States With Legal Sports Betting: Complete 2026 Guide
Sports betting in the United States is regulated state by state, so the rules in one state can look nothing like the rules next door. This guide covers the legal sports betting status of all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. For every legal state, it explains when betting became legal, whether online and retail wagering are available, the launch dates, the licensed sportsbooks, the tax rate, and the college betting rules. For the states that have not legalized, it details the bills introduced, how recent votes went, and what is likely to happen next.
U.S. Sports Betting Map
Tap any state for its full guideOverview and Key Facts
Start HereWhat This Page Covers
Sports betting in the United States is regulated state by state. Each state decides whether to allow it, what forms it can take, who can operate, how it is taxed, and what bettors are allowed to wager on. As a result, the rules in one state can look nothing like the rules in the state next door. One state may let you bet from your couch on a national app, while the state next door allows betting only inside a tribal casino. This page breaks down the current status everywhere, with a detailed profile for each legal state and an in-depth look at every state that has not yet legalized.
How Sports Betting Became Legal in the United States
From 1992 until 2018, a federal law called the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, or PASPA, effectively banned sports betting in most of the country. Nevada was the major exception, with Delaware, Montana, and Oregon grandfathered in for limited products.
That changed on May 14, 2018, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6 to 3 in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association that PASPA was unconstitutional. The case was named for New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, whose state had led the legal challenge. The decision returned the choice to each individual state. New Jersey launched the first legal sportsbook outside Nevada in June 2018, and its first online sportsbook that August. Since then, new states have launched almost every year.
- 39 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, have legalized sports betting in some form.
- About 30 states currently offer live statewide online or mobile sports betting through licensed apps. Wisconsin became the 33rd state to legalize online betting when its governor signed a law in April 2026, but its mobile market had not launched as of this update.
- 11 states have not legalized sports betting in any form: Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.
- Missouri was the most recent state to launch, going live on December 1, 2025, after voters approved a 2024 ballot measure.
- Several states allow betting only at retail locations, only at tribal casinos, or only through apps used on site at a casino.
- State tax rates on sports betting revenue range from about 6.75 percent in Iowa to 51 percent in New York.
- New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and Pennsylvania are consistently among the largest markets by handle.
Quick Reference Table: All 50 States Plus D.C.
At A Glance“Online” means statewide mobile or internet wagering is available to the general public. “On site” means a mobile app exists but works only while you are physically inside a licensed venue. “Retail” means in-person wagering at a casino, racetrack, or other licensed location. The college column is a short summary; full details are in each state profile.
| State | Online | Retail | Min. Age | Year Legal | College Betting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No | No | N/A | Not legal | N/A |
| Alaska | No | No | N/A | Not legal | N/A |
| Arizona | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2021 | No college player props |
| Arkansas | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2018 | Allowed |
| California | No | No | N/A | Not legal | N/A |
| Colorado | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2019 | No college player props |
| Connecticut | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2021 | No in-state teams; no college props |
| Delaware | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2018 | No in-state games; no college props |
| Florida | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2021 | Set by tribal compact |
| Georgia | No | No | N/A | Not legal | N/A |
| Hawaii | No | No | N/A | Not legal | N/A |
| Idaho | No | No | N/A | Not legal | N/A |
| Illinois | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2019 | No in-state games; no college props |
| Indiana | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2019 | No college player props |
| Iowa | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2019 | No college player props |
| Kansas | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2022 | No college player props |
| Kentucky | Yes | Yes | 18 | 2023 | No restrictions |
| Louisiana | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2021 | No college player props |
| Maine | Yes | No | 21 | 2022 | No in-state games; no college props |
| Maryland | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2021 | No college player props |
| Massachusetts | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2022 | No in-state teams except big tournaments; no college props |
| Michigan | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2019 | No major restrictions |
| Minnesota | No | No | N/A | Not legal | N/A |
| Mississippi | On site | Yes | 21 | 2017 | No major retail restrictions |
| Missouri | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2024 | No college player props |
| Montana | On site | Yes | 18 | 2019 | Set by lottery director |
| Nebraska | No | Yes | 21 | 2021 | No in-state games or props |
| Nevada | Yes | Yes | 21 | 1949 | No major restrictions |
| New Hampshire | Yes | No | 18 | 2019 | No in-state games or props |
| New Jersey | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2018 | No in-state games or props |
| New Mexico | No | Yes | 21 | 2018 | Varies by tribal casino |
| New York | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2013 | No in-state games or props |
| North Carolina | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2023 | No college player props |
| North Dakota | No | Yes | 21 | 2021 | Varies by tribal casino |
| Ohio | Yes | Yes | 18 | 2021 | No college player props |
| Oklahoma | No | No | N/A | Not legal | N/A |
| Oregon | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2019 | No college betting at all |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2017 | No major restrictions |
| Rhode Island | Yes | Yes | 18 | 2018 | No in-state games or props |
| South Carolina | No | No | N/A | Not legal | N/A |
| South Dakota | On site | Yes | 21 | 2020 | No in-state games or props |
| Tennessee | Yes | No | 21 | 2019 | No college player props |
| Texas | No | No | N/A | Not legal | N/A |
| Utah | No | No | N/A | Not legal | N/A |
| Vermont | Yes | No | 21 | 2023 | No major restrictions |
| Virginia | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2020 | No in-state games or props |
| Washington | On site | Yes | 21 | 2020 | Varies by tribal operator |
| Washington, D.C. | Yes | Yes | 18 | 2019 | No DC teams; no in-district events |
| West Virginia | Yes | Yes | 21 | 2018 | No major restrictions |
| Wisconsin | Pending | Yes | 21 | 2021 | Set by tribal framework |
| Wyoming | Yes | No | 18 | 2021 | No major restrictions |
Note on Wisconsin: retail betting at tribal casinos has been live since 2021, and the state legalized online betting in April 2026, but the mobile market had not launched as of this update. Puerto Rico, not shown above, also offers legal online and retail betting. The “Year Legal” column shows when betting was authorized, which is sometimes earlier than the launch date listed in each state profile.
How Sports Betting Markets Differ by State
Four ModelsA state can be “legal” and still offer a very different experience from its neighbor. The single most useful question to ask is not “is it legal here” but “what kind of betting is legal here.” There are four main models.
Statewide Online and Mobile
This is the model most people picture. You can bet from anywhere inside state lines using licensed apps, which use geolocation to confirm you are physically in the state. Most legal states fall into this group, including big markets like New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. A few of these states are online only, with no retail sportsbooks at all: Tennessee, Vermont, Wyoming, and New Hampshire.
Retail Only
Betting is available only at approved physical locations, usually casinos or racetracks. There is no statewide app. Nebraska is the clearest example, where wagering happens only at racetrack casinos.
On-Site Mobile
A mobile app exists, but it works only while you are physically inside a licensed venue, enforced by a geofence. Mississippi, Montana, South Dakota, and Washington use versions of this model. You can use your phone to bet, but only on casino property.
Tribal Only
Betting takes place under tribal gaming compacts, generally on tribal land. New Mexico, North Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin run on this model. In some of these states tribes offer geofenced apps usable only on their property; in others, betting is in person only.
If your goal is to bet from your couch, you are looking for a statewide online and mobile state, not just any “legal” state. If you travel to a legal state, you can bet there on any app licensed in that state, regardless of where you live, as long as you are physically inside its borders.
