Legal Sports Betting
Legal sports betting in the U.S. has been rapidly gaining popularity over the past decade. States with regulated sports betting markets number in the thirties. A handful of other states have sports betting bills working through legislative chambers. Sports betting is available to residents of all 50 states and 2023 is set to be the biggest year of sports betting. Bettors that live in states that have yet to make sports betting legal are still in good hands.
Find an answer to any questions you have about legal sports betting here. Our team has 100+ years of combined wagering experience in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and online. As bettors ourselves we are player advocates. Our focus is to provide readers with current information about legal sports betting.
Today In Legal Sports Betting:
May 28th, 2023
- A Fanatics mobile sportsbook app beta has launched in Massachusetts. Fanatics Sportsbook will utilize the success of their sports merchandise company to succeed in the Commonwealth. Read more
- Two University of Cincinnati baseball staff members were fired for failing to report sports betting violations. Findings from an NCAA investigation resulted in the dismissal of Kyle Sprague and Andy Nagel. Read more
- 2023 Monaco Grand Prix odds favor Max Verstappen to record his fourth win of the 2023 season. Sergio Perez has +350 odds after winning last years event, but the best bet is for either racer to finish in the top two. Read more
- A sports betting survey from the NCAA shows the betting activities of over 3,500 young adults. Find out the frequency of betting habits and the effect of advertising on young adults. Read more
Legal Online Sports Betting Sites
The atmosphere and comradery of a local sportsbook can provide excitement. But the expansion of legal sports betting in the US has made mobile and online sportsbooks the focus. With legal online sportsbooks, find betting lines on every game imaginable. Anywhere you have an internet connection access legal sports betting sites online. Some states have their own regulated legal betting apps too.
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Biggest Sports Betting Events In 2023
With the Masters and Kentucky Derby done, the next sport to bet on depends on your mindset. Some go back to football betting again, focusing on the odds for the USFL. Others lock into the NBA and NHL playoff odds taking shape. But, the biggest upcoming sports betting events in 2023 are during the summer. This is when tennis tournaments in Wimbledon and the French Open happen. Of course, daily MLB betting lines top most legal sportsbooks during the spring.
States with Regulated Sports Betting
There are 33 states (plus DC) that have launched legal sports betting sites or local books. A handful of other states have regulated sports betting but have yet to go live. All states with legal sports betting have different gambling laws. Some only allow online sports betting, while others only permit land-based sportsbooks. To get info about your state’s sports betting laws, click your state below.
Sports Betting States
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Washington DC
West Virginia
Wisconsin
WyomingWhich States Will Regulate Sports Betting In 2023?
A few states are launching legal sports betting in 2023. Massachusetts and Ohio were the last two do so, both launching in January. Most legislative sessions are coming to an end or have ended. States like Georgia and Alabama failed to pass gambling laws in time. So, 2023 wasn’t the most exciting year as far as legal sports betting bills and advancement. Still, Kentucky passed sports betting laws at the end of March. They join Maine and Nebraska as states pending sportsbook launches. The next state to make sports betting legal appears to be Vermont. Minnesota, Missouri, and Texas could be the next grouping.
Regulated Sports Betting In The US & Abroad
Regulated sports betting in the US has become more popular ever since the repeal of PASPA in May of 2018. Proponents have argued players have more protection and integrity of games remain intact. In reality, regulated US sports betting is a way for governments to collect taxes. All the sportsbooks we recommend have licenses in different countries. But, they do not pay taxes to the state or federal government. This is one of the main reasons why US sports betting regulations grew so fast. Regulated sports betting helps bolster revenue and states are taxing sportsbooks from 6-51%. Without such revenue loss, legal online sportsbooks can offer better odds and lines. Evidence of this has been common, with networks like ESPN and FOX Sports having used odds from Bovada.
Which Countries Have Legal Sports Betting?
