Where Is Sports Betting Legal? All 50 U.S. States In-Depth Review

Legal sports betting in the United States has taken off in the 5+ years since the Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA). And while not every state has opted to introduce sports betting yet, the number of places where Americans can place a legal sports wager increases every year.

Is Sports Betting Legal in the U.S.?

Key Legislative Takeaways

• More than a quarter-century after the U.S. banned sports betting, the Supreme Court ruled the PASPA federal ban was in violation of state sovereignty and therefore illegal, repealing the act and allowing states to decide whether to legalize sports betting
• A whopping 38 states and territories offer legal sports betting in the United States as of March 2025, with a handful of others having introduced bills either centered around or featuring sports betting language.
• While the quest to introduce legal sports betting is the same for the majority of states, the approach to sports wagering can differ significantly. Tax rates, number of licenses and eligible markets are some of the most notable areas where state approaches vary wildly.

U.S. Supreme Court Legal Ruling

A landmark U.S. Supreme Court case out of New Jersey forever changed the sports betting landscape.

Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association saw New Jersey Governor Philip D. Murphy (who had taken over the case from departing Governor Chris Christie) seek to overturn a federal ban on sports wagering and allow for state-sponsored sports betting.

While Christie had sought to have the act repealed previously, he was met with considerable resistance from the major professional sports leagues and the NCAA. In 2017, however, the Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal built around the contention that PASPA violated the anti-commandeering principle, which states that Congress cannot issue directives (such as making sports betting illegal) to the states outside of direct constitutional orders.

The Supreme Court agreed in a majority, repealing PASPA on May 14, 2018 – and predictably, New Jersey was one of the first states to adopt legislation.

Potential Sports Betting States

Alabama

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: Sweet Home Alabama? Not for sports betting – at least, not yet. Despite concerted efforts from lawmakers to pass a bill legalizing wagering, Alabama sports betting remains a wish rather than a reality. And with Alabama legislators passing a lottery bill in March 2024 that excludes sports betting from the agenda, things look less promising for an imminent introduction to wagering in the state.

The highlights:

• Oct. 14, 2024: The 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals revives a lawsuit originally filed by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation over the construction of a casino by another tribe on what the Muscogee Nation says is historic and sacred land.

• March 7, 2024: Following a tense and lengthy session, the Alabama Senate passes gambling legislation without sports wagering or casino gaming; only pari-mutuel betting and horse racing machines are included in the amended bill.

• Feb. 15, 2024: The Alabama House approves a pair of bills (HB 151 and HB 152) which would allow for legal sports betting, casinos and a state lottery.

The latest: Sen. Greg Albritton told Alabama Public Television’s “Capitol Journal” in February 2025 that he was prepared to introduce new sports betting legislation, but that he was “two or three votes shy” in the Senate.

California

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: The Golden State has made its bones as the home of dramatic performances – and the story unfolding on the California sports betting front is movie script-quality. With lawmakers and the state's tribal nations at odds over how to roll out sports wagering, the state with the largest population in the U.S. can only watch as tens of millions of Americans in other jurisdictions wager legally each month.

The highlights:

• Oct. 23, 2024: Taking on the sweepstakes industry head on, California's tribes are joined by the Sports Betting Alliance in an effort to stop unregulated gaming operators to infiltrate the state via sweepstakes and daily fantasy games.

• Sept. 3, 2024: The Tribal Nations Access to Justice Act is passed by the California Senate; it gives tribes the authority to sue cardrooms within state borders for violating state gambling laws; the act is signed into law just under a month later.

• June 28, 2024: James Siva, chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), says the Supreme Court decision to allow Florida sports betting to remain legal despite West Flagler's protests won't impact the legalization process in California.

The latest: Speaking to panel-goers at ICE Barcelona on Jan. 21, 2025, Pechanga Band of Mission Indians councilmember Catalina Chacon says that California sports betting legislation is "not going to happen" in 2026, adding that 2028 is a more likely timeline at this point.

Georgia

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: The introduction of legal Georgia sports betting will have to wait at least another year. Lawmakers failed to advance legislation past the Georgia Council Assembly before the state's legislative session wrapped for the year, meaning we likely won't see legal sports wagering in The Peach State until well into 2026 at the earliest.

The highlights:

• March 7, 2025: The Georgia House of Representatives fails to pass a pair of online sports betting measures on the final day of the legislative session, ending the state's hops for legal sports wagering for at least another year.

• March 5, 2025: The Georgia House Committee passes sports betting legislation, but with the final day of the legislative session drawing near, the chances of either piece of legislation passing are remote at best.

• Feb. 28, 2025: A Senate committee overwhelmingly rejects Senate Resolution 131, which would have given Georgia voters the opportunity to decide whether to approve sports betting and casino gambling within state lines.

The latest: Lawmakers will have to wait until the beginning of the 2026 legislative session to resume their quest for legal Georgia sports betting – and it'll be no sure thing even then.

Minnesota

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: It feels like Minnesota is on the verge of joining the armada of states with legal sports betting options – but it hasn't happened yet, and might not for some time. Legislators' latest attempt to bring legal sports wagering to the Land of 10,000 Lakes has hit another wall, and it's likely that Minnesotans will have to wait until 2026 or beyond for their local betting fix.

The highlights:

• Feb. 13, 2025: The first Senate committee meeting of the 2025 legislative session produces a 6-6 vote on a mobile sports betting bill; the lack of a majority means the bill fails to advance, leaving Minnesotans without a path to legal online sports wagering.

• Jan. 16, 2025: With Democrats boycotting the opening says of the Minnesota legislative session, nothing is being voted on – and that includes the most recent online sports betting bill, which is facing an uphill battle to begin with.

• Jan. 8, 2025: Members of the Minnesota Senate's Finance Committee hold an "informational hearing" on the potential social and economic impacts of legal sports betting. Several key attendees drop out after learning that the committee intends to speak on the dangers of legal wagering, and not the benefits.

The latest: The in-limbo bill will likely need to be significantly reworked in order to gain favor from those opposed. And with Minnesota's legislature still divided literally in half, it's unlikely that this piece of legislation will move through the necessary chambers quickly enough to be approved in 2025. 