Online Sports Betting Launch Timeline
2010 → 2026Statewide online betting spread quickly after the 2018 Supreme Court ruling. The list below shows the month each state launched its first online or mobile sportsbook. It is a useful way to see how fast the map filled in.
| Year | States That Launched Online |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Nevada (limited app, well before other states) |
| 2018 | New Jersey (August), West Virginia (December) |
| 2019 | Pennsylvania (May), Iowa (August), Rhode Island (September), Indiana (October), Oregon (October), New Hampshire (December) |
| 2020 | Colorado (May), Washington, D.C. (May), Illinois (June), Tennessee (November) |
| 2021 | Virginia (January), Michigan (January), Wyoming (September), Arizona (September), Connecticut (October) |
| 2022 | New York (January), Louisiana (January), Arkansas (March), Kansas (September), Maryland (November) |
| 2023 | Ohio (January), Massachusetts (March), Kentucky (September), Maine (November), Florida (November) |
| 2024 | Delaware (January), Vermont (January), North Carolina (March) |
| 2025 | Missouri (December) |
| 2026 | Wisconsin (online legalized in April; launch pending) |
North Carolina’s March 2024 launch was widely described as making it the 30th state with statewide online betting. Missouri’s December 2025 launch followed a voter-approved ballot measure. Wisconsin signed online betting into law in April 2026 but had not launched its mobile market as of this update.
Part 1: States Where Sports Betting Is Legal
Legal ProfilesThis section profiles every legal state in detail. Each profile explains when betting became legal and launched, whether online and retail wagering are available, the licensed sportsbooks, the tax rate, the college rules, and any notable recent developments. The states are grouped by the kind of market they offer, since that is what most affects how and whether you can bet. Operator counts and tax details change over time, so confirm current information with the state regulator before relying on it.
These states offer statewide online or mobile sports betting to the general public. Most also have retail sportsbooks; the four online-only states in this group (Tennessee, Vermont, Wyoming, and New Hampshire) are noted in their profiles. Tap any state heading to open its full guide.
Arizona legalized sports betting when Governor Doug Ducey signed HB 2772 on April 15, 2021, and the market launched on September 9, 2021. Both online and retail betting are available statewide, with the law allowing up to 20 licenses split between tribes and professional sports franchises. It quickly became one of the most competitive markets in the country, with around 14 licensed online operators including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, BetRivers, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, and Bally Bet. Bettors can wager on both professional and college games, but player props on college athletes are prohibited. Arizona taxes online revenue at 10 percent and retail at 8 percent, collected as monthly privilege fees that feed the state general fund. The Arizona Department of Gaming is the regulator.
Arkansas voters approved sports betting through Amendment 100 in November 2018. Retail betting launched in July 2019 and statewide online wagering followed on March 4, 2022. The market is regulated by the Arkansas Racing Commission and was for years served by three casino-tied books: Betly, Bet Saracen, and Oaklawn Sports. A significant change came in March 2026, when DraftKings and FanDuel entered as technology vendors through partnerships with Southland and Oaklawn, bringing national operators to the state for the first time. Arkansas uses a tiered tax of 13 percent on the first 150 million dollars in net gaming receipts and 20 percent above that. There are no major college betting restrictions.
Colorado voters narrowly approved Proposition DD in November 2019, and both retail and online betting launched on May 1, 2020. The Colorado Division of Gaming oversees one of the deepest markets in the country, with around 13 to 16 online operators including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, BetRivers, Fanatics, and Circa. Bettors can wager on college games, but player props on college athletes are strictly prohibited. The tax is 10 percent on net proceeds, after payouts and promotional credits are deducted, and most of the money funds the state’s water plan. In May 2026, the Colorado Senate passed a consumer protection bill that would add restrictions on online sportsbooks if it becomes law.
Connecticut authorized betting through Public Act 21-23 in May 2021, and the market launched on October 19, 2021. It is a small, tightly run market with only three online operators: DraftKings, partnered with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation; FanDuel, partnered with the Mohegan Tribe; and Fanatics, partnered with the Connecticut Lottery. Retail betting is available at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. Connecticut has notable college rules: bettors cannot wager on in-state schools such as UConn except during multi-team tournaments, and college player props are banned. The tax is 13.75 percent on gross gaming revenue. The Department of Consumer Protection regulates alongside tribal authorities.
Delaware was the first state outside Nevada to take a legal sports bet after the PASPA repeal, launching retail wagering on July 5, 2018. Online betting did not arrive until December 26, 2023, when the Delaware Lottery partnered with a single operator; BetRivers is the state’s lone online sportsbook. Retail betting continues at three locations: Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway. Wagering on professional events and out-of-state college games is allowed, but betting on in-state college games and college player props is banned. Delaware uses a lottery revenue-sharing model rather than a flat tax, with the state keeping most of the net proceeds.
Florida’s market is unusual. It exists through a 2021 gaming compact between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the state, which gives the tribe exclusive control of online and retail wagering. Betting briefly launched in November 2021, was shut down three weeks later amid legal challenges, and relaunched on November 7, 2023. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge in October 2024, affirming the compact. Hard Rock Bet, operated by the Seminole Tribe, is the sole legal sportsbook statewide for both online and in-person betting. College rules are governed by the compact and are not clearly itemized. Rather than a published tax rate, the tribe shares revenue with the state under the compact, with total gaming contributions projected to exceed 2.5 billion dollars over five years.
Illinois authorized betting through the Sports Wagering Act of 2019. Retail launched on March 9, 2020, and online followed on June 18, 2020. The Illinois Gaming Board oversees a large Midwest market of around 10 operators, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, BetRivers, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, Hard Rock, and Circa. Online operators must partner with a casino, racetrack, or large sports venue. Bettors cannot wager on in-state college games or college player props. In 2025 Illinois moved from a flat 15 percent tax to a progressive structure reaching just under 40 percent for the largest operators, and later added a per-wager fee, making it one of the higher-tax states.
Indiana legalized betting when Governor Eric Holcomb signed House Bill 1015 on May 8, 2019, and both retail and online launched on September 1, 2019. The Indiana Gaming Commission regulates a well-established market of around 11 operators, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, bet365, Hard Rock, and Bally Bet. College games can be bet on, but player props on college athletes are prohibited. The tax is 9.5 percent on adjusted gross revenue.
Iowa legalized betting through Senate File 617, signed May 13, 2019, with retail and online both launching on August 15, 2019. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission oversees a competitive market of around 11 to 14 operators, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, bet365, and Circa. College games are available for wagering, but college player props are prohibited. Iowa’s 6.75 percent tax on adjusted gross revenue is the lowest in the country, which has helped attract a full field of operators.
Kansas legalized betting when Governor Laura Kelly signed Senate Bill 84 on May 12, 2022, and the market launched on September 1, 2022. The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission regulates a market of six online operators: FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN Bet, and Fanatics. College games can be bet on, but college player props are not permitted. The tax is 10 percent on sports wagering revenue.
Kentucky legalized betting when Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 551 on March 31, 2023. Retail launched on September 7, 2023, and online followed on September 28, 2023. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission regulates a market of eight operators, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, Circa, and bet365, all tied to the state’s horse racing tracks. Kentucky is one of the more bettor-friendly states, with no restrictions on college game betting or college player props. The minimum age is 18. The tax is 14.25 percent on online revenue and 9.75 percent on retail, feeding the general fund and the state pension system.
Louisiana approved betting through a 2020 parish-by-parish referendum, with enabling laws signed in June 2021. Retail launched in October 2021 and mobile followed on January 28, 2022. The catch is that betting is legal only in the parishes that voted to allow it, and apps are geofenced to those parishes. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board licenses around eight online operators in permitted areas, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, and bet365. College games can be bet on, but college player props are prohibited. The tax is 15 percent on online revenue and 10 percent on retail, with proceeds funding early childhood education and other programs.
