Where is Sports Betting Legal in the US? State by State Guide & Best US Betting Sites

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States Where Sports Betting is Legal: A Comprehensive List

Sports betting in the US is not universal, as legal betting can vary wildly from state to state.

Here is a look at where each state stands.

Legal Online Sports Betting States               

Each of the following states have online sports betting in some form.

Missouri sports betting apps launched on Dec. 1, 2025. Missouri’s legal betting age is 21, and it can have up to 14 online sports betting operators, but opened with eight.

Tennessee, Maine and Vermont are the only states that are online only, meaning they do not have legal retail sports betting.

States with Retail-Only Sports Betting

Here are the states that only offer retail sports betting, otherwise known as in-person sports betting:

• New Mexico
• Nebraska
• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Washington
• Wisconsin

States with Pending Sports Betting Legislation

There are no active bills to legalize sports betting currently moving through state legislatures. Each year, many get introduced and their chances of passing vary wildly, but 2025 has not been a good year for it.

States that recently came close include:

• Alabama: A 2024 Senate bill ultimately died in the House
• Georgia: A 2024 bill made it through the Senate, but never made it through the House.
• Hawaii: A surprising bill passed through the House and Senate in 2025, but could not make it through reconciliation.
• Minnesota: Late in 2024, it appeared Minnesota was on its way, but that fell through in early 2025.
• Oklahoma: A promising bill passed through the House and hit the Senate floor in May of 2025, but died there.

States Where Sports Betting is Still Illegal

While sports betting is continuing to expand throughout the US, there are still some non-legal sports betting states:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• California
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Minnesota
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Utah

Why Can You Bet in Some States But Not Others?

Legal sports betting being left to each individual state essentially created 50 sets of hurdles to clear. Some, clearly, were much easier than others, while some continue to look impossibly high.

While those hurdles all have their own quirks, they tend to follow the same general themes:

• Elected Officials: The first step toward legalization is the state’s government, as a bill has to be passed to move sports betting forward. Texas won’t get over the finish line as long as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has any say in matters. Legislators in Alabama, Georgia and Oklahoma aren’t on the same page. American politics are in an ultra-divided place at the moment, so sports betting legalization rarely comes up on the campaign trail. That makes it tough for voters to elect politicians that will advance those bills.
• Will of the Voters: Missouri recently legalized sports betting by popular vote, getting Amendment 2 through the 2024 election. It was a narrow victory, but a victory nonetheless. California, meanwhile, had a pair of sports betting ballot measures fail spectacularly.
• Tribal Gaming Agreements: In many states, Native American tribal governments have a significant stake in gambling. In Florida, the Seminole tribe has a monopoly on gambling, hence why there’s a single online sports betting operator in the state. In Michigan, meanwhile, legislation connected the majority of its online gaming licenses to a tribe, easing its passage for not only sports betting, but also online casino games. While California sports betting was shot down by the voters, any road to sports betting will require tribal cooperation.

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Top Legal US Sports Betting Sites & Apps

BetMGM Sportsbook (Best for High Rollers)

• Eligible States: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wyoming
• Best Feature: MGM Rewards
• Average Payout Speed: While listed at 1-2 business days to be safe, BetMGM withdrawals can be completed within an hour through some payment methods.

BetMGM Sportsbook has been at the forefront of online sports betting, launching in New Jersey as PlayMGM in 2017. It is now available in 23 states and Washington, DC. BetMGM is one of the most respected sports betting brands in the US, with its connections to MGM International, strong partnerships, massive library of betting markets and the MGM Rewards program, considered among the best in the industry.

DraftKings Sportsbook (Best for Fast Payouts)

• Eligible States: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wyoming
• Best Feature: SGPx
• Average Payout Speed: Withdrawals from DraftKings have consistently processed within minutes through digital payment platforms, but the average speed is listed at 1-2 business days because of more traditional methods.

One of the two most popular sportsbooks in the US, DraftKings is available in 26 states and Washington, DC. It began as a daily fantasy sports site, but when online sports betting became legal, it took the next step, making for a seamless transition for its customers. DraftKings offers competitive odds, deep betting markets and daily boosts and promos for users of its highly-rated app.

bet365 Sportsbook (Best for Experienced Bettors)

• Eligible States: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia
• Best Feature: Best odds and international markets
• Average Payout Speed: 1-2 business days, but quicker through digital methods.

