sportshandle.com
Open in
urlscan Pro
162.159.134.42
Public Scan
URL:
https://sportshandle.com/sports-betting/
Submission: On May 27 via api from US — Scanned from DE
Submission: On May 27 via api from US — Scanned from DE
Form analysis 5 forms found in the DOM
GET https://sportshandle.com/
<form action="https://sportshandle.com/" method="get" class="jeg_search_form" target="_top">
<input name="s" class="jeg_search_input" placeholder="Search..." type="text" value="" autocomplete="off">
<button aria-label="Search Button" type="submit" class="jeg_search_button btn"><i class="fa fa-search"></i></button>
</form>GET https://sportshandle.com/
<form action="https://sportshandle.com/" method="get" class="jeg_search_form" target="_top">
<input name="s" class="jeg_search_input" placeholder="Search..." type="text" value="" autocomplete="off">
<button aria-label="Search Button" type="submit" class="jeg_search_button btn"><i class="fa fa-search"></i></button>
</form>GET https://sportshandle.com/
<form action="https://sportshandle.com/" method="get" class="jeg_search_form" target="_top">
<input name="s" class="jeg_search_input" placeholder="Search..." type="text" value="" autocomplete="off">
<button aria-label="Search Button" type="submit" class="jeg_search_button btn"><i class="fa fa-search"></i></button>
</form>GET https://sportshandle.com/
<form action="https://sportshandle.com/" method="get" class="jeg_search_form" target="_top">
<input name="s" class="jeg_search_input" placeholder="Search..." type="text" value="" autocomplete="off">
<button aria-label="Search Button" type="submit" class="jeg_search_button btn"><i class="fa fa-search"></i></button>
</form>GET https://sportshandle.com/
<form action="https://sportshandle.com/" method="get" class="jeg_search_form" target="_top">
<input name="s" class="jeg_search_input" placeholder="Search..." type="text" value="" autocomplete="off">
<button aria-label="Search Button" type="submit" class="jeg_search_button btn"><i class="fa fa-search"></i></button>
</form>Text Content
* About Us / Contact
This site contains commercial content
* US Sports Betting
* Arizona
* Arkansas
* Colorado
* Connecticut
* Delaware
* Illinois
* Indiana
* Iowa
* Kansas
* Louisiana
* Maine
* Maryland
* Michigan
* Mississippi
* New Jersey
* New York
* Ohio
* Pennsylvania
* Tennessee
* Virginia
* West Virginia
* Wyoming
* Pending States
* California
* Florida
* Georgia
* Massachusetts
* Canada
* Ontario
* British Columbia
* Alberta
* Sportsbooks
* FanDuel
* BetMGM
* Caesars
* PointsBet
* BetRivers
* Tools
* Sportsbook Bonuses Explained
* Guide To ‘Risk-Free’ Bets
* Common Beginner Mistakes
* Sports Betting Podcasts
* Expected Value
* Sports Scores And Odds Apps
* Sports Betting Twitter
* Partnership Tracker
* News
No Result
View All Result
* US Sports Betting
* Arizona
* Arkansas
* Colorado
* Connecticut
* Delaware
* Illinois
* Indiana
* Iowa
* Kansas
* Louisiana
* Maine
* Maryland
* Michigan
* Mississippi
* New Jersey
* New York
* Ohio
* Pennsylvania
* Tennessee
* Virginia
* West Virginia
* Wyoming
* Pending States
* California
* Florida
* Georgia
* Massachusetts
* Canada
* Ontario
* British Columbia
* Alberta
* Sportsbooks
* FanDuel
* BetMGM
* Caesars
* PointsBet
* BetRivers
* Tools
* Sportsbook Bonuses Explained
* Guide To ‘Risk-Free’ Bets
* Common Beginner Mistakes
* Sports Betting Podcasts
* Expected Value
* Sports Scores And Odds Apps
* Sports Betting Twitter
* Partnership Tracker
* News
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
U.S. SPORTS BETTING — WHERE YOU CAN MAKE LEGAL SPORTS BETS AND FULL
STATE-BY-STATE INFORMATION
byBrett Smiley
May 20, 2022
The availability of mobile sportsbook apps and brick-and-mortar sportsbook
lounges is rapidly increasing in the United States. This is cause for
celebration for Americans interested in safe, legal sports betting options.
Las Vegas has long been the sports betting mecca in the U.S., but New York and
New Jersey have taken over as the leading sports betting state based on handle.
Pennsylvania and Illinois are rising too, and now about 30 states permit at
least some form of legal sports betting since the Supreme Court struck down the
federal ban on sports wagering in May 2018. At Sports Handle we deliver sports
betting news with original reporting, industry coverage, analysis and opinion,
betting tools, sportsbook reviews, and more.
If or when legal sports betting comes to your state, we’ll have you covered on
everything you need to know about state-licensed sportsbooks and legal U.S.
sports betting sites. The sections below provide a history of sports betting in
the U.S., along with a state-by-state breakdown of the current legal status of
sports wagering, relevant industry stakeholders, and links to a bevy of
educational resources.
BEST SPORTS BONUSES IN
1
Monkey Knife Fight
$50 Match
$5 Free
4.5
* Promo Code: HANDLE
* Unique prop-only DFS play
* Legal in dozens of states
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
PrizePicks
$100 Deposit Match
4.2
* Use Promo Code: HANDLE
* Real-money play in 28 states
* Dead simple DFS concept
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
BEST LEGAL SPORTSBOOK APPS IN
1
Bet99 Sportsbook
Bet99 Sportsbook
4.7
Read Review
* Bet99 is Live in Canada
* Constant Promotions
* 24/7 Support
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Sports Interaction Ontario
Sports Interaction
4.2
Read Review
* Now Available in Canada
* Experienced within Canada
* Vast Number of Available Bets
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
bet365 Sportsbook Ontario
bet365 Sportsbook
4.5
Read Review
* Available in Canada
* Open to Ages 19+
* Fast Deposits and Withdrawals
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
4
888sport Ontario
888sport
3.8
Read Review
* Now Available in Canada
* Huge Array Of Betting Markets
* Wager On eSports
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
5
TonyBet Sportsbook
TonyBet Sportsbook
4.2
* TonyBet is Active in Canada
* Live Betting Options
* Wager On eSports
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
BEST LEGAL SPORTSBOOK APPS IN
1
Bet99 Sportsbook
Bet99 Sportsbook
4.7
Read Review
* Bet99 is Live in Canada
* Constant Promotions
* 24/7 Support
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Sports Interaction Ontario
Sports Interaction
4.2
Read Review
* Now Available in Canada
* Experienced within Canada
* Vast Number of Available Bets
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
bet365 Sportsbook Ontario
bet365 Sportsbook
4.5
Read Review
* Available in Canada
* Open to Ages 19+
* Fast Deposits and Withdrawals
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
4
888sport Ontario
888sport
3.8
Read Review
* Now Available in Canada
* Huge Array Of Betting Markets
* Wager On eSports
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
5
TonyBet Sportsbook
TonyBet Sportsbook
4.2
* TonyBet is Active in Canada
* Live Betting Options
* Wager On eSports
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
BEST LEGAL SPORTSBOOK APPS IN
1
WynnBET Sportsbook
Bet $50, Get $200 Free
4
Read Review
* Promo Code: XHANDLE
* High-quality mobile app
* Competitive odds
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
FanDuel Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.8
Read Review
* Best Odds, Prices in Industry
* Tons of Props on 16+ Sports
* Speedy Withdrawals, Deposits
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.5
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLE
* Fast Withdrawals and Deposits
* Good Media Integrations
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
4
PointsBet Sportsbook
$2000 Risk-Free Bets
4.3
Read Review
* Promo Code: SH2K
* Exclusive PointsBetting Available
* Creative Promos Every Night
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
5
Caesars Sportsbook
$1100 Bet Insurance
4.4
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLECZR
* Extensive Betting Menus and SGPs
* Loaded Promotional Schedule
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
BEST LEGAL SPORTSBOOK APPS IN
1
WynnBET Sportsbook
Bet $50, Get $200 Free
4
Read Review
* Promo Code: XHANDLE
* High-quality mobile app
* Competitive odds
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
BetMGM Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.5
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLE
* Fast Withdrawals and Deposits
* Good Media Integrations
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
Caesars Sportsbook
$1100 Bet Insurance
4.4
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLECZR
* Extensive Betting Menus and SGPs
* Loaded Promotional Schedule
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
4
FanDuel Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.8
Read Review
* Best Odds, Prices in Industry
* Tons of Props on 16+ Sports
* Speedy Withdrawals, Deposits
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
5
BetRivers Sportsbook
$250 Match
4.2
Read Review
* Generous 1X Playthrough Bonus
* Unmatched Loyalty Program
* Excellent Teaser Pricing
BET NOW
T&Cs ApplyOnly 1x Wager Applies
BEST LEGAL SPORTSBOOK APPS IN
1
FanDuel Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.8
Read Review
* Best Odds, Prices in Industry
* Tons of Props on 16+ Sports
* Speedy Withdrawals, Deposits
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
SugarHouse Sportsbook
$250 Match
4.2
Read Review
* Simple, Easy-to-Clear Bonus
* Best in Class Loyalty Program
* Get Tons of Alternative Lines
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
BEST LEGAL SPORTSBOOK APPS IN
1
BetMGM Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.5
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLE
* Fast Withdrawals and Deposits
* Good Media Integrations
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
FanDuel Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.8
Read Review
* Best Odds, Prices in Industry
* Tons of Props on 16+ Sports
* Speedy Withdrawals, Deposits
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
BEST LEGAL SPORTSBOOK APPS IN
1
WynnBET Sportsbook
Bet $50, Get $200 Free
4
Read Review
* Promo Code: XHANDLE
* High-quality mobile app
* Competitive odds
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Caesars Sportsbook
$1100 Bet Insurance
4.4
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLECZR
* Extensive Betting Menus and SGPs
* Loaded Promotional Schedule
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
Betfred Sportsbook
$500 Risk-Free Bet
3.8
Read Review
* In Business Since the 1960s
* Solid Welcome Offer
* Competitive Pricing
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
4
BetMGM Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.5
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLE
* Fast Withdrawals and Deposits
* Good Media Integrations
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
5
FanDuel Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.8
Read Review
* Best Odds, Prices in Industry
* Tons of Props on 16+ Sports
* Speedy Withdrawals, Deposits
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
BEST LEGAL SPORTSBOOK APPS IN
1
WynnBET Sportsbook
Bet $50, Get $200 Free
4
Read Review
* Promo Code: XHANDLE
* High-quality mobile app
* Competitive odds
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
SI Sportsbook
Bet $5, Win $100 Free
4.1
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLE
* $100 Free Money Offer
* Backed by Sports Illustrated
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
PointsBet
$2K Risk-Free
$100
4.3
Read Review
* Promo Code: SH2K
* Exciting Welcome Bonus
* Creative Promos Every Night
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
4
Caesars Sportsbook
$1100 Bet Insurance
4.4
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLECZR
* Extensive Betting Menus and SGPs
* Loaded Promotional Schedule
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
5
BetMGM Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.5
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLE
* Fast Withdrawals and Deposits
* Good Media Integrations
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
BEST LEGAL SPORTSBOOK APPS IN
1
PointsBet
$2K Risk-Free
$100
4.3
Read Review
* Promo Code: SH2K
* Exciting Welcome Bonus
* Creative Promos Every Night
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Caesars Sportsbook
$1100 Bet Insurance
4.4
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLECZR
* Extensive Betting Menus and SGPs
* Loaded Promotional Schedule
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.5
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLE
* Fast Withdrawals and Deposits
* Good Media Integrations
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
4
BetRivers Sportsbook
$250 Match
4.2
Read Review
* Generous 1X Playthrough Bonus
* Unmatched Loyalty Program
* Excellent Teaser Pricing
BET NOW
T&Cs ApplyOnly 1x Wager Applies
5
FanDuel Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.8
Read Review
* Best Odds, Prices in Industry
* Tons of Props on 16+ Sports
* Speedy Withdrawals, Deposits
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
BEST LEGAL SPORTSBOOK APPS IN
1
WynnBET Sportsbook
Bet $50, Get $200 Free
4
Read Review
* Promo Code: XHANDLE
* High-quality mobile app
* Competitive odds
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Caesars Sportsbook
$1100 Bet Insurance
4.4
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLECZR
* Extensive Betting Menus and SGPs
* Loaded Promotional Schedule
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
PointsBet
$2K Risk-Free
$100
4.3
Read Review
* Promo Code: SH2K
* Exciting Welcome Bonus
* Creative Promos Every Night
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
4
BetMGM Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.5
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLE
* Fast Withdrawals and Deposits
* Good Media Integrations
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
5
bet365 Sportsbook
Bet $1, Get $200
4.5
Read Review
* Promo Code: NJPROMO
* New Players Only, 21+
* T&Cs, time limits, exclusions apply
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
BEST LEGAL SPORTSBOOK APPS IN
1
PointsBet Sportsbook
$2000 Risk-Free Bets
4.3
Read Review
* Promo Code: SH2K
* Exclusive PointsBetting Available
* Creative Promos Every Night
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
BetRivers Sportsbook
$250 Match
4.2
Read Review
* Generous 1X Playthrough Bonus
* Unmatched Loyalty Program
* Excellent Teaser Pricing
BET NOW
T&Cs ApplyOnly 1x Wager Applies
3
FOX Bet Sportsbook
$500 Risk-Free Bet
4.3
Read Review
* PayPal Deposits, Withdrawals
* Offers Custom Bets
* Backed by FOX Sports
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
4
BetMGM Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.5
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLE
* Fast Withdrawals and Deposits
* Good Media Integrations
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
5
FanDuel Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.8
Read Review
* Best Odds, Prices in Industry
* Tons of Props on 16+ Sports
* Speedy Withdrawals, Deposits
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
BEST LEGAL SPORTSBOOK APPS IN
1
WynnBET Sportsbook
Bet $50, Get $200 Free
4
Read Review
* Promo Code: XHANDLE
* High-quality mobile app
* Competitive odds
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
PointsBet
$2K Risk-Free
$100
4.3
Read Review
* Promo Code: SH2K
* Exciting Welcome Bonus
* Creative Promos Every Night
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
Caesars Sportsbook
$1100 Bet Insurance
4.4
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLECZR
* Extensive Betting Menus and SGPs
* Loaded Promotional Schedule
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
4
BetMGM Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.5
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLE
* Fast Withdrawals and Deposits
* Good Media Integrations
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
5
FanDuel Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.8
Read Review
* Best Odds, Prices in Industry
* Tons of Props on 16+ Sports
* Speedy Withdrawals, Deposits
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
BEST LEGAL SPORTSBOOK APPS IN
1
Caesars Sportsbook
$1100 Bet Insurance
4.4
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLECZR
* Extensive Betting Menus and SGPs
* Loaded Promotional Schedule
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
BetMGM Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.5
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLE
* Fast Withdrawals and Deposits
* Good Media Integrations
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
FanDuel Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.8
Read Review
* Best Odds, Prices in Industry
* Tons of Props on 16+ Sports
* Speedy Withdrawals, Deposits
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
BEST LEGAL SPORTSBOOK APPS IN
1
PointsBet Sportsbook
$2000 Risk-Free Bets
4.3
Read Review
* Promo Code: SH2K
* Exclusive PointsBetting Available
* Creative Promos Every Night
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Caesars Sportsbook
$1100 Bet Insurance
4.4
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLECZR
* Extensive Betting Menus and SGPs
* Loaded Promotional Schedule
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.5
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLE
* Fast Withdrawals and Deposits
* Good Media Integrations
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
4
FanDuel Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.8
Read Review
* Best Odds, Prices in Industry
* Tons of Props on 16+ Sports
* Speedy Withdrawals, Deposits
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
5
Unibet Sportsbook VA/IN/IA
$100 Risk-Free Bet
4
Read Review
* Build Your Own Parlay Boost
* PayPal, Visa, ACH Banking
* Play on iOS or Android
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
BEST LEGAL SPORTSBOOK APPS IN
1
SI Sportsbook
Bet $5, Win $100 Free
4.1
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLE
* $100 Free Money Offer
* Backed by Sports Illustrated
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
WynnBET Sportsbook
Bet $50, Get $200 Free
4
Read Review
* Promo Code: XHANDLE
* High-quality mobile app
* Competitive odds
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
PointsBet
$2K Risk-Free
$100
4.3
Read Review
* Promo Code: SH2K
* Exciting Welcome Bonus
* Creative Promos Every Night
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
4
Caesars Sportsbook
$1100 Bet Insurance
4.4
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLECZR
* Extensive Betting Menus and SGPs
* Loaded Promotional Schedule
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
5
BetMGM Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.5
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLE
* Fast Withdrawals and Deposits
* Good Media Integrations
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
BEST LEGAL SPORTSBOOK APPS IN
1
PointsBet Sportsbook Illinois
$2200 Risk-Free Bets
4.3
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLEMAX
* IL Exclusive Welcome Bonus
* Unique High-Upside Format
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Caesars Sportsbook
$1100 Bet Insurance
4.4
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLECZR
* Extensive Betting Menus and SGPs
* Loaded Promotional Schedule
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.5
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLE
* Fast Withdrawals and Deposits
* Good Media Integrations
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
4
BetRivers Sportsbook
$250 Match
4.2
Read Review
* Generous 1X Playthrough Bonus
* Unmatched Loyalty Program
* Excellent Teaser Pricing
BET NOW
T&Cs ApplyOnly 1x Wager Applies
5
FanDuel Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.8
Read Review
* Best Odds, Prices in Industry
* Tons of Props on 16+ Sports
* Speedy Withdrawals, Deposits
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
BEST LEGAL SPORTSBOOK APPS IN
1
WynnBET Sportsbook
Bet $50, Get $200 Free
4
Read Review
* Promo Code: XHANDLE
* High-quality mobile app
* Competitive odds
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Caesars Sportsbook
$1100 Bet Insurance
4.4
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLECZR
* Extensive Betting Menus and SGPs
* Loaded Promotional Schedule
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.5
Read Review
* Promo Code: HANDLE
* Fast Withdrawals and Deposits
* Good Media Integrations
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
4
FanDuel Sportsbook
$1000 Risk-Free Bet
4.8
Read Review
* Best Odds, Prices in Industry
* Tons of Props on 16+ Sports
* Speedy Withdrawals, Deposits
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
IS SPORTS BETTING LEGAL IN MY STATE?
The number of legal U.S. sports betting states has grown incrementally and
rather quickly, compared with marijuana’s legalization. Some states’ legislative
sessions conclude early in the year, while others last year-round. There are
“special sessions” too, which means that new states may legalize at various
points throughout the year.
WHAT STATES HAVE SPORTS BETTING?
The table below outlines where and how you can place legal sports bets in the
U.S. Go to each of our individual state pages (on dropdown or linked below) for
detailed information on that state’s legal sportsbooks.
