Sports Betting Laws by State

Sports betting has grown immensely in popularity over the last decade, becoming a billion-dollar industry in the United States. However, the laws surrounding sports betting vary significantly from state to state. As of 2023, here is an overview of the sports betting laws in each state.

Sports Betting Laws by State

1. Nevada:

Nevada was the first state to legalize sports betting and has long been known as the gambling capital of the US. It offers many betting options, including in-person and online betting.

2. New Jersey:

In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of New Jersey in a case against the federal ban on sports betting. Since then, New Jersey has become one of the leading states for sports betting. Both online and in-person betting are legal and regulated.

3. Pennsylvania:

Pennsylvania legalized sports betting in 2017, and has become a rapidly growing market. In addition to in-person betting, residents can also place bets online.

4. Indiana:

Sports betting was legalized in Indiana in 2019 and quickly became popular. Both in-person and online betting are allowed, with various operators offering their services in the state.

5. Colorado:

Colorado voters approved sports betting in 2019, which became legal in May 2020. The state offers both in-person and online betting options.

6. Iowa:

Iowa legalized sports betting in 2019 and has since become a popular market. In-person and online betting are allowed, but bettors must register in person at a casino before they can place online bets.

7. Illinois:

In 2019, Illinois passed a law legalizing sports betting. Both retail and online betting are permitted, with several operators offering their services in the state.

8. Tennessee:

Tennessee became one of the first states to legalize only online sports betting. In-person betting is not available, and bettors must be located within the state to place bets.

9. Michigan:

Sports betting was legalized in Michigan in 2019 and officially launched in early 2020. Both in-person and online betting are allowed, with numerous sportsbooks operating in the state.

10. Virginia:

Virginia legalized sports betting in 2020, officially launching in January 2021. Both retail and online sports betting are permitted.

11. Montana:

Montana legalized sports betting in 2019, and the state lottery operates and regulates it. In-person betting is allowed at licensed venues.

12. Oregon:

Oregon has allowed sports betting since 2019, and the state lottery operates and regulates it. Both in-person and online betting are available.

13. Rhode Island:

Rhode Island legalized sports betting in 2018, and the state lottery operates it. Both retail and online betting are permitted.

14. Delaware:

Delaware was one of the first states to legalize sports betting following the Supreme Court ruling. Both retail and online betting are available.

15. Mississippi:

Mississippi legalized sports betting in 2018, now available at licensed casinos nationwide.

16. West Virginia:

Sports betting became legal in West Virginia in 2018. In-person and online betting are allowed, with several operators offering their services.

17. New Hampshire:

New Hampshire legalized sports betting in July 2019. It offers both retail and online betting options.

18. New York:

New York has legalized sports betting but only at select casinos. Online betting is not available yet.

19. Arkansas:

Arkansas legalized sports betting in 2019 and is available at licensed casinos.

20. New Mexico:

Sports betting is technically not legal in New Mexico but is offered at certain tribal casinos under tribal compacts.

21. North Carolina:

North Carolina legalized sports betting in 2019, and it is limited to two tribal casinos.

22. Washington, D.C.:

Sports betting was legalized in Washington, D.C., in 2018. Both in-person and online betting are allowed.

Overall, the landscape of sports betting laws in the United States is evolving rapidly. Some states have fully embraced it, allowing both retail and online betting, while others have more limited options or restrictions. Individuals need to be aware of the laws in their state before engaging in any sports betting activities.

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