NFL Draft Betting in 2025: Where It's Legal Vs Restricted

Seven states allow NFL Draft betting but have some restrictions (generally based on timing for when you can place the bet).
Because they are not athletic events, another nine states outright ban bettors from wagering on the NFL Draft.
Bettors in every state can access odds for the draft through offshore sportsbooks that accept players in their jurisdiction.

GREEN BAY, Wisc. – As the 2025 NFL Draft starts on Thursday, sports bettors face a complex betting situation depending on their location. While the majority of states with legal sports betting support wagers on the draft, another group puts restrictions or outright bans on the market.

NFL Draft Betting Restrictions By State

State	Rules
Colorado	Pre-draft bets must close before the first overall selection. Round-specific wagers are only allowed prior to the start of each round. Any bet on a specific pick must be placed at least two selections before the target during the first three rounds.
Iowa	Applies a strict 24-hour freeze on all draft-related markets ahead of the event. Once that window begins, no wagers may be placed or reopened, effectively eliminating all in-draft betting.
Nevada	Player-specific bets must close 24 hours prior to the start of Round 1, while other NFL betting markets may remain open until the beginning of the affected round.
Massachusetts	Pre-draft wagers are taken off the board as the first pick is submitted. For action on a specific round, they must be submitted prior to that round beginning. Individual pick selections require a two-pick grace period before being taken down.
Michigan	Same as Massachusetts
North Carolina	Same as Massachusetts
Tennessee	Same as Massachusetts

States Where Draft Betting Remains Prohibited

Despite these states having legal sports betting, none are allowed to offer NFL Draft bets based on rules and regulations set forth by the local gaming commissions.

Connecticut
Kentucky
New York
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Vermont
Virginia
Washington

An Open Market

Outside of the states listed above, there are no restrictions present. You can find odds at legal sportsbooks online, despite the wagers being on non-athletic competitions or non-game events.

As NFL Draft betting grows in popularity, the demand for these wagers continues to increase. Operators and gaming commissions urge clarity and consistency, but as each state forms its own wagering rules, it can be a challenge to understand for first timer bettors.

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Michael Molter

After spending time scouting college basketball for Florida State University under Leonard Hamilton and the University of Alabama under Anthony Grant, Michael started writing focused on NBA content. A graduate of both schools, he now covers legal sports betting bills, sports betting revenue data, tennis betting odds, and sportsbook reviews. Michael likes to play basketball, hike, and kayak when not glued to the TV watching midlevel tennis matches.