States With Legal Sports Betting: Current Status of All 50 States

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Legal online sports betting is available in 33 states, plus the District of Columbia, as additional states legalize betting each year. That’s right, the list of states with legal sports betting is about to grow.

Massachusetts and Ohio joined the roster of states with legal sports betting most recently in early 2023. Kentucky will fully launch this year with retail betting going live on Sept. 7, 2023 and online wagering set to go live on Sept. 28. North Carolina, and Vermont appear poised to become the next states to launch online sports betting apps.

Bookmark this page and stay tuned for the latest updates on state sports betting launches in 2023 and beyond.

States With Legal Sports Betting: Map

The US map illustrates which states offer legal betting — at retail sportsbooks or via mobile sportsbook apps. See which states are getting set to launch sports betting and read the details below for each market.

Here’s a running list of the status of sports betting in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., for easy tracking. For information on sports betting handle by state, see our guide on sports betting revenue.

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

Legal Online Sports Betting Available

Sports Betting Unavailable

Online Sports Betting Coming Soon

Retail Sportsbooks Only

Tribal Sports Betting Only

Retail Sports Betting Coming Soon

Where is Sports Betting Legal in the US?

We break down the current status of states where sports betting is legal — and where it isn’t. Click on the state name to visit our in-depth review of online and in-person betting availability for that particular market.

StateOnline In-Person
Alabama Sports BettingXX
Alaska Sports BettingXX
Arizona Sports Betting
Arkansas Sports Betting
California Sports BettingXX
Colorado Sports Betting
Connecticut Sports Betting
Delaware Sports BettingX
Florida Sports BettingXX
Georgia Sports BettingXX
Hawaii Sports BettingXX
Idaho Sports BettingXX
Illinois Sports Betting
Indiana Sports Betting
Iowa Sports Betting
Kansas Sports Betting
Kentucky Sports BettingLaunches Sept. 28
Louisiana Sports Betting
Maine Sports BettingPendingPending
Maryland Sports Betting
Massachusetts Sports Betting
Michigan Sports Betting
Minnesota Sports BettingXX
Mississippi Sports BettingX
Missouri Sports BettingXX
Montana Sports BettingX
Nebraska Sports BettingXPending
Nevada Sports Betting
New Hampshire Sports Betting
New Jersey Sports Betting
New MexicoX
New York Sports Betting
North Carolina Sports BettingX
North Dakota Sports BettingX
Ohio Sports Betting
Oklahoma Sports BettingXX
Oregon Sports Betting
Pennsylvania Sports Betting
Rhode Island Sports Betting
South Carolina Sports BettingXX
South Dakota Sports BettingX
Tennessee Sports BettingX
Texas Sports BettingXX
Utah Sports BettingXX
Vermont Sports BettingPendingX
Virginia Sports Betting
Washington State Sports BettingX
Washington, D.C. Sports Betting
West Virginia Sports Betting
Wisconsin Sports BettingX
Wyoming Sports BettingX

Alabama

The Alabama House of Representatives passed legislation in April 2021 that would allow voters in the state to decide whether or not sports betting, along with a lottery and other gambling options, could be legal. 

The measure made its way to the Alabama Senate where it approved Senate Bills 310 and 319, permitting a referendum on the 2022 ballot. Unfortunately, the Alabama House failed to take up the sports betting legislation before the session ended at the end of May. 

  • Status of Legislation: Failed to pass both chambers
  • Chance of Legal Sports Betting Passing: No chance
  • When Legal Sports Betting Could Launch: 2024 at the earliest

Alaska

Alaska’s two Class II tribal casinos have a $3.7 annual economic impact on the state with a $350,500 tax impact. Attempts to draw in additional revenue through sports betting have failed, most recently in 2020.

  • Status of Legislation: None
  • Chance of Legal Sports Betting Passing: Low 
  • When Legal Sports Betting Could Launch: Uncertain

Arizona

Arizona legalized sports betting under a 2021 state law signed on April 15 and officially launched sportsbooks on Sept. 9, 2021.

