State of the US States: Everything you need to know
TL;DR
- 2018 Supreme Court Ruling: PASPA repealed the federal ban on sports betting, allowing states to legalize and regulate the industry.
- Rapid Expansion: Legal sports betting now available in 38 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.
- Online & Mobile Betting: Major drivers of growth, providing convenience and accessibility for sports bettors.
- State Regulation: States, often in collaboration with Native American tribes, have implemented regulations to oversee the industry.
- Economic Impact: Significant tax revenue and job creation, boosting state budgets and local economies.
- Responsible Gambling: Growing focus on promoting responsible gambling practices and addressing gambling addiction, but not enough being done to proactively prevent problem gambling habits.
- Future Outlook: Continued expansion expected, with more states legalizing sports betting and ongoing innovation in the industry.
Currently, legal sports betting is available in 38 states, as well as Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. Among these, 30 states have embraced online/mobile sports betting, allowing residents to place bets via online sportsbooks in the United States, on smartphone apps and desktop platforms offering a convenient and accessible way to engage in betting.
The Role of the Supreme Court in Sports Betting Legality
The 2018 Supreme Court ruling that struck down the federal ban on sports betting has been a game-changer for the industry. This landmark decision enabled individual states to determine the sports betting legality within their borders. As a result, the last few years have seen a surge in legal sports betting across the country, with more states considering legislation to allow online betting and in-person sports betting.
Since the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, the landscape of sports betting in the United States has undergone a dramatic transformation. This pivotal decision by the Supreme Court allowed states to legalize and regulate sports betting, leading to rapid expansion and substantial growth in the industry.
While legal sports betting is now available in 38 states, it’s important to remember that responsible gambling is key to ensuring a positive experience. Whether placing bets online or in person, bettors should be aware of their limits and seek help if they feel they are losing control.
The following table provides an overview of the availability of online and retail sports betting across various states in the United States:
| States/Provinces | Online | Retail |
| Arizona | Yes | Yes |
| Arkansas | Yes | Yes |
| Colorado | Yes | Yes |
| Connecticut | Yes | Yes |
| Delaware | Yes | Yes |
| Florida | Yes | Yes |
| Illinois | Yes | Yes |
| Indiana | Yes | Yes |
| Iowa | Yes | Yes |
| Kansas | Yes | Yes |
| Kentucky | Yes | Yes |
| Louisiana | Yes | Yes |
| Maine | Yes | No |
| Maryland | Yes | Yes |
| Massachusetts | Yes | Yes |
| Michigan | Yes | Yes |
| Mississippi | No | Yes |
| Montana | No | Yes |
| Nebraska | No | Yes |
| Nevada | Yes | Yes |
| New Hampshire | Yes | Yes |
| New Jersey | Yes | Yes |
| New Mexico | No | Yes |
| New York | Yes | Yes |
| North Carolina | Yes | Yes |
| North Dakota | No | Yes |
| Ohio | Yes | Yes |
| Ontario | Yes | Yes |
| Oregon | Yes | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | Yes |
| Rhode Island | Yes | Yes |
| South Dakota | No | Yes |
| Tennessee | Yes | No |
| Vermont | Yes | No |
| Virginia | Yes | Yes |
| Washington, DC | Yes | Yes |
| Washington | Yes | Yes |
| West Virginia | Yes | Yes |
| Wisconsin | Yes | Yes |
| Wyoming | Yes | No |
Rapid Growth and Expansion
In just a few short years, numerous states have embraced legal sports betting, contributing to a thriving market. The advent of mobile sports betting has further fueled this growth, providing bettors with unprecedented convenience and access. As more states continue to join the regulated sports betting market, the industry has seen a significant increase in both participation and revenue.
"The rapid expansion of the sports betting market brings with it the need for increased awareness and education about responsible gambling. As more people participate, it’s essential that both new and experienced bettors understand how to gamble responsibly and where to find help if needed."
The Process to Legalize Sports Betting
Each state has its unique process to legalize sports betting, typically involving legislative efforts, voter referendums, and regulatory approvals. This section will outline the general steps states follow to legalize sports betting, including:
- Introduction of Legislation: Bills are introduced in the state legislature proposing the legalization of sports betting.
- Committee Reviews: The bills are reviewed and debated by relevant committees.
- Legislative Approval: If approved by the committees, the bill moves to the full legislature for a vote.
- Governor’s Signature: Upon legislative approval, the bill is sent to the governor for signing into law.
- Regulatory Framework Development: Regulatory bodies develop the rules and regulations governing sports betting.
- Launch of Sports Betting: Sports betting operations commence under the new legal framework.
Active 2024 Sports Betting Bills
As many states wrap up their legislative sessions for the year, only a few continue to actively push sports betting legislation forward. However, this list is likely to expand as more states introduce new bills.
- Nebraska: Currently, Nebraska is holding a special legislative session where Senator Eliot Bostar has put forth LB13, along with a constitutional amendment, aimed at expanding sports betting in the state to include online platforms. At present, sports betting in Nebraska is restricted to retail locations only.
- Missouri: In Missouri, legislative efforts to legalize sports betting have stalled once more in 2024. However, a recent development saw a ballot initiative approved by the Missouri Secretary of State’s office. This means voters will have the opportunity to decide on the issue in the November elections. The initiative required 170,000 valid signatures to be placed on the ballot, but organizers submitted over 340,000, reflecting significant public interest.
Sports Betting Bills to Watch
Several key states have introduced or are considering sports betting legislation that could significantly impact the landscape in 2024. Here’s a summary of the most notable bills:
- Georgia: Georgia has been on the cusp of legalizing sports betting for a few years. In 2024, Senate Resolution 579 moved the state closer to a referendum that would allow voters to decide on legalizing sports betting. However, the Georgia House of Representatives failed to advance this resolution before the end of the session, delaying any potential legalization until at least 2025).
- Alabama: Alabama is another state to watch, as the legislature is actively debating a sports betting bill that appears to have strong momentum. With surrounding states already embracing sports betting, Alabama is feeling the pressure to keep pace. If passed, this legislation could introduce both retail and online sports betting within the state.
- Oklahoma: Oklahoma's sports betting prospects hinge largely on negotiations with local tribes. The state legislature is in the early stages of discussing bills that would legalize sports betting, but the outcome will depend heavily on the involvement and agreement of tribal entities. This is a critical factor, as tribal gaming plays a significant role in the state's gambling landscape.
- Illinois: Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has approved the state's 2025 budget, which includes a notable tax increase on sports betting operators. This move reflects Illinois' ongoing adjustments to its sports betting regulations as it seeks to maximize revenue from the industry.
- New York: New York Senator Joe Addabbo introduced bill S9044, which sought to raise the legal age for participating in fantasy sports from 18 to 21. The bill also aimed to generate an additional $150 million in revenue from fantasy sports contests. However, the bill did not pass before the end of the legislative session, leaving these changes on hold.
- North Carolina: In North Carolina, Representative Marcia Morey introduced HB 967, a bill that proposed banning college player prop bets. Although this bill addressed growing concerns around betting on college athletes, it did not advance before the legislative session ended.
These bills represent some of the most significant legislative efforts in 2024 and could have a major impact on sports betting in their respective states if they move forward.