StateOnline Sports BettingRetail Sports Betting ArizonaYesYes ArkansasYesYes
Colorado
YesYes ConnecticutYesYes DelawareNoYes FloridaYes, but legal challenges are
ongoingYes, but legal challenges are ongoing IllinoisYesYes IndianaYesYes
IowaYesYes KansasComing in 2022Coming in 2022 LouisianaYesYes MaineComing in
2022Coming in 2022 MarylandComing in 2022Yes MichiganYesYes MississippiNoYes
MontanaNoYes NebraskaNoComing eventually NevadaYesYes New HampshireYesYes New
JerseyYesYes New MexicoNoYes New YorkYesYes North CarolinaNoYes North
DakotaNoYes, but operating in a legal gray area OhioComing in late
2022/2023Coming in 2022 OregonYesYes PennsylvaniaYesYes Rhode IslandYesYes South
DakotaNoYes TennesseeYesNo VirginiaYesComing soonish WashingtonNoYes Washington
D.C.YesYes West VirginiaYesYes WisconsinNoYes WyomingYesNo
HOW MUCH LEGAL BETTING HANDLE AND TAX REVENUE HAVE LEGAL SPORTS BETTING STATES
GENERATED?
Go here to our full, detailed legal sports betting revenue tracker if you’re
interested in learning about:
* The amount of legal sports bets (in dollars) made in each state since May
2018
* The “hold” percentage (percentage of bets kept by licensed sportsbooks)
* Sportsbook revenue generated in each state
* Total state taxes collected in each jurisdiction
StateTotal HandleGross Revenue Win RateGross Sportsbook RevenueAdjusted
Sportsbook RevenueState Taxes CollectedLegal Betting Start Date
Arizona$2,798,609,7867.92%$221,761,906$86,403,976$8,578,941September 2021
Arkansas$137,228,41212.00%$16,469,461$16,469,461$2,316,941July 2019
Colorado$6,553,121,4056.23%$408,400,238$155,340,539$17,741,302May 2020
Connecticut$750,903,9797.38%$55,451,833$42,443,783$5,856,119October 2021
Delaware$477,443,89720.20%$96,420,178$71,647,118$49,520,732June 2018 District of
Columbia$340,541,48613.10%$44,626,582$44,626,582$4,458,779May 2020
Illinois$10,451,498,5267.20%$752,386,715$752,386,715$112,858,008March 2020
Indiana$7,420,093,3827.69%$570,930,447$570,930,447$54,228,899September 2019
Iowa$3,581,688,2215.92%$212,053,938$212,053,938$15,407,069August 2019
Louisiana$628,010,91712.05%$75,703,270$53,193,410$7,375,035November 2021
Maryland$105,635,30011.77%$12,428,266$12,163,150$1,825,042December 2021
Michigan$5,531,087,8408.11%$448,753,998$209,010,499$11,679,955March 2020
Mississippi$1,631,189,07411.14%$181,688,472$181,688,472$21,810,088August 2018
Montana$84,255,51414.64%$12,331,793$12,331,793$12,332,068
March 2020 Nevada$23,505,541,2085.78%$1,345,457,000$1,345,457,000$90,850,9601975
New Hampshire$1,246,033,4566.52%$81,192,790$81,192,790$37,734,013December 2019
New Jersey$26,238,410,4596.73%$1,765,517,715$1,765,517,715$219,489,804June 2018
New York$5,228,354,3236.94%$362,750,322$362,750,322$167,925,900June 2019
Oregon$713,684,3408.79%$62,739,765$62,739,765$62,739,765August 2019
Pennsylvania$13,746,491,7997.37%$1,013,746,253$678,568,175$232,739,860November
2018 Rhode Island$1,082,480,9808.70%$94,189,469$94,189,469$48,490,844November
2018 South Dakota$5,174,7198.57%$441,069$441,069$39,697September 2021
Tennessee$4,112,077,9658.50%$349,604,039$290,290,189$58,378,238November 2020
Virginia$4,578,708,9858.43%$386,143,879$171,296,416$26,739,211January 2021 West
Virginia$1,386,748,2577.79%$108,076,140$108,076,140$9,186,473August 2018
Wyoming$77,332,3198.97%$6,934,994$2,218,575$234,507September 2021
Totals$122,412,319,8197.0958%$8,686,100,530$7,383,329,550$1,280,538,250
MARKET SNAPSHOT BY STATE
The following section provides a glance at the markets:
1. In states that have legalized sports betting and where operations are live
2. In states that legalized where operations are pending/forthcoming
LEGAL OPERATIONS UP AND RUNNING:
ARIZONA
* Market launch date: September 2021
* Online: Yes
* Brands: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, WynnBET, Unibet, Caesars Sportsbook all
launched on September 9th, day 1 of the Arizona betting industry.
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: Several are open, but there are several
more in development. Many Arizona casinos and sports venues alike will have
retail betting options available.
* Notes: Arizona got things done in a hurry. HB 2772 passed in April 2021,
paving the way for legal retail and online sports betting. With Gubernatorial
support in place, Arizona sports betting was able to launch in September
2021. Laws allow for as many as 20 online sportsbooks, plus retail betting.
Both sports teams/venues and state tribes are involved.
ARKANSAS
* Market launch date: July 2019
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: Three so far — at Oaklawn Racing Casino
Resort in Hot Springs, Southland Casino in West Memphis, and Saracen Casino
Resort in Pine Bluff. One additional casino is slated to be built in Pope
County, but construction has yet to begin.
* Online: March 2022
* Notes: The state legalized sports betting through a ballot referendum in
November 2018 that authorized four casinos in the state — two at existing
racetracks and two new ones. So far the market is very limited. The
sportsbook at Oaklawn is powered by SBTech. The Southland sportsbook is run
by Betly. Online wagering has been approved by state regulators and launched
in March 2022. Bet Saracen, an independent sportsbook run by the Saracen
Casino, was the first app to go live in the state.
COLORADO
* Market launch date: May 2020
* Online: Yes
* Brands: Just about all of them. Numerous national and international and
regional brands have entered a growing market that saw a shotgun launch on
May 1, 2020, when FanDuel Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, BetMGM, and
BetRivers all went live at the same time. The Las Vegas-based SuperBook and
Circa Sports have also made forays outside Nevada to the Centennial state.
PointsBet, William Hill, WynnBET, BetAmerica, Betfred, theScore Bet,
MaximBet, PlayUp, Elite Sportsbook, BetWildwood, and Barstool Sportsbook have
all since entered Colorado as well. Additional operators are coming to the
state seemingly every month.
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: Each of Colorado’s 33 commercial casinos
are eligible to apply for online and retail sports betting licenses. Most of
them have applied for and obtained at least temporary licenses. Sportsbooks
have opened at casinos in Black Hawk, Cripple Creek, and Central City, Colo.
* Notes: The monthly handle has continued to grow month-over-month since
sports betting went live in May 2020. With a low tax rate (10%) and license
fees running just $125K, Colorado is a very attractive target for online
sportsbook operators. Table game wagers at state casinos are capped at just
$100, but there will be no such limit on sports betting. PointsBet has its
U.S. headquarters in Denver.
* Mile High: The Denver Broncos have signed up multiple sportsbook sponsors —
FanDuel, BetMGM, and Betfred. The Broncos were the first NFL team to enter
such a partnership.
CONNECTICUT
* Market launch date: October 2021
* Online: Yes
* Brands: Three – DraftKings, FanDuel, and Play SugarHouse
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: Two – One at Mohegan Sun Casino and one at
Foxwoods Casino
* Notes: The state’s two mega-influential tribes haggled with the state for
several years before coming up with a compromise that saw the two tribal
casinos and the state lottery commission each getting a mobile sports betting
license. Retail kiosks will also be available throughout the state at some
point in the future. The three sportsbooks all went live online on October
19, 2021.
DELAWARE
* Market launch date: June 2018
* Online: Although state officials believe existing law permits online
wagering, no online sportsbooks are yet approved or available.
* Number of land-based books in the state: Three — at Delaware Park Casino,
Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway & Casino.
* Notes: The Delaware Lottery currently operates and has jurisdiction over
sports betting. The Lottery has agreements with both Scientific Games and
William Hill to manage its sports betting systems. In accordance with
pre-existing (or pre-PASPA) rules, Delaware residents can also make parlay
wagers (3 legs or more) on NFL contests at retail/convenience store locations
throughout the state.
FLORIDA
* Market launch date: November 1, 2021
* Online: Not at this time
* Brands: One – Hard Rock Sportsbook. Additional operators may come to the
state, but not before all the pending legal issues are sorted out.
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: Up to six.
* Notes: Due to a negotiated compact that sees the state receiving at least
$500 million each year in revenue, the Seminole tribe has exclusive rights to
sports betting in the state, and will likely open retail sportsbooks at its
six existing casinos in addition to operating its online Hard Rock
Sportsbook, which was live but is currently shuttered while the legal process
plays out. Other operators may come to the state eventually, but for the near
future, the Seminoles are the only game in town.
ILLINOIS
* Market launch date: March 2020
* Online: Yes
* Brands: Current online brands are BetRivers, DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet,
Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook.
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: There are several live, retail sportsbooks
throughout the state. They include the sportsbooks at the Rivers Casino and
Argosy Casino Alton. The Illinois Lottery is permitted to place up to 5,000
sports betting kiosks around the state that can accept parlay wagers during
the first two years of operation but has not yet done so.