Twenty sports betting licenses are available under the Arizona sports betting rules. Half of the licenses were awarded to professional sports stadiums, PGA Tour host sites, and other approved sites located off Arizona’s tribal reservations. The other half were awarded to Arizona tribes for mobile sports betting. Tribes are also allowed to offer retail sports betting on their lands under the Arizona Gaming Compact.

Arizona sports betting – defined as “event wagering” under Arizona law – include but is not limited to single-game bets, teaser bets, parlays, totals (Over/Under) bets, moneyline bets, pools, exchange wagering, in-game wagering, in-play bets, prop bets, and straight bets. Wagers are prohibited on injuries, penalties, collegiate prop bets, and high school events.

  • Status Of Legislation: Signed into law on April 15, 2021
  • Legal Sports Betting Launch: Sept. 9, 2021
  • 2022 Sports Betting Handle: $6.04 billion

Arkansas

Arkansas opened its first retail sportsbook in 2019 after voters approved a constitutional amendment legalizing sports betting and casino games in November 2018. Gross gaming revenues from retail betting — including sports wagers — reached over $614 million in 2022. Sports betting is limited to casino premises.   

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: No
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: No
  • Year Launched: 2019
  • 2022 Sports Betting Handle: $185.8 million

California

In November 2022, California voted against legalizing sports betting at tribal casinos and select racetracks under a multi-million-dollar ballot initiative organized by several tribal nations. The initiative became ballot-eligible in May 2021 when organizers collected more than the number of valid signatures required to put the issue to a statewide vote.

If approved by voters, the combined initiated constitutional amendment and state statute would have legalized sports betting at tribal casinos and in-person sportsbooks at select privately-operated racetracks. The federal approval of an amended tribal-state gaming compact governing sports betting on tribal lands would have also been required before tribal casinos could launch sportsbooks.

  • Status of Legislation: Eligible For 2023 Ballot 
  • Chance of Legal Sports Betting Passing: Low
  • When Legal Sports Betting Could Launch: Uncertain

Colorado

Legal sports betting at casinos, retail sportsbooks, and mobile apps was launched in Colorado in May 2020 after licensed commercial casinos were authorized to offer sports betting by the 2019 Colorado state legislature. 

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: Yes
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: No
  • Year Launched: 2020
  • 2022 Sports Betting Handle: $5.18 billion

Connecticut

Sports betting launched in Connecticut on Oct. 19, 2021, after the state legislature passed sports betting legislation in May. It allowed for the two tribal casinos in the state to operate their own sportsbooks, as well as various retail establishments throughout the state. Foxwoods Casino partnered with DraftKings and Mohegan Sun partnered with FanDuel. The Connecticut Lottery announced a partnership with BetRivers Sportsbook. These sportsbooks are now live in the state.

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: Yes
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: Yes
  • Year Launched: 2021
  • 2022 Sports Betting Handle: $1.52 billion

Delaware

Delaware was the first state to legalize sports betting after the 2018 PASPA ruling. All bets are handled by the state’s three commercial casinos with oversight by the state lottery. Mobile betting is authorized, but not available, for online gaming which the Delaware Lottery has said includes mobile sports betting.

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: No
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: Yes
  • Year Launched: 2018
  • 2022 Sports Betting Handle: $82.4 million

Florida

Florida took steps toward legal sports betting in 2021 when both the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed off in May on an amended tribal gaming compact to allow the Seminole Tribe of Florida to run sportsbooks in the state.

Sports betting was launched for a brief period until a federal judge ruled the compact went against Florida gambling laws. Hard Rock Bet, which is operated and predominantly owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, had launched its mobile betting app in the state, but then suspended taking bets. There was hope a Florida sports betting relaunch could happen by Sept. 19, 2023 after the United States Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit on Monday denied West Flagler Associates‘ request for an en banc appeal of their unfavorable ruling against the Department of the Interior in June. However, that stalled after the Orlando Sentinel reported that the owners of two Florida pari-mutuels plan to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on whether a multibillion-dollar deal giving the Seminole Tribe control of sports betting throughout the state violates federal law.

