The federal status of sports betting
In 2018, the US Senate reversed a federal ban on sports betting (including online sports betting) in the United States. This left it up to each state to decide wether they would legalize sports betting.
There were a few trailblazers from the get-go, notably New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Indiana which allowed unrestricted online sports betting within state borders.
Since then, after the 2019 and 2020 legislative sessions, there have been new states opening up their borders to sportsbooks.
However, like everything in life things are not always straight forward and a number of states have agreed on hybrid legal states, where sports betting is allowed but with certain restrictions. For example, Nevada, legalised online sports betting, but require in-person sign-up, deposits and withdrawals.
The fact that each state can have its own restrictions means that it is not as simple as simply checking if your state has legalized sports betting or not, but it is important to check what how they have legalized sports betting.
Below, we have created a short summary of each state. However, we advice you to clock on the button below your state for more in-depth information.
Alabama
The state of Alabama has seen five sports betting bill proposals fail to pass the state legislature. We expect there will be a renowned attempt in early 2021.
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Alaska
There were two sports betting bills proposed in 2020. Neither of them made it through congress, however we expect that they will be considered again in 2021.
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Outlook: Possible sports betting bill in 2021
Arizona
Arizona went live with sports betting in late 2021. Sportsbooks must be either licensed with a sports team or an existing tribal casino.
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- Register with a sportsbook online ✅
- Deposit & withdraw funds with a sportsbook online ✅
- Bet on collegiate teams or collegiate games ✅
- The Supreme Court deems the PASPA act unconstitutional in May 2018.
- Two bills; HB 2813 and SB 1525, were proposed in 2019 but failed to pass either the House or Senate.
- The same two bills were proposed in 2020 but, again failed to pass.
- In 2021 two bills were passed HB 2772 and SB 1797 which paved the way for legal sports betting and daily fantasy sports.
- In September 2021 sports betting in Arizona went live.
Arkansas
The Natural State has allowed in-person sports betting but there has been little word on the online sports betting. As it stands only one casino offers sports betting at the Oaklawn Racing Casino in Hot Springs.
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California
If the state of California came online it would be a huge victory for the sports betting industry. Not only would it generate a huge amount of interest and money, but it would change the dynamics of sports betting along the west coast - challenging bordering Nevada. Since 2018, competing interests have stifled any progress, but there has been a glimmer of hope in 2022. Currently there two sports betting bills have been voted down in the senate, but one remains on the table. If this bill is passed then we could be looking at legal online sports betting in California in November 2022 and the state´s first sportsbook by early 2023.
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Outlook: legal online sports betting possible, but unlikely, by early 2023.
- AB 1573 was introduced in 2016 which would allow for legal online sports betting in the state if PASPA, the federal ban on sports betting was removed.
- The Supreme Court deems the PASPA act unconstitutional in May 2018.
- Competing interests in the Californian gambling market lead to a stalemate and sports betting is not legalized.
- In June 2020 a new proposal that would see online sports betting legalized by November 2020 is introduced, but rejected by the Senate.
- Sen. Gavin Newsom announces that a new bill will be considered in 2021's legislative session with a potential referendum in 2022.
- The new bill was rejected by the senate. However, a new bill is now being considered.
Colorado
Colorado is the new kid on the block. The state voted to legalize sports betting in a referendum in November 2020.
The state has a pretty relaxed attitude to licensing and partnerships with most local sports teams now sponsored by a sportsbook.
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- Register with a sportsbook online ✅
- Deposit & withdraw funds with a sportsbook online ✅
- Bet on collegiate teams or collegiate games ✅
Top 3 legal online sportsbooks in Colorado
PointsBet CO
Now a Fanatics Experience
The Aussie sportsbook has focused on Colorado as the base for its western operations with new offices located in Denver. The online sportsbook has proved incredibly popular with Coloradan bettors, thanks in part to its unique points betting offer.
Bet365 CO
Early Payouts & Live Betting
After a successful launch in New Jersey, Bet365 have now launched an online product in Colorado. The brand is trusted worldwide and has a world-class mobile app.
FanDuel CO
Best Mobile App
FanDuel is, along with its main rival DraftKings, dominating the US sports betting market. The sportsbook's easy-to-use mobile app and reliable odds make it one of the best products available in any state.