Oklahoma

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: Oklahoma governor Kevin Stitt is a big supporter of bringing legal sports betting to Oklahoma – but on his terms. And that means a free market – which means that current proposals giving the state's tribes autonomy over Oklahoma legal sports betting operations are a no-go. And that's why legal sports wagering remains off the table here.

The highlights:

• Feb. 27, 2025: Stitt once again rebuffed efforts to pass legislation that would give tribes control of the sports betting industry in Oklahoma, saying "I would absolutely veto any of the bills that hit my desk. It's no transparent, it's not a fair deal, not everybody could do it."

• Feb. 13, 2025: A trio of bills have been tabled by lawmakers: in addition to SB 125, lawmakers have introduced SB 164, which would authorize the Oklahoma Lottery Commission to control betting within the state; and SB 585, which would grant the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder a sports betting licence in tandem with the tribes.

• Jan. 3, 2025: Senator Dave Rader files Senate Bill 125, which would allow tribes with gaming compacts to offer in-person and mobile wagering. Tax rates would be levied at 5% on the first $5 million in net revenue, 6% on the next $5 million and 7% on anything over and above $10 million.

The latest: Negotiations will be necessary to find middle ground on one of the three bills in order for legalization to become a reality in Oklahoma – and the clock is ticking on 2025.

States Where Online Betting Will be Legal

Missouri

Online sports betting: Coming soon

Retail sports betting: Coming soon

The gist: It was a case of "better late than never" for the Show-Me State, with voters finally approving sports betting legislation by the slimmest of margins in a Nov. 5 ballot initiative. It appears that 2025 will be their year – though it looks like they won't have their betting itch scratched until the very end of the year.

The highlights:

• March 5, 2025: FanDuel confirms in its March earnings report that it intends on launching in Missouri, listing either October or November as the likely time frame.

• Feb. 24, 2025: Just days after expressing optimism that advancement of proposed emergency rules would go through in time to expedite the launch process. the Missouri Gaming Commission learns that the Secretary of State's office has denied the request to approve, delaying the potential launch "past August".

• Nov. 5, 2024: Missouri voters narrowly approve Amendment 2, paving the way for the state to roll out legal sports betting in 2025. More than 2.9 million votes were cast, with the final results not confirmed until days later.

The latest: Missouri's launch date still hasn't been confirmed, but the Secretary of State's decision not to accelerate the passing of emergency rules means that bettors in the Show Me State won't have access to betting markets in time for the start of the NFL season.

States Where Online Betting is Legal

Arizona 

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Arizona sports betting became legal on April 15, 2021. The first Arizona sports betting apps launched on Sept. 9 of the same year, coinciding with the 2021 NFL season. The HB2772 betting bill allowed for up to 20 sports betting licenses, half granted to professional sports teams and organizations and the other half to Native American tribes. By the latest count, there are 17 online sportsbooks in Arizona.  

The Highlights: 

• March 13, 2024: Just under $706.4 million in handle is generated by Arizona sportsbooks in January, according to the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG). The betting action generated $69.3 million in gross revenue.

• Sept. 8, 2022: BetMGM and the Arizona Cardinals open a retail sportsbook within an NFL stadium, the first of its kind in the U.S.

• Sept. 9, 2021: Sports betting launches in Arizona, with seven sportsbooks going online.

The Latest: Arizona enjoyed a renaissance in November 2024, bringing in a record $897.6 million in wagers for the month while hitting the $5 million plateau in tax revenue for the first time ever.

See our top Arizona sportsbook promos.

Colorado

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: In a November 2019 referendum, voters allowed the 33 in-state casinos to apply for up to 30 Colorado sports betting licenses. The referendum upheld the House Bill 1327 that Governor Polis signed in May. With 20 legal Colorado betting apps currently in operation, there’s still room for expansion in Colorado.

The highlights:

• Dec. 31, 2024: It was a banner 2024 for Colorado sportsbooks, which pulled in nearly $6.2 billion in wagers and $475.1 million in gross revenue. The state's 7.7% hold rate exceeded the 7.0% figure from a year earlier.

• March 17, 2022: Sports betting rules are adjusted to allow for fixed-odds horse and greyhound racing wagering during an 18-month trial run.

• May 1, 2020: The first four online sportsbooks (DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers) go live in Arizona, officially launching online sports betting in the state.

The latest: Colorado got off off to a sizzling start in 2025, bringing in nearly $61 million in gross revenue on $657.2 million in total wagers for January.

See our top Colorado sportsbook promos.

Connecticut

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: As with the majority of states that have legalized sports betting, Connecticut didn't come about it easily. After falling short in 2019 and 2020, retail Connecticut sports betting finally became a reality after the state reached an agreement with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes. Connecticut sports betting apps were given the green light later in 2021, and the Netmeg State now boasts a healthy sports betting ecosystem.

The highlights:

• Dec. 1, 2023: Fanatics officially enters an agreement with the Connecticut Lottery Corp, assuming the online and retail sports betting license previously owned by PlaySugarHouse. Fanatics joins powerhouses FanDuel and DraftKings as the state's only operators.

• Oct. 19, 2021: The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection officially approves online sports betting and iGaming, making the state one of just a handful in the U.S. to offer both options.

• May 2021: Gov. Ned Lamont signs the historic tribal gaming compact, paving the way for legal sports betting in Connecticut.

The latest: Hot on the heels of a $2.18 billion showing for 2024, Connecticut opened the new year right with a $229.3 million handle in January.

See our top Connecticut sportsbook promos.

Delaware

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Despite being nicknamed The First State, Delaware is actually the second territory in the US to legalize sports betting. The first retail sportsbooks opened their doors in 2018, while the first online site went live in late 2023. Delaware is a small state, so other operators are not interested in launching online sportsbooks.

The highlights:

• Dec. 27, 2023: BetRivers launches the first online sportsbook in Delaware; it remains the lone operator in the state despite calls for a more competitive market.

• June 5, 2018: Delaware’s three racinos unveil the first retail sportsbooks, shortly after the Supreme Court annuls PASPA.

• 1976: The first legal form of sports betting comes to Delaware via a short-lived football parlay game created by the Delaware Lottery.

The latest: The 2024-25 NFL season was a great one for Delaware sportsbooks, which racked up five consecutive $20-million months in handle to easily surpass its 2023 numbers. 