  • Status of Legislation: Law, with amended tribal-state gaming compact pending federal approval
  • When Legal Sports Betting Could Launch: Possible by Sept. 19, 2023

Georgia

Sports betting in Georgia likely won’t be legal until at least 2025.

Bipartisan advocates had hoped 2022 would be the year to get legislation approved. Republicans control both chambers and hold the governor’s mansion. While some are opposed to increased gambling opportunities, the majority do support it as a source of revenue growth and economic development.

The Georgia General Assembly adjourned on April 4, 2022, without passing legal sports betting legislation.

  • Status of Legislation: Dead
  • Chance of Legal Sports Betting Passing: Dead until 2023
  • When Legal Sports Betting Could Launch: 2025

Hawaii

Hawaii is one of only two states in the nation that bans any form of gambling (the other is Utah). Several bills were introduced in 2022 but received little support.

  • Status of Legislation: Dead 
  • Chance of Legal Sports Betting Passing: Low
  • When Could Legal Sports Betting Launch: TBD

Idaho

Idaho has no sports betting legislation pending action in the 2021 state legislature. The likelihood that there will be sportsbooks launched in the state is slim. Gaming is legal, however, at Idaho’s tribal casinos through pari-mutuel wagering, the state lottery, bingo, and raffles.

  • Status of Legislation: None
  • Chance of Legal Sports Betting Passing: Low
  • When Could Legal Sports Betting Launch: Uncertain

Illinois

Sports betting in Illinois was legalized in 2019 for professional sports and out-of-state collegiate games. Bettors can place bets at venues in-person and online, with the first wagers placed in March of 2020. 

Illinois has an online casino bill filed with the state legislature, though the bill must overcome multiple hurdles before it becomes law.

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: Yes
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: No
  • Year Launched: 2020

Indiana

Sports wagering — both in-person and by mobile app — has been active in Indiana since 2019. Bets are permitted on professional and NCAA Division 1 sports at the state’s casinos, racinos, and OTBs. Mobile and online betting is only legal in-state.  

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: Yes
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: No
  • Year Launched: 2019

Iowa

Iowa allows sports betting at its commercial and tribal casinos and through licensed mobile/online operators within state borders. In-state collegiate proposition bets are prohibited, along with bets on minor league sports or any interscholastic sports event.

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: Yes
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: No
  • Year Launched: 2019

Kansas

Sports betting in Kansas finally joined the list of live states with sports betting on September 1, 2022!

The Kansas State Senate passed a bill to permit in-state casinos to operate sports betting apps, but the Kansas House wanted to expand sports betting to smaller licensees, including lottery operators. 

Available now, Kansas has legal mobile and retail sports betting. After the bill was passed, all it took to go into effect was a signature from the Governor. Sports betting in the state will be overseen by the Kansas Lottery and the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission.

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: Yes
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: Yes
  • Year Launched: 2022

Kentucky

Kentucky sports betting is now legal after Gov. Andy Beshear signed bill HB 551 into law on March 31, 2023. Retail sportsbooks launched in the Bluegrass State on Sept. 7 and online sports betting apps go live on Sept. 28. 

  • Status of Legislation: Approved
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes. Launched on Sept. 7
  • Online Sportsbook Apps: Coming on Sept. 28

Louisiana

Louisiana sports betting is now legal and available. Some of the top betting apps in the US launched on January 28, 2022 including DraftKings LA, BetMGM LA, Caesars Sportsbook LA, and more. Up to 20 sportsbook licenses–each with two mobile skins–and a lottery-run sportsbook both via mobile app and kiosk could be available in 55 parishes that authorized sports betting. 

  • Online Sports Betting Apps: Yes
  • Retail Sportbooks: Yes
  • Status of Legislation: Live

Maine

Maine sports betting is legal but there is still not a hard deadline on the start date. Gov. Janet Mills signed off on LD 585 in May 2022, activating the sports betting law in August 2022, but the allotted four online sportsbooks haven’t been given a start date by Maine Gambling Control Unit executive director Milton Champion. 