* Notes: Some lobbying from the casino powers secured a “head start” for them
over online-only operators such as FanDuel and DraftKings, which have
dominated the New Jersey market. At least that was the intention until both
giants found a way around the provision. Three “master online licenses” will
eventually become available, at a cost of $20 million each, to stand-alone
mobile and online sportsbooks. A market for those, at this point, may not
exist.
* Path to legalization: The state legalized sports wagering in June 2019 via a
massive capital bill, SB 690, that included the framework for legal sports
betting.
INDIANA
* Market launch date: September 2019
* Online: Yes
* Brands: Licensed casinos are allowed to contract with up to three brands for
mobile/online sports wagering. BetMGM, BetRivers, DraftKings, FanDuel,
PointsBet, Unibet, Caesars Sportsbook, theScore Bet, SBK, WynnBet, Barstool
Sportsbook, Betway, Bally Bet, and TwinSpires have all launched in the state.
Other major operators like FOX Bet and PlayUp are expected to arrive in the
coming months.
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: 14
* Notes: Indiana’s market is shaped to closely resemble that of New Jersey,
especially in that each license holder is allowed to offer up to three
“skins” or online brands. The betting handle has grown quickly to a
record-breaking $348.2 million in January 2021 and over $3.6 billion in
total, resulting in $27.7 million in tax revenue for the state in just two
years.
* Path to legalization: There were big proponents but also doubts whether
legalization would come together in 2019. However, the state legislature
delivered legal sports betting through gambling expansion bill HB 1015,
passed in May 2019. Initially, mobile sports betting was stripped from the
bill, but it was added back in later.
IOWA
* Market launch date: August 2019
* Online: Yes
* Brands: Caesars Sportsbook, Elite Sportsbook, PointsBet, Q Sportsbook,
BetMGM, BetRivers, Hard Rock, FanDuel, DraftKings, theScore Bet, Bally Bet,
Unibet, Fubo Sportsbook, Circa, DRF Sportsbook, Betfred and Betway.
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: 20
* Notes: Iowa was the first state to launch retail and online sports betting
simultaneously, on the same day. Iowa bettors now have plenty of options for
wagering within the state. Of note: you can’t place in-game prop bets on
in-state college teams like the Hawkeyes and Cyclones.
* Path to legalization: Iowa’s legislature began discussing legalization before
PASPA’s fall in May 2018. Things moved along in 2019 with SF 617, which Gov.
Kim Reynolds signed on May 13, a day before the anniversary of PASPA’s death.
The first bets were placed in the state just a few months later on Aug. 15,
2019.
LOUISIANA
* Market launch date: October 2021
* Online: Yes. Each sportsbook licensed by the state qualifies for two online
“skins.”
* Brands: The total list will expand, but Caesars, FanDuel, Barstool
Sportsbook, DraftKings, BetMGM, WynnBET, and BetRivers are all live in
Louisiana. We expect Bally Bet to join the party soon due to its current
involvement with the seven companies that own casinos in the state. Betfred
was actually the first operator to go live due to their partnership with a
tribe that was not bound to state regulations. As of now they are
retail-only.
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: To be determined. All 19 commercial casinos
in the state are eligible to apply for a sportsbook license.
* Notes: Retail sports betting kiosks run by the state lottery will be in the
state’s bars and restaurants at some point, but we aren’t sure when.
* Path to legalization: On the Nov. 2020 ballot, voters in 56 of 64 parishes
voted to allow sports betting, both in-person and online. Louisiana sports
betting will be geofenced within those 56 parishes.
MARYLAND
* Market launch date: Retail went live in December 2021, online will be live in
2022
* Online: Yes, licenses will be available for both retail and online betting
* Brands: The approved legislation allows for up to 60 (!) sportsbook licenses,
though the actual number will be far less. All the biggest operators,
including BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Barstool Sportsbook, FOX Bet,
DraftKings, FanDuel, TwinSpires, and even possibly some local-only brands
will end up going live in the state.
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: TBD, but up to 40 retail licenses are
available.
* Notes: Maryland has put a particular focus on getting women and minorities
involved in sports betting, with an emphasis on approving minority-owned
businesses for retail sports betting licenses. Expect to see at least a few
small businesses, such as restaurants and bars, operate their own small-scale
sportsbooks.
MICHIGAN
* Market launch date: In March 2020 the first brick-and-mortar sportsbooks
launched at Detroit’s three commercial casinos. Regulations for online
betting (and iGaming) were still being finalized until January 2021, when the
Michigan Gaming Control Board announced that 10 operators were approved to
launch their online sportsbooks and online casinos on Jan. 22. (See chart
above.)
* Online: Yes. Each online sportsbook in Michigan is “tethered” to, or
partnered with, a land-based casino.
* Brands: Legislation allows for around 15 different brands in Michigan, one
for each of the three commercial casinos, and one for each of the 12 tribes.
BetRivers, PointsBet, DraftKings, FOX Bet, Parx, Golden Nugget, William Hill,
WynnBET, and TwinSpires all agreed to casino partnerships in early 2020.
BetMGM and FanDuel entered through the MGM Grand Detroit and MotorCity
Casino, respectively. Barstool also entered the market through its
partnership with Greektown Casino while DraftKings arrived in Michigan
through a partnership with Bay Mills Resort & Casino.
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: Michigan has the potential for more than 20
land-based sportsbooks as both commercial casinos and nearly two dozen tribal
casinos around the state may open an on-premises lounge. Currently, about a
dozen have opened.
* Notes: Michigan bettors hit the jackpot in 2019 as their state-approved
sports betting and iGaming (including casino and poker), and formally
approved daily fantasy sports — all at the same time.
MISSISSIPPI
* Market launch date: August 2018
* Online: Only on-premises at casinos/gaming facilities, i.e., not throughout
the state.
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: 29 — both commercial and tribal.
* Notes: SEC betting and football wagering are huge in Mississippi. There was
some effort in both 2019 and 2020 to legalize sports wagering online
throughout the state, but it failed. Betting handle has stagnated and won’t
increase much if online (off-premises) remains unavailable. The physical
casinos are concentrated in two areas of the state — in Biloxi on the Gulf
Coast, and in Tunica in the northwestern part of the state near Arkansas and
Tennessee.
* Path to legalization: There was language in a 2017 bill that contemplated the
repeal of PASPA and permitting legal wagering in that event. Well, it
happened.
MONTANA
* Market launch date: April 2020.
* Online: Not statewide, only at state-sanctioned sites, mostly taverns and
restaurants.
* Brands: The Montana State Lottery is in charge of regulation and oversight
and is using its existing vendor Intralot to run “SportsBet Montana”
operations/kiosks in the state. The Intralot sportsbook offering in Montana
is poor, at best, with pricing well below industry standards.
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: Taverns and other approved locations may
have sports betting kiosks on-premises, where patrons can make legal sports
bets.
* Path to legalization: Legal gambling in Montana has been limited to video
poker and keno machines in restaurants and taverns throughout the state. The
“lottery bill” that Gov. Steve Bullock signed was backed by the powerful
Montana Tavern Association, with the idea that kiosks could be placed in its
members’ establishments, thereby driving business in the door. But the state
legislature passed two sports betting bills, the other being SB 330, which
would have also allowed commercial operators to enter the marketplace.
However, Bullock vetoed it and the legislature failed to override it. “For
the market to succeed, Montana needs to enter the sports wagering market
conservatively — adopting only one of the two models now,” he said in a May
2019 statement.
NEVADA
* Market launch date: Circa 1949.
* Online: Yes, though in-person registration is still required.
* Brands: Numerous.
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: Roughly 190 locations, not all of them
full-fledged lounges. On Oct. 27, 2020, Circa Resort & Casino debuted an
enormous new sportsbook destination with a 1000-person capacity and
stadium-style seating along with a 123-foot TV screen.
* Notes: Nevada has been the Mecca of sports betting for decades and the
epicenter for industry talent, some of which is leaving the state for other
opportunities. The market is obviously very mature, while some new bookmakers
and sportsbooks such as Derek Stevens’ Circa Sports are looking to make a
splash in the desert. His Circa Sportsbook, 40% larger than the SuperBook,
opened on Oct. 27, 2020. The total Nevada betting handle has exceeded $5
billion annually in recent years and over $600 million in peak months.
> Understatement. Circa's sports book is so impressive, we walked in and started
> liking sports. Rumor is when the makers of the video screens saw it live, they
> wept, like people seeing the Sistine chapel for the first time.
> https://t.co/W0qstRXCve pic.twitter.com/dBo9FyWnEG
>
> — Vital Vegas (@VitalVegas) October 22, 2020
NEW HAMPSHIRE
* Market launch date: December 2019
* Online: Yes
* Brands: Only DraftKings for now. The Boston-based operator reached an
exclusive agreement to be the sole retail and online sports betting provider
in New Hampshire. As a part of the deal, it will pay half of its gross
revenue back to the state.
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: As many as 10 brick-and-mortar sportsbooks
are permitted in New Hampshire. Many NH towns have already voted to approve
them. On Aug. 14, 2020, the first land-based sportsbook opened at The Brook
In Seabrook, near the border with Massachusetts. A second retail location
opened at Filotimo Casino in Manchester.
* Notes: Unlike most states, you only have to be 18 years old to bet on sports
in New Hampshire.
NEW JERSEY
* Market launch date: June 2018
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: 24
* Online: Yes. Online betting began in August 2018.
