States With Legal Sports Betting

It’s hard to believe it’s already been seven years since the Supreme Court gave states the green light to legalize sports betting. Since then, the landscape has completely changed.

North Carolina finally made online betting available on March 11, 2024 (three years after launching in-person betting), Missouri is on deck, with plans to roll out both online and retail betting by December 1, 2025 (after voters approved legalization in late 2024), and right now, nearly 40 states (plus D.C. and Puerto Rico) allow sports betting in some form. But about 30 have the full online experience with multiple sportsbook apps, wide access, and fewer hoops to jump through.

DraftKings and FanDuel are still leading the pack with more than 70% of the total market, while companies like Caesars Sportsbook, BetMGM, ESPN BET, and Fanatics Sportsbook are rounding out the field. That said, not every state allows a competitive market! Florida, for example, is locked into a single-operator setup. And if you’re in a state that hasn’t gotten there yet, daily fantasy platforms like Underdog, Fliff, Sleeper or even PrizePicks offer a decent workaround (even if it’s not quite the same thing).

If you’re in a legal state and thinking about trying a new sportsbook, it’s worth checking the current sign-up deals. BetMGM and bet365, for example, usually offer promos that give you a bit of extra cushion when you’re placing your first bets. And if you're curious about where online casinos are legal, we've got that covered below, too.

[Check out the best online sportsbooks in North Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, Massachusetts, New York, Louisiana, Arizona, Illinois, Colorado, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Virginia, Iowa, and West Virginia.]

Legal, Taking Bets (39 Total States + D.C. and Puerto Rico)

There are a ton of different categories of "legal" betting in the United States:

• In-person betting only, which drives a fraction of a fraction of what full online betting does
• Full online betting with multiple sportsbook options, like New Jersey, which has more than 20 operators
• Online betting with a single operator, like Oregon or Rhode Island

Arizona

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Arizona passed its sports betting bill in April 2021, allowing for online wagering and some of the nation's first in-stadium sportsbooks. It has quickly become one of the most popular states to place a bet.

The first online sportsbooks went live on Sept. 9, 2021, the first day of the NFL season. Eighteen operators, including BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel, now operate in Arizona, with room for two more.

In March 2022, Arizona vaulted into the top 10 states in monthly handle (amount bet) for the first time.

Earlier that month, FanDuel started taking in-person bets at the Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, while Caesars opened its sportsbook at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

BetMGM has established a similar venture at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, and DraftKings unveiled a betting hub at the Scottsdale golf course that hosts the Waste Management Open.

When it comes to NFL betting, we have plenty of resources available to you: NFL Odds, NFL Futures, NFL Picks, and NFL ATS Standings. And if you're more into NFL Props, we also have NFL Props Picks and Touchdown Props!

You can learn more about the Best NFL Betting Apps and Best NFL Betting Promos by checking out our reviews!

Arkansas

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

On Feb. 22, 2022, the Arkansas Joint Budget Committee finalized rules to bring sports betting online, expanding it beyond in-person activity at three casinos, as it had been limited to since 2019.

The first online sportsbook went live on March 5, 2022, a partnership between the Southland Casino and Betly, an online betting site owned by Delaware North. BetSaracen, a product of the Saracen Casino, launched about a month later and is another online app in the state.

Arkansas' law allows for up to eight online sportsbooks. National brands like DraftKings and FanDuel have been hesitant to join, as they must partner with one of the state's three casinos and split 51% of their revenue with them.

Colorado

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Colorado took its first legal online and retail wagers in May 2020, six months after voters narrowly approved sports betting during the November election.

Since then, Colorado has flourished into one of the most robust markets in the country, with 26 different apps, including DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM.

It was one of the first states to record more than $200 million in monthly betting handle and in 2022 joined the top six states in dollars bet all-time.

Online sportsbooks must partner with one of Colorado's 33 casinos to operate legally in the state, which has left the door open for even more apps to come.

Colorado has one of the most operator-friendly setups in the country, though lawmakers have started tightening some loopholes due to low levels of tax revenue.

Connecticut

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont struck a deal with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes in May 2021, authorizing the two, and the state lottery, to run online sports betting.

These providers quickly partnered with DraftKings, FanDuel, and PlaySugarHouse, who all went online on October 19, just a few weeks after Connecticut started taking in-person bets.

Each has in-person sportsbooks at at least one casino, while the state lottery and Rush Street Interactive (which owns PlaySugarHouse) run seven retail locations. They may open a total of 15, under state law.

A smaller state and new to the party, Connecticut's market is still a ways off from maturity. It will be interesting to see how New York's recent launch impacts its numbers, though it should continue to benefit from Massachusetts' inability to legalize.