  • Status of Legislation: Approved  
  • When Could Legal Sports Betting Launch: Early 2024

Maryland

Maryland will put 100 or so sports betting licenses up for grabs under a state law signed by Governor Larry Hogan in May. Sports betting was legalized right before Thanksgiving 2022.

Here is how the 100+ licenses were allocated, according to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency:

  • 17 licenses were issued to professional sports stadiums, casinos, horse racing tracks, off-track betting facilities and bingo halls with at least 200 electronic instant bingo machines;
  • 30 licenses will be set aside for smaller OTBs, bars, and restaurants;
  • 60 mobile/online licenses will be issued.

Maryland bettors were anticipating a launch for months before the sudden launch of sports betting apps. Many were hopeful for a 2022 launch for good reason, as the state came through in the clutch right before Thanksgiving Day 2022.

  • Online Sports Betting Apps: Yes
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: Now

Massachusetts

Massachusetts sports betting is LIVE! The path from legislation to launch took about one-year but the wait was well worth it. We’re excited to see how Massachusetts enjoys sports wagering.

  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: Yes
  • Online Sports Betting Apps: Yes
  • When Legal Sports Betting Launched: March 10, 2023

Michigan

Sports wagering and online gaming were legalized in Michigan in 2019. The first retail sports wagers were accepted by tribal and commercial casinos in 2020 and online and mobile sportsbook options launched in 2021. Bets on sport or athletic events at the high-school level or below are prohibited.

  • Online Sportsbook Apps:Yes
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: Yes
  • Year Launched: 2021

Minnesota

Minnesota’s support for live sports betting increased in 2023 but there are more hurdles to clear. A Minnesota sports betting bill passed through the House in May 2022.

However, Minnesota’s state legislators and tribal gaming operators don’t yet agree on how to approach sports betting, so there’s no telling how the Senate will receive it in its current form. 

  • Status of Legislation: Pending
  • Chance of Legal Sports Betting Passing: Low
  • When Could Legal Sports Betting Launch: 2024

Mississippi

Mississippi was the third state to legalize sports betting after SCOTUS struck down a federal ban on state sports wagering regulation in 2018. Sportsbooks in Mississippi launched in August 2018, in-person at licensed commercial and tribal casinos. Amateur restrictions are few, with betting allowed on most pro and college sports including Ole Miss and Mississippi State games.

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: No
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: No
  • Year Launched: 2018

Missouri

Missouri sports betting has had a rough road to legalization. Bills that would legalize sports betting in the state on excursion gaming boats and online for in-state bets have been introduced in the Missouri Senate to no avail. Missouri bettors won’t see betting apps in the state this year.

  • Status of Legislation: Dead
  • Chance of Legal Sports Betting Passing: Low
  • When Could Legal Sports Betting Launch: Unknown

Montana

Sports betting was launched in Montana in March 2020. Sportsbooks are open in bars and restaurants through Intralot kiosks regulated by the state lottery. Mobile and online sports betting is available onsite only, with no statutory or regulatory limits on amateur sports wagers. All mobile betting is operated by the state lottery and Intralot. The state also limits wagers to $250 at a kiosk or $1,000 on the website. 

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: Yes (Lottery Run)
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: No
  • Year Launched: 2020

Nebraska

Retail sportsbooks are headed to Nebraska, following the passage of LB 561. The law approves the construction of six new casinos in the state, plus physical sportsbooks at those locations. Nebraska has pushed for its retail-only sports betting to launch by the end of June 2023.

  • Status of Legislation: Passed
  • Chance of Legal Sports Betting Passing: Passed (Retail Only)
  • When Could Legal Sports Betting Launch: Summer 2023

Nevada

Nevada’s full menu of legal sports wagering makes it a formidable competitor, but mobile sports betting could be its kryptonite. There are indications that legal sports betting in other states is cutting into Nevada’s market share. Still, with a commercial sports-betting handle of over $8 billion in 2021, Nevada doesn’t have too much to worry about.