* Brands: There are more than two dozen unique NJ online sportsbooks currently
live, including 888sport, BetAmerica/TwinSpires, Borgata Sportsbook, FanDuel
Sportsbook, bet365, FOX Bet, theScore Bet, William Hill, DraftKings,
PointsBet, PlaySugarHouse, Unibet, 888sport NJ, WynnBET Sportsbook, Caesars,
Tipico, Golden Nugget, and more.
* Notes: New Jersey regularly boasts the highest state handle in the United
States. State law restricts all betting on in-state college teams and
similarly prevents betting on any collegiate sporting event held within the
state, regardless of the participants. Potential changes to these
restrictions are being entertained, though.
NEW MEXICO
* Market launch date: October 2018
* Online: Not permitted
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: Five
* Notes: Sportsbook operator USBookmaking was the first in the state at the
Santa Ana Star Casino & Hotel. William Hill (now Caesars) entered the market
through a partnership with the Inn of the Mountain Gods Casino in early 2019.
Later the same year the Isleta Resort & Casino and the Hilton Buffalo Thunder
all opened sportsbook facilities. As in many other states, the tribal-state
compacts, revenue sharing arrangements, and exclusivity over gaming may
stifle the launch of the online market.
NEW YORK
* Market launch date: July 2019
* Online: Yes, as of January 8, 2022. NY online sports betting was a point of
ongoing contention and debate. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office had
previously taken the position that mobile sports wagering in NY would require
a constitutional amendment, but in 2021 facing a massive budget deficit due
in part to the COVID-19 crisis, Cuomo included sports betting revenue in his
state budget. Cuomo’s preferred state-run model was chosen as the way forward
for online betting in the state. While it won’t be the fully open market we
hoped for, some ambiguity around the term ‘platform provider‘ opened the door
to nine different online operators coming to New York.
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: Eleven, located at both commercial casinos
and tribal gaming properties.
* Brands: FanDuel Sportsbook (Tioga Downs), The Lounge with Caesars (Turning
Stone Casino Resort), Yellow Brick Road Casino, Points Place Casino,
DraftKings Sportsbook (del Lago Resort & Casino), BetRivers (Rivers Casino &
Resort), among others. PointsBet, BetMGM, Resorts World and Bally Bet are
also live in the state.
* Path to legalization: The Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act,
passed in 2013, authorized four new commercial casinos, including sports
wagering at those facilities (and tribal properties) if federal law changed
to permit legal sports betting. That happened when the Supreme Court struck
down PASPA.
* Notes: Bettors can’t wager on NY-based colleges or on college games that take
place in the state, with the exception of “tournament” games not involving
NY-based colleges.
OREGON
* Market launch date: August 2019
* Online: Yes. Online sports betting went live in October 2019.
* Brands: ScoreBoard, the betting app from the Oregon Lottery and SBTech, was
finally replaced by DraftKings in January 2022. Reviews were resoundingly
negative for its software and sportsbook offerings overall. Things went so
poorly with ScoreBoard that the state actually lost money on it. DraftKings
has mercifully brought its excellent product to the grateful bettors of
Oregon.
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: Two — One on the tribal property Chinook
Winds Casino Resort. ROAR Digital will open the second retail sportsbook at
Spirit Mountain Casino.
* Path to legalization: Oregon was one of just four states with sports betting
grandfathered under PASPA, and thus did not need new legislation to move
forward in the market.
* Notes: It’s not currently legal to wager on any college sports whatsoever.
Pro sports only.
PENNSYLVANIA
* Market launch date: November 2018.
* Online: Yes
* Brands: FanDuel Sportsbook, BetRivers, FOX Bet, Parx, Unibet, DraftKings,
Caesars, BetAmerica/TwinSpires, BetMGM, PlaySugarHouse, BetFred, Borgata,
etc. Barstool Sportsbook made its U.S. debut (online) in September 2020.
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: Thirteen
* Path to legalization: In 2017, Pennsylvania was among a handful of states
that preemptively legalized sports wagering if federal law changed to permit
the activity on the state level.
* Notes: Online sports betting was slow to roll out as the Pennsylvania Gaming
Control Board was busy (and sluggish) developing regulations for both online
casino gambling and sports wagering at the same time. But online sports
betting finally arrived in May 2019 and has boomed since. Nearly 90% of bets
placed in the state are done so online.
RHODE ISLAND
* Market launch date: November 2018
* Online: Yes, legalized in March 2019. Sportsbook Rhode Island, powered by
Caesars Sportsbook, accepted its first online bets on Sept. 4, 2019. Mobile
bettors can place wagers via browser or use the mobile app.
* Brands: Both retail sportsbooks are operated by Caesars Sportsbook in
conjunction with the Rhode Island Lottery. The online app operates under the
Sportsbook Rhode Island name.
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: Two: Twin Rivers Casino Hotel and Tiverton
Casino Hotel.
* Notes: Rhode Island’s legislature passed its law legalizing sports wagering
in June 2018. The sportsbooks took a serious $2.4 million beating from Super
Bowl LIII and a $900K loss in February 2019 thanks to the regional favorite
New England Patriots suffocating the Los Angeles Rams. (Perhaps also due to
some poor risk management). In a unique revenue-sharing arrangement, the
state lottery takes 51% of total sports wagering receipts, as supplier IGT
keeps 32% and Twin Rivers 17%.
NORTH CAROLINA
* Market launch date: March 2021
* Online: No, the current law only permits land-based sportsbooks
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: Two
* Path to legalization: North Carolina passed SB 154 in July 2019, legalizing
sports betting at two tribal casinos. The casinos, Harrah’s Cherokee and
Valley River, recently finished construction and opened their sportsbooks
just in time for the NCAA basketball tournament in March 2021.
* Notes: The bill allows for wagering on professional and collegiate sports,
though it does nothing for mobile betting. Both retail sportsbooks are in the
more rural, western part of the state. The impact on larger population
centers may be minimal.
SOUTH DAKOTA
* Market launch date: September 2021
* Online: None, retail only
* Brands: BetMGM, BetLodge Sportsbook, Dale’s Sportsbook
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: For now, eight sportsbooks are operating in
Deadwood or are expected to open soon, including Cadillac Jack’s Gaming
Resort, Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort, Gold Dust Casino, Mustang Sally’s, The
Lodge at Deadwood, Dale’s Sportsbook at Deadwood Mountain Grand, Gold Country
Inn, and Deadwood Station Bunkhouse
* Path to legalization: After voters approved a ballot question in Nov. 2020
that would allow brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in Deadwood only, sports
betting was fully legalized in July 2021. The gaming commission finalized the
rules and regulations in September, and the Deadwood casinos quickly added
sports betting as an additional gambling option. Handle thus far has been
light, but additional major operators will likely come to the state as the
market matures.
TENNESSEE
* Market launch date: November 1, 2020.
* Online: Yes
* Brands: There is no limit to the number of operators that can become licensed
in Tennessee. After a series of delays, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and the
local Tennessee Action 24/7 launched on Nov. 1, 2020. Tennessee Action has
since run into some major issues. Caesars, WynnBET, and TwinSpires are also
live in the state. More are sure to join them in 2022.
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: None. Tennessee does not have any existing
casinos/gaming entities. Sports betting will occur online only.
* Path to legalization: Though many in the state are opposed to gambling, the
Volunteer State legalized online/mobile-only sports betting in April 2019
with HB 1 (a substitute for SB 16). The law became effective on July 1, 2019.
Regulation responsibility belongs to the Tennessee Education Lottery
Corporation (TELC), under advisement from the Sports Wagering Advisory
Council.
* Notes: Tennessee was the first state to approve online/mobile-only sports
betting without a retail component. Licensed operators will be required to
use “official league data” for in-play sports wagering. There’s a quirky new
rule in TN, though: sportsbooks are required to keep at least 10% of bets,
while the average hold in most jurisdictions is about 7.5%. We’ll monitor
how this plays out.
VIRGINIA
* Market launch date: January 22, 2021.
* Online: Permitted, and the Virginia Lottery will shape the market as the
regulator. There will be at least four and up to 18 online sportsbooks
entering the market, according to the law. But there could be more.
* Brands: FanDuel, in partnership with the Washington Football Team, was first
to launch by itself on Jan. 22, 2021. DraftKings, BetRivers, BetMGM, William
Hill, WynnBET, Golden Nugget, Bally Bet, Barstool Sportsbook, and Unibet are
also live in the state. PointsBet and bet365 will likely be the next to enter
the market. Most or all of the other larger operators will compete for entry.
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: None yet.
* Path to legalization: Virginia’s legislature and governor approved sports
betting for both online and retail settings in April 2020, and the bill has
an effective date of July 1, 2020.
* Notes: A professional sports team is preemptively authorized to open an
on-premises sportsbook. Virginia does not currently have any professional
sports franchises, but this could serve as a genuine carrot for those
entertaining the idea of a move. Plus, training facilitates also count, which
opens the door for the Washington Football Team and DC United.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
* Market launch date: May 2020 (online)
* Online: Yes, however…
* Brands: Only the app supplied by the D.C. Lottery’s vendor Intralot —
“GamBetDC” is available citywide. So far, reviews are not good, and
competition from Virginia and Maryland (soon) may make things worse, or at
least highlight the many shortcomings of the app.
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: Five maximum, located at the professional
sports stadiums including Capital One Arena, home to the NBA’s Wizards and
NHL’s Capitals. The Caesars Sportsbook at Capital One opened in July 2020. In
June 2021, BetMGM opened a similar sportsbook at Nationals Park, home of the
MLB’s Washington Nationals. D.C.’s law allows for “Class B” licenses, meaning
bars, restaurants, and some other establishments are allowed to apply for a
sports betting certificate and offer an app or perhaps kiosks available
on-premises, as long as they’re located outside a two-block radius from the
arenas, so-called “exclusivity zones.” So far a handful have opened.