This international brand is making its mark in the US, as it’s now available in 16 states and is becoming a staple in new state launches. Users of bet365 have found some of the most player-friendly odds in online sports betting, and a selection of betting markets that is as deep as any of its competitors. 

FanDuel Sportsbook (Best for Beginners)

• Eligible States: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wyoming
• Best Feature: Early odds for most popular sports
• Average Payout Speed: Payouts through digital wallets can be completed within an hour, but on average withdrawals take 1-2 business days.

Like DraftKings, FanDuel was long known as a DFS app, which made its transition to online sports betting in 2018 relatively simple. That’s one the main reasons it has become the most-used online sportsbook in most of the 23 states (and Washington, DC) it is legal in. FanDuel was a pioneer when it came to same-game parlays, and its simple-to-use interface is backed by competitive odds and large betting markets in a wide array of sports, making for a great betting experience.

Fanatics Sportsbook (Best for Unique Promos/Rewards)

• Eligible States: Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia
• Best Feature: FanCash
• Average Payout Speed: 1-2 Business Days

Fanatics launched its online sportsbook in August of 2023, taking over the license for PointsBet in many states, and joining new state launches after that. It’s currently available in 23 states, as well as Washington, DC. It is only available as an app, and is known for its FanCash, which you earn with every bet and can redeem for bonus bets or Fanatics merchandise.

Caesars Sportsbook (Best for Live Betting)

• Eligible States: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wyoming
• Best Feature: Caesars Rewards
• Average Payout Speed: 24-48 Hours

One of the biggest names in the world of gambling and entertainment, Caesars Sportsbook launched its online sports betting site in 2018 and has been a staple in legal states ever since, as it is available in 22 states. It’s award-winning Caesars Rewards program is one of the best loyalty programs in the US.

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How to Choose a Legal US Sportsbook

There are several factors you will need to consider when choosing a sports betting site.

• Licensing: First things first, is the sports betting site you’re about to join licensed by the regulator in your state? If so, that will be noted. If not, you are not using a legal online sportsbook.
• Security: Legal online sports betting sites have to follow strict rules to ensure the safety of their customers’ personal information and money. Still, it’s not a bad idea to research any past data breaches or steps taken by the operators to strengthen those safeguards.
• Responsible Gambling Tools: What tools does the sportsbook use to assist its users in gambling responsibly? Most will allow you to set time, wager and deposit limits, take a timeout or even join the self-exclusion list.
• Payment Methods: Deposit and withdrawal methods are becoming pretty uniform across sports betting sites, as nearly all of them accept online banking, debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, etc. What does differ, however, is the transaction times associated with each sportsbook, so looking into which are the fastest payout sportsbooks is wise, if that’s important to you.
• Customer Support: Regulated online sports betting sites have customer support services that are typically available 24/7. Some rely rather heavily on their social media, but most have a live chat or an email form you can fill out. It can be tougher, sometimes, to track down a phone number to talk to an actual person, if that’s what you prefer.
• Odds: Then, of course, you will want to find a site with the best odds. Our reviews of the best US sports betting apps can help with that. The top sportsbooks aren’t incredibly far off on their odds in most cases, but finding a point here or there on a spread can be massive. For that reason, it does make sense to have multiple sports betting sites, giving you a chance to line shop.

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Why Avoid Offshore Sports Betting Websites?

Even with the prevalence of legal online sports betting sites, there are many non-legal or offshore sites available. We strongly recommend avoiding these.

There are, of course, legal implications for using one of these sites. They are, by definition, illegal. But beyond that, non-regulated sportsbooks do not need to provide the same consumer protections that a regulated site would.

If you feel they’ve wronged you, there’s nowhere to go for help. If your money is lost or not paid out, no regulatory agency can step in to make sure you get it back.

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Sports Betting Promos & Bonuses at US Betting Apps

Legal online sportsbooks offer many different types of promotions and bonuses to attract customers and keep them coming back.

Understanding those promos, and knowing where and how to claim them, is an important part of betting on sports in the US.