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: Yes
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: No
  • Year Launched: 1949

New Hampshire

Online sports betting in New Hampshire launched through DraftKings in 2019 and at retail sites in 2020. Wagering is allowed statewide on professional and college sports. There are some amateur restrictions in place — no bets can be wagered on New Hampshire collegiate teams or other collegiate games played in-state that are not affiliated with an interstate tournament.

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: Yes
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: Yes
  • Year Launched: 2019

New Jersey

New Jersey opened its first sportsbooks in 2018 after winning the SCOTUS case that ended the federal ban on state-regulated sports wagering. Now the Garden State has one of the largest sports betting markets in the nation, with wagers accepted at commercial casinos, racetracks, and via online and mobile platforms statewide. Amateur restrictions are in place for in-state college teams and events.

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: Yes
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: Yes
  • Year Launched: 2018

New Mexico

All types of Class III gaming — including sports betting — are allowed at tribal casinos in New Mexico per a 2015 tribal gaming compact. But no online or mobile sports betting is allowed, at least for now. State legislation is pending this spring that could create a gaming reform commission to propose changes to New Mexico’s gaming practices across the board.

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: No
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: No
  • Year Launched: 2018

New York

New York mobile sports betting is now legal. Some of the top betting apps in NY launched in January 2022: DraftKings NY, Caesars Sportsbook NY, FanDuel NY, BetMGM NY, and BetRivers NY. The New York mobile sports betting launch happened just in time for the 2022 Super Bowl. New York retail sports betting launched in 2019 at eight upstate New York casinos.

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: Yes
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: No
  • Date Launched: January 8, 2022

North Carolina

Sports betting at two tribal casinos in far western North Carolina became legal in 2021. However, it took until June 2023 for mobile sports betting to be legalized in the Tar Heel State. HB 347 was ratified one week after North Carolina’s legislature gave final approval.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper was a proponent of legalizing sports betting. The ninth-most populous state in the US will have up to 12 sportsbooks, with Jan. 8, 2024, as the soonest any can launch.

  • Status Of Legislation: Approved
  • Projected Tax Revenue: $100 million by 2029
  • When Could Legal Sports Betting Launch: January 2024

Sports Betting Apps Expected in NC: bet365 North Carolina Sportsbook | BetMGM North Carolina Sportsbook | Caesars North Carolina Sportsbook | DraftKings North Carolina Sportsbook | FanDuel North Carolina Sportsbook

 

North Dakota

Sports betting won’t be coming to North Dakota anytime soon. In March the state Senate narrowly voted down House Resolution 3032 which would have put the issue before voters in 2022.

It’s possible the issue could resurface before the April 30 session deadline, but that remains unlikely.

  • Status Of Legislation: Failed
  • Chance of Legal Sports Betting Passing: Slim to None
  • When Could Legal Sports Betting Launch: 2023

Ohio

Governor Mike DeWine made clear he wanted legislation to pass in 2021, but it took until January 2022 to cross the threshold.  The Governor signed Ohio HB 29 into law to legalize betting on professional sports, college sports, and esports. 

On January 1, 2023, Ohio sports betting was legalized and launched!

  • Online Sports Betting Apps: Yes
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: Now

Oklahoma

Tribal-state relations will likely dictate when, and if, legal sports betting comes to Oklahoma. The future of sportsbooks in the state remains uncertain after relations between the state and its tribal nations took a recent downturn amid tribal gaming compact lawsuits. The state lost a major battle last year when a federal court allowed the renewal of existing tribal compacts for 15 years. Sports betting will likely be on hold until state-tribal relations thaw.

  • Status of Legislation: None
  • Chance of Legal Sports Betting Passing: Uncertain
  • When Could Legal Sports Betting Launch: Uncertain

Oregon

Oregon went live in 2019 with sports wagering through tribal casinos, followed by the state lottery. Bettors can wager on professional sports through the Oregon Lottery at kiosks, retailers, and via the lottery’s mobile Scoreboard app statewide. The mobile offering has been a great success – wagers for Super Bowl LV alone broke records with nearly $3.5 million in payouts.