Connecticut
It looks like we will have to wait until 2021, before the Constitution state is able to push through a sports betting bill. The State currently finds itself in a deadlock situation with the Tribal Casinos, the State Lottery and the Senate all having to agree on a bill. We estimate that a bill will at least be proposed in the 2021 legislative session.
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Delaware
Sports Betting is currently legal in the state of Delaware but, so far, sports betting is only offered at three physical locations. There are currently no legal online sportsbooks.
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Florida
The Sunshine State has struggled to pass a bill to a state referendum due to disagreements with the Seminole Tribe which controls the vast majority of the gambling market in Florida.
However, in April 2021 it was announced that a potential agreement had been reached with the Seminole tribe. The proposed bill would mean that online sportsbooks would have to give up 55% of their revenue to the tribe.
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- In 2018 the senate struck down the federal ban on sports betting in the country, leaving it up to each state to decide whether they would legalize sports betting.
- Florida introduced an amendment to its constitution shortly after, which granted 'voter control of gambling in Florida'.
- In 2020 the agreement between the state and the Seminole tribe broke down, leading to talk of a new agreement that would grant the tribe the right to offer online sports betting.
- In 2021, it was announced that a potential agreement was on the cards again. If it is pushed through we could have legal online sports betting available in Florida by 2022.
Georgia
A proposal was introduced towards the tail end of the 2020 legislative session that would have seen sports betting legalized in the state of Georgia. However, it did not make it past the Senate in time. We expect that there will be a renewed attempt in 2022 when all parties are much better prepared.
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Outlook: Possible bill in 2022.
Hawaii
The Aloha State has seen proposed sports betting bills fail in both 2019 and 2020 legislative sessions. We do not expect this to change in 2022.
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Outlook: Unlikely any time soon.
Idaho
Despite being surrounded by states that have legalized sports betting, the state of Idaho has, so far, shown no interest in moving in the same direction.
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Illinois
The state of Illinois is now online! Restrictions on sign-ups were removed in early 2020 allowing sportsbooks to set up shop without any issues. BetRivers were first over the line in the state and is now fully operational.
- Bet on sports online ✅
- Register with a sportsbook online ✅
- Deposit & withdraw funds with a sportsbook online ✅
- Bet on collegiate teams or collegiate games ✅
Top legal online sportsbooks in Illinois
Pointsbet IL
Now a Fanatics Experience
The online sportsbook, PointsBet is now live in a large number of states. Its popularity in the US has taken many by surprise, but once you try its mobile app you'll see what all the fuss is about.
The sportsbook also sponsors the Chicago Bears so expect boosted odds and special promos for the team's matches.
Indiana
Indiana was one of the first states to legalize sports betting. There are now a number of reputable sportsbooks up and running in the state, including FanDuel, DraftKings and PointsBet.
- Bet on sports online ✅
- Register with a sportsbook online ✅
- Deposit & withdraw funds with a sportsbook online ✅
- Bet on collegiate teams or collegiate games ✅
Best Legal Indiana Sportsbook
PointsBet IN
Now a Fanatics Experience
The online sportsbook has invested heavily in its Hoosier product and it shows. It is slick, easy-to-use and nicely customized for Indianan customers. They have also sponsored the Indianapolis Colts so expect boosted odds and special promos for their matches.
Iowa
Online sports betting is up and running in the Hawkeye State. You currently have to sign-up in person.
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- Register with a sportsbook online ✅
- Deposit & withdraw funds with a sportsbook online ✅
- Bet on collegiate teams or collegiate games ✅
Kansas
Kansas is currently considering two separate sports betting bills; the senate bill gives exclusivity to the four-state casinos and the house bill allows the Kansas Lottery to operate sports betting through an interactive platform. We expect one of these will pass in early 2021.
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Kentucky
The state of Kentucky does not allow online sports betting. A sport betting bill amassed a 60% support in the House, but ultimately failed to pass in the 2020 legislative session.
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Louisiana
The Bayou State has voted to legalize sports betting. We are not sure what the small print is yet, so watch this space!
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Maine
A sports betting bill was vetoed by one vote in the Senate. The bill which enjoyed significant support would have allowed sportsbooks to set up shop in the state without partnering with an existing casino. We predict that a slightly amended bill will be back on the cards for the 2021 legislative session.
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Maryland
In November 2020 Marylanders decided to legalize sports betting but the laws were only passed in 2021.
The first online sportsbooks will launch now in 2022.