Despite the influx of US sports betting, legal sports gambling is prevalent elsewhere. Betting parlors rule the United Kingdom and betting regulations are set in Brazil. Sports betting is all over the globe. Some countries have legalized online sportsbooks while others only allow in person bets. Knowing the limitations of countries with legal sports betting may be difficult. But, we help by explaining the policies of the most popular sports betting countries. Like the United States, each country has its own sports betting laws and standards. Even further, some countries break down their sports betting laws by region, like the US.
Latest Legal Sports Betting News
Legal Sports Betting Banking Options
Sportsbooks have more banking options than ever for sports betting fans. Whether looking to make a sportsbook deposit using a card or crypto, there are options. Wire transfers, and debit/credit cards are only some of the methods to fund a sportsbook account. These options range in convenience and processing time. Withdrawing from a legal sports betting account also has a slew of options. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin offer some of the fastest payout methods available. Bettors can also withdraw using bank checks, e-checks, and money orders. Sportsbooks understand players’ banking situations change so they try to meet your needs. There is no shortage of banking methods at legal online sportsbooks.
Mobile Sports Betting Apps
Mobile sports betting apps allow for access to betting lines and odds around the country. Some mobile sports betting sites require the downloading of an app. Others present themselves as mobile-optimized web pages. No matter the style, bet on sports from an iPhone, Android, or any device. Everything found at an online sportsbook is also available on their betting app. This includes account registration, depositing and withdrawing funds, and submitting a wager.
When using a state-licensed mobile betting app, users must stay within state lines. Any attempt to wager outside of state lines will not come with punishment. Rather, a bettor will find the inability to submit that potential winning wager. Though rare, some states need users to sign up in person when creating an account. Licensed online books allow bets from all over the USA, as there are no location restrictions.
Legal Live In-Game Betting
Legal live betting is the next step in sports betting in the United States. Still growing in popularity, estimates suggest four-fifths of UK sports bets are live. The USA is somewhere around 20% of the total sports betting handle. But, with the growing trend of connectedness between media companies and sportsbooks, betting at games or from your couch has become commonplace. This style of betting is for more experienced gamblers, as odds and lines shift quickly. However, guessing the outcome at the right moment can lead to a much larger win than offered pregame. Every licensed US sportsbook offers live betting.
US Sports Betting Laws
There have been many US sports betting laws changes over the past couple of years. The federal government let states look at how to best regulate US sports betting. Between the federal and state governments, sports betting laws in America are clear. Below, find the current sports betting laws and old ones that still affect sports betting.
State Sports Betting Laws
Each state creates their own sports betting laws, meaning rules and regulations vary. Seven states joined Nevada to offer legal sports betting within a year of the PASPA repeal. Now, there are over 30 states that have legal sports betting sites or locations. To find the current sports gambling laws, visit your local gaming commission’s website.
Federal Sports Betting Laws
Federal sports betting laws dictated US sports betting for decades. Over the years, there have been changes to the validity of certain rules. Learning these laws’ meanings and interpretations are important to seeing the full scope. In total, there are three federal acts impacting legal online sports betting.
Future Regulation Of Legal Sports Betting In The USA
States with legal sports betting are always looking to boost tax revenue. Expect to see states who have legal sports betting tweak their sportsbook laws. Local sportsbooks accepting cryptocurrency could become common. Wyoming was the first state to adopt this in their rules. Others states may look at building a legal sports betting app regulated in that state. With issues surrounding exclusivity and problem gambling, these changes can be gradual. Some states have shown no interest in creating a legal sports betting market (Hawaii, Alaska, Utah, Idaho).
Is Online Sports Betting Legal In The USA?
Online sports betting is legal in the United States in a variety of ways. Using licensed legal online sportsbooks or state-regulated apps are both permitted. The local books come with restrictions (location, types of bets, etc.). The legal online sports betting sites are more open in what they allow (crypto, props, etc.). Both sportsbooks have licenses, the only difference being the location of the license. Local books follow regulations from a certain gaming commission local to the state. Online sportsbooks accept all US players and do not have betting type restrictions. Still, bettors need to follow the legal sports betting age of 18 (or 21 depending on jurisdiction). Stay current with states gambling laws before joining a recommended legal online sportsbook.