Maine legalized betting through LD 585, signed in May 2022, and the market launched on November 3, 2023. Only licensed tribes may partner with operators, which has kept the field small: DraftKings and Caesars are the two licensed online sportsbooks. There is effectively no active retail market. Betting on out-of-state college games is allowed, but wagering on in-state college games and college player props is prohibited. The tax is 10 percent on gross gaming revenue, shared among the general fund, problem gambling programs, and tribal governments.
Maryland voters approved betting in a 2020 referendum, with enabling law signed in May 2021. Retail launched on December 9, 2021, and online followed on November 23, 2022. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency oversees a competitive Mid-Atlantic market of around 11 operators, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, Bally Bet, and Crab Sports. College games can be bet on, but college player props are prohibited. The tax is 15 percent on both online and retail revenue, with most proceeds funding public education through the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund.
Massachusetts legalized betting in August 2022. Retail launched on January 31, 2023, and online followed on March 10, 2023. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission regulates a market of seven operators: FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, and Bally Bet. The state has some of the most specific college rules in the country. Bettors cannot wager on in-state college teams unless they are playing in a tournament with four or more teams, such as the NCAA Tournament, and college player props are prohibited in all games. The tax is 20 percent on online revenue and 15 percent on retail.
Michigan legalized betting when Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the Lawful Sports Betting Act on December 20, 2019. Retail launched in March 2020 and online followed on January 22, 2021. The Michigan Gaming Control Board oversees a large, established market of around 12 operators, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, Golden Nugget, and several tribal-branded books. There are no major college betting restrictions. The tax is 8.4 percent on adjusted gross receipts, split between the state and the City of Detroit for Detroit casinos, with proceeds including the School Aid Fund.
Missouri legalized betting through a November 2024 ballot initiative, after years of legislative stalemates. The market launched on December 1, 2025. Both online and retail betting are available, tied to casinos and professional sports venues, and all major national operators including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars are live. College games can be bet on, but college player props are prohibited. Missouri was the most recent state to launch as of this update, and is generally counted as the 39th legal state. The Missouri Gaming Commission is the regulator.
Nevada has had legal sports betting since 1949 and was the nation’s only full market before 2018. It launched a mobile app as early as 2010, eight years before any other state. The state remains the retail sportsbook capital of the country, with nearly 200 locations and a large casino-resort presence in Las Vegas. Mobile apps generally require in-person registration at a casino. Operators include BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, and many others; national app brands operate differently here than in newer states. There are no major college betting restrictions. The Nevada Gaming Control Board is the regulator.
New Hampshire legalized betting when Governor Chris Sununu signed House Bill 480 in July 2019, and online launched on December 30, 2019. It is an online-only state with a single-operator model: DraftKings holds an exclusive contract, so no other apps are available and there are no retail locations. The minimum age is 18. Betting on in-state college games and college player props is prohibited. The New Hampshire Lottery Commission is the regulator.
New Jersey drove the Supreme Court case that ended the federal ban and wasted no time afterward, signing Assembly Bill 4111 on June 11, 2018, and opening its first sportsbooks days later. Its first online sportsbook launched in August 2018. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement oversees one of the largest markets in the country by handle, with a deep field including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, and bet365. Betting on in-state college games and college player props is prohibited. Retail betting is available at Atlantic City casinos and racetracks.
New York approved retail betting through a 2013 referendum, which launched in 2019, and authorized online betting in 2021, which launched on January 8, 2022. It quickly became the highest-revenue market in the country, reporting a record handle above 26 billion dollars in 2025. The New York State Gaming Commission licenses nine online operators, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and Fanatics. Betting on in-state college games and college player props is prohibited. New York’s 51 percent tax on online gross gaming revenue is the highest in the nation.
North Carolina’s path ran through its tribal casinos, which offered retail betting starting in March 2021. The state then signed an online betting law on June 14, 2023, and statewide mobile launched on March 11, 2024, making North Carolina the 30th state with online betting. The North Carolina State Lottery Commission licenses a full field including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, and bet365. College games can be bet on, but college player props are prohibited. A bill to ban college player props outright was introduced but did not advance.
Ohio legalized betting in December 2021 when Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 29, and both retail and online launched on January 1, 2023. The Ohio Casino Control Commission oversees a large, fast-growing market with a full field of operators, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, and bet365. The minimum age is 18. College games can be bet on, but college player props are prohibited. The state has been active on advertising rules, moving to curb promotions tied to unrelated consumer purchases.
Oregon did not need new legislation to launch, because existing state law already allowed limited wagering dating to a 1989 parlay product. Modern single-game online betting launched in August 2019. The Oregon Lottery runs the market, and DraftKings operates the state’s online sportsbook through a lottery partnership; retail betting is available at tribal casinos. Oregon stands out for banning all college betting, both game wagers and player props. The minimum age is 21.
Pennsylvania legalized betting when Governor Tom Wolf signed House Bill 271 on October 30, 2017, ahead of the Supreme Court ruling. Retail launched in November 2018 and online followed in May 2019. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board oversees one of the most established markets in the country, with a deep field including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, and bet365. There are no major college betting restrictions.
Rhode Island authorized betting through a 2018 budget bill. Retail launched in November 2018 and online followed on September 4, 2019. For years the state had a single online operator through the lottery, but in May 2026 Bally’s was granted the state’s available license, becoming the second legal online sportsbook. Retail betting is offered at two in-state casinos. The minimum age is 18. Betting on in-state college games and college player props is prohibited. The Rhode Island Lottery is the regulator.
Tennessee approved the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act in 2019, and online betting launched on November 1, 2021. It is an online-only market with no retail sportsbooks, since the state has no casinos. Multiple major operators are licensed, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN Bet, and Fanatics. College games can be bet on, but college player props are prohibited. Tennessee is also notable for an unusual regulatory model that, for a time, set a mandatory hold percentage rather than taxing revenue in the usual way. The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council is the regulator.
Vermont legalized betting when Governor Phil Scott signed House Bill 127 on June 14, 2023, and online launched in January 2024. It is an online-only market with no retail locations and three licensed operators: FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics. There are no major college betting restrictions. The Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery is the regulator.
Virginia legalized betting through SB 384 and HB 896, signed in April 2020, and online launched on January 21, 2021. Online operators do not need a land-based partner, which helped the market grow quickly. The Virginia Lottery licenses a large field including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, bet365, and Hard Rock. Betting on in-state college games and college player props is prohibited. Virginia is one of the states that imposes penalties on individuals who bet illegally, not just on operators.
West Virginia was the fifth state to legalize after the 2018 ruling, authorizing betting through Senate Bill 415 in March 2018 and launching retail in August 2018, with online following in December 2018. The West Virginia Lottery licenses a field including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, and BetRivers. There are no major college betting restrictions. West Virginia is among the states that penalize individuals, not just operators, for prohibited betting.
Wyoming legalized betting when Governor Mark Gordon signed House Bill 133 on April 5, 2021, and online launched on September 1, 2021. It is an online-only market with no retail casinos, and the minimum age is 18. Licensed operators include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, and Fanatics. There are no major college betting restrictions. The Wyoming Gaming Commission is the regulator.
Four states allow statewide online betting but have no retail sportsbooks at all: Tennessee, Vermont, Wyoming, and New Hampshire. In these states, the app is the only way to bet. Their full profiles appear above in the online section.
