Legal Online Sports BettingAcross the US
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Internationally based online sportsbooks (like those highlighted on this page) operate beyond the reach of US betting laws. Their operations are conducted under the jurisdiction of countries like Panama and Costa Rica, complying with the legal frameworks of those regions. best online sports betting sites for more.
Sports Betting Legality In The US
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA)
Online sportsbooks The landmark case Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association highlighted the fight for sports betting rights. As of now, 38 states have legalized some form of sports betting. However, the degree of availability of sportsbooks continues to differ greatly between jurisdictions. For example, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio offer regulated sports betting, both online and at retail outlets, while states like Tennessee and Wyoming have limited it to online platforms only.
Since the repeal of the We’ll delve deeper into the legal landscape shortly. For now, it's crucial to understand that regulations are continually evolving, and offshore sportsbooks are open to all US residents who are 21 and older. (PASPA) in 2018 through the case of Nevada was the pioneer in legalizing and governing sports betting back in 1949. For many years, the Federal Wire Act of 1961 and PASPA hindered the expansion of legalized sports betting across the country. The turning point came in 2018 when New Jersey waged a historic legal battle that culminated in the Supreme Court overturning PASPA, allowing states to regulate their own sports betting. The backing for legal sports betting at a national level has sparked a significant surge within the industry. Here’s a look at three pivotal US laws regarding sports betting that have notably influenced the current landscape:
The Federal Wire Act was established to restrict navigation of wire communication facilities for placing bets and wagers on sports across state lines. While it initially aimed to combat organized crime, the Department of Justice has interpreted this law to encompass all forms of online gambling, including sports betting. As it stands, the law targets gambling establishments and organized crime groups instead of individual bettors.
US Sports Betting Laws
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) was legislated at a time when only four states had specific sports betting regulations in place: Nevada, Delaware, Montana, and Oregon. PASPA was designed to uphold the integrity of sports competitions and maintain public trust in fair play by prohibiting new sports betting laws while restricting private gambling activities. Despite its intentions, PASPA faced legal challenges and was ultimately annulled in 2018, enabling states to decide on the legalization of sports betting.
Since then, PASPA’s repeal and The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA) aimed at blocking online gambling and sports betting by outlawing financial transactions linked to illegal internet gambling. This law did not render sports betting illegal but imposed payment processing limitations on online gambling platforms, which hindered growth and led some offshore operators to withdraw from the US market. An Overview of the Current Sports Betting Landscape in the US
The Federal Wire Act Of 1961
The Wire Act According to a report released in May 2023, Americans have wagered approximately $220 billion on sports since the repeal of PASPA. Legal sports betting generated a handle of $93.2 billion in 2022, which resulted in revenue totaling $7.5 billion for sportsbooks, as noted by the American Gaming Association (AGA). New York, with its hefty tax rate of 51% on mobile sports betting, has recorded remarkable success as a result.
The AGA estimates that US bettors wager over $60 billion per year on offshore platforms, especially in states where sports betting remains illegal. For instance, Super Bowl LVII alone reportedly attracted around $16 billion in bets.
At the time PASPA While the shift towards legalizing sports betting on a state level represents a significant advancement for the industry, certain states still impose restrictions on what bettors may wager. For example, in New York and Pennsylvania, player prop betting is prohibited for college sports. Additionally, state-sanctioned sportsbooks often do not provide prop lines for politics, entertainment events, or novelty sporting events. Fortunately, offshore sportsbooks are known to offer a wide range of betting opportunities covering both popular and obscure sports, making them increasingly appealing for US residents who have limited options available in their home states.
The landscape of legal sports betting is continuously evolving. Below is an updated chart depicting the legal status of sports betting across all 50 states and Washington D.C., along with details on the types of betting permitted and how long it has been since regulations were established.
The UIGEA A voter referendum held on November 6, 2018, resulted in Issue 4 passing with a margin of 54.1% to 45.9%.
