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Online Sports Betting

Nick Chappell Mon 1/20 7:12am PT

In May 2018 the U.S. Supreme Court officially struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). The landmark decision restored the right for each state to individually pursue sports betting by creating their own set of rules and regulations. Over the years many states have exercised that right, creating a diverse, flourishing sports betting industry in the United States.

On this page, we’ll break down all of the states that now have legal, regulated sports betting, and the online operators where you can place wagers. If you have general questions about online sports betting in the U.S., we’ve got your answers.

States With Legal Online Sports Betting

In the post-PASPA world, each state is responsible for creating its own set of sports betting rules. While there are some similarities, the states have varied significantly in their approach to sports betting. Some only permit retail sports betting, while some include online wagering too, and one state (for now) only allows online betting. Here’s our breakdown of every state that now has some form of legal online sports betting.

StateSports Betting StatusOnline or RetailLaunch
AlabamaNot LegalNoExpected in 2025
AlaskaNot LegalNoNot soon
ArizonaLegal + LiveBothSeptember 2021
ArkansasLegal + LiveBothMarch 2022.
CaliforniaNot LegalNoNot soon
ColoradoLegal + LiveBothMay 2020
ConnecticutLegal + LiveBothSeptember 2021
DelawareLegal + LiveBothJune 2018
District of ColumbiaLegal + LiveBothMay 2020
FloridaLegal + LiveBothNovember 2021
GeorgiaNot LegalNoNot soon
HawaiiNot LegalNoNot soon
IdahoNot LegalNoNot soon
IllinoisLegal + LiveBoth, though in-person registration is required for online bettingMarch 2020
IndianaLegal + LiveBothSeptember 2019
IowaLegal + LiveBothAugust 2019
KansasLegal + LiveBothSeptember 2022
KentuckyLegal + LiveBothSeptember 2023
LouisianaLegal + LiveBothJanuary 2022
MaineLegal + LiveBothNovember 2023
MarylandLegal + LiveBothDecember 2021
MassachusettsLegal + LiveBothJanuary 2023
MichiganLegal + LiveBothMarch 2020
MinnesotaNot LegalNoNot soon
MississippiLegal + LiveRetail Only (online on premises)August 2018
MissouriLegal (Not Live Yet)Both (once live)December 2025
MontanaLegal + LiveRetail - Online is available on-site at a limited number of bars and restaurants in the stateMarch 2020
NebraskaLegal + LiveRetail OnlyJune 2023
NevadaLegal + LiveBoth (registration must be done in-person)May 2018
New HampshireLegal + LiveBothDecember 2019
New JerseyLegal + LiveBothJune 2018
New MexicoLegal + LiveRetail OnlyOctober 2018
New YorkLegal + LiveBothJanuary 2022
North CarolinaLegal + LiveBothMarch 2024
North DakotaNot LegalNoNot soon
OhioLegal + LiveBothJanuary 2023
OklahomaNot LegalNoNot soon
OregonLegal + LiveBothAugust 2019
PennsylvaniaLegal + LiveBothNovember 2018
Rhode IslandLegal + LiveBothNovember 2018
South CarolinaNot LegalNoNot soon
South DakotaLegal + LiveRetail OnlySeptember 2021
TennesseeLegal + LiveOnline OnlyNovember 2020
TexasNot LegalNoNot soon
UtahNot LegalNoNot soon
VermontLegal + LiveOnline onlyJanuary 2024
VirginiaLegal + LiveBoth (though retail isn't live yet)January 2021
WashingtonLegal + LiveRetail OnlySeptember 2021
West VirginiaLegal + LiveBothAugust 2018
WisconsinNot LegalNoNot soon
WyomingLegal + LiveOnline onlySeptember 2021

Arizona

Arizona’s sports betting scene officially kicked off on September 9, 2021, marking a swift journey from legislation to live betting in just five months. This rapid rollout positioned Arizona as a national leader in sports gambling, with the state reaching over $5 billion in wagers within its first year—a record pace. Both retail and online betting options are available. An interesting fact about Arizona’s sports betting is its low tax rate on profits, which, while attractive to operators, means the state sees limited financial benefits.