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Massachusetts
The Bay State is currently on its fifth proposed bill and since the 2020 legislative session is now over, we will have to wait until 2021 before there will be any change. The state is already home to eight casinos and a state lottery so the infrastructure is already in place. We predict that the state will come online in late 2021.
Update: In July 2020, Massachusetts senate decided not to allow any sports betting bill to pass in 2020.
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Minnesota
The state of Minnesota is currently locked in a legislative deadlock when it comes to introducing a sports betting bill. The 2021 legislative session has now ended, so we will have to wait until next year before an amended proposal to be introduced.
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- Register with a sportsbook online 🚫
- Deposit & withdraw funds with a sportsbook online ✅
- Bet on collegiate teams or collegiate games ✅
Mississippi
The state of Mississippi has allowed online sports betting but only as long as it is on the premises of a licensed casino.
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- Deposit & withdraw funds with a sportsbook online ✅
- Bet on collegiate teams or collegiate games ✅
Michigan
The state of Michigan has officially legalized online sports betting. The first online sportsbooks went live in 2021 and there are now a number of legal online sportsbooks operational in the state.
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- Register with a sportsbook online ✅
- Deposit & withdraw funds with a sportsbook online ✅
- Bet on collegiate teams or collegiate games ✅
Missouri
The Show-Me-State came close to pushing through legislation that would have allowed online sport betting. In the end, there were too many issues to smooth over in time for the end of the 2020 legislative session. We believe it is very likely that a sports betting bill will be passed in early 2021.
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Montana
Montana’s State Lottery has now launched a sports betting app called Sports Bet Montana. The app is operated by Intralot. You can only place a wager via the app if you are at one of the state’s numerous sports betting venues.
- Bet on sports online ✅ (geo restricted)
- Register with a sportsbook online ✅ (geo restricted)
- Deposit & withdraw funds with a sportsbook online ✅
- Bet on collegiate teams or collegiate games ✅
Nebraska
With sports betting now legal in neighboring states Iowa and Colorado, Nebraska is starting to feel the heat. In 2020, a sports betting bill was proposed which would have potentially legalized online sports betting. However, the bill was not passed and currently only retail sports betting is allowed at specific locations.
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Nevada
The US’ spiritual home of gambling has failed to take full advantage of mobile betting. Currently, the state requires you to sign-up, deposit and withdraw funds in person.
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- Register with a sportsbook online 🚫
- Deposit & withdraw funds with a sportsbook online 🚫
- Bet on collegiate teams or collegiate games 🚫
New Hampshire
The Granite State is now online. The State lottery has an exclusive partnership with DraftKings. You can sign up to the sportsbook online anywhere within state borders
- Bet on sports online ✅
- Register with a sportsbook online ✅
- Deposit & withdraw funds with a sportsbook online ✅
- Bet on collegiate teams or collegiate games ✅
New Jersey
The Garden State is truly the country’s darling of online betting. Online sports betting has been up and running for three years now and you have an excellent selection of online sportsbooks to choose from.
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- Register with a sportsbook online ✅
- Deposit & withdraw funds with a sportsbook online ✅
- Bet on collegiate teams or collegiate games ✅
New Mexico
Current legislation only allows for sports betting at tribal gambling venues. There are currently four tribal sportsbooks in the state. Online sports betting is not allowed.
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New York State
New York has finally gone live with online sports betting!
The first online sportsbooks launched in January 2022.
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- Register with a sportsbook online ✅
- Deposit & withdraw funds with a sportsbook online ✅
- Bet on collegiate teams or collegiate games ✅
North Carolina
The Old North State allows in-person sports betting but has yet to legalize online sports betting. We predict that a change to this current situation will be proposed in the 2021 state legislative session.
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North Dakota
The issue of sports betting is not high up on the agenda in North Dakota. A sports betting was proposed in 2019 but ultimately failed to pass and in the 2020 legislative session the subject was not even raised. We expect that there will be a new proposal in 2021.
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Ohio
The state does not currently allow online sports betting, but the state is looking at two potential sports betting bills. One would allow for a lottery setup, similar to Oregon, and the other would look at a more open market.
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Oklahoma
A bill is set to be approved by the Senate this year which would allow the Otoe-Missouria Tribe and the Comanche Nation to offer sports betting. This bill will not include online sports betting.
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Oregon
Oregon’s state lottery has now launched its sportsbook app called Scorecard. You can wager using the app anywhere within that state borders.