The Size Of The US Sports Betting Market
Looking to see how much money is bet on sports in the US is an easy feat. Every state reports their sports betting handle, revenue, and tax figures for the most part. Some tribal run sportsbooks in the US are not required to post their figures. Still, using our sports betting revenue tracker, we can see the scope of money bet in the US.
New Jersey and Nevada are royalty regarding how much money is bet at sportsbooks. But, since launching online sportsbooks, the amount of money bet on sports in New York is way higher. But these are only three of the over 30 states reporting their sports betting numbers. As far as the amount of money bet at US sportsbooks, 2022 noted over $90 billion in bets placed. In total, US sportsbooks saw $7.5 billion in legal sports betting revenue. This was their total before sending tax money to local governments, though.
- 22 states have eclipsed a sports betting handle (total bets accepted) of $1 billion.
- Sportsbooks in the big 5 (NV, NJ, NY, PA, IL) account for 56% of all US sportbooks’ revenue.
- Sportsbooks have sent over $2.6 billion to local governments in sports betting taxes.
Where Does The Money Go?
The benefits of sports betting taxes change over many states’ sports betting regulations. Most states allocate percentages of revenue to their general fund. But, some have a true plan of action. In Sept. 2022, Colorado’s gaming commission approved over $11 million into a cash fund. This Water Implementation Fund oversees the Colorado Water Plan. This 43% YOY increase benefits water projects in Colorado, which began from legalization. Mississippi sportsbooks send money into infrastructure, benefiting sewers and roads.
Sports Betting Handle
- Arizona$7.8 billion
- Arkansas$330.3 million
- Colorado$10.8 billion
- Connecticut$2.2 billion
- Delaware$555.0 million
- Illinois$19.2 billion
- Indiana$11.8 billion
- Iowa$5.6 billion
- Kansas $1.1 milliom
- Louisiana$2.7 billion
- Maryland$1.7 billion
- Massachusetts $1.0 million
- Michigan$9.4 billion
- Mississippi$2.0 billion
- Montana$123.5 million
- Nevada$30.0 billion
- New Hampshire$1.9 billion
- New Jersey$34.8 billion
- New Mexicon/a
- New York$20.4 billion
- Ohio $1.1 billion
- Oregon$1.2 billion
- Pennsylvania$20.7 billion
- Rhode Island$1.5 billion
- South Dakota$10 million
- Tennessee$7.2 billion
- Virginia$9.1 billion
- Washington DC$520.0 million
- West Virginia$1.9 billion
- Wyoming$184.8 million
- Total $207 billion
Sportsbooks’ Revenue
- Arizona$636.3 million
- Arkansas$34.6 million
- Colorado$713.8 million
- Connecticut$182.4 million
- Delaware$84.1 million
- Illinois$1.4 billion
- Indiana$940.8 million
- Iowa$368.8 million
- Kansas $27.0 million
- Louisiana$227.0 million
- Maryland$252.6 million
- Massachusetts –$7,250
- Michigan$792.3 million
- Mississippi$236.5 million
- Montana$17.2 million
- Nevada$1.7 billion
- New Hampshire$146.5 million
- New Jersey$2.4 billion
- New Mexicon/a
- New York$1.7 billion
- Ohio $208.9 million
- Oregon$114.8 million
- Pennsylvania$1.5 billion
- Rhode Island$136.1 million
- South Dakota$1.2 million
- Tennessee$688.9 million
- Virginia$803.9 million
- Washington DC$65.1 million
- West Virginia$156.9 million
- Wyoming$18.8 million
- Total $18 billion
Tax Revenue By State
- Arizona$35.4 million
- Arkansas$4.7 million
- Colorado$36.9 million
- Connecticut$18.3 million
- Delaware$56.5 million
- Illinois$233.2 million
- Indiana$89.1 million
- Iowa$27.2 million
- Kansas $2.7 million
- Louisiana$38.2 million
- Maryland$11.6 million
- Massachusetts $9,861
- Michigan$27.6 million
- Mississippi$28.3 million
- Montanan/a
- Nevada$116.7 million
- New Hampshire$67.3 million
- New Jersey$309.8 million
- New Mexicon/a
- New York$826.9 million
- Ohio $20.8 million
- Oregon$n/a
- Pennsylvania$381.7 million
- Rhode Island$70.0 million
- South Dakota$112,451
- Tennessee$120.7 million
- Virginia$78.4 million
- Washington DC$4.5 million
- West Virginia$15.6 million
- Wyoming$956,085
- Total $2.8 billion
Sports Betting Contests