Arkansas

Arkansas ventured into the sports betting arena on July 1, 2019, following a voter-approved constitutional amendment in 2018. The state initially launched with retail sports betting at its casinos, and it wasn’t until March 2022 that online sports betting became available, expanding the market significantly. The state has embraced both retail and online platforms, offering residents and visitors a comprehensive betting experience.

Colorado

Colorado voters narrowly approved the state’s sports betting referendum in late 2019, with the market officially launching on May 1, 2020. With 33 casinos, all of which are now allowed to offer retail betting and establish online partners, the Colorado online market is already getting crowded. All the biggest names in sports betting are already in Colorado, and a lesser-known niche operator like PlayUp.

Connecticut

Connecticut launched its sports betting operations on October 19, 2021, after a comprehensive legislative process that involved negotiations with tribal partners and the state lottery. The state offers both retail and online sports betting, providing a versatile platform for bettors. An interesting fact about Connecticut’s sports betting is its unique partnership model, where the state collaborates with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes, along with the Connecticut Lottery, to operate sports wagering.

Delaware

Delaware made headlines on June 5, 2018, by becoming the first state outside Nevada to fully legalize sports betting, following a landmark Supreme Court decision. The process was relatively swift, as Delaware had already been offering limited sports betting through parlay cards since 2009. The state now offers both retail and online sports betting. Despite the legalization, local casinos do not anticipate a significant financial windfall, as other states like New Jersey are expected to enter the market, increasing competition.

District of Columbia

Sports betting in the District of Columbia officially launched on May 28, 2020, with the introduction of GambetDC, an online and mobile sports betting platform operated by the DC Lottery. This marked a significant milestone as the District became one of the few jurisdictions to offer both online and retail sports betting options. The revenues generated from sports betting contribute to the District’s General Fund, supporting various public services and initiatives.

Florida

Florida’s sports betting landscape has been a rollercoaster of legal battles and developments. Initially launched in November 2021, sports betting in Florida was quickly halted due to legal challenges surrounding the compact between the state and the Seminole Tribe. However, as of December 2023, sports betting is once again live, with Hard Rock Bet being the primary online platform available to bettors in the state.

Illinois

Illinois is a significant state for online sports betting because of its large population base. The first regulated sports bets were placed on March 9, 2020, at the Rivers Casino Des Plaines. Online wagering kicked off on June 18, 2020 when BetRivers took the first online wager.

In-person registration is currently required for online sports betting in the state of Illinois. This means that before you can bet online, you must first visit your chosen sportsbook’s retail partner and set up the account in-person. For example, before you can bet online with FanDuel you must visit the FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing venue in Collinsville, IL and register there.

Indiana

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb placed the state’s ceremonial first bet on September 1, 2019. Within a month more than 10 Indiana brick-and-mortar casinos were operating retail sportsbooks. An efficient online rollout was completed just a month later, with BetRivers and DraftKings taking the state’s first online bets on October 3rd.

Iowa

Iowa was the first state to legalize both online and retail sports betting simultaneously. While a handful of retail sportsbooks opened their doors on Day 1 – Aug. 15 – William Hill (now Caesars Sportsbook) ended up being the first active online bookmaker, going live later in 2019. All of the state’s casinos can hold valid sports betting licenses and can host two online skins each. While there are some smaller, more local online options like Elite Sportsbook and Q Sportsbook, Iowa bettors also have access to major industry players like PointsBet, DraftKings and Hard Rock.

Iowa elected to require in-person registration during the market’s first year but that is now a thing of the past. As of January 1, 2021, remote registration for all legal and live online sportsbooks is available. This means you can sign up anywhere there is an internet connection via your computer or mobile device.