- Bet on sports online ✅
- Register with a sportsbook online 🚫
- Deposit & withdraw funds with a sportsbook online ✅
- Bet on collegiate teams or collegiate games 🚫
Pennsylvania
The Keystone State is close behind New Jersey when it comes to online sports betting. The state was one of the first to legalize online sports betting. Initially a high tax rate put off some sportsbooks but eventually a trickle became a flood and now you can find the nation’s top sportsbooks online in PA.
- Bet on sports online ✅
- Register with a sportsbook online ✅
- Deposit & withdraw funds with a sportsbook online ✅
- Bet on collegiate teams or collegiate games ✅
Best Legal Online Sportsbook in PA
Unibet PA
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The European online sportsbook currently has the best welcome offer in the country for new players. It is also a safe and trusted online sportsbook with many thousands of customers around the world.
Rhode Island
The Ocean State has ensured that it has full control over the sports betting market. There are two locations where you can place in-person sports bets; Twin River Casino and Twin River Tiverton. The state has also allowed these casinos to partner with William Hill. The Sportsbook has in turn partnered with GT Global Solutions Corporation to provide the state with its first online sportsbook.
- Bet on sports online ✅
- Register with a sportsbook online ✅
- Deposit & withdraw funds with a sportsbook online ✅
- Bet on collegiate teams or collegiate games ✅
South Carolina
A sports betting bill was proposed, but not passed in 2019. In 2020, there was no attempt to introduce a new bill during the legislative window. We do expect that 2021 will see a renewed attempt to pass a bill.
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South Dakota
The state of South Dakota decided to legalize sports betting in a November 2020 referendum. The sports betting bill would allow tribal casinos to offer sports wagering.
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Tennessee
The volunteer State has now legalized sports betting and it is in the process of creating a licensing structure for new sportsbooks looking to launch in the state. The state is unique in that it has so far only permitted mobile sports betting. There are now a number of sportsbooks operational in the state including DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM.
- Bet on sports online ✅
- Register with a sportsbook online ✅
- Deposit & withdraw funds with a sportsbook online ✅
- Bet on collegiate teams or collegiate games ✅
Texas
The Lone Star State has begun to look at legislation that would allow online sports betting in the state. However, it will be no easy task getting through the Senate, House and a referendum.
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Utah
The Beehive State is arguably the most anti-gambling state of them all. We do not expect that Utah will propose any sports betting bill.
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Vermont
Vermont has finally begun the long and rocky road to legalization. In 2020, the Senate called a committee to look into how the state could regulate sports betting bill. It still has a long way to go, but we see this as a positive step. The fact that their neighbors New Hampshire are now online will have heaped pressure on the state to legalize sports betting. They will not want to see potential revenue in the form of sports betting taxes spill over the border. We predict that a bill will be proposed in the 2021 legislative session.
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Virginia
Virginia came online in 2021 after some intense lobbying for the Washington Football team.
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- Register with a sportsbook online ✅
- Deposit & withdraw funds with a sportsbook online ✅
- Bet on collegiate teams or collegiate games ✅
Washington
The state officially legalized in-person betting and on-site mobile betting at any of the licensed tribal casinos in the state. However, we predict that state-wide online betting will eventually be allowed in 2021 due to competition from Oregon. As the law was passed in March 2020, no tribal casino has been able to set up a sportsbook as of yet. Once casinos are allowed to open it shouldn’t take longer than a few weeks before some form of on-site sports betting is available.
- Bet on sports online ✅ (geo restricted)
- Register with a sportsbook online ✅ (geo restricted)
- Deposit & withdraw funds with a sportsbook online ✅
- Bet on collegiate teams or collegiate games ✅
West Virginia
The Mountain State was one of the first to legalize sports betting and is now home to a number of reputable sports betting sites.
- Bet on sports online ✅
- Register with a sportsbook online ✅
- Deposit & withdraw funds with a sportsbook online ✅
- Bet on collegiate teams or collegiate games ✅
Wisconsin
The Badger State has long taken a tough stance towards sports betting, but last year state lawmakers began the long process of introducing a proposal for a sports betting bill.
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Wyoming
The Equality State came very close to passing a sports betting bill in March 2020. It looks like there will be a renowned attempt to pass a bill next legislative session in 2021. Considering how close this years vote is, we see it as likely to pass.
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