Delaware

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Delaware became the first state outside Nevada to accept a legal single-game sports bet on June 5, 2018, beating New Jersey by a few weeks in the aftermath of the Supreme Court's industry-altering decision.

Delaware's lottery-run sports betting market only has three retail sportsbooks in the state, and unimpressive revenue numbers.

Its small size, population, and the proliferation of digital sports betting options in its neighboring states leave Delaware a relative afterthought despite its quick start.

Florida

Status: Online betting with a single operator

Hard Rock Bet relaunched in Florida for everyone back in December 2023, and the Supreme Court officially declined to take up any legal challenges in June 2024. That sealed the deal: the Seminole Tribe keeps exclusive control over sports betting in the state through 2051. It’s a win for Floridians who want to bet, but don’t expect any competition from other sportsbooks anytime soon.

Illinois

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Illinois launched in-person betting on March 9, 2020, and launched online betting in June 2020.

One of the nation's most populated (and sports-crazy) states, Illinois is among the top five states in both handle (dollars bet) and tax revenue generated.

In 2022, BetMGM and Caesars joined the Illinois online sportsbooks already operational in the state.

Betting on in-state colleges was made legal in December 2021, though bettors can only place their bets in person.

Indiana

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Indiana went live with online sports betting on Oct. 3, 2019, just a month after its first in-person bets.

The 13th state to approve sports betting, Indiana has done well ever since Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a bill legalizing it in May 2019. It's taken over $7 billion in bets, which is the fifth most of any state.

Indiana's law allows for over 40 online sportsbooks, though only 13 currently operate in the state. Four more are expected, but so far the biggest players, including FanDuel and DraftKings, have dominated the market.

Iowa

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Iowa started accepting bets on Aug. 15, 2019, and has methodically grown since.

Home to more than a dozen online sportsbooks, Iowa has some of the cheapest licensing fees in the land. $45,000 for the first year and $10,000 every year after that. bet365 in Iowa is the latest entrant into the state, as the global giant looks to continue to make its mark in the U.S.

Though Iowa is smaller in population and has no professional sports teams, it's one of the more competitive per capita markets in the country and benefits from sharing borders with multiple states yet to legalize.

Kansas

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Kansas legalized sports betting in 2022, after a legislative race which saw it beat out neighboring Missouri.

Online and in-person betting began on Sept. 1, one of the fastest launches of any state and just in time for the 2022 NFL season. Six online operators and two casinos began taking bets to start, with more expected to join soon.

Kansas law allows up to 12 online sportsbooks, though the state's licensed just nine so far.

Additionally, casinos may sign contracts with retail locations, like professional sports arenas, to install and oversee betting kiosks.

More online sportsbooks could also enter the state. The law allows Kansas' native tribes to update their gaming compacts and partner with commercial operators to offer online betting.

Kentucky

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Kentucky came extremely close to legalizing sports betting in 2022, though an effort to give racetracks control over retail and online markets fell short at the last minute. In 2023, they got it done. HB 551 passed both the House and Senate in April.

Kentucky in-person sports betting launched on Sept. 7 and mobile sports betting launched on Sept. 28, 2023, the quickest turnaround time of any state from legalization to launch.

The bill allows Kentucky's nine racetracks to offer sports betting at their tracks, and they could partner with three online operators each, potentially paving the way for up to 27 online betting options in the state.

Louisiana

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

In November 2020, voters in 55 of the state's 64 parishes approved legal sports betting, including all those in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette.

In-person betting launched in October 2021. Six online sportsbooks, including FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM, launched on Jan. 28, 2022. WynnBet launched shortly after, bringing the state to seven online sportsbooks.

More are expected to join, as Louisiana's law allows for up to 41 mobile apps. Louisiana is one of the only southeastern states that have legalized online betting, which should be a significant advantage as its market develops.

Maine

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Maine was the first state to legalize sports betting in 2022, and it took until November 2023 to go live. DraftKings and Caesars are the only books live in the state.

A bill signed by Gov. Janet Mills in April permits Maine's four native tribes to partner with commercial operators and offer online sports betting.

The Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway, owned by Penn National, and the Oxford Casino Hotel, owned by Churchill Downs, can apply for betting licenses, though only for in-person wagers.

Maryland

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Maryland bettors legalized sports betting during the 2020 election. After the longest go-live period in U.S. betting history, Maryland operators launched fully on Nov. 23, 2022.

There was also a strange soft launch period on the first Monday, with books going live for eight hours before going offline all day Tuesday. They relaunched Wednesday at 9 a.m. ET.

