Nearly four years later, only a dozen states in the USA have legalized wagering in their states. Almost all of them have considered decriminalizing sports wagering but this has been marred by political opposition and indifference from tribal communities.
States that have legal sports betting are already raking in revenue through taxes. While some states have very high tax rates, bookies have still grabbed the chance to pioneer sports betting in the USA.
States with legal sports betting
1. Arizona
Wagering went live in the copper state after Gov. Doug Ducey signed the AZ gambling law in April 2023. The move saw the establishment of 18 online sportsbooks that included big names and fairly new brands.
Currently, sports bettors have a myriad of options since they can wager online, at retail centers and on their portables. Check out azsportsbettingsites.com for candid reviews on sportsbooks operating in the state.
2. Maryland
Online sports betting is yet to be rolled out in Maryland. However, sports betting at retail sportsbooks is legal. Bookmakers such as BetMGM and TwinSpires are already accepting wagers at their retail casinos.
According to experts, online sports betting will most likely launch before the end of 2023. With 60 mobile licenses to be issued, Maryland bettors will have enough options to work with.
3. Michigan
Retail and online betting arrived in Michigan after a bill was passed in late 2020. Since then wagering online has been in full swing, with 15 sportsbooks operating as of now.
4. North Carolina
Gambling may be legal in this state but sports bettors only have two retail sportsbooks to work with. The casinos are located within tribal locations. However, sports bettors may be reprieved soon once a bill to allow online sports betting is passed by the legislature.
5. New York
Online betting was finally given the green light in New York early this year. The first month saw bets amounting to $2 billion taken by bookies already in operation. Currently, New Yorkers can choose from the nine bookies already operating in the state.
However, in-person betting was already legal in the state. With over a dozen retail locations in the state, New Yorkers have always enjoyed sports betting since the federal ban.
6. Ohio
Legal online sports betting is coming to the Buckeye State before a Jan 2023 expiration date. Nonetheless, even after Gov DeWine signed into law the bill, Ohioans still have to wait for a legal framework to place their first wagers.
However, when the dust settles, 25 online licenses holders will be expected to partner with 40 retail owners. This will give Ohioans a chance to accommodate premier brands such as FanDuel and DraftKings plus lesser-known brands.
7. Colorado
Colorful Colorado hopped on the gambling wagon in early May 2020. This came as good news for sports bettors in the state as well as local casinos. With about 30 licenses issued, local casinos were allowed to online betting via authorized bookies.
8. Arkansas
Legal wagering kicked off officially in February 2023 after a law was signed into law to allow online betting. However, punters in this state have not yet enjoyed online betting as seen in other states. This is due to a 51% revenue sharing rule that is highly opposed by most national brands such as DraftKings.
As of now, Bet Saracen is the only online sportsbook receiving bets. Other places to place your bets include the three casinos. In the future, seven more sportsbooks will be allowed since the number has been capped at eight.
9. Delaware
This was among the first states to launch gambling after the federal ban was struck by the supreme court. Surprisingly, online gambling remains a gray area as no online sportsbook has launched. Most local and national brands have found it very expensive to operate in the state.
Currently, sports bettors can place their wagers through the state’s three casinos. William Hill has an agreement with Delaware Lottery to supply the casinos with wagering.
10. Indiana
Sports betting is legal and in full swing in the state of Indiana. This came in May 2019 after Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a law allowing sports betting in the state. With this 13 online sportsbooks kicked off their operations. These include premier brands such as DraftKings and BetMGM.
Even with the 13 operators, more sportsbooks continue to rally to join. However, operators still face hurdles as each online sportsbook app must have an in-state casino partner.
11. New Jersey
This state set the benchmark against which other states will be judged in the USA. Since the legalization of online sports betting in 2018, the state has seen more than 24 online sportsbook apps go live.
Each of these bookies has to have a land-based partner as a rule. Even though wagering is supposed to be on sporting events, the lines still remain blurred on whether betting on Academy Awards and Emmys is allowed. However, there is a notable prohibition on college sports
12. Nevada
This state has always been synonymous with wagering. The state was the only state offering wagering even before the federal law was scrapped . Nevada became the first state to start offering sports betting in 2018.
Ever since then, the betting scene has grown exponentially. This has ensured that this state remains a top choice for major sporting events. There are around 12 bookies in Nevada with some being exclusive to the state only.
Other states that have online wagering include Illinois, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Iowa, Tennessee and Virginia.
States with illegal sports betting
The legality of gambling still remains rocky in several states in the USA. Some legislation are on the road to legalization while for some it remains highly unlikely. States such as Idaho and Wisconsin have not made any efforts as there are no proposed bills. For residents of Utah, gambling will probably never be legalized as the state has deep ties with the Mormon faith. The state remains among five states that don’t have a state lottery.