Kansas

Kansas officially launched sports betting on September 1, 2022, after Governor Laura Kelly signed the legislation into law in May 2022. The state offers both retail and online sports betting. In Kansas sports betting first year, the state collected $7 million from $1.85 billion in sports bets, highlighting the significant interest and participation in sports wagering. The revenue generated is used to support various state initiatives, including a fund aimed at attracting professional sports teams to Kansas, which has sparked discussions about the potential relocation of the Kansas City Chiefs’ stadium.

Kentucky

Kentucky officially entered the sports betting scene with the signing of House Bill 551 by Governor Andy Beshear on March 2023. The law took effect on June 28, 2023, paving the way for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to establish rules and license operators. Retail sports betting kicked off on September 7, 2023, followed by the launch of online sports betting. Kentucky offers both retail and online options, allowing residents to place bets on a variety of sports, including college sports. The state could support up to 27 digital platforms tethered to horse tracks, reflecting Kentucky’s deep-rooted connection to horse racing.

Louisiana

Louisiana officially launched sports betting on October 2021 for retail and then January 2022 for online sportsbooks following the passage of Senate Bill 247. An interesting aspect of Louisiana’s sports betting is its parish-by-parish approach, where each parish had the option to approve or reject sports betting, resulting in a unique patchwork of availability across the state. This localized governance style adds an intriguing layer to Louisiana’s sports betting landscape, reflecting its distinctive cultural and political nuances.

Maine

Maine officially launched sports betting on November 3, 2023, with a unique approach that grants control of the mobile and online sports betting market to the state’s Native American tribes. This decision followed a legislative process that aimed to reconcile previous governance challenges. The tribes now have full access to mobile gaming rights, which are expected to account for 85% of the sports betting market in Maine. Residents can also place in-person bets at the state’s two casinos and several off-track betting facilities.

Maryland

Maryland officially launched its sports betting operations with retail sportsbooks in December 2021. The state expanded to online sports betting on November 23, 2022, offering both in-person and digital platforms for bettors.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts entered the sports betting arena with the launch of retail sportsbooks on January 31, 2023, following legislative approval. An interesting aspect of Massachusetts’ sports betting landscape is the involvement of local companies like DraftKings, which is based in Boston and played a significant role in the online launch. This local connection adds a unique flavor to the state’s sports betting scene, highlighting Massachusetts’ commitment to integrating homegrown businesses into its gaming industry.

Michigan

Michigan managed to push through legislation for online sports betting, casino and DFS in December 2019. The MGM Grand and the Greektown Casino became the first brick-and-mortar sportsbooks to open, accepting the state’s first bets on March 11, 2020. Online sports betting and casino gaming launched together on January 22, 2021.

Mississippi

Mississippi is a little tricky. Retail sports betting is alive and well at more than twenty locations around the state. Online wagering is *technically* legal, though there’s a pretty harsh restriction that requires bettors to be on premises at a retail casino. With some states accepting more than 80% of wagers online, full fledged state-wide mobile is a big miss in the Magnolia state.

Montana

Montana was one of the four states where sports betting was technically legal pre-PASPA. There were no active games, but the state was able to authorize sports betting after PASPA was struck down without the drawn-out process that has happened in other states. That said, sports betting in the Treasure state is run by the lottery and is very limited. There is only one operator and online and in-person betting are both limited to licensed retail establishments throughout the state. In an unusual move, the licensed establishments are geo-fenced, so you can’t bet online outside of the licensed bars and restaurants. So if you’re at Red’s Bar in Missoula, for example, you can bet at a kiosk next to the video poker terminal or you can pull up the Sports Bet Montana app on your phone and bet while you’re sipping your Moose Drool. But if you walk outside to head down to Stockman’s, you can’t bet on your phone or when you get there because it is not a licensed establishment.