Maryland's law allows for up to 60 online sportsbooks and 30 retail sites. Eleven are currently operating in the state, but that number fluctuates as new ones launch and others depart the market.

Massachusetts

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Massachusetts passed a sports betting bill in the wee hours of the morning on Aug. 1, 2022. In-person sports betting launched on Jan. 31, with online expected to follow on March 10, ahead of the NCAA Tournament.

Six books went live on Friday, March 10 -- DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, WynnBet, Barstool and Caesars.

The final sports betting bill includes the following:

• 15% retail tax, 20% online
• No betting on Mass. colleges, except for tournaments with 4+ teams
• Casinos allowed to partner with two online operators each
• Racetracks allowed one online partner

Michigan

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Michigan launched in-person wagering at the MGM Grand Detroit on March 11, 2020. Online sportsbooks, including BetMGM and DraftKings, launched in early 2021. It now has a total of 15, the maximum allowed under state law.

Home to 7 million over the age of 21 and teams in every major league sport, Michigan has quickly become one of the top betting states, regularly finishing among the top 10 in monthly handles.

It ranks 7th among states in dollars bet all-time, right behind Colorado. It's also one of the few states where iGaming is legal.

Despite the proliferation of betting across the Midwest in recent years, Michigan's operator-friendly rules should keep it atop the leaders in sports betting for years to come.

Mississippi

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Online sports betting is legal in Mississippi, but you can only place bets online while physically present at a licensed casino.

Montana

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Montana was one of the earlier states to launch, opening up for business on Aug. 1, 2018.

As it's one of the few legal Southern betting states, you get mobile wagering, plus placings bets while inside a casino.

It passed retail sports betting in 2017, as a corollary to a fantasy sports bill, at a time when the Supreme Court lifting the federal ban seemed unlikely. And, like most Southern states, its politicians have deep-seated opposition to gambling. Therefore, although online sports betting is now legal in Montana, there are strict guidelines that control where and how you can place a wager.

Missouri

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Missouri is finally getting in the game. After voters approved a constitutional amendment in November 2024, the state has been moving toward a full launch. The Missouri Gaming Commission expects sportsbooks (both online and retail) to go live on December 1, 2025. Licenses are being handed out in the second half of 2025.

Nebraska

Status: In-person sportsbooks only

Voters approved three constitutional amendments in November 2021 that would legalize "games of chance" at Nebraska's licensed horse tracks.

A regulatory bill that permits retail sportsbooks was signed into law, and in-person sports betting began in 2022 at WarHorse Sportsbook in Lincoln.

Efforts to legalize online sports betting have been introduced but have not gained significant traction.

Nevada

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Nevada, the gold standard for in-person betting, still hasn't quite mastered online wagering. The state requires bettors to come into a casino to register in person before placing via the Internet.

That really hurt the state during the early days of COVID-19, when casino traffic plummeted. Nevada will always hold a special spot for American gaming, but it has already dropped to the second-most trending sports betting state and may continue to fall down the ranks as more and more populated states (with statewide mobile wagering) launch in the coming years.

New Hampshire

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

New Hampshire went live with online wagering on Dec. 30, 2019.

DraftKings is the sole mobile operator in the state, though there are a handful of retail betting locations that have opened or intend to do so.

Betting on in-state colleges is not permitted.

New Hampshire has done decently well despite its limited market, but its handle has been affected by legalization in neighboring states.

New Jersey

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

New Jersey, the state that brought the sports gambling case to the Supreme Court, is now enjoying the fruits of its labor. "The Gold Standard" for legal sports betting was the third state to take a legal bet and has continued to set state records, thanks to a competitive, operator-friendly system.

It's home to 21 online sportsbooks, with room for many more. It's also accepting new operator models like betting exchange Prophet.

New Jersey brought in $10.9 million in bets in 2021, beating out Nevada in handle every month that year. It now leads all states in handle, despite a betting ban on in-state colleges, which cost it during Saint Peters' Cinderella run to the Elite Eight.

Though New York's mobile sports betting launch, and the massive revenue it has amassed since January, pose a threat to New Jersey's dominance, revenue has been up over last year so far.

New Mexico

Status: In-person sportsbooks only

New Mexico hasn't passed any legislation, though Native American tribes have run in-person sports betting at their casinos since October 2018.

They've done so by interpreting their gaming compact with the state to mean that they can offer any form of Class III gaming. The Department of Interior, which oversees tribal agreements with states, hasn't intervened.

It's one of the first "grey states" to take bets without approval from lawmakers or voters, though only six retail locations are open.