These states allow legal betting, but not through statewide online apps. Some permit mobile wagering only while you are physically inside a licensed venue.
Mississippi was one of the first states to act, legalizing in 2017 with effect from 2018, and taking its first bets on August 1, 2018. Retail betting is available at licensed casinos, and a mobile app works only while you are on the physical premises of a casino, not statewide. Efforts to authorize full statewide mobile betting have repeatedly stalled. In the 2026 session, the House passed two online bills, including HB 4074 by a 100 to 11 vote, but both died in the Senate after the Gaming Committee declined to hold hearings. Committee Chairman David Blount has consistently blocked legalization and is in office until 2028, so statewide online betting is unlikely before the 2027 session at the earliest. The Mississippi Gaming Commission is the regulator.
Montana legalized betting when Governor Steve Bullock signed House Bill 725 on May 3, 2019, and the market launched in March 2020. Betting runs through the state lottery, and the app works only at authorized Sports Bet Montana locations, making it effectively on-site only. No major national operators are available. The lottery director decides which sports and wager types are allowed. The minimum age is 18. The Montana Lottery is the regulator.
Nebraska legalized retail betting when Governor Pete Ricketts signed LB 561 on May 27, 2021, and physical locations opened in June 2023 at new racetrack casinos. Online wagering is not available. Betting on in-state college games and events, including player props, is prohibited. As of June 2026, a push to legalize online betting through a ballot referendum was on pace to reach the November ballot, backed by a coalition that includes the Winnebago Tribe and national operators. The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission is the regulator.
South Dakota voters approved betting through Amendment B in November 2020, and four casinos in Deadwood began taking bets on September 9, 2021. Betting is limited to Deadwood and tribal venues, and mobile wagering works only on site at those locations. Betting on in-state college games and college player props is prohibited. There is no timeline for statewide mobile betting. The South Dakota Commission on Gaming is the regulator.
In these states, betting takes place under tribal gaming compacts, generally on tribal land. There is usually no statewide commercial market and, in most cases, no statewide mobile betting.
New Mexico became one of the first states to offer betting outside Nevada, with tribal sportsbooks launching in October 2018. It operates through tribal gaming compacts rather than a specific state law, so betting is limited to in-person wagering at tribal casinos. No major national operators are available and there is no statewide online betting. College rules vary by casino. Oversight runs through the tribal compacts rather than a dedicated state regulator.
North Dakota offers in-person betting at tribal casinos under gaming compacts, with the market dating to 2021. There is no statewide online option. A 2025 proposed constitutional amendment that would have let voters decide on online betting was defeated in the state House. College rules vary by casino. Oversight runs through tribal gaming rather than a state sports betting regulator.
Washington legalized betting when Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 2638 on March 25, 2020, and the market launched in September 2021. Betting is limited to tribal casinos, and all wagers, whether in person or through an app, must originate on tribal land. More than 15 casinos offer betting, and some provide geofenced apps usable only on tribal property. Statewide mobile betting remains prohibited, and major commercial operators like FanDuel are not available statewide. The Washington State Gambling Commission is the regulator.
Wisconsin had retail betting at tribal casinos beginning in November 2021 under tribal compacts. A major change came on April 9, 2026, when Governor Tony Evers signed a law legalizing online betting, making Wisconsin the 33rd state to allow it. The law gives the state’s federally recognized tribes exclusive rights to operate mobile sportsbooks, meaning commercial operators like DraftKings and FanDuel cannot run independent apps. As of this update, the mobile market had not yet launched, and bettors were expected to wait several months. The Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Gaming, oversees the framework.
The District legalized betting through the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act, effective May 2019, and launched in 2020. After starting with a single-operator model, the District expanded significantly in 2024 to offer citywide online and retail betting through several operators, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, and theScore Bet. The minimum age is 18, though some operators require 21. College rules prohibit betting on D.C. college teams, on in-district college events, and on live college games. The Office of Lottery and Gaming is the regulator.
Puerto Rico authorized betting in 2019 and offers both online and retail wagering. The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission regulates the market. It is counted separately from the 50 states but is part of the legal U.S. betting landscape.
Part 2: States Where Sports Betting Is Not Legal
The 11 HoldoutsOverview of the 11 Holdout States
As of mid-2026, eleven states have not legalized sports betting in any form: Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. The reasons vary widely. Some states require a constitutional amendment, which usually means a supermajority vote in the legislature followed by a public referendum. Others are caught in disputes between tribal gaming interests and commercial operators. A few, particularly Utah and Hawaii, prohibit essentially all gambling and have deep cultural or religious opposition to expanding it. Of these states, Georgia, Minnesota, Texas, and South Carolina are generally viewed as the most likely to legalize within the next few years, while California and Utah face the highest structural barriers.
- Constitutional amendments: In several states, the constitution bars gambling, so legalization needs a two-thirds or three-fifths legislative supermajority plus voter approval.
- Tribal negotiations: States such as Oklahoma, Minnesota, and California must reconcile tribal sovereignty and exclusivity demands with the goals of commercial operators.
- Revenue and tax disputes: Lawmakers frequently disagree on tax rates, license fees, and how many operators to allow.
- Moral and religious opposition: Long-standing objections to gambling expansion remain decisive in several legislatures.
- Prediction markets: The rise of event-based prediction market platforms has added a new and unsettled element to several 2026 debates.
The profiles below follow a consistent structure: current legal status, recent legislative history, what happened in the most recent session, the key obstacles, and the outlook for the future. Legislative situations change quickly, so confirm the latest status with the state legislature before relying on these details.
Alabama remains one of the eleven states with no legal sports betting and no commercial gambling framework of any kind. The most recent push came in February 2026, when Senator Merika Coleman introduced SB 257, a constitutional amendment that would have bundled a lottery, casinos, and both in-person and online sports betting under a new gaming commission. Like the 2025 and 2024 efforts before it, the bill stalled without the votes to clear the three-fifths supermajority a constitutional amendment requires, with long-standing moral opposition in the legislature standing in the way. The bigger variable now is the November 2026 governor’s race, since both frontrunners have signaled they would let voters decide, which could reset the debate in 2027.
- Current legal status: Sports betting is not legal. Alabama has no legal commercial gambling framework.
- Recent legislation: In February 2026, Senator Merika Coleman introduced SB 257, a constitutional amendment that would have bundled a state lottery, casinos, and both in-person and online sports betting under a new gaming commission. The bill never received a committee hearing before the session ended. In 2025, HB 490 and a separate Senate proposal also sought to legalize sports betting, a lottery, and expanded tribal gaming, but both failed for lack of Senate support.
- What happened most recently: The 2026 SB 257 effort stalled, with Senate and House leadership saying the votes were not there. In 2024, a gambling package cleared the House but fell one Senate vote short.
- Key obstacles: A constitutional amendment requires a three-fifths supermajority, and there is long-standing moral opposition in the legislature.
- Outlook: A special session is possible but unlikely. The November 2026 governor’s race is the larger variable, as both frontrunners have signaled support for letting voters decide, which could reset the debate in the 2027 session.
Alaska has not legalized sports betting, but there is at least an active bill on the table. HB 145, introduced by Representative David Nelson in March 2025, would authorize up to 10 mobile-only licenses, charge a 100,000 dollar annual fee, tax revenue at 20 percent, and place oversight with the Department of Revenue. The measure carried into the 2026 session and picked up a cosponsor, and a Senate companion, SB 194, sits in committee. Neither has advanced to a vote, with lawmakers questioning whether a state of roughly 740,000 residents can support a standalone regulator. If a future version does pass, the effective date written into the bill is now January 1, 2027.
