there are a few states which have not made moves to regulate online gambling yet. These include Idaho and Utah. It is unlikely that either state will legalize state-regulated sportsbooks any time soon.
In the meantime, US sports bettors in all 50 states can access safe and legal sports betting at offshore sportsbooks like BetUS, BetNow and MyBookie. You can also find more on our list of the best online sports betting sites in the USA, along with the top esports betting sites, and the top sports betting sites for Canada.
Legal Sports Betting in the US: Key Takeaways
38
States With Legal Sports Betting
30
States With Legal Online Sports Betting
35
States With Legal Retail Sports Betting
Offshore Betting Site Availability: Most offshore sites, like BetUS, are available in all 50 US states. However, sites like Bovada and BetOnline have some state restrictions. For example, residents in NY, NJ, Maryland, Nevada and Delaware will not have access to Bovada.
Responsible Betting In The US
Responsible gambling is crucial for maintaining a safe and enjoyable gaming experience. Set bankroll limits for sports betting and never gamble more than you can afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses and remember that gambling should be considered entertainment as opposed to a source of income.
If you or someone you know needs help with gambling-related concerns, seek assistance from reputable national resources such as the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and their helpline at 1-800-522-4700. These resources provide valuable support and guidance for those affected by problem gambling.