Sports Wagering and Paid Fantasy Sports
*States such as Florida, Kentucky, Maine, Nebraska, and Vermont have officially legalized sports betting. However, no active sportsbooks are currently available as these states work on developing their regulations. report published by PBS **Washington's legislation clearly prohibits sports betting outside of tribal casinos. Nonetheless, a number of offshore sportsbooks still provide services to residents of Washington. per the American Gaming Association As of now, 38 states—along with D.C.—have some form of legal, regulated sports betting. Moreover, residents from all 50 states have access to lawful offshore sportsbooks like BetUS. over $1 billion generated in revenue.
The landmark ruling in Murphy v. NCAA ignited a nationwide movement towards the legalization and governance of sports betting. This case was part of New Jersey's six-year battle to legalize sports betting and dismantle PASPA. across all sports betting channels.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was enacted to target financial operations associated with online gambling, resulting in significant challenges for the industry. offshore sportsbooks The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was enacted, banning sports betting in most states and exempting only Nevada, Delaware, Montana, and Oregon.
Legal Sports Betting States
In 1992, Sports Action was introduced, allowing for multi-game parlay betting specifically on NFL games, but it was discontinued in 2007.
State | Online Sports Betting | In Person Sports Betting | Year Regulated | Notable Bills |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alabama | Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A | |
Alaska | Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A | |
Arizona | Legal | Legal | April 2021 | HB 2772 |
Arkansas | Legal | Legal | November 2018 | A sports betting lottery was established, restricted to limited sports and fantasy sports betting pools. |
California | Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A | |
Colorado | Legal | Legal | November 2019 | Proposition DD |
Connecticut | Legal | Legal | May 2021 | Florida |
Legal | Legal | June 2021 | SB 4A | US Sports Betting Laws |
Since then, PASPA’s repeal and | The Federal Wire Act Of 1961 | The Wire Act | At the time | PASPA |
The UIGEA | NRFI Fridays Contest | report published by PBS | per the American Gaming Association | over $1 billion generated |
in revenue. | across all sports betting channels. | offshore sportsbooks | Legal Sports Betting States | |
State | Online Sports Betting | In Person Sports Betting | Year Regulated | |
Notable Bills | Alabama | Offshore Only | Not Legal | |
N/A | Alaska | Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A |
Arizona | Legal | Legal | April 2021 | A program that involved an NFL game-based lottery was attempted, but it was unsuccessful and lasted only for one season. |
HB 2772 | Arkansas | Legal | Legal | November 2018 |
California | Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A | Colorado |
Legal | Legal | November 2019 | Proposition DD | Connecticut |
Legal | Legal | May 2021 | Florida | Legal |
Legal | June 2021 | SB 4A | US Sports Betting Laws | Since then, PASPA’s repeal and |
The Federal Wire Act Of 1961 | The Wire Act | At the time | PASPA | The UIGEA |
NRFI Fridays Contest | report published by PBS | per the American Gaming Association | over $1 billion generated | in revenue. |
across all sports betting channels. | offshore sportsbooks | Legal Sports Betting States | State | Online Sports Betting |
In Person Sports Betting | Year Regulated | Notable Bills | Alabama | |
Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A | Alaska | Offshore Only |
Not Legal | N/A | Arizona | Legal | |
Legal | April 2021 | HB 2772 | Arkansas | Legal |
Legal | November 2018 | California | Offshore Only | Not Legal |
N/A | Colorado | Legal | Legal | November 2019 |
Proposition DD | Connecticut | Legal | Legal | May 2021 |
Florida | Legal | Legal | June 2021 | SB 4A |
HB6451 | Delaware | Offshore Only | Legal | June 2018 |
HB100 | District of Columbia | Legal | Legal | May 2019 |
DC Law 22-312 | Florida | Legal* | Legal* | April 2021 |
HB1A | Georgia | Offshore Only | Not Legal | |
N/A | Hawaii | Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A |
Idaho | Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A | |
Illinois | Legal | Legal | June 2019 | Illinois Gambling Act |
Indiana | Legal | Legal | May 2019 | Iowa |
Legal | Legal | May 2019 | Senate File 617 | Kansas |
Legal | Legal | May 2022 | SB 84 | |
Kentucky | Legal* | Legal* | N/A | 23RS HB 551 |
Louisiana | Legal | Legal | June 2021 | RS 14:90.3 |
Maine | Legal* | Legal* | May 2022 | |
LD 585 | Maryland | Legal | Legal | |
May 2022 | HB 940 | Massachusetts | Legal | |
Legal | August 2022 | H.5164 | Michigan | Legal ; Legal |
December 2019 | Act 152 | Minnesota | Offshore Only | Not Legal |
N/A | Mississippi | Offshore Only | Legal | August 2018 |
HB 606 | Missouri | Offshore Only | Not Legal | N/A |
Montana | Offshore Only | Legal | May 2019 | HB 725 |
The Federal Wire Act was passed to reduce organized crime's involvement in sports wagering via wire communications, its scope later expanding to cover numerous online gambling activities.