Nebraska

Nebraska officially launched its sports betting operations on June 22, 2023, but only for in-person wagering, as online sports betting remains prohibited. Bettors can place their bets at WarHorse Casino in Lincoln, with plans for additional retail sportsbooks at six racetracks across the state. While Nebraskans can wager on professional, collegiate, and international sports, prop bets and wagers on in-state college teams, such as the Nebraska Cornhuskers, are off-limits. This cautious approach reflects Nebraska’s unique stance on sports betting, balancing new gaming opportunities with traditional values.

Nevada

The first state in the country to legalize sports betting, Nevada thrived for years under PASPA as the nation’s sports betting capital. It’s no longer the only game in town, but Nevada, and Las Vegas specifically, are still king. Online wagering is now available throughout Nevada using a number of different apps. MGM, Caesars, Golden Nugget, Wynn, and plenty of other leading casino brands now offer online sportsbooks and betting apps.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire launched state-wide online sports betting in the final days of 2019. After agreeing to a generous, near-even revenue split with the state, DraftKings was chosen to be the sole online sports betting operator. The first retail sportsbook opened in the state in September 2020.

New Jersey

New Jersey led the push for online sports betting in the U.S. Retail wagering began in June 2018, just a month after PASPA fell. Online sites went live in August of the same year. All of Atlantic City’s major casinos now offer luxurious retail sports betting experiences, and online bettors can join the action from anywhere in the state with over a dozen (and counting!) to choose from. Many bettors from New York travel to NJ to place bets while they wait for their home state to enter the online market.

New Mexico

New Mexico ventured into the sports betting scene in 2018, becoming one of the early adopters post the Supreme Court’s decision to lift the federal ban. However, the state only offers retail sports betting, primarily through tribal casinos, as online sports betting has not been legalized. An interesting fact about New Mexico’s sports betting landscape is that it operates without specific state legislation; instead, tribal casinos have leveraged existing gaming compacts to offer sports betting. This unique approach highlights the state’s reliance on tribal sovereignty to navigate the sports betting industry.

New York

New York officially launched its sports betting operations with retail sportsbooks in 2019, but the major expansion came with the introduction of online sports betting on January 8, 2022. This move quickly positioned New York as one of the largest sports betting markets in the United States. New York sports betting generated over $2.4 billion in wagers within the first five weeks of its launch and this impressive start underscores the state’s appetite for sports betting.

North Carolina

With the signing of House Bill 347 by Governor Roy Cooper in June 2023, North Carolina officially entered the sports betting arena, paving the way for both retail and online sports betting. The state launched its online sports betting operations on March 11, 2024, with Governor Cooper placing a ceremonial bet on the Carolina Hurricanes to win the NHL Stanley Cup. This dual approach allows residents to place bets in-person at public venues or online through licensed platforms like FanDuel, BETMGM, and DraftKings.

Ohio

Ohio jumped into the sports betting scene on January 1, 2023, rolling out both retail and online options for eager bettors. This came after a long wait, with the green light given by House Bill 29, signed back in December 2021. What’s cool about Ohio’s approach is their focus on keeping things responsible—some of the tax money from sports betting goes straight into programs to help with gambling issues. It’s a smart way to enjoy the new gaming action while looking out for everyone involved.

Oregon

Oregon kicked off its sports betting industry in August 2019 with the opening of its first retail sportsbook. There’s just one online sports betting option, Scoreboard, which is run by the Oregon lottery and began accepting wagers in October 2019.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania actually passed online sports betting legislation in 2017 while PASPA was still in play. However, despite the head start, its rollout was slower than expected. The first retail books opened in November 2018, but online bettors had to wait until May of 2019. A massive iGaming state due to its population, PA bettors can now choose from a host of top online operators including BetRivers, FanDuel, DraftKings, and FOX Bet.

Rhode Island

Since November 2018 both of Rhode Island’s casinos have offered retail sports betting. Caesars Sportsbook (formerly Will Hill) has partnered with the state lottery to run online operations, which began in September 2019. Notably, Rhode Island is one of the few states that set the age bar at just 18.