- Current legal status: Sports betting is not legal.
- Recent legislation: HB 145, introduced by Representative David Nelson on March 21, 2025, would authorize up to 10 mobile-only licenses, charge a 100,000 dollar annual license fee, tax adjusted gross revenue at 20 percent, and place oversight with the Department of Revenue. The bill carried into the 2026 session and picked up a cosponsor. A Senate companion, SB 194, also sits in committee.
- What happened most recently: The bill was referred to House committees but has not advanced to a vote. There has been no forward motion as of June 2026.
- Key obstacles: Lawmakers question whether a state of roughly 740,000 residents can support a standalone regulatory agency, and similar bills have died in committee before.
- Outlook: If a future version passes, the effective date written into the bill is now January 1, 2027.
California is the biggest untapped market in the country, with roughly 39 million residents, but legalization is not close. No bill is currently advancing, and the state’s last serious attempt ended in November 2022 when voters crushed two competing ballot measures, with more than 80 percent rejecting the mobile-betting version after a campaign that reportedly cost 450 million dollars. The path forward runs through the tribes: the California Nations Indian Gaming Association has confirmed it is preparing an initiative for the 2028 ballot covering both in-person and online betting, built around a tribal-controlled framework with guaranteed payments to all 109 tribes. Getting that many tribes to agree, plus lingering voter skepticism, makes 2028 the realistic window at the earliest.
- Current legal status: Sports betting is not legal. California is the largest untapped market in the country, with roughly 39 million residents.
- Recent legislation: No bill is currently advancing, and no new bills were presented in 2025. The most recent major attempt came in November 2022, when voters decisively rejected two ballot measures: Proposition 26, a tribal retail model, and Proposition 27, a statewide mobile model. More than 80 percent of voters opposed Prop 27. The combined campaigns spent a reported 450 million dollars.
- What happened most recently: Tribal leaders said in early 2025 they were passing on a 2026 initiative. In early 2026, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association chair confirmed the group is preparing an initiative for the 2028 ballot covering both in-person and online betting. A 2025 framework backed by DraftKings and FanDuel, built around a single tribal-controlled entity with guaranteed payments to all 109 tribes, remains the working template, but no formal initiative has been filed.
- Key obstacles: Getting more than 100 tribes to agree on revenue sharing and market control, lingering voter skepticism after the 2022 defeat, and the governor’s opposition to online betting.
- Outlook: 2028 is the realistic window, and even that requires a finalized tribal-operator deal before signature gathering begins around mid-2027. The current governor is term-limited, so the next governor, in office from January 2027, will set the tone. The rise of prediction markets is adding urgency.
Georgia has seen steady effort but no breakthrough. In 2026, lawmakers pursued two routes at once: HR 450, a constitutional amendment, and HB 910, a lottery-statute alternative that would have legalized mobile betting without amending the constitution. On Crossover Day in March 2026, HR 450 failed on the House floor 63 to 98, far short of the 120 votes needed, and HB 910 never advanced, killing the issue for the session. The core problem is that the House cannot reach the two-thirds supermajority a constitutional amendment demands, even though the Senate has shown it can, and lawmakers still disagree over revenue and whether an amendment is even necessary. Momentum has been building slowly, and new bills are expected in 2027.
- Current legal status: Sports betting is not legal.
- Recent legislation: HR 450, a House constitutional amendment, and HB 910, a lottery-statute alternative that would have legalized mobile betting under the Georgia Lottery without a constitutional amendment, were the 2026 vehicles. In 2025, House Bill 686 and House Resolution 450 sought to authorize online betting and direct revenue to education programs such as Pre-K and the HOPE Scholarship.
- What happened most recently: On March 6, 2026, known as Crossover Day, HR 450 failed on the House floor by a vote of 63 to 98, far short of the 120 votes needed. HB 910 also failed to advance, so sports betting was dead for the 2026 session.
- Key obstacles: The House cannot reach the two-thirds supermajority a constitutional amendment requires, even though the Senate has shown it can. Lawmakers also disagree over revenue allocation and over whether an amendment is even necessary.
- Outlook: Momentum has been slowly building, and new bills are expected in 2027.
Hawaii is one of only two states, with Utah, that allow no legal gambling of any kind, which makes its recent progress notable. HB 1308 made history in 2025 as the first Hawaii betting bill ever to pass both chambers, only to die in conference committee over tax rates, fees, and the number of operators. The effort carried into 2026 alongside a study group and took a small step forward in February, but again no bill passed. Deep cultural resistance, opposition from the attorney general and law enforcement, and unresolved fights over how to structure and regulate a market remain the obstacles. Still, the 2025 milestone is the strongest signal yet, and the study group’s work could shape a refined bill in 2027.
- Current legal status: Sports betting is not legal. Hawaii is one of only two states, along with Utah, with no legal gambling of any kind.
- Recent legislation: HB 1308 made history in 2025 as the first Hawaii betting bill ever to pass both chambers, before dying in conference committee over tax rates, fees, and the number of operators. Companion measures SB 1569 and SB 1572 also sought to establish a regulatory framework under the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, with tax revenue directed to a problem gambling fund.
- What happened most recently: HB 1308 carried into the 2026 session alongside a study group, and in February 2026 the effort took a small step forward, but no bill passed.
- Key obstacles: Deep cultural resistance, opposition from the attorney general and law enforcement, and unresolved fights over the tax rate, fees, and which agency would regulate.
- Outlook: The 2025 progress is the strongest signal yet, and the study group’s work could seed a refined bill in 2027.
Idaho shows no real movement toward legal sports betting. No betting bill has been introduced since the Supreme Court opened the door in 2018, and none surfaced in 2026. The state constitution prohibits most gambling, with narrow exceptions for the lottery, tribal casinos, pari-mutuel wagering, and charitable gaming, and the seven tribal casinos operating under federal compacts have not added sportsbooks. Legalization would require a two-thirds supermajority in both chambers plus a voter referendum, and there is no organized group pushing for it. Analysts rank Idaho, alongside Utah, among the least likely states ever to legalize.
- Current legal status: Sports betting is not legal.
- Recent legislation: None. No sports betting bill has been introduced in Idaho since the Supreme Court opened the door in 2018, and none surfaced in 2026.
- Constitutional context: Idaho’s constitution prohibits most gambling, with exceptions for the state lottery, tribal casinos, pari-mutuel betting, and charitable gaming. The seven tribal casinos operate under federal compacts but have not added sports betting.
- Key obstacles: Legalization would require a two-thirds supermajority in both chambers to amend the constitution, plus a voter referendum, and there is no organized group pushing for it.
- Outlook: Analysts rank Idaho, alongside Utah, among the least likely states ever to legalize.
Minnesota has been stuck on the one-yard line for years. A 2022 bill passed but never led to a launch, and there are still no licensed sportsbooks in the state. The 2026 vehicle, SF 4139, would have let the Public Safety commissioner issue up to 11 online licenses exclusively to tribes operating Class III gaming, but lawmakers never voted on it, saying more study was needed before the session adjourned in May 2026. The sticking point is a long-running standoff between tribes, which want exclusivity, and horse tracks and charitable gaming interests, which want a role. The push is expected to return in 2027. In the meantime, Minnesota residents can play daily fantasy sports or travel to neighboring states such as Iowa.
- Current legal status: Sports betting is not legal. A 2022 bill passed but never led to a launch, and there are no licensed retail or online sportsbooks in the state.