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: Yes
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: No
  • Year Launched: 2019
  • 2020 Sports Betting Handle: $218.2M

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of the largest sports-betting states with over $718 million in betting handle in March 2022 alone. Sports wagers are legal at commercial casinos and racinos, OTB venues, mini-casinos, and online by mobile app, with no collegiate betting restrictions on in-state or out-of-state games. Another commercial casino is expected to open in Pennsylvania this year, further increasing state revenue.

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: Yes
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: Yes
  • Year Launched: 2018

Rhode Island

Sports wagering has been legal since 2018 at two casinos operated by the Rhode Island Lottery. Mobile and online betting launched the following year through SportsBook Rhode Island and is allowed statewide. Betting on in-state college teams and sporting events is prohibited, with little restriction on other college wagers.

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: Yes
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: No
  • Year Launched: 2018

South Carolina

Video gaming was a thriving industry in South Carolina until 1999 when action by the state legislature and the South Carolina Supreme Court closed it down. Today, legal gaming in the Palmetto State is limited generally to the state lottery and casino boats. It has little interest in sports betting at this time.

  • Status of Legislation: Dead
  • Chance of Legal Sports Betting Passing: Low
  • When Could Legal Sports Betting Launch: Uncertain

South Dakota

Governor Kristi Noem signed legislation in March that allows for sports betting in the city of Deadwood, as well as on tribal casinos in the state.

  • Status Of Legislation: Signed into law
  • Chance of Legal Sports Betting Passing: High
  • When Could Legal Sports Betting Launch: 2021

Tennessee

Sports wagering online and by mobile app launched last fall in Tennessee. Sports betting is operated by the state lottery, but commercial apps have launched, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and a few others. Bettors can place sports wagers anywhere in Tennessee with specific restrictions: prop betting on all NCAA football or basketball games is illegal.

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: Yes
  • Retail Sportsbooks: No
  • Legal Online Casinos: No
  • Year Launched: 2020

Texas

Once thought to be a state that had zero chance of legalizing sports betting, Texas has shown more interest in 2023 in joining the explosion of sports betting. 

Sportsbooks, pro teams, and even retired athletes have lobbied the state hard to push for the referendum, but in 2021, the legislative session came to a close without any resolution or movement.

With elections coming to Texas next year, there’s renewed interest in the topic of Texas sports betting. 

  • Status Of Legislation: On hold
  • Chance of Legal Sports Betting Passing: Low
  • When Could Legal Sports Betting Launch: 2024

Utah

Utah bans all forms of gambling, including state lotteries and sweepstakes. There is no proposed legislation to lift the ban.

  • Status of Legislation: None
  • Chance of Legal Sports Betting Passing: Low
  • When Could Legal Sports Betting Launch: Uncertain

Vermont

Vermont sports betting was approved in June 2023, marking the 38th state to legalize sports wagering. It’s the last Northeast state to do so. Gov. Phil Scott was a proponent of legalizing sports betting in Vermont, and now up to six online sportsbooks will launch by January 2024.

  • Status Of Legislation: Signed on June 14, 2023
  • Projected Tax Revenue: $2 million in 2024, $10 million annually by 2026
  • When Could Legal Sports Betting Launch: 2024

Virginia

Virginia began offering online-only sportsbooks in 2021 after its state lottery approved a permit for FanDuel, the first app to launch in the state. The state will eventually allow a maximum of 12 mobile sports-betting permits per a 2020 law that legalized online sportsbooks. 

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: Yes
  • Retail Sportsbooks: No
  • Legal Online Casinos: No
  • Year Launched: 2021

Washington

Washington state legalized in-person sports betting at tribal casinos in 2020 and it took nearly a year to launch. Bettors are able to visit brick-and-mortar sportsbooks; however, online sports betting is prohibited in the state, even under this law. 

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: No
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Pending
  • Legal Online Casinos: No
  • Year Launched: 2021

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital has had live sports betting through the DC Lottery since 2020. Bettors today can access the DC Lottery run GambetDC app as well as Caesars Sportsbook. Bettors must place bets at the Capital One Arena, or within a few blocks of it. Bettors can wager at Audi Field and Nationals Park. BetMGM partnered with the Nationals to open a retail sportsbook at the ballpark as well. 