D.C.

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: D.C. sports betting went legal barely a year after SCOTUS overturned PASPA. D.C. only had to sign a bill into law, which mayor Bowser did in January 2019. Since Congress didn’t veto it, wagering was legalized in May. The capital has a unique setup as mobile betting is lottery-run. Meanwhile, retail sportsbooks can offer online wagering in predetermined district zones.

The highlights:

• March 15, 2024: FanDuel officially takes over as the official D.C. online sportsbook April 15, supplanting GambetDC. Competition soon followed, as the district opens to additional operators in order to provide players with more choices. Caesars, BetMGM and DraftKings are among the major players to sign on.

• May 26, 2021: William Hill opens a retail sportsbook at a professional sports venue, the first of its kind in the United States.

• May 3, 2019: Sports betting goes live in D.C.

The latest: The introduction of a free and (somewhat) open market resulted in a year-over-year increase of nearly $300 million in handle. And January 2025 continued the momentum, with D.C. operators welcoming more than $73 million in wagers for the month. 

See our top D.C. sportsbook promos.

Florida

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: No state has seen more legislative twists and turns than Florida when it comes to legal sports betting. For the moment, Floridians can wager online via Hard Rock Sportsbook – but with West Flagler tirelessly challenging what it considers a tribal sports betting monopoly, residents of the Sunshine State shouldn't get too comfortable with the current state of Florida sports betting.

The highlights:

• Feb. 20, 2024: Florida lawyer and The Athletic legal analyst Daniel Wallach submits an amicus curiae brief in support of West Flagler, which is challenging Florida's decision to offer legal sports betting via off-reservation gaming avenues.

• Dec. 5, 2023: Nearly two years to the day after Hard Rock Sportsbook is forced to suspend operations, Florida sports betting is live again via a Hard Rock re-launch.

• Oct. 5, 2023: The Supreme Court strikes down West Flagler's latest request to intervene in the state's agreement with the Seminole Tribe, setting the stage for legal sports wagering to return to Florida.

The latest: The Florida Gaming Commission comes down on a trio of offshore operators in February 2025, sending each of them cease-and-desist letters. BetUS.com.pa, Bovada.lv, and MyBookie.ag are all deemed to have violated state laws. 

Illinois

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Since Illinois sports betting was legalized in June 2019, Illinois has become one of the most successful betting markets in the country. Both retail and online sports betting became legal then, with the first Illinois sports betting apps launching in June 2020. The state allows for eight licenses, all of which are now taken.

The highlights:

• Dec. 18, 2024: bet365 is finally invited to join the party in Illinois, securing a retail and online sports betting license via Walker's Bluff Casino Resort.

• June 2020: BetRivers becomes the first online sportsbook in Illinois, roughly three months after Rivers Casino makes history as the first retail sportsbook in the state.

• June 2019: Governor J.B. Pritzker signs SB 690 into law, effectively legalizing sports betting in Illinois and blocking out-of-state operators from entering the market in the next 18 months.

The latest: Illinois smashed all previous records in Year 2 of its sports betting tenure, generating more than $14 billion in wagers while taking in just over $1.2 billion in gross revenue. Its 8.6% hold for 2024 was ever so slightly lower than its 2023 mark (8.7%).

See our top Illinois sportsbook promos.

Indiana

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Indiana entered the legal sports betting waters in May 2019 by signing the HB 1015 bill into law. Indiana sports betting platforms opened up only a few months later, and today, Indiana is home to 12 online and 13 retail sportsbooks. There is no restriction on who can place wagers on Indiana betting apps, even for non-residents; they only have to be physically present in Indiana and at least 21 years old.

The highlights:

• January 2024: Indiana's sports betting market continues to grow in 2024; bet365 entered The Hoosier State at the end of January while Fanatics became the state's 13th sports betting operator just under a month later.

• Oct. 3, 2019: BetRivers launches an online sportsbook in the state, making it Indiana’s first online wagering platform.

• May 8, 2019: Governor Holcomb signs HB 105 into law, making retail and online sports betting legal.

The latest: Indiana saw modest year-over-year growth to close out 2024 but got off to a terrific start in January 2025, pulling in nearly $539 million in bets – well ahead of the $480.6 million in handle it generated in January 2024.

See our top Indiana sportsbook promos.

Iowa

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Iowa sports betting went live on Aug. 15, 2019, when the first retail and online sportsbooks entered the newly formed market. Initially, Iowa sports betting apps didn’t have remote registration, but this was eventually scrapped, allowing bettors to have a full online experience. According to the latest count, there are 17 different sports betting sites.

The highlights:

• January 2021: Bettors are no longer required to be physically present in a casino when registering for an online sportsbook.

• Aug. 15, 2019: Elite Sportsbook and William Hill are the first online sportsbooks to launch in the state.

• May 2019: Governor Reynolds signs SF-617 into law, making retail and online sports wagering in Iowa legal.

The latest: Iowa didn't see the handle it would have liked in January 2025 – coming up short of the $300 million plateau it had reached in November 2024 – but still came in more than $30 million ahead of its total from January 2024.

See our top Iowa sportsbook promos.

Kansas

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Both forms of Kansas sports betting went legal on June 20, 2022, following what you might call a legislative race with its neighbor Missouri. Kansas betting apps and retail sportsbooks launched relatively quickly on Sept. 1. More than three years after the market opened, the state has six online platforms out of the 12 it can hold by law. 

The highlights:

• Feb. 16, 2024: Kansas joins several other states in issuing cease-and-desist letters to prominent daily fantasy sports/pick 'em operators, including Underdog.

• Sept. 1, 2022: The first six online sportsbooks launch in Kansas, including BetMGM, Caesars, PointsBet, DraftKings, Barstool, and FanDuel.

• June 20, 2022: Governor Kelly signs SB 84 into law, making retail and online sports betting legal in Kansas.

The latest: Kansas is setting new records on a regular basis, most recently surpassing $300 million in handle in a single month (January 2025) for the first time. That's a 26% increase year-over-year and, combined with a 9.3% hold, resulted in a major haul for sportsbooks (and the tax man).

See our top Kansas sportsbook promos.