Finding sports betting contests can be the easiest way to win big or earn sportsbook credit. Held year round, sports betting contests feature all sports. But, the most common occur during the NFL season. Still, sportsbooks host March Madness betting contests, Masters contests, and more. Entries are generally only a few dollars ($5-$25) and payouts can be in the thousands. Some are single entry while most others allow for up to 20 or so entries. Most sportsbooks will advertise their sports betting contests through messages, tweets, or email. Remember to read the legal sports betting rules for the contests. They can be the key to winning big or the ticket to finding a strategy. Some even offer a reduced entry if you’re one of the first to sign up for a sports betting contest.
Famous Sports Bettors
Still getting used to legal sports betting? That’s no problem! At one point, everyone was a beginner in the sports betting world. Even the most famous sports bettors in the world started somewhere. Aside from viewing our help pages, check out our bios for some famous sports bettors. Most led a life of power and success like Tony Boom or Haralabos “Bob” Voulgaris. Others bet for fun like Charles Barkley while some sell their picks online. A few even saw their success blow up in smoke like Parlay Patz. Regardless, learning about the best in the business helps create winning betting strategies. Knowing what to do is important but knowing what not to do is also a key to winning sports bets. Use the most famous sports betting personalities as a guide to becoming a better bettor.
Legal Esports Betting
One of the most popular events in esports betting. Having grown from the start, you can legally bet on esports online. Esports are video game competitions and tournaments. It started with a few games but now there is a list of esports games to bet on. With how much legal sports betting is growing in the US, people are wanting to wager on esports more every day. Some states even modified laws to include esports odds after first prohibiting them. If you are an esports fan, you’ll find many legal sportsbooks offer esports bets. Learn how to bet on Esports here.
Legal Entertainment Betting
Whether looking to bet on TV shows or celebrities, legal entertainment betting sites feature odds on it all. The easiest way to legally bet on entertainment, reality TV shows, and award shows is with these online sportsbooks. We include many small market sports in our organization of entertainment as well. So, find a way to bet on the WWE or place a futures bet on cycling, chess, snooker, and more. Most of these bets don’t allow for large bet being placed. But you can still earn some betting units to your bankroll along the way.
Free Sports Bets
Free sports bets are something that sportsbooks offer their customers but the wording behind it changed in 2023. With a strong focus on the word “free”, sportsbooks may offer these bonuses, but still require depositing money into an account. All sports betting sites stipulate their rules for redeeming free plays. Some will give you a risk-free bet that can only be for your first bet. Other free sports bets might come during certain times of the year. This may encourage betting on a UFC match, Kentucky Derby, or any specific event. One of the main advantages of free sports bets is that there are typically no rollovers. Still, make sure to learn the terms, so you don’t get caught up in something like the Caesars Sportsbook “risk-free” bet lawsuit that came out in 2023.
Sports Betting Picks + Tips
Everyone could use a play from time to time. Whether you want to fade us or follow, check out our (* free sports betting picks https://www.legalsportsbetting.com/free-picks/ *) page, which details ways to get the edge on sportsbooks. We may not bet every day, but that means we put a strong emphasis on our legal sports bets when we do place them. Our data team’s research has helped create a system to see the advantage over legal sports betting sites and their odds. It doesn’t matter is its free player prop bets or helping with NFL betting lines, we try to hit it all.