- Recent legislation: The 2026 vehicle was SF 4139, a tribal-led mobile bill that would let the Public Safety commissioner issue up to 11 online licenses exclusively to tribes operating Class III gaming, each valid for 20 years. Earlier bills, including SF 2219 in 2025, also proposed tribal-only mobile rights, and some sought to ban push notifications.
- What happened most recently: Lawmakers did not vote on SF 4139 and said more study was needed. The session adjourned May 18, 2026.
- Key obstacles: A years-long standoff between tribes, which want exclusivity, and horse tracks and charitable gaming interests, which want a role.
- Outlook: The push is expected to carry into 2027.
- Legal alternatives now: Minnesota residents can play daily fantasy sports through platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel, or travel to neighboring states such as Iowa where wagering is legal.
Oklahoma had real momentum in 2026 before it collapsed. The House passed HB 1047, granting tribal exclusivity, along with HB 1101, a backup that could send a tribal betting question with a 10 percent fee to a public referendum, and a late amendment won support from the Oklahoma City Thunder, most tribes, and leading universities. But on April 22, 2026, the Senate voted HB 1047 down 27 to 21, ending the year’s hopes. The governor had threatened a veto, meaning supporters would have needed a two-thirds override the Senate was nowhere near, and late opposition from the Cherokee Nation and a Baptist group sealed the defeat. With the bill’s sponsor retiring, 2027 starts with new leadership, and the referendum route in HB 1101 may be the cleaner path.
- Current legal status: Sports betting is not legal, despite support from the governor and many stakeholders.
- Recent legislation: The House passed HB 1047, which granted tribal exclusivity, and HB 1101, a backup measure that could send a tribal sports betting question with a 10 percent fee to a public referendum. A late amendment won backing from the Oklahoma City Thunder, a supermajority of tribes, and leading universities.
- What happened most recently: On April 22, 2026, the Senate voted HB 1047 down by 27 to 21, ending sports betting hopes for the year. An earlier 2022 effort had also failed, and the 2025 versions stalled in the Senate.
- Key obstacles: The governor threatened to veto the bill, meaning supporters would have needed a two-thirds override margin the Senate was nowhere near. Late opposition from the Cherokee Nation over boundary terms and from a Baptist group sealed the defeat.
- Outlook: The bill’s sponsor is retiring, so 2027 starts with new leadership. The cleaner path may be HB 1101, the referendum option, but the legislature would have to pass that bill first.
South Carolina took a meaningful first step in 2026, even if it fell short. S.444, carried over from 2025, would allow up to eight online licenses, a 12.5 percent tax, and an age-18 minimum under a new Sports Wagering Commission. In February 2026 it received the state’s first-ever Senate hearing, where a subcommittee took testimony and adopted an amendment reserving two licenses for the PGA Tour and NASCAR, but it did not advance out of committee. The governor opposes gambling expansion without a referendum, the prediction-market debate complicated the hearing, and a key House champion resigned in January 2026. Analysts give it roughly a 35 percent chance in the Senate this year, with a 2027 floor vote seen as more likely.
- Current legal status: Sports betting is not legal. Gambling in the state is largely restricted to casino riverboats.
- Recent legislation: S.444, introduced by Senators Davis and Leber, carried over from 2025 and would allow up to eight online licenses, a 12.5 percent tax, and an age-18 minimum under a new Sports Wagering Commission. An earlier 2025 House version was HB 3625.
- What happened most recently: In February 2026, S.444 received the state’s first-ever Senate hearing. A subcommittee took testimony and adopted a 3 to 2 amendment reserving two licenses for the PGA Tour and NASCAR, but did not vote the bill out of committee.
- Key obstacles: The governor opposes gambling expansion without a referendum, the prediction-market debate complicated the hearing, and a key House champion resigned in January 2026.
- Outlook: Analysts give it roughly a 35 percent chance in the Senate this year, with a 2027 floor vote seen as more likely. The governor is term-limited, so the 2026 election matters.
Texas is a case of structural gridlock more than a lack of interest. A betting bill passed the Texas House in 2023 for the first time in state history but stalled in the Senate, and the 2025 session ended with constitutional amendment measures dying in committee. Because the legislature meets only in odd-numbered years, there was no action in 2026 at all, and the lieutenant governor, who controls the Senate agenda, said in December 2025 he is not there yet, directing a study of prediction markets ahead of 2027. Senate leadership opposition and the two-thirds-plus-referendum bar for a constitutional amendment remain the obstacles. The next realistic attempt comes in 2027, with professional sports teams continuing to lobby hard.
- Current legal status: Sports betting is not legal, despite growing support from the state’s professional sports franchises and some lawmakers.
- Recent legislation: A bill passed the Texas House in 2023 for the first time in state history but stalled in the Senate. The 2025 session ended without passing any online betting bill, and constitutional amendment measures, including HJR 134 with SJR 65 and HJR 137 with SJR 82, stalled in committee. Because the Texas legislature meets only in odd-numbered years, there has been no regular session since.
- What happened most recently: No action in 2026 because the legislature is not in regular session. The lieutenant governor, who controls the Senate agenda, said in December 2025 he is not there yet and directed a study of prediction markets ahead of 2027.
- Key obstacles: Senate leadership opposition, and the requirement of a two-thirds vote in each chamber plus a public referendum for a constitutional amendment.
- Outlook: The next realistic attempt comes in the 2027 session. Lobbying from professional sports teams has strengthened the effort but has not yet moved the Senate.
Utah is the clearest permanent holdout. It has some of the strictest gambling laws in the country and, with Hawaii, allows no legal gambling of any kind. Far from moving toward legalization, the 2026 session went the other direction: lawmakers advanced HB 243, which would ban proposition betting and write that ban into the constitutional gambling prohibition, a measure aimed at prediction-market platforms that prompted a lawsuit from Kalshi. The state constitution bars the legislature from authorizing any game of chance, and with more than 60 percent of the population opposed to gambling on religious grounds, there is no path to a market. Utah is far more likely to tighten its existing rules than to open one.
- Current legal status: Sports betting is not legal. Utah has some of the strictest gambling laws in the country and, with Hawaii, allows no legal gambling of any kind.
- Recent legislation: Rather than moving toward legalization, the 2026 session moved the other way. Lawmakers advanced HB 243, which would ban proposition betting and write the ban into the constitutional gambling prohibition, aimed at prediction-market platforms. The prediction-market company Kalshi sued over the proposed ban.
- Constitutional context: Article VI, Section 27 of the state constitution bars the legislature from authorizing any game of chance.
- Key obstacles: The constitutional prohibition, plus religious opposition, with more than 60 percent of the population opposed to gambling.
- Outlook: Utah is the clearest permanent holdout and is more likely to tighten gray areas than to open a market.
Part 3: Key Topics and Context
How It WorksHow States Legalize Sports Betting
Most states follow a similar path from idea to launch. The exact steps vary, but the general sequence looks like this:
Bill Drafted and Filed
A lawmaker introduces a bill or joint resolution that defines who can offer betting, where, and how it will be taxed.
Committee Hearings
One or more committees take testimony from regulators, tribes, leagues, and problem gambling groups.
Chamber Votes
Each legislative chamber must pass the bill, sometimes by a two-thirds majority when the state constitution restricts gambling.
Governor Action
The governor signs or vetoes. In some states the governor also renegotiates tribal compacts first.
Rulemaking
Regulators set licensing fees, integrity monitoring rules, tax reporting requirements, and self-exclusion systems.