Welcome Bonuses/Signup Offers

The most commonly advertised bonuses at US sports betting sites are the welcome bonuses that new users can claim when they register a new sportsbook account. These are the sports betting promo codes and bonus codes you see on this site (and others, too, but no need to bother with those).

Here are some examples of welcome offers you will find:

• Bet & Get Promos: Perhaps the most common nowadays is the Bet & Get promotion, where you bet a set amount and receive a set amount in bonus credit. Many of these bonuses don’t even require that you win your first bet, you just need to place it, while others do require that first bet to win to receive the advertised bonus. These are the most popular bonuses among new bettors, as they typically require the smallest real financial investment.
• First Bet Bonuses: Other sportsbooks offer First Bet bonuses, which are sometimes referred to No Sweat Bets or in the case of bet365, a First Bet Safety Net. No matter the name, the idea is the same, make your first bet and if it loses, the sportsbook will credit your account with bonus bets in the amount of the original wager, up to a certain amount. These have higher thresholds — BetMGM, for instance, offers a $1,500 First Bet bonus — but you need to put in more of your own money up front, and your bet needs to lose in order to receive the bonus.
• Deposit Match Bonuses: These are becoming increasingly rare from top-rated sportsbooks, but the idea is simple. Just make a deposit and receive a percentage of that deposit back in bonus bets. DraftKings has long had a 20% deposit match up to $1,000 as part of its welcome offer, meaning that if you deposited $100, you would receive a $20 bonus. Deposit match bonuses do come with playthrough requirements, however, meaning you need to bet through your real money so many times before receiving a bonus, or bet through the bonus money so many times before it becomes withdrawable.

One thing to know when claiming a welcome bonus is that if you already have a sportsbook account in one state, you will not be able to claim a bonus at that same sportsbook in another. For instance, if I had a DraftKings account in Iowa, but wanted to take advantage of the Missouri state launch and claim a DraftKings Missouri welcome bonus, I would not be able to do so.

You already have the account, even though the state is different.

Existing User Bonuses

Sportsbooks don’t stop giving their customers bonuses after they’ve registered, as existing user promos are a key part of keeping users happy.

Here are the examples of the bonuses you’ll see for current customers at sports betting sites:

• Odds Boosts: Also called profit boosts, these are simply increased odds on specific bets or types of bets. BetMGM might offer a 30% boost on your NFL parlay, meaning that your +200 parlay is now graded at +260. These boosts allow you to earn more money without finding longer odds. Sometimes you can create your own bets to boost, and other times sportsbooks will present pre-made parlays or specific bets they have added a boost to.
• No Sweat Bets: Like above, these are chances to make a bet and receive the amount back in bonus bets if your wager loses.
• Deposit Match: Again, like above, deposit matches are often offered to existing users as a way to reward depositing more money into your account.
• Refer-A-Friend: Sports betting sites will reward you for getting your friends or family signed up. Once the person you referred registers, makes a deposit using the referral code you gave them, and places a bet, you (and often your friend) will receive a bonus, typically in the $50 to $100 range.

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How to Sign Up at Legal US Sports Betting Sites

While each online sportsbook has its own quirks when registering an account, most follow this general pattern:

1. Download the app you want, or click through a bonus link to be taken to the sports betting site of your choice.
2. Choose your state. That’s the state that you are in, not where you live.
3. Create your account with your personal information, such as your name, email address, phone number, street address, birthdate and social security number. If you are on a legal sports betting site, this information is being held safely, and it is standard to be asked for it.
4. Some sportsbooks will ask you to verify your identity by scanning a government issued ID.
5. Choose the payment method of your choice.
6. Make a deposit. This is often where you will be asked to enter your promo code, if there is one for a bonus.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready to start betting!

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Navigating Sports Betting Regulations in the US

It would take you a while to read through the sports betting rules in every state. Good news, we’ve done it so you don’t have to.

Key Regulatory Bodies & Their Role

Each state has its own regulatory body that oversees and enforces the sports betting rules in its jurisdiction. These are the bodies you would reach out to if you had an issue with a sportsbook that rose to a severe level.

