Sports Betting States: Legal USA Sports Betting 2025

What US States Offer Legal Sports Betting?

With 27 states plus the District of Columbia currently offering some form of online sports betting, more than half of American states allow access to the latest and most popular sportsbooks.

States with legal sports betting vary wildly in terms of their previous history concerning the legality of gambling. Nevada, the state that has the most casinos, was obviously an early proponent of sports betting, but plenty of states that don’t have casinos have gotten in on the craze as well, seeing an opportunity for increased tax revenue.

Below, we’ll be listing our top recommended sports betting states due to their wide range of available high-quality sportsbooks. These aren’t all the states where sports betting is available, just the ones that we believe have the best current offerings. We’ll give you information including when sports betting was legalized in the state, what sportsbooks are available, and what options you have when placing your bets.

New Jersey

New Jersey is one of the early adopters of the new wave of online sports betting. Thanks to the state’s proximity to both the New York and Philadelphia markets, Jersey is an excellent state to be in not just for sports fans, but sports bettors as well.

Because of their enthusiasm and openness towards the sports gambling industry, there are currently an astounding 24 different sportsbooks available in New Jersey, including big names like FanDuel and BetMGM, making it one of the best sports betting states.

Whether you’re at the racetrack, in an Atlantic City casino, or on your phone, you can place wagers in the Garden State. They currently accept bets in-person at casinos and racetracks, as well as online via desktop and mobile devices.

Pennsylvania

Another state that was quick to get on the legal online sports betting bandwagon, Pennsylvania provides plenty of options for bettors from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia to Allentown to Harrisburg. There are currently 14 sportsbooks active in the state, including DraftKings and popular European provider Unibet.

One unique aspect of the sports betting scene in Pennsylvania is the state’s tax rate, which is one of the highest in the nation. While this has led to some criticism from bookmakers, the state has used the revenue generated from sports betting to fund important programs and initiatives.

And before you look up “sports betting near me” know that you’ll be able to engage in retail betting at licensed casinos and racetracks alongside the option to bet from the comfort of your own home on your mobile device or desktop computer.

Colorado

Just like its population, Colorado is another state that has experienced significant growth in the legal sports betting industry since it was allowed in May 2019. Not only does the state have teams in all four major American sports, but its NBA franchise, the Denver Nuggets, are currently the reigning champions.

One thing you’ll immediately notice when betting in Colorado is the amount of variety. There are 27 different sportsbooks to choose from, including lesser-known sites like Circa Sports.

If you’re a bettor in Colorado, you should feel comfortable knowing that you can bet anywhere from your devices or live in person at racetracks and casinos.

Michigan

Since December 2019, Michigan has offered high-quality sports betting options to its 10+ million residents. There are currently 13 sportsbooks active in the state, from national brands like FanDuel to local outfits such as betPARX.

In terms of sports to bet on, Detroit is home to all four major American professional sports, and both the University of Michigan and Michigan State provide some excellent college sports betting opportunities.

While bettors in Michigan will have their choice between in-person, desktop, and mobile betting, the latter has quickly taken over the market. With online wagering being the preferred method for most bettors, Michigan is becoming a hub for mobile legalized sports betting.

Indiana

Indiana was an early adopter of online sports betting in the USA, first legalizing the practice in September 2019. The Hoosier State currently has 14 active sportsbooks including popular brands like FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars Sportsbook.

We recommend Indiana because of the passionate fan bases located in the state. Popular teams like the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers have partnerships with major betting sites that offer unique team-based promos, and the Indiana Hoosiers are consistently among the best bets in college basketball.

If you’re interested in betting in Indiana, you’ll have the opportunity to bet in person, on a desktop computer, or on your mobile device.

Illinois

Illinois legalized sports betting in March 2020, just a few weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down most of the country. Despite this slow start, the sports betting industry in Illinois has been growing rapidly, with seven top-notch sportsbooks currently available including BetRivers.