There has been little to no movement towards legalizing online sports betting.

New York

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

New York launched online sports betting on Jan. 8, 2022, and has since outperformed almost every other state.

New York had retail sports betting at a handful of upstate commercial and tribal casinos, but these have generated little revenue despite the state's massive population and gaming interest. That's because online betting was not legalized.

But the time has come. Sports bettors can rejoice and bet from the comfort of their own homes instead of crossing bridges or going through tunnels to place their wagers.

North Carolina Sports Betting

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

North Carolina legalized in-person sports betting in 2019 for two tribal casinos miles away from any of its major cities. It first took bets in March 2021.

Now, online betting is also available. On June 2, 2023, the NC House and Senate aligned on a few changes to the state's sports betting bill and concurred early the next week, paving the way for legalization. Gov. Roy Cooper, an advocate for sports betting, signed the bill on Wednesday, June 14, 2023.

Online betting opened on March 11, 2024, with eight North Carolina sports betting apps:

• DraftKings North Carolina
• ESPN BET North Carolina
• FanDuel North Carolina
• bet365 North Carolina
• Caesars Sportsbook NC
• Underdog Sports
• BetMGM North Carolina
• Fanatics Sportsbook NC

North Dakota

Status: In-person sportsbooks only

There's been no political movement to legalize sports gambling in North Dakota, but state tribes have already opened retail sportsbooks under authority granted to them by the federal government, a similar legal path for the sports betting launch in New Mexico.

This, too, means retail only, but North Dakota is among a rare group of states that has taken bets without an act of the legislature.

Ohio

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Ohio is another sports-crazy state that's behind in legalizing sports gambling, especially given the action in many of its Midwestern neighbors. But late in 2021, Ohio legislators passed an online sports betting bill, and Gov. Mike DeWine approved it.

Some had hoped betting would start in time for the 2022 NFL season, but in May, regulators announced that all forms of betting would go live on Jan. 1, 2023.

More than a dozen sportsbooks launched on New Year's Day, and more than a dozen more could join the fold in the future. Ohio sets up to be one of the biggest and most competitive sports betting markets in the country, which is great news for bettors.

Oklahoma

Status: In-person sportsbooks only

Oklahoma has not legalized sports betting. While discussions have occurred, no legislation has been passed to allow either online or in-person sports betting in the state.

Oregon

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Thanks to a limited exemption in the federal sports betting ban that allowed it to offer parlay cards, Oregon officials determined the state lottery could begin taking bets without a separate act of the legislature. The state lottery app took its first bet in 2019, but with only one legal mobile wagering option, it has not been able to match competitive markets.

In January of 2022, Oregon switched from its own lottery app to DraftKings as its sole operator. A handful of Native American casinos operate retail sportsbooks.

Notably, all college betting, not just in-state teams, is prohibited.

Pennsylvania

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Pennsylvania was among a handful of states to accept a legal retail sports bet in 2018 and, beginning with its 2019 digital launch, has been among the biggest markets in the country.

Pennsylvania consistently pulls in among the top five largest sports betting handles, despite higher taxes and fees than some other states.

The fees, and a limit of only 14 total operator licenses, could continue to hinder Pennsylvania's potential, but its large population and high-profile sports teams will help it maintain some of the nation's highest-grossing handle totals.

Pennsylvania is also one of five states with online casinos, generating massive revenue for operators.

Rhode Island

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Rhode Island has been offering legal sports betting since 2018 when retail sportsbooks opened at its two commercial casinos. William Hill (now owned by Caesars) is the only legal retail and online sportsbook in the state.

Lawmakers repealed an in-person mobile registration requirement, but the small population and lone legal option keep revenues small, despite Rhode Island's proximity to Massachusetts.

South Carolina

Status: In-person sportsbooks only

South Carolina has not legalized sports betting. While there have been discussions and proposals, no legislation has been passed to allow sports betting in the state.

South Dakota

Status: In-person sportsbooks only

The first retail sportsbooks opened in September 2021.

South Dakota legalized sports betting in November 2020 as part of a ballot initiative, and lawmakers passed retail-only authorization for Deadwood casinos and certain tribal gaming facilities.

The state constitution only permits wagering within Deadwood and tribal lands, but some policymakers believe statewide mobile wagering can be approved as long as the servers are placed in Deadwood. Legislation to do so gained little traction in 2021 or in 2022 but could open an interesting new digital market in the years to come.

Tennessee

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Tennessee remains unique as the only U.S. state with an online-only sports betting model. Retail, in-person sportsbooks are not permitted. All bets must be placed online through licensed operators such as BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings.This online-only framework has been in place since the market's launch on November 1, 2020.