* Path to legalization: Windy and peppered with corruption. The Washington
Post closely tracked the D.C. Council’s controversial awarding of the sports
betting contract to Intralot — with benefits flowing to persons and groups
connected to the D.C. Council. The council allowed a bypass of the
traditional Request for Proposal process and made Intralot its sports betting
vendor without considering other proposals.
* Notes: Bypassing the RFP process and allowing the sole-sourcing deal to
Intralot was based in large part on a dubious “study” by Spectrum Gaming
Group in which the consultant suggested that the city’s platform should
target a 20% or higher hold percentage in a business where 5 to 7 percent is
more standard. In other words, this app may have a very high vig/overround,
or a terrible product that keeps many people betting offshore.
WASHINGTON
* Market launch date: Fall 2021
* Online: Not permitted
* Brands: So far FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings, and BetMGM have announced
partnerships with tribal casinos, but most casinos have opted to forgo
traditional sportsbook branding.
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: Pending, but each of the state’s 20+ tribal
casinos will have the option to open a sportsbook.
* Path to legalization: In early 2020, Gov. Jay Inslee signed a tribal-backed
bill permitting sports betting on-premises at tribal casinos only.
* Notes: The measure saw some resistance for its exclusion of a statewide
mobile component. Ultimately, the tribes’ powerful lobby prevailed. For now,
tribal casinos do not view online sports betting as a possible revenue
driver, but rather as a threat to foot traffic into casinos where slot
machines generate higher and more reliable revenue.
WEST VIRGINIA
* Market launch date: August 2018
* Online: Yes
* Brands: FanDuel Sportsbook (The Greenbrier), DraftKings (Hollywood Casino
Charles Town), William Hill (Mountaineer Casino Racetrack), BetMGM (The
Greenbrier skin), and Betly Sportsbook (Mardi Gras, Wheeling Island).
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: Five
* Notes: The Mardi Gras and Wheeling Island casinos have also agreed to a
partnership with tech provider IGT and have reopened their retail sites under
the Betly Sportsbook name after initially opening and closing a Miomni-backed
brand. West Virginia also permits online casinos.
WISCONSIN
* Market launch date: November 30, 2021
* Online: No
* Brands: None
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: So far, just one
* Notes: The Oneida tribe launched sports betting at its existing casino on
November 30, 2021, after renegotiating their existing tribal compact to add
sports betting. Other tribes are expected to follow suit and offer sports
betting at their casinos soon. No national sportsbook brands have partnered
with the state’s tribes yet.
WYOMING
* Market launch date: September 1, 2021
* Online: Yes
* Brands: DraftKings Sportsbook, BetMGM, Caesars
* Number of land-based sportsbooks: None, Wyoming only legalized online sports
betting.
* Notes: The legal age to bet in Wyoming is just 18 years old.
OTHER STATES TO RECENTLY LEGALIZE OR DISCUSS THE POSSIBILITY
Many states that have not yet legalized sports betting are kicking around ideas
for how to do so. Some have made a lot of progress, others are mired in
disagreements involving the various stakeholders: existing casinos, lawmakers,
state lotteries, tribes/tribal casinos, leagues, sportsbook operators, and
vendors.
Among the states that have substantive discussions and debates legalizing sports
wagering in some form in the next year or three, with or without mobile/online
sports betting options:
1. Ohio – Sports betting is finally coming to Ohio! Governor Mike DeWine
signed legislation legalizing sports betting, including mobile wagering,
into law on December 22, 2021. Mobile betting will be live in the state
sometime in 2022.
2. Kansas – Kansas became the second state in the country to officially
legalize sports betting in 2022. The KS governor signed the bill into law
on May 12, mandating that online sports betting begin by January 1, 2023,
at the latest. We anticipate a Nov/Dec launch for online sports betting in
Kansas.
3. Maine – On May 2, Maine became the first state in the US to officially
legalize sports betting in 2022. However, when the actual launch will take
place is in question. It may not materialize until the later part of 2023.
4. California – Despite some early momentum, it appears eyes may be set on a
2024 legalization for California. The issue does not appear to be when
digital wagering will be legalized but who will have control. Lawmakers see
a potential revenue source of over $500 million annually and are trying to
broker a compromise.
5. Massachusetts – Lawmakers in Massachusetts continue to make progress on
sports betting. In April 2022 the state Senate passed another bill that
will pair up with a separate (and different) bill from the House that
passed last year. If these differences can be ironed out and they survive
the conference committee, which is far from a given, Massachusetts may be
in business. Keep your fingers crossed.
6. Georgia – There are no casinos in the state, however, the pro sports teams
based in Atlanta are pushing for legalization, and in 2021 the state Senate
passed legislation to create a sports betting regulatory framework.
Although sports betting will not be coming to the Peach State in 2022, it
appears that lawmakers could be gearing up for a serious push in 2023.
7. Kentucky – The conversation has been ongoing since 2018, but resistance
from anti-gambling conservative groups has stifled passage.
8. Minnesota – There’s a push to make sports betting happen in Minnesota, but
there are a number of obstacles looming. A bill moved through the Senate
finance committee in May, but the issue of tribal exclusivity has made
compromise difficult. 2023 seems a more realistic target for Minnesota.
9. Missouri – Close, but no cigar. Missouri, spurred by neighbor Kansas, put
forth a good attempt at legalizing sports betting in 2022. After numerous
bills, a filibuster, and many attempts at compromise, Missouri fell short
in 2022. The state couldn’t reach an agreement with local casinos and the
legislature eventually closed without approving sports betting. Maybe next
year.
10. Nebraska – Sports betting is coming to the Cornhusker State, but only at
retail sportsbooks located at pari-mutuel race tracks. Bettors will not be
able to wager on any in-state college teams, which is self-defeating in a
state with such a passionate interest in college sports. Though technically
legal since May 2021, Nebraska is experiencing some serious rollout issues.
We may not see legal bets until 2023 or 2024.
11. Texas – After a flood of lobbying dollars, there was some serious
discussion for the first time to open casinos in Texas, and allow online
betting too during the 2021 session. The effort had the backing of
prominent Texas pro team owners Mark Cuban and Jerry Jones. However, talks
stalled in 2021, and the Texas legislature only meets ever other year. 2023
is the first time that Texas can revisit the sports betting conversation.
12. Oklahoma – Tribes in the state may be able to offer sports betting in the
state, but the regulatory and legislative process is grinding slowly. It is
still uncertain when or if sports betting will make an appearance in
Oklahoma. It’s pretty quiet here.
For additional states that have seen activity or discussion, check the
interactive map above.
SPORTS BETTING STAKEHOLDERS: IMPACT ON THE MARKET, CONSUMERS
The present and future of U.S. sports betting will be shaped by the consumers —
the American people — but also in large part by the various players who make the
gears of sports and sports betting turn. Among them are sportsbook operators,
sports leagues, casinos, and gaming facilities, including commercial casinos and
Native American entities, as well as state and federal lawmakers and state
lotteries.
In this section, we discuss the general positions of the various stakeholders,
their impacts, and their goals.
SPORTS LEAGUES
The case that mercifully opened the door to legal sports betting across the U.S.
was Murphy v NCAA. Indeed, the NCAA as well as the four major pro sports leagues
(NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL) were instrumental in getting PASPA through Congress in 1992
and in enforcing it by repeatedly blocking several state-level attempts to
legalize sports wagering.
But in 2014, the brand new NBA commissioner at the time, Adam Silver, taking
over after the retirement of longtime Commissioner David Stern, signaled a
recognition of the future and reality: Legal sports betting is safe, better for
(almost) everyone than rampant sports gambling in unmonitored, illegal markets,
and it’s pretty darn good for the business of sports leagues. He generally
penned this view in a New York Times op-ed, “Legalize And Regulate Sports
Betting.” Still, the federal ban was enforced, and it took four more years for
PASPA’s fatal blow.
Even before the high court ruled, the NBA and MLB (with the PGA Tour alongside)
began lobbying state legislatures for the implementation of its preferred
framework for legal sports betting, its “Model Legislation,” fleshed out and
first presented in January 2018.
Among other things, the NBA and MLB were seeking:
1. An “integrity fee”: Later termed a “royalty” — they began asking for a 1%
off-the-top cut of all wagers to pay for league “integrity monitoring”
services. Both leagues have generally conceded these sums would be
“compensation,” not for integrity purposes. Read all about it here. The NBA,
MLB, and PGA Tour have lowered their “request” to 0.25% off the top. The NFL
and NHL have deemed such a fee unnecessary and have not publicly pursued it.
More recently, in May 2019, Sports Handle uncovered that the NBA and MLB had
advised various Nevada sportsbook operators that they were requiring a
direct agreement with the league to access “official data” through third
parties, even where sportsbooks had pre-existing agreements for data supply.
And further, the agreements those leagues are seeking would pay the leagues
the very same off-the-top cut that the leagues are attempting to have
implemented by state governments, even in states that declined to require
such. To be continued.