Nevada was the first state to allow sports betting and started accepting wagers at turf clubs; since then, legal sports betting has continued in the state. Nebraska Currently, while there isn’t a major movement to federally legalize online sports betting, a growing number of Americans are placing bets online through state-authorized sportsbooks or offshore platforms.
Legal*
There are still several states that have not yet legalized sports betting. However, this doesn't indicate a lack of interest. In fact, many states have deliberated the possibility of legalizing sports betting over the last few years:
LB 561 Nevada The state has put forth proposals for sports betting legislation as recently as 2021, though none have gained approval.
Legal March 1931 There was anticipation for sports betting legalization in 2020 when it was brought to the table. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Alaska’s response taking precedence, the bill lapsed.
New Hampshire In November 2022, California voters were presented with options to legally allow both online and brick-and-mortar sports betting; both proposals failed. Efforts to pass sports betting bills in March 2023 faced opposition and were ultimately voted down in the state Senate.
Legal We’ll delve deeper into the legal landscape shortly. For now, it's crucial to understand that regulations are continually evolving, and offshore sportsbooks are open to all US residents who are 21 and older. House Bill 344 would have facilitated the legalization of sports betting but was postponed in February 2023. With the proposed tax rate at 55% for regulated gambling—the highest in the country—the topic is likely to be revisited in the future.
NH HB480 New Jersey Top Online Sports Betting Platforms for 2025 in the United States
Legal June 2018 Understanding Betting Systems: A Guide for Beginners
New Mexico Offshore Only To find information on this site, please type your query in the search box
October 2018 HB0101 This page includes affiliate links. If you decide to make a deposit through one of these links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help us create content and provide you with the latest updates.
Legal sports betting is on the rise throughout the United States as an increasing number of states choose to establish legitimate online sportsbooks. This trend began in 2018 when the US Government made a pivotal move to allow states to manage their sports betting regulations, thus presenting new avenues for economic development and improved individual freedom.
New York
More than 30 states have recognized the benefits and excitement of sanctioned sports betting, offering both in-person and online options for players. Residents in states where sports betting isn't legalized can still partake in various betting opportunities through reputable offshore sportsbooks. Let’s delve into the intriguing landscape of online sports betting legality in the US.Legal .
An Overview of the Current Landscape of Sports Betting in the United States
Legal The Premier Sportsbook for American Bettors: BetUS
April 2021 Image from the BetUS website showcasing their welcome bonus for new sportsbook users.
Senate Bill 17D BetUS consistently stands out as the leading sportsbook for US bettors, according to our panel of experts. It operates in all 50 states and offers attractive odds across various sports, including domestic and international events, eSports, and financial markets. BetUS TV along with the Locker Room blog provides ongoing free predictions, sports analysis, and discussions centered around major US leagues. Moreover, they offer an expansive in-play betting section and conduct frequent cash prize contests worth thousands of dollars.
