ShareIn May 2018, the United States Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on single-game betting. Since then, states have been at liberty to legalize sports betting if that’s their choice. Up to now, almost two-thirds of U.S. states have sanctioned some form of legal sports betting via in-person sportsbooks or mobile applications.
But even before the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision, interest in legalizing sports betting was quietly ramping up. Operators were stealthily putting up platforms where bettors could flex their betting muscles.
The Supreme Court’s sanction of sports betting has increasingly popularized the latter. But despite this segment of online gambling’s popularity, a few states still consider sports betting illegal.
Sports betting – the states on board
Approximately 30 states have constitutionally legalized sports betting. This includes 21 that allow its state citizens to engage in online betting. Here are the states already on board with sports betting:Arkansas
Arkansas is one of the newest on the sports betting scene because it was legalized in February 2022. Sports betting was initially limited to just three land-based casinos. But soon enough, the state legislature swung into action by pushing sweeping measures for more robust gambling legalization in the spring of 2022. The new laws authorized the operation of up to 8 online sportsbooks within the state.Arizona
Arizona legalized sports betting in April 2021 and is one of the fastest-growing states for online betting. It is also the first state within the United States with in-stadium sportsbooks. These sportsbooks launched in September 2021 on the very first day of the National Football League season.Since then, the Grand Canyon State has ranked within the top 10 states yearly, especially regarding the amount of money wagered on sports.
Indiana
The sports betting scene in Indiana has moved powerfully in the upper Midwest. The Hoosier State has blossomed due to its swift action to approve and adopt regulated sports betting models.Thirteen sportsbooks currently operate in Indiana, making it the state with the 5th most wagers in the United States. In addition, Illinois has jumped on the online wagering wagon since October 2019.
Connecticut
Sports betting in Connecticut has been legal since October 2021 and is now a premium location for expanding sports betting. This is a result of multiple free-standing casinos as well as tribal gaming ambitions.Illinois
The Land of Lincoln is known for its massive population and is one of the prominent states when it comes to sports betting. Sports betting was legalized in Illinois in March 2020.Colorado
Colorado is one of the first to implement a retail and online regulated sports betting industry. The implementation of this industry occurred in May 2020. Well-known sports franchises and multiple big-name universities have made the centennial state ripe for the sports betting industry.Michigan
Michigan has implemented full-scale online gambling regulations in recent years. In-person betting was established or launched in March 2020, while online sportsbooks launched in January 2021. The Wolverine State has the ideal formula for a rock-steady foundation since it is home to major sports teams like Detroit Tigers, Detroit Pistons, etc.Louisiana
The Pelican State is considered a premium real estate for the expansion of mobile sports betting. In-person wagering was launched in October 2021, while online sportsbooks kick-started their operations in January 2022.Iowa
The Hawkeye State is a happy home to over 20 casinos. In addition, it is one of the first states to readily adopt the legislation that enabled regulated online sports betting in August 2019. As a result, Iowa has risen to become one of the top 5 states in per capita handle.Nevada
Nevada is the undisputed gambling capital of the United States. This has directly extended to sports betting. The Sagebrush State has had sports betting for years. However, Nevada requires in-person registration at a regulated casino over wagering via mobile.Other states that have legalized sports betting
These are the other states that have legalized sports betting within the United States:- New Hampshire
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- New York
- Oregon
- Ohio
- West Virginia
- Tennessee
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- Wyoming
- New Jersey
Other states, like Florida, California, Nebraska, Kansas, etc., are potential upcoming sports betting states.
If sports betting is your prime idea of a pastime, knowing the restrictions and opportunities in your state is crucial.
You can check the list of the best sports betting websites to stake on your favourite sports and fortunately for you, the states highlighted above have legalized sports betting. So if you live in any of them, you can wager responsibly without getting into trouble with the law.