South Dakota

South Dakota kicked off its sports betting journey on September 7, 2021, after voters gave the green light in the November 2020 election. Currently, the state offers only retail sports betting, primarily in the historic town of Deadwood, as online betting hasn’t been legalized yet. An interesting tidbit about South Dakota’s sports betting scene is its deep connection to Deadwood, a town steeped in Wild West history, which now serves as the hub for all sports wagering activities in the state. This unique blend of history and modern gaming makes South Dakota’s approach to sports betting stand out.

Tennessee

Tennessee bucked convention by approving an online-only sports betting bill in 2019. After a long roll-out, Tennessee finally accepted its first legal bets on November 1, 2020. Five operators are currently live in the state, with more expected to join them in 2021.

Vermont

Vermont launched its online sports betting in January 2024, following the legalization process that began earlier in 2023. Unlike many states, Vermont has opted to focus solely on online and mobile sports betting, with no plans for retail sportsbooks. This digital-first approach is designed to cater to the modern bettor’s preference for convenience and accessibility.

Virginia

To the surprise of many, Virginia approved legal sports betting in March 2020. Governor Ralph Northam’s signature set the gears in motion towards launch. The first online sportsbooks in VA went live on January 21, 2021. Retail sportsbooks are coming too, but will need a few years to get off the ground.

Washington

Washington kicked off its sports betting scene on September 9, 2021, with the first legal wager placed at the Snoqualmie Casino. This came after Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 2638 in March 2021, allowing sports betting at tribal casinos. While online sports betting is technically allowed, it’s limited to tribal-owned mobile apps, making retail betting the primary option. An interesting twist in Washington’s sports betting landscape is the absence of daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests, setting it apart from many other states.

West Virginia

West Virginia officially opened its sports betting market on August 30, 2018. It took nearly a full year for online wagering to arrive in a permanent capacity, with both FanDuel and DraftKings accepting their first online bets in August 2019. Each of the state’s five brick-and-mortar casinos now has a retail sports betting facility, and can host up to three online skins on its license… so there’s a lot of growth potential in the Mountain State.

Wyoming

Wyoming made its mark in the sports betting world by launching online sports betting in September 2021, just a few months after it was legalized in April 2021. Unlike many states, Wyoming opted for a digital-only approach, with no retail sportsbooks, allowing residents to place bets conveniently from their devices. Wyoming was one of the first states to legalize online sports betting without any retail options, highlighting its forward-thinking approach in embracing the digital age.

States With Sports Betting Coming Soon!

Here are the states where sports betting will soon unfold:

Missouri

In the November 2024 election, Missourians voted to legalize sports betting courtesy of Amendment 2. You can expect the state to complete its full rollout by December 2025.

For more details on sports betting in the Show-Me state, check out our guide!

U.S. Online Sportsbook Operators

Many of the gaming industry’s biggest names, both within the U.S. and abroad, have expanded their operations to include online sports betting. Prominent bookmakers in the regulated U.S. market include:

bet365

Originally founded in the United Kingdom, bet365 is one of the world’s largest online gambling companies with more than 20 years of experience. They arrived in the United States with a premium sports betting product in 2019. The brand is widely known for having a fantastic array of betting options, offering odds on everything from the major U.S. sports to cricket, handball, darts, and more. Garden State bettors also have access to the bet365 online casino.

Fanatics

Fanatics Sportsbook is part of Fanatics Betting & Gaming and is available online in 22 states and D.C. In January 2023, Fanatics Sportsbook opened first retail sportsbook. It’s headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and New York, New York. Known for its user-friendly platform, Fanatics Sportsbook offers a variety of betting options and is expanding its presence across the U.S. sports betting market. The company leverages its strong brand in sports merchandise to attract sports bettors.

BetMGM

A blue blood of retail casino gaming in the U.S., BetMGM is now strengthening its online presence. Like many operators, NJ was the first step, with WV, IN, an NV following. It’s likely that every state with an MGM property (looking at you, Maryland) will eventually host a BetMGM online sportsbook.