A lot of that has to do with the might of the Chicago metro area. With iconic sports franchises like the Bears, Bulls, and Cubs calling the city home, there’s a massive market for sports betting that few other cities have.

The state originally had strict in-person registration requirements, which hindered the growth of sports betting in the state. But now with those regulations lifted, Illinois bettors are free to sign up from anywhere to bet either in-person or online.

Arizona

Arizona is a relatively new player in the sports betting scene, having just legalized sports betting in April 2021. There are currently 15 sportsbooks active in the state including popular sites like FanDuel and DraftKings.

One unique aspect of the sports betting scene in Arizona is the state’s partnership with Native American tribes, who will have exclusive rights to half of the sports betting licenses in the state. Whether you’re in Phoenix or Tucson, you’ll have the option to bet in person at a casino or online on either desktop or mobile.

Virginia

Virginia legalized sports betting in 2020, began accepting wagers in January 2021, and, as of 2024, there are an impressive 16 different sportsbook options available to local bettors. These include popular sites like FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook.

One thing we like about Virginia is that they have a few regulations that will make life easier for you as a bettor, including requiring sportsbooks to use official league data to settle all in-play bets to guarantee integrity. There are no in-person options, but it’s easy to bet on a desktop or mobile device no matter where you are in the state.

New York

Sports betting in New York has its downsides such as strict regulations and limited offerings, but it’s still one of the largest markets in the country with a ton of room to grow into a dominant player. Just think of all the iconic sports teams that call the Big Apple home, and the practically unlimited betting opportunities they present.

As of yet, there are only a handful of sports betting platforms active in the state, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetRivers. Bettors from Long Island to Buffalo can bet live in person at licensed casinos and racetracks, as well as online through a desktop or mobile device.

Iowa

Iowa legalized sports betting in 2019 and has quickly become a major player in the industry despite their relative size. Currently, there are 17 sports betting operators active in the state, including well-known brands like William Hill, BetMGM, and PointsBet.

Prior to 2021, a unique requirement that was found in Iowa is that all bettors had to register in person at a licensed sportsbook before they could place online wagers, which helped boost business for local sportsbooks. But, it was a bit of a hassle. Now, Iowans can register directly on online sportsbooks.

Additionally, Iowa has a tax rate of 6.75%, which is lower than many other states, making it an attractive market for bookmakers and giving bettors more choices whether in-person or online.

Tennessee

Tennessee’s sports betting scene is relatively new, with the state legalizing sports betting in 2019 and launching online-only sportsbooks in late 2020. There are currently 12 sportsbooks available in the Volunteer State, including our favorites FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook.

One less appealing aspect of Tennessee’s sports betting scene that does hold it back from being truly great is that it is the only state to mandate a minimum hold percentage of 10% for operators – a fancy industry term for “sportsbook”. Despite this, the sports betting industry in Tennessee is expected to continue to grow with options for online bettors.

What are the Other States with Legal Sports Betting?

While the 11 states above are our highest recommended places for sports bettors, we understand that not everyone lives in one of the locations. Even if you reside in another state that has legal sports gambling options, you can easily still find a quality betting experience.

Below is a full list of other states that have legalized Internet sports betting:

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Montana
• Massachusetts
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• West Virginia
• Wyoming
• Washington D.C. – not a state, we know that but you can bet on sports legally.

These states might not have quite as many options as some of the ones we’ve already listed, but many of them still offer access to the most popular sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings. And remember, states where gambling is legal can change by the month, so watch this space for updates.

Top Sportsbooks to Use in Legal Betting States

It doesn’t matter where you live, if you don’t have a sportsbook you can trust, then it makes the whole experience a lot more stressful. With our top betting sites, all those worries go out the window.

Not only do each of these sportsbooks have excellent all-around offerings, they’re also available in nearly every state where sports betting is legalized, giving them wide-ranging coverage that many other sites don’t.