Kentucky

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: After several unsuccessful attempts, Kentucky sports betting finally became a reality in March 2023. In late September, as many as seven Kentucky sportsbook apps entered the new market. The interest was high, as the operators collected around $50 million in wagers in only the first week.

The highlights:

• Sept. 28, 2023: Online sports betting in Kentucky goes live, with DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, Barstool, and bet365 entering the market.

• Sept. 7, 2023: Governor Beshear places the first wager at Churchill Downs, marking the start of retail betting in the state.

• March 31, 2023: Governor Beshear signs HB 551 into law, legalizing retail and online sports betting in Kentucky.

The latest: Kentucky's first full year of legal sports wagering is an overwhelming success, with the Bluegrass State taking in more than $2.6 billion in wagers while generating nearly $279 million in gross revenue. Its 10.2% hold for the year is among the highest in the country. 

See our top Kentucky sportsbook promos.

Louisiana

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: The government began working on the legislation after 55 of the state's 64 parishes voted in favor of legal Louisiana sports betting in their areas in November 2020. The law was signed in June 2021, officially making the practice legal in the said 55 parishes. The market launched in October, and by the start of 2024, there were eight active Louisiana sports betting apps.

The highlights:

• July 16, 2024: State authorities opted to drop charges against NFL wide receiver Kayshon Boutte in mid-July 2024 for gambling and fraud charges stemming from his involvement in a sports betting scandal while he was attending LSU.

• Jan. 28, 2022: The first six online operators launch their sports betting services in Louisiana.

• Oct. 6, 2021: Sports betting in Louisiana goes live, as Betfred Sportsbook becomes the first retail sportsbook to operate in the state.

The latest: Louisiana's tax coffers were a little dustier than expected in January 2025, with the state collecting just $5.9 million from sports betting operators – the lowest monthly total of the NFL season. The state also pulled in just $382 million in wagers, the second straight month that number dropped.

See our top Louisiana sportsbook promos.

Maine

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: The legal Maine sports betting landscape is one of the newest in the country, having only launched in November 2023. Even though both online and retail forms are legal, bettors only have two Maine sports betting apps and one land-based sportsbook at the moment. The law allows for four online and ten retail betting licenses. Most types of sports betting are legal, except for esports and some limitations on college sports wagering.

The highlights:

• Sept. 16, 2024: Maine's first retail sportsbook finally launches at Oddfellahs in Portland. Caesars is the official sportsbook partner for the brick-and-mortar sports betting facility, which features self-service kiosks, a ticket window, and more than 35 screens of sports action.

• Nov. 3, 2023: DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook launch in Maine, marking the official start of the sports betting market.

• May 2, 2022: Governor Mills signs sports betting legislation, officially legalizing retail and online wagering.

The latest: Maine extends its streak of months with $50+ million in handle to five, barely pushing past that plateau in a decent January 2025 showing. The hold rate of 13.9% produced nearly $700,000 in tax revenues for the state.

See our top Maine sportsbook promos.

Maryland

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Legal Maryland sports betting kicked off in November 2022, two years after the people voted in its favor through a referendum. Both online and retail sports wagering were legalized a year prior. The law allows for 47 retail and 60 online licenses. A dozen Maryland betting apps have been rolled out so far.

The highlights:

• March 4, 2024: The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency announces that the state will no longer allow college athlete prop wagers due to ongoing player harassment.

• Nov. 23, 2022: The first online sportsbooks launch in Maryland, including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers, Barstool, Caesars, and PointsBet.

• May 2021: Governor Hogan signs the HB 940 bill into law, formally allowing sports betting in Maryland.

The latest: You can make it three straight months with a handle exceeding $600 million as Maryland kicks off 2025 with a healthy January performance ($618 million). Sportsbooks handed over $8.2 million in taxes thanks to a strong 13.3% hold, the highest monthly rate in a year.

See our top Maryland sportsbook promos.

Massachusetts

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Legal Massachusetts sports betting is a recent development, with both retail and online sports wagering having been legalized in 2022. Meanwhile, the first websites started operations in early 2023. Almost a year later, players have eight Massachusetts sports betting apps from which to choose. The law accepts as many as 15 licenses, eight of which are tied to land-based casinos and racetracks, and seven obtained through a competitive bid.

The highlights:

• March 15, 2024: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission approves an expanded sports betting catalog for the state's sportsbooks, including an increase in prop markets across most of the major professional sports leagues.

• Jan. 31, 2023: The retail sports betting market debuts in Massachusetts, with three land-based casinos starting to take bets; Massachusetts online sports betting becomes a reality six weeks later, with six sportsbooks going live.

• Aug. 10, 2022: Governor Baker signs bill H.5164 bill into law, legalizing retail and online sports betting.

The latest: Massachusetts lawmakers continue to explore ways of generating more tax revenue – and that includes a possible hike. Sen. John F. Keenan introduced Bill SD 1657 in January 2025, which would increase the tax rate on sports betting sites to a whopping 51%, up from 15% on retail wagering and 20% on mobile bets.

See our top Massachusetts sportsbook promos.

Michigan

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Michigan sports betting entered the legal realm in 2019. Retail sportsbooks debuted in 2020, followed by online sportsbooks in early 2021. Interestingly, Michigan is one of the few states where most gambling forms are legal, with esports missing from the list. According to the latest count, players have 14 Michigan betting apps and 22 retail locations at their disposal.

The highlights:

Jan. 22, 2021: The first online sportsbooks in Michigan launch, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, and BetMGM included.

March 2020: The first two retail sportsbooks in Michigan, belonging to MGM Grand Detroit and Greektown Casino-Hotel, open.

Dec. 20, 2019: Governor Whitmer signs HB 4916 into law, making retail and online sports betting legal.

The latest: Michigan remains the most proactive state when it comes to cracking down on illegal betting activity. Lawmakers sent out five more cease-and-desist letters in early March 2025, on the heels of having chased some of the biggest names in unregulated wagering out of the state.

See our top Michigan sportsbook promos.

Nevada

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: The Silver State boasts the oldest gambling laws in the US, with Nevada sports betting having been legal since 1949. It was also the first to launch online betting platforms, with STN Sports debuting in 2010. This early start allowed Nevada to enjoy an online betting monopoly until 2018. Presently, the state offers around 200 retail betting locations and 14 betting apps. A notable rule in Nevada is that bettors must register in person to use these apps, usually with a minimum $50 deposit.