Soft Launch and Full Launch
Operators run a limited test, then open statewide once regulators sign off.
Ongoing Audits
Annual reports track handle, gross gaming revenue, hold percentage, and tax receipts.
Constitutional Amendments Versus Statutes
In states where the constitution prohibits gambling, legalization usually requires a constitutional amendment. That is a much higher bar than a regular law, because it typically needs a legislative supermajority and then approval by voters at the ballot box. States such as Georgia, Texas, and Alabama fall into this category, which is a major reason their efforts have repeatedly stalled. In states where a simple statute is enough, such as the Georgia lottery-statute alternative that was proposed, the path can be faster but is still subject to political disagreement.
The Role of Voter Referendums and Ballot Initiatives
After repeated legislative stalemates, several states have turned to the ballot box. Missouri legalized through a 2024 ballot initiative after the legislature failed to act, and launched in late 2025. California’s 2022 measures were ballot initiatives, and its likely 2028 path is another. Oklahoma’s backup HB 1101 and Nebraska’s 2026 referendum push also contemplate sending the question to voters.
The Role of Native American Tribes
Federally recognized tribes operate an estimated 525 tribal casinos across the country. Their sovereign status lets them negotiate revenue-sharing compacts and, in states without commercial frameworks, be the only legal place to bet. Tribes are central to how sports betting expands in many states.
Tribal Sovereignty and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act
Tribal gaming operates under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, known as IGRA. Tribal gaming commissions oversee licensing and compliance on tribal lands, while state agencies may have a coordinating role. This framework gives tribes primary regulatory authority on their own land.
Revenue Sharing Versus Taxation
Instead of paying a conventional tax, tribes typically contribute a negotiated percentage of gaming revenue to state-designated funds. In Arizona, for example, a large share of tribal gaming contributions supports a state benefits fund. This model lets states gain revenue without a commercial tax structure.
States Where Tribes Lead the Market
Tribal operations dominate sports betting in Florida, Connecticut, Arizona, Michigan, Washington, New Mexico, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, among others. In some of these states, tribes run both retail and statewide mobile betting; in others, betting is limited to tribal property. Some tribes offer geofenced apps that work only within tribal land, as in Washington and Wisconsin.
State Tax Rates Compared
Tax rates on sports betting revenue vary enormously, which affects how much states collect and how operators price their products. The table below shows representative rates. Where a state taxes online and retail differently, both are noted.
| State | Tax Rate on Revenue |
|---|---|
| Iowa | 6.75% — lowest in U.S. |
| Michigan | 8.4 percent |
| Indiana | 9.5 percent |
| Arizona | 10 percent online, 8 percent retail |
| Colorado | 10 percent |
| Kansas | 10 percent |
| Maine | 10 percent |
| Arkansas | 13 percent up to 150 million dollars, then 20 percent |
| Connecticut | 13.75 percent |
| Kentucky | 14.25 percent online, 9.75 percent retail |
| Louisiana | 15 percent online, 10 percent retail |
| Maryland | 15 percent |
| Massachusetts | 20 percent online, 15 percent retail |
| Illinois | Progressive, mid-30s to just under 40 percent, plus a per-wager fee |
| New York | 51% online — highest in U.S. |
How states use the money also varies. Colorado directs much of its revenue to water projects, Maryland to public education, Michigan to its school aid fund, and Louisiana to early childhood education, among other uses. Nearly all states earmark a portion for problem gambling programs.
College and Player Prop Betting Restrictions
College sports betting is one of the most heavily regulated corners of the market. Even in states where wagering on the pros is wide open, betting on college games, college teams, or individual college athletes is often limited or banned outright. Lawmakers and the NCAA cite two main concerns: the integrity of amateur competition, and the welfare of young, unpaid athletes who can become targets for harassment when money is on the line. The result is a patchwork of rules that fall into three broad patterns. A single state may apply more than one of them, so it pays to check your state’s specific rules before placing a college wager.
In-State College Team Bans
Several states prohibit betting on college teams based in the state, or on college events physically held in the state, even when those same teams can be bet on by people in other states. The states with versions of this rule include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Massachusetts has the most specific carve-out, allowing in-state college bets only when the team is playing in a tournament of four or more teams, such as the NCAA Tournament, so a UMass game in March Madness is fair game but a regular-season game is not.
College Player Prop Bans
A large and growing number of states allow betting on the outcome of college games but prohibit player-specific proposition bets on college athletes, such as how many yards a quarterback will throw for or how many points a player will score. This is the fastest-spreading college restriction, driven directly by athlete-welfare concerns and lobbying from the NCAA. States with these bans include Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee, among others.
Total College Bans
Oregon stands alone in prohibiting all college betting, both game wagers and player props. The state’s lottery-run model simply does not offer any college markets, so bettors in Oregon cannot place a single college wager of any type.
If betting on college sports matters to you, the most permissive states include Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Vermont, and Wyoming, which place few or no major limits on college game wagers or props. These rules change frequently as legislatures and regulators respond to integrity concerns, so always confirm the current rules with the state regulator before placing a college wager.
Rules for Athletes, Coaches, and Insiders
Beyond consumer college rules, most legal states have laws or regulations barring people connected to a sport from betting on it. Around 25 jurisdictions explicitly prohibit an athlete or related person from wagering, including Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Of those, a handful, including Colorado, Michigan, Virginia, and West Virginia, attach penalties to the person placing the bet rather than only to the sportsbook. Separately, about ten jurisdictions explicitly bar the use of non-public, inside information in betting, including Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Where the Major Sportsbooks Operate
The largest national operators are licensed in many but not all legal states. Availability changes as new states launch and as operators enter or exit markets, so this is a general guide rather than a live list. State counts are approximate; for the exact list of books available where you are, see each state’s own guide.
| Operator | States Accepted | Typical App Rating | Typical Welcome Offer Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | 26 plus D.C. | 4.7 to 4.8 | Bet-and-get bonus bets |
| FanDuel | 25 plus D.C. | 4.7 to 4.8 | Bet-and-get bonus bets |
| BetMGM | 24 | 4.7 to 4.8 | First-bet offer or deposit match |
| Caesars | 23 | 4.5 to 4.7 | First-bet offer |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | 24 | 4.6 to 4.8 | Bonus bets over multiple days |
| bet365 | 16 | 4.7 to 4.8 | Bet-and-get bonus bets |
| BetRivers | 15 | 4.5 to 4.7 | First-bet or deposit match |
| theScore Bet | 21 | 4.5 to 4.7 | Bet-and-get bonus bets |
Among these, DraftKings is the most widely available, licensed in more than 25 states plus Washington, D.C., and FanDuel is the largest by market share, operating in nearly all major online markets. BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, bet365, BetRivers, and ESPN Bet are also available across many states, though each has a different footprint, with bet365 and BetRivers generally in fewer states than the top two.
In tribal-exclusive states such as Florida and Wisconsin, national operators generally cannot run independent apps. In single-operator states such as New Hampshire (DraftKings) and Delaware (BetRivers), only one brand is available.
Federal Legislation and Industry Outlook
The SAFE Bet Act
The SAFE Bet Act is a federal proposal introduced by Representative Paul Tonko and Senator Richard Blumenthal in September 2024. It would address affordability, advertising, and the use of artificial intelligence in the industry, and would ban prop bets on college sports. It has been introduced in Congress but has not become law.
The Restoration of America’s Wire Act
The Restoration of America’s Wire Act, known as RAWA, has been proposed repeatedly but not enacted. If it passed, it would restrict mobile betting to in-state players only and could fragment the national advertising and affiliate landscape.