Legal Political Betting
Betting on politics online is legal and very popular during election cycles. With Donald Trump betting odds, politics are a constant source of wagering too. Betting on the U.S. Presidential Election in 2024 will be the most bet on political event in a few years. The winner of the presidency is a hot topic and political people love putting their money where their mouth is. The door is open for political prop bets too as well as election race odds outside of the US. Legal political betting is a fun way to engage in current events and stay informed in politics. Even if you can’t name a congressperson, you’ll find a legal political betting line you enjoy.
Legal Horse Racing Betting
In 2023, pretty much every legal sportsbook has horse racing odds. While they may not offer pari-mutuel wagering, they’ll still provide bets on the major races. When looking for Belmont Stakes betting sites or any horse racing site for betting, the sportsbooks will have your back. If you follow the smaller races, a legal horse racing betting site like Bovada may be a better decision for you. Offering closing lines on all horse races today, they bring real simulcast betting to your phone or computer.
How To Contact LegalSportsBetting.com?
The team here is always ready to answer any questions you may have about legal sports betting in The United States. Just shoot us an email to the address below and one of our team members will get back to you as soon as possible.
FAQ's About Legal Sports Betting
Let’s face it, the United States sports gambling industry is complex and the rules change. We are as thorough as possible in the information we provide, sometimes it helps to get down to the basics. That is why we compiled a list of the questions most frequently asked about legal sports betting. These are the comments and concerns that we get in our inbox from readers, in one easy-to-digest format. Our running list of sports betting FAQs will help you to better navigate the legal betting world.
Will I Go To Jail For Online Sports Betting?
No, you will not go to jail for online sports betting. States that don’t offer regulated sportsbooks can use online gambling websites. These fall outside state and federal jurisdiction. Additionally, anti-gambling laws focus on operators and providers rather than individual gamblers. No individual has ever gone to jail in the United States for only betting on sports.
How old do I have to be to use legal online sportsbooks?
Every state sets its own laws for sports betting ages. With online sports betting sites, the legal sports betting age to play is 18 years old. If sports betting age laws in your state say 21 though, that is the rule to follow. You do not have to show a valid ID to sign up, but you do have to before you can withdraw your winnings. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of said winnings.
Is it legal to Bet On Sports With My Friends In The USA?
Some states do have prohibitions against social betting with somewhat archaic laws. States do not enforce social betting laws unless there’s other criminal acts. Your March Madness office pool is completely legal as long as the house doesn’t take a cut.
Can I safely wager on sports with a local bookie?
No betting with an underground bookie can be against the law. You likely won’t face charges but your money could be at risk of government seizure. Local bookies sometimes aren’t trustworthy – even your friend from back home. You may get worse odds and their payouts are unreliable at best. If you want to wager on sports safely, do so with a legal sports betting site.
Can I use the phone or Internet to place a bet at a sportsbook in another state?
No, all sportsbooks in the US are off-limits to those located in another state. You don’t have to be a resident of that state, but you must log in and bet from their jurisdiction. This is the result of the Federal Wire Act of 1961. The Wire Act does not apply to licensed online sportsbooks outside the US.
When Will My State Have Legal Sports Betting?
Unless you live in Utah, soon. Since the 2018 Supreme Court repeal of PASPA, states have passed sports betting laws. While some have heavy opposition to legal sports betting, it is prevalent in many places. Religious groups and tribal casinos cause the largest issues for sports betting legislation.
Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings when betting on sports?
Yes, you have to pay federal and (when applicable) state taxes on your gambling winnings. Failure to report gambling winnings could land you in legal trouble. Felony tax evasion is prosecutable under the law, though an extreme example. The federal gambling winnings tax rate is 25% and many states tax gambling winnings as income. Gambling losses are also generally deductible up to the same amount as your winnings. Use this to your legal sports betting advantage.