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: Yes
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: No
  • Year Launched: 2020

West Virginia

Sports betting launched in West Virginia at retail casinos in 2018. Today, bettors can place sports wagers in-person and online through any number of sportsbooks including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and Golden Nugget through agreements with commercial casinos, racinos, and online operators. The Mountaineer State also offers online casino games and poker. 

  • Online Sportsbook Apps: Yes
  • Retail Sportsbooks: Yes
  • Legal Online Casinos: Yes
  • Year Launched: 2018

Wisconsin

Wisconsin does not have legal sports wagering yet, and no bills are pending to allow it. Bettors are being invited across state lines to wager in Illinois, which launched sports betting in 2020. 

  • Status of Legislation: None
  • Chance of Legal Sports Betting Passing: Uncertain
  • When Could Legal Sports Betting Launch: Uncertain

Wyoming

Perhaps one of the biggest surprises in 2021 was the passage of sports betting legislation in Wyoming. Sports betting is now live in the state. It launched on September 1, and DraftKings and BetMGM were the first to go live. The state expects more sportsbook apps to launch in the future.

Canada

Single-event sports betting has arrived in Canada aka the Great White North. Ontario sports betting is now live. The move comes after legislation to end the prohibition on single-event sports wagering in Canada cleared Parliament in 2021. Royal assent (approval) of the legislation was granted on June 29, 2021, allowing legal sports betting end-to-end. Individual provinces can pass their own laws that create a regulatory framework for the operation of single-event sports betting. So far, BetMGM Ontario, BetRiver Ontario, and Caesars Sportsbook Ontario are among the top betting apps live in the province.

What states allow online sports betting?

Legal online sports betting is available in 33 states, plus the District of Columbia. We’re also expecting Kentucky, Maine, Vermont, and North Carolina to launch their legal sports betting apps in 2023 as well. Be sure to check out our updated table at the top of this page for the latest online sports betting news.

What states have the most sports betting?

Legal sports betting reached over $93 billion in the U.S. in 2022. New York had the most wagers, with $16.3 billion coming from the Empire State. New Jersey ($10.9 billion), Illinois ($9.8 billion), and Nevada ($8.7 billion) were the other states with the most sports betting handle.

What states plan to legalize sports betting?

The road to legalized sports betting for at least eight states began in 2023, as legislative measures have been proposed in Georgia, Hawaii, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas, and Vermont. We also expect Kentucky, Maine, and North Carolina to launch their legal sports betting apps in 2023 as well.

Is sports betting legal everywhere in the US?

No, currently sports betting is legal in about three-dozen states, with a few more to come. The three largest states still without legal sports betting are California, Florida, and Texas.

When did sports betting become legal?

Regulated sports betting was passed in June 1992, when the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) banned sports betting in all but a handful of states, including Nevada. On May 14, 2018, the Supreme Court repealed PASPA, and states quickly assembled to pass legislation to allow legal sports betting.

How many states have legalized sports betting?

As of June 2023, 33 states plus the District of Columbia have some form of legalized sports betting. Some states only have in-person betting, including Delaware, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin.

What states allow DraftKings?

DraftKings is live and legal in 21 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Mississippi and Washington only allow retail betting with DraftKings.

What states is FanDuel legal in?

FanDuel is live and legal in 18 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, MichiganNew Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Is sports betting legal in Texas?

Sports betting is not legal in Texas yet but the state has been progressing towards passing legislation recently. Lawmakers missed the deadline to legalize sports betting in 2023 but there is optimism the topic will be a priority in 2024.

About the Author
Ian Valentino

Ian Valentino

Managing Editor, Evergreen
Ian Valentino was previously the evergreen managing editor of Gaming Today. Valentino previously worked with Sports Book Review, Bleacher Report, and several other established sports entities over the last 10 years. During that time, he covered all aspects of major sports, including betting and fantasy news. Valentino has specialized in the sports betting industry in recent years, providing expertise on legislative action and how to find the best sportsbook promotion.

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