The highlights:

• Jan. 20, 2022: Nevada allows remote registration for casino accounts.

• March 2011: AB 258 updates Nevada's online gaming regulations.

• June 2001: Internet gaming launches in Nevada.

• 1949: Nevada legalizes sports betting at independent turf clubs.

The latest: While the Las Vegas Grand Prix was a boon to the city – generating an economic impact of $934 million for the region, according to a March 2025 report – that number was still a whopping 38% below the 2023 figure.

See our top Nevada sportsbook promos.

New Hampshire

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: While the majority of legal U.S. states feature multiple competitors in the space, New Hampshire sports betting is a one-sportsbook show. DraftKings is the exclusive provider of online sports wagering in The Granite State, launching in tandem with the New Hampshire Lottery Commission in late 2019.

The highlights:

• Feb. 28, 2022: New Hampshire officially joins the $1-billion club in all-time betting handle after generating a healthy $99.5 million in wagers in January 2022.

• December 2019: Gov. Sununu makes the historic first legal wager in New Hampshire history, betting on the New England Patriots to win the Super Bowl.

• July 16, 2019: Governor Chris Sununu officially signs bill HB 480 into law, allowing for New Hampshire to offer legal online and retail sports betting.

The latest: Will the youngest betting demographic in New Hampshire be shut out? Lawmakers introduced a bill in January 2025 that would raise the minimum legal age for sports wagering from 18 to 21; it's presently one of only seven states (along with D.C.) to allow 18-year-olds to legally place a bet.

See our top New Hampshire sportsbook promos.

New Jersey

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: New Jersey is often seen as having the US's most developed sports betting market, setting a blueprint for other states. Legislators passed the Sports Wagering Act in 2012, but pushback from professional sports leagues stalled its progress. A month after PASPA was repealed, Gov. Phil Murphy signed Assembly Bill 4111, green-lighting New Jersey sports betting at casinos and racetracks. Each brick-and-mortar licensee can link with up to three New Jersey betting app platforms.

The highlights:

• July 2023: NJ extends iGaming until November 2028.

• November 2021: NJ voters reject betting on state college teams.

• June 2021: NJ is the first to legalize fixed-odds horse race betting.

• August 2018: DraftKings spearheads NJ’s online sports betting market.

• June 2018: NJ legalizes sports betting at casinos and racetracks.

• November 2011: New Jersey votes to challenge the federal sports gambling ban.

The latest: Hard times have befallen BetMGM, which laid off more than 80 employees at its New Jersey headquarters in February 2025. The layoffs, which go into effect at the end of May, are designed to cut costs following a worse-than-expected NFL season for the sports betting and gaming giant.

See our top New Jersey sportsbook promos.

New York

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: New York has emerged as the nation's biggest betting state by monthly handle despite a steep 51% tax on operators. Online betting is available through nine apps, alongside in-person options at state casinos. The online New York sports betting bill was signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in April 2021. Nine months later, the first New York betting apps launched. Notably, bets on local college teams, high school games, and political events are off-limits.

The highlights:

• Jan. 8, 2022: New York rolls out statewide mobile sports betting.

• April 2021: Gov. Cuomo signs a state budget into law, legalizing online sports betting.

• July 2019: NY's first retail sportsbooks open.

• November 2013: Gov. Cuomo approves sports betting in four upstate NY casinos, pending the lift of the federal ban.

The latest: The biggest player in the game continues to put up obscene numbers. January 2025 saw New York sports betting sites rack up a record $2.49 billion in wagers, resulting in $248 million in gross revenue and a tax haul of $149.1 million.

See our top New York sportsbook promos.

North Carolina

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: The origins of the North Carolina sports betting scene date back to July 2019 when Gov. Roy Cooper signed S154. The law legalized sports betting on tribal lands, with the Eastern Band of Cherokee as the sole eligible tribe initially. HB 347 was enacted two years later, opening the doors for state-wide mobile wagering. This law saw the introduction of legal North Carolina betting apps on March 11, with eight sportsbooks in the mix.

The highlights:

March 11, 2024: North Carolina online sports betting officially goes live, with eight sportsbooks taking part in the initial launch – just in time for March Madness.

June 14, 2023: Gov. Cooper signs HB 347, mandating the launch of legal online sports betting in North Carolina from Jan. 8 to June 14, 2024.

July 26, 2019: North Carolina's Gov. Cooper signs S 154, legalizing sports betting.

The latest: North Carolina sports bettors might be in for some tax relief. The House committee advanced a bill in March 2025 that would allow gamblers to deduct betting losses from their state income taxes, matching what federal tax laws already have in place.

See our top North Carolina sportsbook promos.

Ohio

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: The Ohio sports betting market is one of the biggest in the country. The state's law provides 40 licenses for retail betting outlets and up to 46 for Ohio betting apps. As of now, Ohio has 20 active betting sites and 14 physical betting shops. Sports betting became legal in December 2019 when Gov. Mike DeWine signed HB 29. Each Type-A license holder for online betting is connected with either an Ohio-based pro sports team or a local casino.

The highlights:

• July 5, 2023: Ohio announces plans to double the sports betting tax to 20% and introduces measures to ban abusive bettors.

• Jan. 1, 2023: Ohio kicks off online sports betting with 16 mobile sportsbooks.

• Dec. 22, 2021: Gov. DeWine signs HB 29, paving the way for Ohio's sports betting launch on Jan. 1, 2023.

The latest: The Sports Betting Alliance is pushing back against Ohio lawmakers' desire to double the state sports betting tax for a second time in less than two years. The SBA says a proposed 40% tax rate would significantly punish players, with sportsbooks likely to pull back bonuses and boosts while increasing vig.

See our top Ohio sportsbook promos.

Oregon

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Oregon sports betting has been active longer than most states, thanks to its exemption from the 1992 PASPA ban. Things took a pause in 2007, but the market resurfaced in August 2019 when Chinook Winds Casino Resort began accepting in-person bets. Fast forward to now, and Oregon's betting scene is buzzing both in retail shops and online. DraftKings became the exclusive betting app in 2022 after taking over from the less successful Scoreboard app.