Prediction Markets
Event-based prediction market platforms, such as Kalshi, have become a significant new factor in 2026. Several states, including Utah, South Carolina, and Texas, have had their debates complicated by questions about how these platforms fit into existing gambling law. Some states are moving to restrict them while others study the issue.
Regulated Versus Offshore Betting
In a state with regulated betting, there is a defined regulator and a clear complaint path if something goes wrong. Offshore and international betting sites operate outside U.S. state regulation, so consumer protections, rule enforcement, and dispute options vary by operator and can be far weaker. Licensed in-state operators also use geolocation to confirm you are physically inside state lines, which is a legal requirement, not an inconvenience. If your state does not have legal betting, daily fantasy sports and licensed social or sweepstakes platforms are common alternatives, but they are regulated differently and are not the same as a licensed sportsbook.
Live Legislation Tracker Summary
The table below summarizes the status of recent legislation in states that have not yet legalized. It reflects the most recent sessions and is intended as a snapshot rather than a real-time feed.
| State | Recent Measure | Status | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | SB 257 | No committee hearing; died in 2026 session | Possible 2027 reset after governor’s race |
| Alaska | HB 145 / SB 194 | In committee; no vote | Possible future session |
| California | None filed | Tribes preparing 2028 initiative | 2028 ballot |
| Georgia | HR 450 / HB 910 | Failed March 2026 | New bills expected 2027 |
| Hawaii | HB 1308 | Passed both chambers in 2025; died in conference | Possible refined 2027 bill |
| Idaho | None | No bills since 2018 | No active path |
| Minnesota | SF 4139 | No vote; session adjourned May 2026 | Likely 2027 reintroduction |
| Oklahoma | HB 1047 / HB 1101 | Senate rejected HB 1047 April 2026 | Possible HB 1101 referendum path |
| South Carolina | S.444 | First Senate hearing Feb 2026; no committee vote | Possible 2027 floor vote |
| Texas | HJR 134 / SJR 82 | Stalled 2025; legislature meets odd years | Next attempt 2027 |
| Utah | HB 243 (prop-bet ban) | Moving to restrict, not legalize | No path to legalization |
Part 4: Resources
Official SourcesState Regulator Directory
Each legal state has a primary regulator that oversees licensing, compliance, and enforcement. States that have not legalized have no sports betting regulator. The table below lists the primary regulator for each legal jurisdiction.
| State | Primary Regulator |
|---|---|
| Arizona | Arizona Department of Gaming |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Racing Commission |
| Colorado | Colorado Division of Gaming |
| Connecticut | Department of Consumer Protection, Gaming Division |
| Delaware | Delaware Lottery |
| Florida | Florida Gaming Control Commission |
| Illinois | Illinois Gaming Board |
| Indiana | Indiana Gaming Commission |
| Iowa | Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission |
| Kansas | Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Horse Racing Commission |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Gaming Control Board |
| Maine | Maine Gambling Control Unit |
| Maryland | Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts Gaming Commission |
| Michigan | Michigan Gaming Control Board |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Gaming Commission |
| Missouri | Missouri Gaming Commission |
| Montana | Montana Lottery |
| Nebraska | Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission |
| Nevada | Nevada Gaming Control Board |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire Lottery Commission |
| New Jersey | New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement |
| New Mexico | Tribal gaming compacts |
| New York | New York State Gaming Commission |
| North Carolina | North Carolina State Lottery Commission |
| North Dakota | Tribal gaming compacts |
| Ohio | Ohio Casino Control Commission |
| Oregon | Oregon Lottery |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island Lottery |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Commission on Gaming |
| Tennessee | Tennessee Sports Wagering Council |
| Vermont | Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery |
| Virginia | Virginia Lottery |
| Washington | Washington State Gambling Commission |
| West Virginia | West Virginia Lottery |
| Wisconsin | Department of Administration, Division of Gaming |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Gaming Commission |
| Washington, D.C. | Office of Lottery and Gaming |
Problem Gambling and Responsible Gaming
Bet SmartSports betting should be entertainment. Only wager what you can afford to lose, and never bet to recover losses. All licensed sportsbooks in legal states must offer responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, time limits, cool-off periods, and self-exclusion programs that let a person voluntarily bar themselves from licensed sportsbooks.
Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER
Free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day through the national problem gambling helpline.
National Council on Problem Gambling
The NCPG offers resources on its website, and Gamblers Anonymous provides peer support. Many states also operate their own helplines.
Self-Exclusion Tools
Every licensed sportsbook provides deposit limits, time limits, cool-off periods, and self-exclusion. Use them to stay in control.
If gambling stops being fun or starts to feel out of control, free and confidential support is available 24 hours a day. The national problem gambling helpline can be reached by calling or texting 1-800-GAMBLER. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to one of these resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQHow many states have legal sports betting in 2026?
As of mid-2026, 39 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico have legalized sports betting in some form. About 30 states offer live statewide online or mobile betting, with Wisconsin having legalized online betting in April 2026 ahead of a pending launch.
Which states do not allow sports betting?
Eleven states have not legalized it: Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. Minnesota passed a bill in 2022 but has never launched.
Which state legalized sports betting most recently?
Missouri was the most recent to launch, going live on December 1, 2025, after voters approved a 2024 ballot measure. Wisconsin signed an online betting law in April 2026 but had not launched its mobile market as of this update.
Which state has the most sportsbooks?
Colorado consistently has one of the largest fields of licensed online operators, with around 13 to 16. New Jersey, Arizona, Iowa, and Michigan also have deep, competitive markets.
Which state has the highest tax rate on sports betting?
New York has the highest, at 51 percent on online gross gaming revenue. Iowa has the lowest among major markets, at 6.75 percent.
Can I bet online everywhere that sports betting is legal?
No. Several states allow only retail betting, only tribal betting, or mobile betting that works only while you are physically inside a licensed casino. Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, New Mexico, North Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin all have these kinds of limits. If your goal is to bet from home, look for a statewide online and mobile state.
Can I bet if I am just visiting a legal state?
Yes. If you are physically inside a state with legal online betting, you can place bets through any app licensed in that state, regardless of where you live. You cannot bet while located in a state where it is not legal. Licensed apps use geolocation to verify your physical location.
What is the minimum age to bet on sports?
It is 21 in most states, but several set it at 18, including Kentucky, New Hampshire, Ohio, Rhode Island, Wyoming, Montana, and Washington, D.C. Some operators require 21 regardless of state law, so check both.
Can I bet on college sports?
It depends on the state. Many states allow college game betting but ban player props on college athletes. Several also ban betting on in-state college teams. Oregon bans all college betting. Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia are among the states with few college restrictions.
Why is it so hard for some states to legalize?
The most common reasons are constitutional amendment requirements that need supermajorities and voter approval, disputes between tribal and commercial interests, disagreements over tax rates and license counts, and long-standing moral or religious opposition.
Is daily fantasy sports the same as sports betting?
No. Daily fantasy sports is regulated separately and is legal in many states that have not legalized sports betting, including Minnesota. Players in non-legal states sometimes use daily fantasy platforms as an alternative.
About This Guide
Stay CurrentThis guide is updated regularly to reflect new launches, failed bills, and rule changes. Sports betting law moves quickly, and details such as operator counts, tax rates, and pending legislation can change between sessions. Always confirm the current rules with the official state regulator before placing a wager. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. You must be of legal age to bet, which is 21 in most states.