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook is one of the world’s largest bookmakers having recently absorbed William Hill. Caesars now offers online sports betting in numerous U.S. states, and operates as a retail sportsbook sponsor in several more. New partnerships in both Colorado, Indiana, and Michigan have already been established. It is reasonable to assume that Caesars Sportsbook will eventually have a presence in every state that has a competitive online marketplace.

ESPN BET

ESPN Bet launched on November 14, 2023, and is available in multiple states. It integrates seamlessly with the ESPN app, allowing users to link their accounts for a unified experience. Available on both Android and iOS, the app is praised for its smooth operation and integration with ESPN’s content. ESPN Bet uses PENN Entertainment’s technology and features promotions with popular ESPN personalities. It also includes a Parlay Lounge with unique betting options and various sportsbook promotions.

DraftKings

DraftKings, a name synonymous with massive daily fantasy sports contests, has quickly grown its presence within the regulated sports betting industry. DraftKings Sportsbook was the first online sportsbook to go live in New Jersey, and is expected to have a presence in virtually every legal U.S. market.

FanDuel

Another DFS giant, FanDuel is now one of the biggest online sportsbooks in the business. New Jersey was first on its list, launching online operations on September 7, 2018. Like DraftKings, the FanDuel Sportsbook brand is expected to expand throughout the country.

Online Sports Betting and Major U.S. Sports

Just like how sports betting law looks different in each state, the same can be said for each of the United States’ major sports leagues. Some have taken an active, progressive, stance, while others have yet to fully embrace sports betting. In this section we’ll summarize each professional league and its stance on sports betting.

NFL

In the U.S., the NFL is king – and the king has started to come around on sports betting. While not quite all-in – at the very least, years of outright opposition from the NFL are a thing of the past. The Las Vegas Raiders play their home games in a city synonymous with gambling, and have partnered with MGM Resorts International, reflecting the NFL’s broader acceptance of sports betting partnerships.

Elsewhere, NFL owners are increasingly considering sports betting as part of their business strategies. The Washington Commanders have embraced this trend, opening a sportsbook inside FedEx Field in partnership with Fanatics. This move aligns with the legalization of sports betting in Maryland, as well as in Washington D.C. and Virginia. Many NFL teams have partnered with sports betting operators, indicating that sports betting will continue to grow in prominence within the league.

Use our NFL odds comparison tool to compare lines between legal U.S. sportsbooks.

NBA

In recent years, the NBA has been one of the most progressive U.S. sports leagues regarding sports betting. This shift began in 2014 when Commissioner Adam Silver publicly advocated for the legalization and regulation of sports betting.

Today, the NBA has numerous partnerships with major sports betting operators, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and MGM, granting them access to NBA trademarks and official league data. The league focuses on maintaining game integrity through data partnerships with companies like Sportradar and Genius Sports, reflecting its ongoing commitment to integrating sports betting responsibly.

The NBA has been a big proponent of integrity fees, which essentially earns the league a cut of the sports betting profits. It uses these fees to invest in its own league, and ensure the integrity of its games remains intact.

Use our NBA odds comparison tool to compare lines between legal U.S. sportsbooks.

MLB

In the years post-PASPA, the MLB has become far more accepting of sports betting. For one, after seeing a decline in popularity amongst younger fans, it’s a new and exciting way for the league to engage with new demographics. Often criticized for its slow pace, it’s now possible to create excitement through in-game wagering.

Major League Baseball is no stranger to sports betting controversy: the saga of Pete Rose is perhaps the most well-known betting scandal in the history of U.S. sports. One of the league’s all-time greats, Rose was famously banned for life in 1989 after illegally betting on the team he was managing at the time. Arguments for his Hall of Fame candidacy continue more than 30 years later.

MLB, like the NBA, has been a big advocate for integrity fees – seeking to promote a healthy sports betting atmosphere while avoiding any Rose-like scandals. The league now has numerous sports betting partners, including FanDuel, MGM, and FOX Bet.