Without further ado, here are our top sportsbooks to use in legal betting states.

DraftKings

DraftKings, a dominant force in daily fantasy sports for more than a decade, smoothly transitioned into online sports betting back in 2018. Offering an enticing welcome bonus, noteworthy free to play promotions, and unwavering reliability, DraftKings has solidified its position as one of the most esteemed names in the betting industry.

Its widespread recognition stems from a seamless online betting experience. Navigating the site is effortless, ensuring accessibility for even the newest of players. This makes DraftKings a go-to destination for sports enthusiasts and casual bettors alike.

BetMGM

BetMGM stands tall in the gambling industry, boasting over 35 years of experience in live casinos and online sports betting. Their enduring commitment to quality has garnered the trust and respect of millions of consumers, making them one of the most popular betting platforms in the country.

The BetMGM sportsbook reflects their reputation, offering unique bonuses and promotions across popular markets, an exceptional loyalty program, and top-tier live streaming for sports like basketball and soccer. With a legacy of excellence, BetMGM stands as a compelling option for all, delivering a comprehensive and rewarding betting experience.

FanDuel

FanDuel Sportsbook ranks among the nation’s best, offering widespread availability, diverse bonuses, and promotions across major sports. Renowned for its exceptional user interface and menu system, FanDuel provides an outstanding sportsbook experience on both desktop and mobile platforms.

Our favorite feature has to be their array of excellent promotions, including unique perks like a complimentary subscription to NBA League Pass. Whether you’re on a desktop or using a mobile device, FanDuel is one of the top options for casual sports bettors looking for a reliable place to bet.

The History of US Legalized Sports Betting

The history of sports betting legalization in the US is a long and winding story that took over a century to resolve. From the corruption and mob influences of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, all the way to the national online sports gambling empires of today, the government’s opinion on whether online gambling is legal or not has done a complete 180.

To help you better understand how the US came to be so open to legalizing online sports betting, let’s take a quick look at the history of the practice in America.

The Early Years

Sports betting in the United States really started in earnest when horse racing became popular shortly after the end of the Civil War. By the late 19th century, hundreds of racetracks had been built around the US, supporting a thriving gambling scene.

And it wasn’t just restricted to horse racing, you could really bet on any sports, including baseball and boxing. A lot of this was under the rug, and involved a ton of influence from criminal organizations, resulting in corruption.

As such, the early years of sports betting in the United States often get an unsavory reputation because of its association with numerous major scandals, most notably the 1919 Black Sox scandal, when some members of the MLB’s Chicago White Sox were paid off by the mob to throw the World Series.

From there, sports betting remained an illegal practice across the country outside of some small exceptions, most notably in Nevada, where the first government-sanctioned sportsbook was opened in 1949.

PASPA

It’s impossible to talk about the history of sports betting in the United States without mentioning the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA). At the time, sports gambling was not explicitly outlawed on the federal level, and many in government saw the practice as a national problem.

The PASPA bill effectively made sports gambling illegal in any states where it was not already present, those being sports lotteries conducted in Delaware, Montana, and Oregon, as well as the pre-existing licensed sportsbooks in Nevada.

It also did not outlaw betting on all sports. If you wanted to wager on dog racing, horse racing, or jai alai (of all things!), that was perfectly okay.

PASPA might have settled the debate at the time, but it would take just 20 years for the conversation around sports betting to make national headlines once again.

Breakthrough in New Jersey

Home of the largest gambling hub on the East Coast in Atlantic City and close to NYC and Philly, New Jersey is one state that would have seriously benefited from legalizing online sports betting early.

And they had an argument for being able to do just that. Many people thought that PASPA was a violation of states’ rights through the 10th Amendment. Because of this, New Jersey decided to challenge the law by passing a state constitutional amendment that legalized sports gambling.

