Why Can’t I Bet on Certain NCAA Tournament Games? States That Don’t Allow Betting on In-State College Teams

Missing a few NCAA Tournament games at legal sportsbooks? You're not crazy, or glossing over it.

It's likely that betting on college sports teams based in your state is not allowed.

In a handful of states, you cannot bet on college teams based in that state, even if they're playing elsewhere.

Some states have slightly different rules — like in New Jersey, you cannot bet on any college game played in the state or any team from the state at all. However, in New York you can bet on games being played in the state as long as it doesn't involve an in-state team.

It can be difficult to keep all the rules straight for the varying states, but it's important to know them so you aren't surprised once the NCAA Tournament begins.

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College Sports Betting Rules by State

Arizona

No wagering on in-state teams or player props.

Colorado

Betting on in-state teams is allowed, but player props are not.

Connecticut

Betting on futures is allowed during tournaments for in-state teams, but betting on individual games involving in-state teams is not. That means betting on UConn to win the NCAA Tournament is allowed, but betting their first-round game is not.

Illinois

You cannot bet on Illinois teams online, but betting is allowed in-person at retail locations. Player props and live-betting are unavailable for in-state teams.

Indiana

Wagering on in-state teams is allowed, as are pre-game player props.

Iowa

Betting in-state teams is allowed, but player props are not.

Louisiana

There are no restrictions on in-state college teams.

Michigan

There are no restrictions on in-state college teams.

New Jersey

Wagering is not allowed on in-state teams or games played in the state.

Oregon

Betting on college sports is not allowed.

New Hampshire

Betting is not allowed on in-state teams or college games played in the state.

New York

Betting on in-state teams is not allowed, but betting on games played in the state is legal.

Pennsylvania

Betting in-state teams is allowed, but player props are not.

Rhode Island

Betting in-state teams is not allowed, nor is it allowed to bet on college sports played in the state.

Tennessee

Betting in-state teams is allowed, but prop bets are not.

Virginia

Betting in-state teams is not allowed. Neither are prop bets.

West Virginia

Betting in-state teams is allowed, but prop bets are not.

Wyoming

There are no restrictions on betting college teams.