2. Mandated usage of “official league data”: What is sports betting data and
“official” versus “unofficial” league data? Read about it here. Sports
Handle has written and reported about the subject extensively. The gist of
the “war” over data involving the NBA and MLB boils down to this: Sports
leagues want legal sportsbooks across the country to pay for information
about the games. They claim (dishonestly) that it’s necessary to preserve
integrity. It’s about monetization. So far, only Illinois and Tennessee have
passed laws mandating that their sportsbooks use/purchase “official league
data.” The NFL and NHL have taken a softer approach — suggesting its usage
but without aggressively campaigning for it. The main objection is that
commercial relationships regarding sports betting risk management and
information suppliers should be left to private negotiation — not government
mandate.
3. Control through other means: The leagues have also sought the right to
request that state regulators prohibit certain kinds of wagers that the
leagues deem unsafe. They have also requested access to anonymized betting
data at state-licensed sportsbooks. States have generally shown reluctance
to accommodate these requests.
All in all, sports betting increases viewership, engagement, and the value of
advertising on television and digital streaming. Leagues have struck various
partnerships with gaming entities and sportsbooks directly (such as MGM becoming
the NBA’s first official gaming partner), NHL with FanDuel, and numerous
individual teams with sportsbooks (such as William Hill and the Vegas Golden
Knights). Even the NFL now permits team-sportsbook partnerships, and the first
came in June 2020 when the Broncos teamed up with FanDuel and Betfred. In other
words, brand new revenue streams have opened and existing ones will get
buttressed.
Each of the major sports leagues — including NASCAR with its own “data deal”
with Betgenius — are seeking and cutting deals related to sports betting.
NEW FRONTIERS
New statistics and new markets for legal wagering. MLB and MGM are in the
process of exploring betting on baseball’s “Statcast” data, which offers
advanced stats shown on broadcasts (or available online) such as home run
distance. No state has yet approved Statcast wagering. Likewise, the NHL is
exploring the use of advanced stats for licensure and betting.
New ground for NCAA member institution: Among the many new partnerships to
capture our attention, of the most surprising was the marriage of PointsBet and
the University of Colorado, a five-year deal that Colorado’s associate athletic
director David Plati called “one of the few in existence between a sports
betting operator and a major NCAA Division I Athletics Program.” Among other
elements of the arrangement, various sports facilities including the school’s
football field will display PointsBet field wraps, scoreboard signage, suite
signage, and more. This is the first partnership of its kind outside of Nevada.
NATIONAL OPERATORS
Large gaming entities for which sports betting is a very small fraction of
overall revenue, such as MGM Resorts International and online-only,
DFS-turned-sportsbook operators like DraftKings, are racing for market share.
The overall gaming market has seen some consolidation — namely Eldorado Resorts’
acquisition of Caesars Entertainment — and access deals such as the Boyd Gaming
deal with FanDuel Sportsbook, putting the latter brand into various states in
online and retail form.
Here are a couple of articles discussing the various companies involved:
* In A Regulated U.S. Sports Betting Market, Which Operator Will Be King?
* Odds Shift in Race for Operator Dominance in Legal U.S. Sports Betting Market
MAJOR MEDIA-SPORTSBOOK PARTNERSHIPS NOW INCLUDE:
* ESPN with DraftKings and Caesars, affording both bookmakers ‘co-exclusive
link integrations’ across ESPN digital platforms.
* PointsBet has become the official sports betting partner of NBC Sports/NBC
Universal, in a deal that gave the media conglomerate a 5% ownership stake
* FanDuel inked a deal in Oct. 2020 to become WarnerMedia’s Turner Sports the
exclusive sportsbook partner for NBA programming on Turner Sports, and across
its Bleacher Report website.
* William Hill and CBS Sports Digital.
* Yahoo! Sports and BetMGM have an extensive integration.
* More to come!
As more and more states flip the switch for legal sports betting, we will see
healthy competition and turf wars, which ultimately are good for the consumer.
As exceptions, some states are implementing market conditions that stifle
competition, such as Washington, D.C. Speaking of…
STATE LOTTERIES
What role do state lotteries have in sports betting? In some jurisdictions, such
as Connecticut, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island,
Tennessee, and D.C., the lottery commission (or similarly termed body) will
either have regulatory and/or oversight authority over sports betting.
Each state has to decide which body is best equipped to implement and manage the
jurisdiction’s sports betting market. Does the lottery commission have the
requisite experience to do it well and maximize revenue for state coffers?
Should commercial operators be allowed to enter? Should the state’s casinos be
able to obtain the licenses? What about a model where commercial casinos can
operate online and in retail, but the lottery also gets to offer sports betting
products of some kind? In almost every state where the lottery exists (which is
most), the lottery wants to be involved in some capacity or have a cut.
NATIVE AMERICAN, TRIBAL GAMING ENTITIES
Tribal gaming exists all across the U.S. by the federal law of 1987, the Indian
Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), and tribal-state compacts, which govern the terms
and conditions of gaming in the state. The compacts govern which games are
allowed in casinos and mandate revenue sharing between the state and the
recognized tribe.
Tribes have exclusivity or the exclusive right to offer certain types of gaming
in some states and limited exclusivity in others. Some states have only tribal
gaming and no commercial casinos at present, including Minnesota, North
Carolina, and Washington state. In states such as Connecticut and Oklahoma,
where the tribes generate over $100 million annually for the state through
revenue-sharing agreements, they have a lot of sway. There’s a combination of
politics, economics, and interpretation at play in every state, trying to
balance the various interests.
Overall, while some tribes have already embraced and benefited from the sports
betting opportunity, many tribes have approached it with skepticism. Sports
betting, unlike slot machines, can be pretty volatile and provides a much lower
profit margin. It takes experience. Sportsbooks take up space. Is it worth it to
create or re-appropriate room for a sportsbook? Will it be akin to another
amenity like a spa and bring in a new kind of patron? These are among the
questions that tribes are exploring nationally. Often, change takes time.
A trio of articles for further reading:
* Tribal Gaming Interests Will Have Major Influence On U.S. Sports Betting
* Tribal Sports Betting: Resolving Myriad Issues: Part II
* The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and Sports Betting
STATES AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Put simply, states are most interested, in general, in maximizing taxable
revenue. It should be obvious the primary concern for all stakeholders is
indeed preserving the integrity of games — both through betting integrity and
sporting integrity. But after that, decisions boil down to money, which leads to
decisions about the appropriate tax rate and which regulatory body (perhaps a
brand new one) is best equipped to oversee legal sports betting.
PASPA, the 1992 federal ban on sports betting, proved unconstitutional on Tenth
Amendment (states’ rights) grounds. When might the feds make another run? Former
Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch and New York Sen. Chuck Schumer took a stab with the
introduction of the Sports Wagering Market Integrity Act of 2018 during
Congress’ lame duck season. But the bill — which would have basically created a
clearinghouse and some federal standards for state sports betting markets —
didn’t have any legs. It was mostly symbolic and for conversation’s sake. In
September 2018, a House Judiciary subcommittee held a hearing titled
“Post-PASPA: An Examination of Sports Betting in America.” It was pretty silly
and overall inconsequential.
Overall, Congress has lately seemed content to let states legalize and regulate
sports betting as they see fit. There is little appetite for any sort of federal
regulation at this point in time.
SPORTS BETTING EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
Come for some practical or actionable sports betting guidance/advice? We’ve got
you covered with a variety of articles and explanations.
* Our main betting guides portal is here
* Expected Value In Sports Betting (EV), Explained In Understandable Terms
* Best Sports Betting Podcasts
* Best Sports Betting Twitter Follows
* 6 of the Most Common Beginner Sport Bettor Mistakes
* 6 Best Sports Scores And Odds Apps to Download
* Sports Betting 101: Lines, Odds, Point Spreads and More
* Sports Betting 201: Exotic Bets, Hedging And More
* The Rise And Excitement of In-Play Betting, Explained By Expert
* In-Game Sports Betting Strategy: A Veteran Sports Bettor’s Observations
REGULATED VS. OFFSHORE AND ILLEGAL BOOKIE SPORTS BETTING
As a result of PASPA, state-authorized legal sports betting in the U.S. was
frozen in time, leaving Nevada as the only state with full-fledged legal sports
betting, drawing an annual betting handle of about $5 billion. Now compare that
with the annual betting handle estimated in 2017 to be about $150 billion by
illegal books and offshore sportsbooks operating illegally. Both of them filled
the void created by the now-defunct federal law.
Regulated markets are not homogeneous across the U.S. and regulated sports
betting in general is by no means perfect. Illegal operators have some
advantages and will retain some customers in the era of legalization, but legal
sports betting through state-licensed operators is generally safe and is only
getting better thanks, in part, to technological advancements and fierce
competition for market share.
Now some pros and cons of regulated sports betting:
[Also see: Q&A: Here’s How a Local Bookie Really Operates: Myths and Reality]
PROS:
* Safety of identity: This primarily applies to online sportsbooks, where
players on legal books will have to complete an exhaustive registration
process in order to be approved for real-money wagering. While this could
initially be perceived as a con, it’s designed to protect patrons from
identity theft and other scams. In addition, bettors using legal books will
have the state’s regulatory committee on their side. Should they feel
slighted by a book, they will have an outlet to voice, and likely resolve,
their complaint.
* Safety of funds: Regulated books have to answer to their respective
license-issuing regulatory bodies. Consumer protection standards are much
higher. You may find yourself in a dispute, but by and large you can rest
assured that your funds are safe and the sportsbook won’t go belly up or
offline at random and leave you empty-handed.
* Ease of deposits and withdrawals: As many users of offshore sportsbooks know,
due in large part to the federal law UIGEA, it can be quite difficult (and
nerve-wracking) to deposit funds and collect winnings/withdrawals. It’s the
opposite in regulated markets where you can deposit through ACH, bank
transfers, PayPal, and possibly even credit cards.