The highlights:

• Jan. 12, 2022: DraftKings announces takeover of Oregon's mobile betting.

• October 2019: Oregon Lottery launches the Scoreboard app.

• August 2019: Chinook Winds Casino reintroduces sports betting in Oregon.

• July 2007: Oregon's Sports Action closes due to HB 3466.

• October 1992: PASPA exempts Oregon from the federal sports betting ban.

The latest: It was a good-news, bad-news January 2025 for sports betting operators. Handle dropped for a second consecutive month to $83.5 million, but a whopping 14.9% hold resulted in a $6.2 million tax windfall, the highest figure for a single month in Oregon legal sports betting history. 

See our top Oregon sportsbook promos.

Pennsylvania

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: In 2017, The Keystone State set the stage for a thriving iGaming scene, giving the green light to Pennsylvania sports betting, online casinos, and poker. Bets began to flow after PASPA fell, beginning in November 2018 and taking off online in May 2019. Up to 14 licenses are up for grabs, each tethered to a land-based partner, and 12 Pennsylvania sports betting apps have already launched. The state's betting menu is comprehensive, but player props on college games are prohibited.

The highlights:

• May 2019: SugarHouse launches, becoming Pennsylvania's inaugural online sports betting site.

• November 2018: The first legal sports bet in Pennsylvania is placed at Hollywood Casino.

• Oct. 30, 2017: Pennsylvania's Gov. Tom Wolf signs H 271, paving the way for legal sports betting.

The latest: Philadelphia fans and bettors were ecstatic to see the hometown Eagles win the Super Bowl – but the state's sports betting operators were less thrilled. They took it on the chin, losing $6.5 million on the NFL championship game due to a "high percentage of wagers" on the underdog Eagles.

See our top Pennsylvania sportsbook promos.

Rhode Island

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Rhode Island might be the smallest state of all, but it has one of the more robust gaming offerings in the country. Not only has Rhode Island sports betting been in place since the summer of 2020, but it became just the seventh U.S. state to offer legal online casino action following the approval of amended Senate Bill 948 Sub B. That said, players looking for some variety in their Rhode Island betting apps will be disappointed.

The highlights:

• June 13, 2023: The state's House Finance Committee passes Senate Bill 948 Sub B, an amended bill that allows for the introduction of legal online iGaming and casino.

• July 16, 2020: The Rhode Island General Assembly green-lights bills H8097 and S2919, making online sports betting legal in the state. Gov. Gina Raimondo signs both into law less than a week later.

• June 22, 2018: Rhode Island's state budget is signed into law, officially allowing for retail sports betting operated by Sportsbook RI (run via the Rhode Island Lottery).

The latest: Rhode Island rebounds nicely from a dismal end to 2024, bringing in nearly $2.6 million in tax revenue in January 2025 – the third-highest monthly total in state history. Sportsbooks welcomed $47.4 million in wagers while sportsbooks took in just over $5 million in gross revenue.

See our top Rhode Island sportsbook promos.

Tennessee

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: In July 2019, Tennessee broke new ground as the first state to embrace a mobile-only sports betting market with the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act. Despite being opposed to gambling, Gov. Bill Lee let the Tennessee sports betting bill slide into law without his signature. The state sets no limit on the number of sportsbooks, and currently, 12 Tennessee sports betting apps are in operation. It took the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council about a year to hammer out the rules, launching the first books in November 2020.

The highlights:

• May 18, 2023: Gov. Lee enacts a new sports betting tax rule, shifting from a 20% tax on gross revenue to a 1.85% tax on total handle.

• Nov. 1, 2020: Tennessee launches its first online sportsbooks.

• July 2019: Tennessee's sports betting law officially takes effect.

• May 2019: Gov. Bill Lee allows the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act to become law.

The latest: Tennessee records a fifth consecutive $500 million month in January 2025 – and while the final figure ($543 million) represents a second straight month-over-month drop, it's a 16% increase over the same time period in 2024.

See our top Tennessee sportsbook promos.

Vermont

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: The launch of Vermont sports betting completed New England's foray into the industry. The Green Mountain State said “yes” to betting on sports in June 2023, with Bill H127 permitting up to six Vermont sports betting apps. DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics snagged the first nods from Vermont's Department of Liquor and Lottery and went live as expected on Jan. 11, 2024.

The highlights:

• Jan. 11, 2024: Legal sports betting kicks off in Vermont at the stroke of midnight, with DraftKings, FanDuel and Fanatics Sportsbooks offering wagers.

• Dec. 12, 2023: Scott’s office sets Jan. 11, 2024, as the kickoff date for sports betting in Vermont.

• June 14, 2023: Scott signs off on Bill H127, green-lighting sports betting in Vermont.

The latest: Not everyone is content with Vermont as a legal sports betting haven. Three members of the state House of Representatives introduced a bill in February 2025 that would re-criminalize sports betting within state lines. 

See our top Vermont sportsbook promos.

Virginia

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Gov. Ralph Northam laid the groundwork for Virginia sports betting on April 22, 2020, with amendments to two bills. This paved the way for Virginia betting apps to go live on Jan. 21, 2021. The legislation also greenlit retail sports betting, allowing up to five casinos in the state to run their own sportsbooks. Among these, Hard Rock, Rivers Casino, and Caesars have already opened their brick-and-mortar betting shops.

The highlights:

• July 8, 2022: Hard Rock opens the first retail sportsbook in Virginia.

• Jan. 21, 2021: Virginia's online sports betting kicks off with FanDuel making the first legal bet.

• April 2020: Virginia sports betting becomes legal after lawmakers approve Gov. Northam's amendments to SB 384 and HB 896.

The latest: Virginia won't be introducing online casino gaming in 2025, with hopes for legislation having already been scuttled for the year.

See our top Virginia sportsbook promos.

Washington

Online sports betting: Legal on casino grounds

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Washington sports betting became legal in March 2020, but the market only got off the ground in September 2021. Strictly confined to tribal lands, the state offers in-person betting at over 15 casinos. Mobile betting is also available, but it's geo-locked to the grounds of these tribal casinos. Several casinos have partnered with major operators like DraftKings and Caesars, facilitating on-site app usage.

