The Current Status of Sports Betting in the United States

The landscape of sports betting in the United States has dramatically shifted since the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. This landmark decision allowed individual states to legalize sports wagering, leading to a rapid expansion across the country. This article provides a detailed overview of the current status of sports betting in all 50 states, categorized for clarity.

Legal & Operational States

These states have fully legalized and launched sports betting, offering various options like retail sportsbooks, mobile apps, and online wagering.

• Arizona: Legal since 2021, with numerous operators.
• Arkansas: Limited to retail betting; mobile is expanding.
• Colorado: Robust market with many online options.
• Connecticut: Two tribal operators dominate the market.
• Delaware: One of the first to launch post-PASPA, limited options.
• Illinois: Popular market, but with registration restrictions.
• Indiana: Competitive market with strong mobile presence.
• Iowa: Growing market, both retail and mobile available.
• Kansas: Legalized in 2022, quickly gaining traction.
• Kentucky: Launched in late 2023, significant growth expected.
• Louisiana: Multiple parishes have approved betting.
• Maryland: Launched in late 2022, a large potential market.
• Massachusetts: Legalized in 2023, competitive market.
• Michigan: Highly successful market with diverse offerings.
• Mississippi: Primarily retail betting, mobile limited to on-site.
• Montana: State-run lottery handles sports betting.
• Nevada: Long-standing legal market, established infrastructure.
• New Hampshire: Limited number of operators, mobile focused.
• New Jersey: Largest market in the US, highly competitive.
• New York: Massive market, significant revenue generation;
• Ohio: Launched in 2023, quickly becoming a major player.
• Pennsylvania: Highly competitive market, strong revenue.
• Rhode Island: Mobile betting available, limited options.
• Tennessee: Exclusively online sports betting.
• Virginia: Mobile-only market, growing rapidly.
• Vermont: Launched in early 2024, limited operators.
• Wyoming: Limited options, primarily mobile.

Legal, Not Yet Operational

These states have passed legislation legalizing sports betting but haven’t yet launched operations.

• Maine: Regulatory framework established, launch pending.
• Nebraska: Legislation passed, implementation underway.
• North Carolina: Mobile launch in early 2024.

Legalized, Limited Scope

These states have legalized sports betting, but with significant restrictions (e.g., only at tribal casinos).

• Florida: Legal battles ongoing regarding tribal exclusivity.
• Washington: Limited to tribal casinos.

States Considering Legislation

These states are actively discussing or considering legislation to legalize sports betting.

• California: Repeated attempts to legalize have failed, future uncertain.
• Georgia: Legislation consistently introduced but hasn’t passed.
• Hawaii: Strong opposition to gambling in general.
• Minnesota: Ongoing debate between tribes and racetracks.
• Missouri: Legislation stalled in recent years.
• Oklahoma: Tribal compacts are key to expansion.
• Texas: Significant political hurdles to overcome.

States with No Active Legislation

These states currently have no active legislation regarding sports betting.

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Idaho
• North Dakota
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Utah
• Wisconsin