Vermont

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Vermont launched legal online sports betting on January 11, 2024, with three licensed operators: DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook. There are no retail sportsbooks in the state; all betting is conducted online. The legal betting age is 18, though some operators may set it at 21.

Virginia

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Virginia legalized online sports betting in January 2021. While the law permits retail sportsbooks, as of now, there are no physical locations operating in the state. Bettors can place wagers online through various licensed operators.

Washington

Status: In-person sportsbooks only

In Washington state, sports betting is legal exclusively at tribal casinos. There are 14 retail sportsbooks operating within these tribal establishments. Statewide online or mobile sports betting is not permitted.

Washington D.C.

Status: Limited mobile betting options

Sports betting has been legal in Washington D.C. since 2019. Initially, the city-operated GambetDC app was the primary online platform. However, as of April 2024, FanDuel replaced GambetDC as the District's main online sportsbook.Additionally, commercial operators like Caesars and BetMGM offer mobile betting within specific geofenced areas around their affiliated sports venues.

West Virginia

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

West Virginia offers both online and in-person sports betting. Since its launch in 2018, the state has expanded its market to include several online sportsbooks, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM. Retail sportsbooks are also available at various casino locations throughout the state.

Wisconsin

Status: In-person sportsbooks only

Sports betting in Wisconsin is limited to in-person wagering at tribal casinos. The Oneida Nation was the first to open a retail sportsbook in the state in November 2021. Currently, there is no provision for statewide online sports betting.

Wyoming

Status: Both In-person and online sportsbooks

Wyoming legalized online sports betting on September 1, 2021. The state operates an online-only model, with no retail sportsbooks. As of 2025, five online sportsbooks are available, and there is no cap on the number of operators that can enter the market.

2025-26 Launch Possible (4 total states)

Alabama

Status: 2024 bills failed

HB 151 and HB 152, which aimed to establish a state lottery and regulate casino-style games and sports wagering, passed the House but were significantly altered in the Senate, removing sports betting provisions. The bills ultimately died in the legislative process, and prospects for legalization remain uncertain LegiScanLegiScan.

Georgia

Status: Still illegal statewide

Another year, another failed push. Lawmakers tried again in 2025 to pass sports betting legislation, but the bills didn’t make it out of the House. It’s looking like Georgia will need to wait at least one more session, if not longer.

Hawaii

Status: 2025 bill failed

House Bill 1308, which sought to legalize online sports betting, passed both the House and Senate but failed to progress in a conference committee due to disagreements over tax rates and licensing fees CBSSports.com.

Minnesota

Status: 2024 bill failed

House File 2000 aimed to legalize sports betting and issue licenses to tribes. Despite support from various stakeholders, the bill did not pass due to partisan disagreements and concerns over provisions like Historical Horse Racing.

2026+ or Never (8 total states)

Alaska

Status: No significant progress

Efforts to legalize sports betting, including House Bill 385 introduced in 2022, have not gained traction. The state remains without legal sports betting, and future prospects are uncertain.

California

Status: Still not legal, yet

California remains a frustrating case. Two ballot initiatives failed in 2022, and since then it’s been a tug-of-war between tribal groups and outside operators. There's talk of a new proposal for the 2026 ballot, but even if it passes, legal betting may not launch until 2028 or later. So for now? Still no dice.

Idaho

Status: No movement

Idaho has not introduced any legislation to legalize sports betting since the 2018 Supreme Court decision. The state maintains a conservative stance on gambling, with no current plans to change.

Oklahoma

Status: Legislation stalled

House Bill 1047, proposing to authorize sports betting through tribal gaming compacts, passed the House but faced challenges in the Senate. Governor Kevin Stitt's opposition and strained relations with tribes have impeded progress.

South Carolina

Status: legislature historically resistant to gambling expansion

A bill to legalize betting on horse racing through online apps has been introduced but faces significant hurdles in a legislature historically resistant to gambling expansion.

Texas

Status: next opportunity for legislation will be in the 2027 session

Governor Greg Abbott has expressed support for legalizing online sports betting. However, previous efforts, including House Joint Resolution 102 in 2023, failed due to opposition in the Senate, particularly from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. The next opportunity for legislation will be in the 2025 session.

• https://twitter.com/GovernorPerry/status/1756028693263126798
• https://twitter.com/LtGovTX/status/1657823615528697863

Utah

Status: No movement

Utah continues to prohibit all forms of gambling, including sports betting, with no legislative efforts underway to change this stance.