The law was then challenged by many major athletic associations, including the NCAA, MLB, and NFL. This case made its way through the legal system all the way up to the Supreme Court where, in 2018, they struck down PASPA as unconstitutional in a 6-3 decision.

This ruling completely changed the sports betting legal map, allowing states to decide for themselves whether to allow the practice or not.

Modern Day

With the floodgates now open, billions of dollars are pouring into the gambling industry as many states have realized the benefits of legalized sports betting. Sports betting presents a consistent stream of taxable funds for states, helping to fill their pockets while boosting the local economy at the same time.

All this cash coming in has seen the rise of some absolute behemoths in the online sports betting space. Companies like FanDuel and DraftKings are multi-billion dollar empires that control massive slices of the sports betting pie.

Even the sports leagues themselves are starting to come around on placing bets. Many of them are now in official partnerships with specific sportsbooks, offering unique bonuses and promotions catered to that specific sport.

Overall, the modern day is a time of insane growth in the sports betting industry, with plenty of states heading on the way toward legalization.

Are Legal US Sports Betting Sites Safe?

Absolutely! Legal US sports betting sites are safe and can be fully trusted with your information. This is mainly because they must follow very strict sports betting rules and regulations concerning data security in each state to receive a betting license in states where sports betting is legal.

This is in stark contrast to offshore sportsbooks, which you’ll often see advertised on more shady sites online. Many people in states that don’t allow gambling flock to these bookies to get in on the action. The only problem is these sites aren’t held to the same strict security and privacy standards, leaving your payment info potentially at risk.

The US sports betting landscape is extensive, and only growing bigger by the day. No matter what legal betting state you live in, you’ll have multiple sportsbooks to choose from, each with their pros and cons, but all are reliable as long as you stick to licensed options (like the bookmakers we highlight at Overtime Heroics).

Why Should You Only Use Regulated Sportsbooks in Legal Betting States?

We hinted at it in the section above, but using licensed and regulated sportsbooks in legal betting states is an absolute must if you want to keep your personal and payment information secure.

Offshore sportsbooks are not held to the same rules and regulations as licensed online gambling sites and thus pose a greater security risk when you bet with them. Even if you’re located in a state where gambling is illegal, these sites simply aren’t worth it. We’d highly recommend saving your bets for the next time you’re in a legal state instead.

How Do Sports Betting Laws Affect Athletes & Coaches?

Just like regular people, athletes and coaches are not immune to the struggles of gambling addiction. The legalization of sports betting has been a positive for many, but it’s important to recognize the damage it can cause to some without proper education and information available.

Multiple athletes and coaches in recent years have been caught gambling on sports when they shouldn’t have, including star soccer player Sandro Tonali and ex-Alabama Crimson Tide baseball coach Brad Bohannon.

If you feel like you are having trouble controlling your spending habits while betting, please reach out to a gambling crisis line or support group. Sports betting is supposed to be fun and when the fun stops, there’s nothing wrong with getting help.

Which States Could Legalize Sports Betting Next?

If you’re looking for a “sportsbook near me”, don’t worry, one might be closer than you think soon. The sports betting industry has been constantly expanding into new territory since PASPA was struck down in the courts, and new states are joining the party seemingly every year.

The two jurisdictions with sports betting legislation in the oven right now are North Carolina and Vermont. Both states are busty finalizing the rules, but as things stand you should be able to place legal wagers in either location by February or March of 2024.

Other states such as California, Georgia, and Florida, have proposed multiple bills to legalize the practice, but none have been able to pass just yet.

The Final Word on Sports Betting States

In the last five years, it’s hard to think of an industry that has grown more in the American consciousness than sports betting.

From an outlawed practice commonly associated with the mob and corruption, to a multi-billion dollar industry headlined by trustworthy brands and partnered with major sports leagues, sports betting has done an about-face to become an essential part of sports fandom.

Available in more than half of US states on the map, with more on the way, it certainly seems like sports betting is here to stay.