Sports Betting States in the United States: A Comprehensive Guide

Overview of Sports Betting Legalization in the U.S.

The legalization of sports betting in the United States took a major turn after the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. This decision gave individual states the authority to legalize and regulate sports wagering within their borders. Since then, the sports betting landscape has rapidly evolved, with many states embracing the industry for its potential tax revenue and consumer demand.

Fully Legal States with Online and Retail Betting

As of now, several states have fully legalized sports betting, offering both online and in-person wagering options. These include:

New Jersey – One of the pioneers of legal sports betting post-PASPA, with numerous online sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings.
Pennsylvania – Offers both online and retail sports betting, with robust regulatory oversight.
Colorado – Known for a competitive market with over 20 licensed online sportsbooks.
Illinois – Initially required in-person registration, but now allows full online access.
Michigan – Features a well-regulated market with both sports betting and iGaming.
Arizona – Legalized in 2021, with sportsbooks partnered with local sports franchises.
Virginia – Online-only betting model, with no physical sportsbooks.
Tennessee – Operates a unique, online-only market.
Indiana – Provides a mix of online and retail betting.

States with Retail-Only Sports Betting

Some states have chosen to allow only in-person betting at casinos or sportsbooks. These include:

Delaware – The first state to launch single-game betting after PASPA, but no online betting is available.
Mississippi – Allows retail betting at casinos; online betting is restricted to on-premise.
North Carolina – Retail sports betting is allowed at tribal casinos.
Montana – Offers a state-run sports betting app usable only at licensed venues.

States with Pending or Recent Legalization

Other states have passed legislation but are still in the process of launching or expanding their sports betting markets:

Maine – Legalized in 2022, expected to launch soon with both retail and online betting.
Nebraska – Voters approved sports betting in 2020, but implementation has been slow.
Florida – Legal status is currently in legal limbo, though tribal partnerships exist.
California – Failed ballot initiatives in 2022; future attempts are expected.

States with Active Legislation or Ballot Initiatives

Several states are considering bills or ballot measures to legalize sports betting:

Texas – Discussions ongoing; legislative hurdles remain.
Georgia – Sports betting has bipartisan support but has yet to pass both chambers.
Minnesota – Proposed legislation is progressing, with a tribal-first approach.
Missouri – Multiple attempts have been made, with strong support from pro sports teams.

States Unlikely to Legalize Soon

Some states remain resistant to legal sports betting due to political, cultural, or regulatory reasons:

Utah – Strong anti-gambling stance rooted in religious and cultural values.
Hawaii – No form of legal gambling exists; sports betting faces strong opposition.
Idaho – No significant movement toward legalization.
Alaska – Sports betting proposals have not gained traction.

Conclusion

The state-by-state approach to sports betting in the United States has created a complex and dynamic landscape. With new legislation being proposed regularly and markets expanding, bettors and industry stakeholders must stay informed about each state’s legal status. As the industry continues to evolve, more states are likely to embrace regulated sports wagering to meet consumer demand and capture tax revenue.