North Carolina Upon signing up, new BetUS players can enjoy a 100% match bonus on deposits exceeding $100. While this amount is higher than the usual lower limit of $10 accepted by many sites, it provides a generous potential bonus of up to $2,500, making it significantly more advantageous compared to rival promotions.
Offshore Only In summary, BetUS offers an outstanding overall betting environment. The platform is fully optimized for mobile and tablet use, boasts toll-free phone support and live chat options, and offers fantastic rewards for regular users. This comprehensive approach is what positions BetUS as our leading choice for sportsbook options.
Legal Although BetUS is recognized as the top sportsbook for US players, there is a variety of other excellent choices available. Be sure to check our curated list of the
June 2023 The legality of sports betting, whether online or offline, varies significantly from state to state. As a result, some states offer physical sportsbooks while others provide mobile betting applications. Nevertheless, offshore bookmakers operating outside of the USA are accessible to bettors in every state.
HB 347 Offshore sportsbooks that operate outside the USA (such as those listed on this page) are not bound by US betting laws. They function under the legal frameworks of countries like Panama and Costa Rica, following their respective regulations.
North Dakota The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA)
Offshore Only In the precedent-setting case Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association, 38 states have since enacted some form of legal sports betting. However, the level of accessibility to sportsbooks can vary greatly between these states. For instance, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio provide both online and physical sportsbooks, while Tennessee and Wyoming only permit online betting.
Not Legal We will examine the laws in greater detail soon. For now, it’s important to recognize that the legal landscape is continuously evolving, and offshore betting options remain available to all US residents over 21.
Nevada was the first state to legalize and regulate sports betting back in 1949. For many years, the Federal Wire Act of 1961 and PASPA prevented other states from following suit. It was not until New Jersey launched a crucial Supreme Court battle in 2018 that states were granted the authority to offer their own sports betting.
The increasing national support for legalized sports betting N/A , Ohio Legal Legal has sparked a new growth wave in the industry. Here are three key laws that have significantly affected the availability of sports betting today: Initially intended to mitigate organized crime, the law prohibited the use of wire communication to place bets on sports events that cross state lines. Over time, the Department of Justice extended this act to limit all forms of online gambling, including sports betting. Currently, it applies to gambling establishments and organized crime syndicates rather than individual bettors. December 2021 HB 29 Oklahoma Offshore Only .
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA)
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Not Legal
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was implemented when four states had specific sports betting regulations: Nevada, Delaware, Montana, and Oregon. PASPA was established to maintain the integrity of sports and public trust in fair competition, thereby prohibiting new sports betting laws and restricting private gambling operations. However, PASPA faced numerous constitutional challenges and was ultimately overturned in 2018, granting states the power to authorize sports betting.
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The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA)
specifically targeted online gambling and sports betting by banning financial transactions related to illegal internet gambling. While it did not criminalize sports betting outright, it imposed restrictions on payment processing for online gambling operators. This affected the industry’s growth and caused some offshore operators to exit the US market.
N/A
Oregon Overview of the Current Landscape of Sports Betting in the United States
Since PASPA was overturned, Americans have bet approximately $220 billion on sports, according to data collected in May 2023. The legal sports betting sector generated $93.2 billion in 2022, resulting in a total revenue of $7.5 billion for sportsbooks. The American Gaming Association (AGA) reports that US players wager more than $60 billion annually on offshore platforms. This type of betting is especially common in states where sports betting has not yet been legalized. For example, Super Bowl LVII is said to have attracted around $16 billion in wagers.
Legal

Legal
often present a wide variety of betting opportunities, ranging from popular sports to more niche events, making them appealing to US bettors in states with limited legal options.
October 2019

Pennsylvania
The status of legal sports betting is consistently evolving. Here’s a current overview of the legal situation across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, highlighting which types of betting are permitted and how long regulations have been in effect:
Legal

October 2017
HB 271
Rhode Island
A voter referendum held on November 6, 2018, approved Issue 4 with a narrow margin of 54.1% to 45.9%.