Use our MLB odds comparison tool to compare lines between legal U.S. sportsbooks.

NHL

The NHL surprised many in the sports betting world by awarding the gambling mecca, Las Vegas, with its first professional sports franchise in 2017. In their inaugural season the Vegas Golden Knights had roughly 10-15x more action placed on them than any other NHL team.

Since PASPA was overturned in 2018, the NHL, like the NBA and MLB, has also engaged in exclusive agreements with sports betting operators. Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, and MGM are among the league’s current partners. These operators have the right to use the official league data and other intellectual property.

Use our NHL odds comparison tool to compare lines between legal U.S. sportsbooks.

NCAA sports

It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, but the NCAA is strongly opposed to sports betting. That doesn’t mean they aren’t popular events to bet on. For example, opening rounds of the NCAAB March Madness typically rank amongst the busiest days of the year for sportsbooks.

While still seeking to protect amateur athletes at all cost, the NCAA has come around a little bit. After originally banning championship games from taking place in states with legal betting, in 2019 they performed an about-face as more and more states pursued it. It’s now possible that we’ll see NCAAF bowl games at the new Raiders Stadium in Las Vegas, or the NCAA tournament hosted at neighboring T-Mobile Arena.

Collegiate sports remain one of the most common restrictions for states to specify when legalizing sports betting. Many have elected to exclude sportsbooks in their state from offering action on in-state college teams, college props, or even college events taking place within the state.

Use our NCAAB odds and NCAAF odds comparison tool to compare lines between legal U.S. sportsbooks.

PASPA

So why is sports betting taking hold around the country now? It all has to do PASPA, a 30-year-old, now overturned law. Originally passed in 1992, PASPA sought to protect the integrity of both professional and amateur sports by prohibiting states from legalizing sports betting, which, in essence, banned the practice. Nevada, having already legalized sports wagering, was exempt – and flourished as the nation’s sports betting capital under PASPA.

However, other state’s wanted a piece of the pie. New Jersey was pivotal in the fight to overturn PASPA. After years of efforts, Governor Chris Christie finally succeeded in getting a case in front of the Supreme Court in 2017. In May 2018 the court reached its verdict, declaring the law unconstitutional by a 6-3 vote. The Supreme Court decided that PASPA took too much power away from the states, and was subsequently struck down. Post-PASPA, all states were legally allowed to pursue and regulate sports betting as they saw fit.

New Jersey became the first new state to offer sports betting in decades, launching its industry in June 2018, just a month after PASPA was repealed. Now, sports betting has become more and more common throughout the U.S. with the number of legal states growing with each legislative session.

Online Sports Betting FAQ

Is online sports betting legal?

Yes it is, but not everywhere. Since PASPA was overturned in 2018 all U.S. states have been able to pursue and legislate sports betting. Since then a growing number of states have established safe, regulated sports betting markets.

What states offer legal online sports betting?

As of early 2021, online sports betting is legal in Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Michigan, Colorado, Tennessee, Virginia, Oregon and Montana. There are a few other states where it is legal but not available online. The list of states that have legal online sports betting is constantly growing!

Is there an age limit for sports betting in the United States?

Yes there is. Generally speaking its 21 and up, but the states are allowed to specify this. For example, New Hampshire elected to set its legal betting age at just 18.

Do legal online sportsbooks have to have my Social Security Number?

Legally, they do. Online sportsbooks and casinos will use the last 4 digits of your SSN to confirm your identity. It’s used to verify that all of the information you’ve provided is accurate.

Is it legal to bet on offshore sites like Bovada or BetOnline?

Unfortunately not. These sites are not licensed sports betting operators in the U.S.

What are my options if sports betting is not yet legal in my state?

We have the perfect option for you, it’s a DFS (O/U) betting platform named PrizePicks. Click the link to our page to learn more about how you can get three months of SAO Premium and a $100 Deposit Match!

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