The highlights:

• Feb. 21, 2023: A federal court decision blocks Maverick Gaming's effort to extend sports betting beyond tribal casinos in Washington.

• Dec. 29, 2021: Snoqualmie Casino rolls out the state's first mobile sports betting app on-site.

• March 25, 2021: Gov. Jay Inslee enacts HB 2638 in Washington, legalizing sports wagering at tribal casinos.

The latest: Caesars Sportsbook is the latest mobile sports betting operator to make a home in Washington, formally launching in September 2024 via its partnership with Muckleshoot Casino Resort in Auburn. Bettors can only make wagers while on casino property.

See our top Washington sportsbook promos.

West Virginia

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Legislators approved West Virginia sports betting ahead of the 2018 PASPA overturn. The first bet was placed in person at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in August 2018; in December, the state launched an online market, with West Virginia sports betting apps among the first to go live in the U.S. The law permits each of the five retail sportsbooks to partner with three online platforms, totaling 15 licenses. Nine of these permits are already in use by juggernauts like BetMGM and BetRivers.

The highlights:

• March 14, 2022: West Virginia expands betting options to include esports events.

• December 2018: BetLucky debuts as West Virginia's first online betting operator.

• March 2018: Sports betting gets the green light in West Virginia with Gov. Jim Justice's endorsement.

The latest: Caesars has expanded its online gaming reach into West Virginia. The global gaming giant launched Horseshoe Online Casino in the Mountaineer State in October 2024, following entries into Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ontario.

See our top West Virginia sportsbook promos.

Wisconsin

Online sports betting: Legal on tribal land

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Legal Wisconsin sports betting debuted on Nov. 30, 2021, at Green Bay's Oneida Casino. The Oneida, followed by Forest County Potawatomi and St. Croix Chippewa, amended their compacts, leading to retail sports betting at various tribal casinos. Online betting is allowed but confined to tribal lands and properties. The Oneida tribe provides a sports betting app, but it's usable only in their casino and specific Green Bay properties.

The highlights:

• March 2023: Forest County Potawatomi Community opens Kambi-powered sports betting kiosks at casinos in Milwaukee and Carter.

• December 2021: St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin update their compact to include sports betting.

• November 2021: Oneida Indian Nation starts sports betting in Wisconsin, launching a sportsbook at Oneida Casino in Green Bay.

The latest: You can add DraftKings to the list of notable operators staking a claim to the Wisconsin betting pool. DraftKings opened a retail sportsbook at Lake of the Torches Casino in late August 2024, setting up six self-service kiosks, a betting window and television screens.

Wyoming

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: The Wyoming sports betting scene took off on Sept. 1, 2021. It was the second state to adopt an online-only model, giving operators a smoother entry without needing land-based partners. The Wyoming Gaming Commission is supposed to allow for least five licenses, but so far, only four – DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars – have signed on so far.

The highlights:

• Sept. 1, 2021: Wyoming's sports betting goes live with BetMGM and DraftKings.

• August 2021: The Wyoming Gaming Commission finalizes online sports betting regulations.

• April 5, 2021: Governor Mark Gordon signs HB 133, making Wyoming the first state to legallize sports betting in 2021 with a mobile-only model.

The latest: Could Wyoming join the short list of states to offer online casino gaming? House Bill 162 was introduced in January 2025; the proposal would allow existing operators to offer online slots and table games within state lines.

See our top Wyoming sportsbook promos.

Retail-Only Sports Betting States

Mississippi

Online sports betting: Limited

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Mississippi sports betting is legal, and has been so since SCOTUS overturned PASPA in May 2018. Only retail sportsbooks are allowed, while mobile wagering is limited to their physical locations – but legislators are looking to change that in 2025. Currently, there are 29 retail sportsbooks, and only two have apps.

The highlights:

• September 2021: BetMGM launches the first online sportsbook in Mississippi, but bettors have to be physically present in one of its locations to place wagers.

• August 2018: BetMGM is the first operator to open a retail sportsbook in the state.

• June 2018: The Mississippi Gaming Commission releases the first sports betting rules and regulations.

The latest: Mississippi's government branches remain at odds going into the 2025 legislative session. While the House of Representatives passed an online sports betting bill in early February, the Senate opted instead to ban mobile sports wagering. 

Montana

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: The Big Sky State has a very small gambling footprint. Montana sports betting is limited to just the state lottery platform Sports Bet Montana, operated by Intralot. Additionally, Montana residents can only wager at retail sportsbook locations.

The highlights:

• March 2020: Montana formally launches legal sports betting via Sports Bet Montana, a state lottery-run platform powered by Greek gaming giant Intralot.

• May 3, 2019: Montana Gov. Steve Bullock puts pen to paper on HB725, which amends the state's lotto laws to allow for legal sports wagering.

The latest: January 2025 might not have wowed sports betting operators in terms of handle ($5.75 million, the lowest of the NFL season), a 22.4% hold allowed sportsbooks to partially make up for negative gross revenue figures in both October and December.

Nebraska

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: The path to legal sports betting has been a long (and sometimes frustrating one) for Nebraska residents. The first retail sportsbooks didn't appear for more than two years after LB 561 was signed into law, and while Nebraska lawmakers are keen on introducing mobile sports wagering, that might not happen for a while.

The highlights

• June 22, 2023: More than two years after the state's sports betting bill was signed, retail sports wagering is finally available in Nebraska via WarHorse Casino, whose sportsbook is powered by Kambi.

• May 27, 2021: Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts signs LB 561 into law, but there is no timetable for when sports betting will officially launch.

• March 18, 2021: The Nebraska state legislature passes LB 561, formally legalizing sports betting in the state. Sports wagering is limited to retail gambling facilities and racetracks.

The latest: Legislators take another swing at legalizing online sports betting with a bill introduced in March 2025. Citing 3.9 million attempts to access online sportsbooks from Nebraska in 2024, Sen. Eliot Bostar estimates that sports betting legalization would provide an additional $32 million to the state's tax coffers annually.

New Mexico

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: New Mexico has been one of the quietest states with regard to the advancement of sports betting. While the state was one of the first to roll out legal wagering shortly after the repeal of PASPA in 2018, New Mexico sports betting has remained a retail-only endeavor – and that doesn't appear likely to change anytime soon.

