Sports Betting Legality in the US
The landscape of sports betting in the United States has undergone significant changes in recent years. This comprehensive guide aims to provide an objective overview of the current state of sports betting legality across the country.
We'll explore the legal framework, trends, and implications of sports betting legislation.
Sports betting refers to the act of wagering on the outcome of sporting events. It has a long history in the US, but its legal status has been complex and evolving.
The legalization of sports betting has been a topic of intense debate, with proponents arguing for increased tax revenue and consumer protection, while opponents express concerns about gambling addiction and the integrity of sports.
Since then, many states have moved to legalize and regulate sports betting, while others have maintained prohibitions or are still considering legislation.
States with Legalized Sports Betting
Map of all legal sports betting states in the U.S.
As of 2024, 38 states have embraced legal sports gambling. New Jersey was among the first states to legalize sports betting following the Supreme Court decision.
The Garden State quickly became a leader in the industry, offering both in-person sports betting at casinos and racetracks, as well as online sports betting options.
Nevada, long known as the gambling capital of the US, has had legal sports betting for decades. The Silver State's established infrastructure and experience in regulating gambling have helped it maintain a strong position in the sports betting market, even as other states have entered the field.
Other states with legal sports betting include Delaware, West Virginia, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. Each of these states has implemented its own unique regulatory framework, with variations in tax rates, licensing procedures, and permitted betting options.
States Considering Legalized Sports Betting
While many states have already legalized sports gambling, others are still in the process of considering legislation. Before you start it is important to know where sports betting is legal in the U.S.
Texas, for example, has seen multiple attempts to legalize sports betting, but legislation has consistently fallen short in recent years. The Lone Star State's conservative political climate has posed challenges for proponents of legalization.
Georgia is another state where sports betting legislation has been a topic of ongoing debate. Proponents argue that legalization could provide much-needed tax revenue for education and other state programs, while opponents express concerns about the social impacts of expanded gambling.
Other states considering sports betting legislation include Missouri, Minnesota, and Oklahoma. Each of these states faces unique political and economic considerations as they weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of legalization.
Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.
Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022.
Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the Responsible Gambling team.