Understand All The Legal Ways to Bet
Where You Live
Not every state has legal sportsbooks - but every state has legal ways to bet.
We scan & break down all your options to help you get started.
Betting Formats in the US Explained
Whether you're into traditional sports betting, fantasy contests, or looking to explore alternative betting formats like Sweepstakes or Prediction Markets - there’s probably at least one legal way for you to play in your state. Below you can learn about all the different legal betting formats available to US players.
Live in a no-sportsbook state? Don’t stress. Social sportsbooks, DFS platforms, and Prediction Markets are legal in way more places than you’d think. The key is finding the right format for you.
Click on any of the buttons above to learn more about each betting format - or check out our betting guides for in-depth breakdowns on how to bet across every type of betting we cover.
Understanding your betting options
Legal betting in the U.S. isn’t always as simple as downloading an app and placing a bet.
Some states allow sportsbooks. Others allow fantasy contests. And in a lot of places, the most accessible option might be a social sportsbook or a prediction market.
If that sounds confusing, you're not alone. That’s why BettingScanner was built: to help regular people understand what’s legal, what’s safe, and what their best options are to bet on sports, casino games, politics, or more.
Learn All Legal Ways to Bet in the US

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to legal betting in the U.S. I’ve seen too many folks miss out - or worse, fall into shady offshore sites - just because they didn’t know their options. That’s why this site exists.
At BettingScanner, we break down every legal way to bet. We explain how they work, where they’re legal, and which ones are actually worth your time. Our mission is to help you bet smarter, offering clear answers, real comparisons, and advice you can trust.
Comparing Betting Formats
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