Here are the regulatory bodies that oversee sports betting in each state:

• Arizona: Arizona Department of Gaming
• Arkansas: Arkansas State Racing Commission
• Colorado: Colorado Division of Gaming
• Connecticut: Dept. of Consumer Protection
• Delaware: Delaware Lottery
• Florida: Florida Gaming Control Commission
• Illinois: Illinois Gaming Board
• Indiana: Indiana Gaming Commission
• Iowa: Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
• Kansas: Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission
• Kentucky: Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
• Louisiana: Louisiana Gaming Control Board
• Maine: Maine Gambling Control Unit
• Maryland: Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency
• Massachusetts: Massachusetts Gaming Commission
• Michigan: Michigan Gaming Control Board
• Mississippi: Mississippi Gaming Commission
• Missouri: Missouri Gaming Commission
• Montana: Montana Lottery
• Nebraska: Nebraska Racing & Gaming Commission
• Nevada: Nevada Gaming Control Board/Nevada Gaming Commission
• New Hampshire: New Hampshire Lottery Commission
• New Jersey: New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
• New Mexico: New Mexico Gaming Control Board
• New York: New York State Gaming Commission
• North Carolina: North Carolina State Lottery Commission
• North Dakota: None
• Ohio: Ohio Casino Control Commission
• Oregon: Oregon Lottery
• Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
• Rhode Island: Rhode Island Lottery
• South Dakota: South Dakota Commission on Gaming
• Tennessee: Tennessee Sports Wagering Council
• Vermont: Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery
• Virginia: Virginia Lottery
• Washington: Washington State Gambling Commission
• Washington, DC: Office of Lottery and Gaming
• West Virginia: West Virginia Lottery Commission
• Wisconsin: Office of Indian Gaming and Regulatory Compliance
• Wyoming: Wyoming Gaming Commission

Legal Age for Sports Betting in Each State

The legal age for sports betting in the vast majority of states is 21, but there are some exceptions.

The following states allow 18-year olds to legally bet on sports: Kentucky, Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Wyoming.

The full list of legal ages for online sports betting are listed in the table near the top of this page.

Types of Sports Betting Legal in the US

• Moneylines: Picking the winner of a match.
• Spread Betting: Picking a team to win or lose by a certain amount.
• Totals: These are over/under bets, picking a match to finish with more or less total points than the given number.
• Props: Betting on certain events to happen within a game or match. These can be for the game itself, the teams or the players.
• Parlays: Combining multiple bets to create longer odds and higher potential payouts. These can be multiple events or within a single event, which are known as same-game parlays (SGPs).
• Futures: Betting on a future result, such as a team winning a championship, conference, etc.

Comparison of State-Level Sports Betting Laws

As you would imagine, each state has its own regulatory body, which means they each have their own set of sports betting laws. Rules in Nevada are not the same as rules in New York, or Michigan, or Pennsylvania, or … you get it.

Nevada, for example, requires in-person registration for sports betting. So, you cannot use an app unless you visit that operator’s retail location and register first.

College sports betting are the source of plenty of differences between states. In some, like New Jersey, you cannot bet on New Jersey collegiate teams or collegiate sporting events taking place in New Jersey.

Banning player props for college athletes is another rule that is being instituted by states of late, with some in the NCAA pushing for a national ban. As it stands, nine states have banned them.

Advertising in US Sports Betting

If you live in a legal sports betting state, chances are you’ve seen your fair share of sports betting ads. Although, probably fewer of late, and if you’re in certain states, maybe none at all anymore.

Most states require any sports betting advertising be accompanied by responsible gambling messaging, and the targeting of minors is outlawed.

While rules can vary by state, the American Gaming Association does have a Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering, which is generally followed by all legal operators. It includes the following tenets:

1. Respecting the Legal Age for Sports Wagering: Do not target minors, nor use anyone under the age of 21 in advertisements.
2. Limiting College and University Advertising
3. Supporting Responsible Gambling
4. Controlling Digital Media & Websites: Operator messaging must conform with these policies even on third-party sites.
5. Maintaining the Code: The code is reviewed annually to ensure guidelines evolve.
6. Monitoring Code Compliance: Training will be offered to follow the code and make sure it is upheld.