The highlights

• 2019: Four additional locations in New Mexico welcome retail sports betting. Buffalo Thunder launches in tandem with the Pueblo of Pojoaque in May, while the Mescalero Apache oversee the debut of sports betting at three casinos over the summer.

• Oct. 16, 2018: The Pueblo of Santa Ana Tribe, in partnership with USBookmaking, take advantage of its Class III gaming compact with the state to open the first legal sportsbook in New Mexico at the Santa Ana Star Casino and Hotel.

The latest: New Mexico has welcomed a new sportsbook into the fold. Sandia Resort and Casino launched its native sportsbook in November 2024, with the space featuring a bar and restaurant, more than 50 televisions and an outdoor patio. The sportsbook boasts the largest bet limits in the state at $8,000 per wager (on select markets).

North Dakota

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: You can legally wager on sports in North Dakota – but not on your mobile device. The state introduced sports betting late in 2021 despite not altering the language of its Century Code to do so – a unique approach to legislation. However, online sports wagering remains illegal, with no clear path to change for the foreseeable future.

The highlights:

• April 14, 2023: The North Dakota Senate fails to pass HCR 3002, a bill that would have asked voters to decide on the future of legal sports betting expansion in a November 2024 referendum. That shelves the issue until 2025 at the earlies.

• Dec. 1, 2021: North Dakota sports betting officially becomes a reality, with the Dakota Nation Sportsbook going live at Dakota Magic Casino.

• March 2021: ND lawmakers scrub a ballot measure (ND 3032) that would have allowed voters to participate in a referendum on whether to introduce online sports wagering.

The latest: North Dakota's latest attempts to introduce legal online sports wagering have been overwhelmingly rejected. A resolution brought to the state's House of Representatives failed by a 63-24 margin in January 2025, with the majority of dissenters concerned about the negative impacts of gambling.

South Dakota

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: The South Dakota sports betting scene is much more robust than its neighbor to the north, with a whopping 11 casinos offering sportsbook access in the state (though nine of those are located in Deadwood). However, just like in North Dakota, South Dakotans can't wager online – at least, not unless they're actually located in one of the casinos.

The highlights:

• Sept. 9, 2021: Six months after SB 44 is officially passes, and a month after BetMGM secures exclusive sports betting rights in South Dakota, four casinos launch their sports betting operations in the state.

• Nov. 3, 2020: South Dakota voters approve a constitutional amendment with a 58.47% majority, paving the way for legislation which would permit sports betting in the state.

• February 2020: Senate Joint Resolution SJR 501 passes through both the House and Senate, giving residents the opportunity to vote on sports betting in November.

The latest: Happy days have returned to South Dakota following a disastrous December 2024 in which sportsbooks reported a negative gross revenue and hold. The state's sports betting operators took in more than a million dollars in handle in January 2025, while registering a strong 10.6% hold for the month.

Not Legal Sports Betting States

Alaska

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: You shouldn't expect to see residents of The Last Frontier using sports betting to occupy their free time anytime soon. And not only is sports wagering illegal in Alaska, but legal gambling of any kind is significantly limited. Despite efforts to bring sports betting into the fold, it's unlikely we'll see legalization unless something drastic happens.

The latest: On Feb. 22, 2022, Rep. Adam Wool introduced Bill HB 385, which proposed to bring mobile sports gaming to Alaska; it was referred to the House Labor and Commerce Committee but didn't go any further. As of 2025, no further legislation has been brought forward.

Hawaii

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: When you're in paradise, who needs gambling? Hawaii lawmakers have traditionally eschewed any form of cash gaming; it's one of only two states where all forms of gambling, including sports betting, are illegal. And while 2024 saw a pair of gambling bills introduced, they both fell short short of being passed.

The latest: Against all odds (pun intended), Hawaii legislators moved a sports betting bill through the House in early March 2025 – but optimism for its approval is low. The Senate has already scuttled a companion bill, and is likely to vote this one down, as well – keeping Hawaii as one of only two states with no legal form of gambling. 

Idaho

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: There won't be sports betting in Boise or Coeur d'Alene anytime soon. Idaho might be the furthest state in the country from adopting sports wagering legislation, and with no legislation having been proposed since the 2018 repeal of PASPA, it would take a dramatic swerve for the Idaho legislature to embrace the idea of sports betting.

The latest: All is quiet on the legislative front when it comes to Idaho sports betting. With zero bills introduced in 2025, Idaho is still a long, long way from legal sports wagering.

South Carolina

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: The Carolinas couldn't be more different when it comes to their approaches to sports betting (and gambling in general). While North Carolina triumphantly introduced legal online sports wagering in March 2024, its southern namesake has repeatedly fallen short in its quest to bring sports betting to the state.

The latest: South Carolina lawmakers pre-filed another sports betting bill prior to the start of the 2025 legislative session, but it's unlikely to pass. The proposal would hand out a maximum of eight sports betting licenses while taxing operators at 12.5%

Texas

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: Texas sports betting will remain a pipe dream until at least the 2025 legislative session. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick prevented the state Senate from referring a sports betting-related amendment to the constitution to close out the 2023 session, and since Texas only sits in odd numbered years, this year's session is squarely in the spotlight.

The highlights:

• Nov. 29, 2023: Mark Cuban agrees to sell off his majority stake in the NBA's Dallas Mavericks to the Las Vegas Sands casino empire run by the Adelson and Dumont families.

• May 13, 2023: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he won't call HB 1942 to the Senate floor, essentially scuttling any hopes for legal sports betting in Texas before 2025.

• April 18, 2023: HB 1942, a bill that would allow for legal online sports betting, is sent to the House Committee on Calendars after receiving a favorable review by the state affairs committee earlier in the month.

The latest: The 2025 legislative session has seen multiple sports betting bills filed – including House Joint Resolution 134, which would put the decision on whether to legalize sports wagering in the hands of Texas voters. Yet, while Governor Greg Abbott is not against legislation, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick – who controls the state Senate – is a staunch opponent.

Utah

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: The final state on this exhaustive list might also be the least likely to ever have a sports betting or casino offering. Gambling of any kind is expressly prohibited across the state, and Utah is one of only five states without a lottery.

The latest: There has been no significant movement on the sports betting front in Utah, and that's unlikely to change anytime soon.