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The Impact of Legalized Sports Betting in the US

The expansion of legal sports betting in the US has had a huge impact on the economy and sports in general, specifically on how games are consumed by fans.

Economic Impact & State Revenue Contributions

Sports betting is big business, and it has led to billions in tax dollars and economic impact.

Through May, the AGA reported that nationwide sports betting revenue through was $6.5 billion, which is well ahead of last year’s record pace.

Tax rates vary by state from as low as 6.75% in Nevada to 51% in Washington, DC, but in 2023 states collected more than $1.8 billion in tax revenue from sports betting.

Beyond that, the AGA estimates the industry employs more than 700,000 people across the US.

Social Implications & Responsible Gambling Initiatives

There are certainly concerns about the rise in legalized sports betting, and its impact on society. More people betting, and having easier access to betting apps, naturally leads to more problem gambling.

The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that 2.5 million US adults, or 1% of the population, meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem, and that another 5-8 million “would be considered to have mild or moderate gambling problems.”

NCPG estimates put the social cost of problem gambling around $14 billion.

The legalization of sports betting, however, has forced states to step up their responsible gambling initiatives. Many states use tax revenue from sports betting to help fund those initiatives. Missouri, for example, has pledged $5 million annually for such efforts.

Here are some resources available nationally to assist with problem gambling:

• 1-800-GAMBLER
• National Council on Problem Gambling
• NCPG State-by-State Resources

The Role of Tribal Casinos in US Sports Betting

Perhaps the biggest player in sports betting legalization in the US is tribal casinos, or the tribes themselves.

Since the introduction of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) in 1988, tribes had control over gambling in many states around the country, and how they’ve reacted to expansion since has either helped or thwarted efforts.

Take Michigan, for example, where the tribal casinos have all partnered with a sports betting and online casino brand to grow online gambling in the state. Tribal land was the only place gambling was legal, outside of the three commercial casinos in Detroit, but by working together, they have created something incredibly successful.

In states like California, Oklahoma and Florida, however, things haven’t gone as well. Agreeing to deals has been difficult in those states, as tribal control over gaming and how to manage it in a legal sports betting world has proven difficult.

Florida’s issues were sent all the way to the Supreme Court, which declined to hear a challenge to the Seminole Tribe’s exclusive rights to online sports betting.

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Future of Sports Betting Legislation in the US

The legal sports betting landscape is always changing, even when new states aren’t coming on board. Look for more legislation regarding college player props to pop up, and for states with tight online restrictions to have expansion bills introduced, like the one that recently failed in Nebraska.  

States to Watch for Future Legalization

The Big 2 in the world of sports betting are California and Texas, as they are the biggest states in the US. Neither seems close, however.

California is moving to get rid of DFS after Attorney General Rob Bonta declared it illegal. There’s some question over whether that will help or hurt future sports betting efforts, but there is no current legislation to move it forward.

Texas is a part-time legislature, meeting only every two years. While there was momentum for sports betting in 2023 and 20225, it died out, and there won’t be another chance until at least 2027.

Georgia is another big one, with a large population and massive interest in professional and collegiate sports. But the failure of 2025 legislation means any bill would have to wait until 2026, and even then it would require voter approval.

Potential Federal Oversight and Challenges

While sports betting is state run, there’s always the possibility of federal oversight, and the SAFE Bet Act could be that. Originally introduced in 2024 by Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY), and reintroduced in March 2025 by Tonko and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), the SAFE Bet Act would add minimum federal standards to current state law.

That includes:

• No sportsbook marketing during live sporting events, and no programming designed to induce gambling with “bonus”, “no sweat”, “bonus bets” or odds boosts.
• Prohibits operators from accepting more than five deposits from a customer in a 24-hour period.
• Requires operators to conduct affordability checks on customers before accepting wagers above $1,000 in a 24-hour period or $10,000 in a 30-day period.
• Prohibits deposits via credit car.
• Prohibits the use of AI to track players gambling habits, offer individualized promos or create gambling products, such as microbets.
• Bans prop bets on all college and amateur athletes.

This bill is still in committee.

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US Betting Sites FAQs

Still need a little more info about US betting sites? We’ve got you covered below.