CONS:
1. Impact of taxes and fees: There is debate about the impact of high tax rates
on gross revenue. The bottom line is, higher taxes impact the bottom line
and something has to give. This may result in inferior pricing, as
competitors in illegal markets have the advantage of lower overhead.
2. No credit lines: This is the biggie. Many local bookies extend credit to
customers, so they don’t have to deposit in the first place. You lose, pay
up. You win, collect. Most states haven’t allowed credit for sports
gambling, and likely won’t, in the same way you can’t use credit cards to
purchase lottery tickets.
3. More restrictive offerings for props or novelty wagering: Regulators must
approve the types of sports betting markets that licensees can offer. In the
offshore world, anything can go. In most states, so far, you won’t find
Oscars or political betting markets or some of the wackier Super Bowl props
(such as Gatorade color).
ONLINE SPORTS BETTING FAQ
IN-PERSON VERSUS REMOTE REGISTRATION: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Some states including Illinois, Nevada, and Rhode Island allow online/mobile
sports betting, but they require patrons to appear in person with an ID in order
to establish the account. In other states, including New Jersey and
Pennsylvania, it’s much easier. You can use your ID and other verification
measures online to establish an account at any state-licensed sportsbook. This
saves a trip, gas money, and allows people to easily establish several accounts
for the sake of line or price shopping.
HOW DO I DEPOSIT AT A LEGAL ONLINE SPORTSBOOK?
It varies from state to state and sportsbook to sportsbook, but with most, you
can use ACH (eCheck), an online bank transfer, a debit card or a prepaid card at
some kind; in a growing number of states you can use PayPal or deposit funds
with cash at the sportsbook’s partner casino. In some states you can fund an
account with a credit card or “Pay With Cash” location, or also use Neteller.
HOW DO I WITHDRAW MONEY FROM A LEGAL ONLINE SPORTSBOOK?
In most but not all cases, you can withdraw through the same source/means that
you used for a deposit.
DO ONLINE BOOKS OFFER MORE BETS THAN RETAIL BOOKS?
It depends what book you’re using. But the general answer is probably yes,
because it’s much easier to make in-game or live bets using digital technology,
as opposed to having to wait on line and see a teller to get down a bet.
CAN ONLINE SPORTS BETS BE PLACED FROM ANYWHERE?
It depends on the state. In many states, regardless of whether you’ve registered
in person or remotely, mobile sports bets can be placed from anywhere: your
living room, at Buffalo Wild Wings, the bathroom, etc.
Some states only allow mobile sports bets to be placed on casino premises (or
another licensed gaming facility like a tavern). The state is able to enforce
this policy through geofencing technology. Basically, the location function on
your phone has to be turned on to place a wager, and the app detects where you
are located. You must also be located within the state where you are placing the
bet. In other words, you can’t book a bet at an NJ online sportsbook if you’re
hanging out in New York.
WHAT MARKETS/BET FORMATS ARE AVAILABLE?
While it varies from sportsbook to sportsbook (and some like PointsBet offer a
unique type of “action points” betting), you can make these wagers at nearly
every sportsbook across the U.S.:
* Point spread bets
* Moneyline wagers
* Totals (team, quarters, halves, etc.)
* Props (player, team and scoring props)
* Futures (such as who will win the Super Bowl or NBA championship)
* At many sportsbooks you will now find live, in-game wagering
options/platforms
HOW ARE THE ODDS/PRICES ONLINE?
Your mileage may vary from one shop to another, but by and large they’re either
competitive with or either slightly to moderately worse than offerings by
unregulated, offshore, and illegal markets that are free from regulatory
responsibilities. For example, spread bets at most legal books are -110 on both
sides for an NFL game.
It’s more than plausible that the gap in pricing could tighten even further as
the industry matures.
WHAT ARE SPORTS BETTING KIOSKS?
They’re self-service stations like grocery store self-checkouts or ATM machines.
Look through a menu, pick your wager(s), print the ticket and watch the game.
Where kiosks are offered you can redeem your winnings at the machine or at the
sportsbook ticket window. Read more about kiosks here.
THE HISTORY BEHIND U.S. SPORTS BETTING
Everyone who enjoys legal sports betting should be grateful to the state of New
Jersey. For roughly a decade leading up to the “Supreme Court sports betting
case,” or Murphy v. NCAA, New Jersey found creative ways to challenge the
federal law banning full-fledged sports betting outside Nevada, the Professional
and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA, 28 U.S. Code Chapter 178). Congress
passed the law in 1992 with backing from the major professional U.S. sports
leagues.
The law, which the high court ruled unconstitutional in May 2018, basically said
that it was unlawful for a state (its state legislature), Nevada excluded, to
authorize or license sportsbooks. (Three other states — Delaware, Montana and
Oregon — had some limited forms of sports gambling “grandfathered” under PASPA,
allowing them to continue.)
A combination of New Jersey lawmakers, led by Ray Lesniak, plus officials from
Monmouth Park Racetrack and former Gov. Chris Christie, wouldn’t stand for it.
Among other actions, the New Jersey legislature in 2011 put a public question on
New Jersey’s November general-election ballot, asking if the state constitution
should be amended to authorize wagering on professional and amateur sports at
casinos and racetracks. The referendum passed by a wide 64-36% margin.
Ultimately, the battle ended up in the Supreme Court, where top lawyers Ted
Olson (for New Jersey) and Paul Clement (for the leagues), both who served at
one time as U.S. Solicitor General, argued about the law’s constitutionality.
The main sticking point was the way the law worked — what it did and didn’t do.
And because, the court found, the law “commandeered” the states, or directed and
controlled state legislatures, as opposed to directly regulating or prohibiting
sports betting, the Supreme Court found that it violated states’ rights or Tenth
Amendment Principles.
Writing the majority opinion in a 6-3 decision (with some agreement by Justice
Breyer but some disagreement in part) released on May 14, 2018, Justice Samuel
Alito stated:
> The legalization of sports gambling requires an important policy choice, but
> the choice is not ours to make.
>
> Congress can regulate sports gambling directly, but if it elects not to do so,
> each State is free to act on its own. Our job is to interpret the law Congress
> has enacted and decide whether it is consistent with the Constitution. PASPA
> is not. PASPA ‘regulate[s] state governments’ regulation’ of their citizens,
> New York, 505 U. S., at 166. The Constitution gives Congress no such power.
> The judgment of the Third Circuit is reversed.”
DELAWARE AND NEW JERSEY OFF, RUNNING AND BOOKING WAGERS
Because Delaware already had some sports betting systems in place for its NFL
parlay betting — which was “grandfathered,” or allowed to continue, under PASPA
— it didn’t waste any time racing to become the first post-PASPA state to allow
full-fledged legal sports betting. State lottery director Vernon Kirk said the
state didn’t need new regulations, rather it just needed to dust off existing
technology and re-train employees for a full menu of sports betting offered in
partnership with Scientific Games and William Hill.
Delaware Gov. John Carney placed the first bet at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino on
June 5, 2018 — a winner.
Though a bit disappointed that Delaware beat it to the punch, New Jersey still
needed to pass its actual legal sports betting law before sports wagering could
begin at state-licensed operators.
The New Jersey legislature got it done in early June 2018 with Assembly Bill
4111. Then on June 14, 2018, two sportsbooks opened for business in New Jersey —
at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport and at the MGM-operated Borgata Race &
Sports Book in Atlantic City.
Gov. Phil Murphy placed the first bet that morning around 10 a.m., exactly one
month after the Supreme Court struck the ban.
“New Jersey’s spirit and determination prevailed,” Murphy said, prior to
stepping to the ticket window to make the first two wagers. “I’ll be betting $20
on Germany to win the World Cup and $20 on the Devils to win the next Stanley
Cup.”
Of course, France won the World Cup in 2018 and the St. Louis Blues won the next
Stanley Cup, but never mind that. On the same day, NBA legend “Dr. J” Julius
Erving placed the first wager at the Borgata half an hour after Murphy’s bet.
Dr. J. bet $5 on the Philadelphia Eagles at 8-1 to repeat as Super Bowl
Champions in February 2019 (another Patriots title).
From that point, more retail or brick-and-mortar sportsbooks opened across New
Jersey, including the FanDuel Sportsbook at the Meadowlands, which has proven
the most popular spot to bet both in person and online — certainly helped by its
proximity to New York State and New York City.
DraftKings Sportsbook did come online first — officially on Aug. 6, 2018, with a
platform powered by Kambi. And it proved quite popular, thanks to a large
existing database of users through its daily fantasy sports.
OTHER STATES GET IN THE GAME
New Jersey and Delaware were quick out of the gate and so was West Virginia
(mobile sports betting came later … sort of) which had preemptively passed its
sports betting law in March 2018. Also Mississippi (mobile sports betting
allowed on-premises only) in 2017 passed a law that included language allowing
legal sports wagering.
Other states that launched legal sports operations in 2018 included Pennsylvania
(November 2018, mobile sports betting came later) and Rhode Island (November
2018, mobile sports betting came later).
Out west in New Mexico where tribal casinos are numerous, the Santa Ana Star
Casino & Hotel, a tribal gaming operation near Albuquerque, opened a sportsbook
in October 2018. Although New Mexico did not pass a law explicitly allowing
sports wagering, the state’s attorney general determined that casinos could
offer it under the existing tribal-state compact. In addition, in November 2018
voters in Arkansas approved a measure to allow casinos as well as legal sports
betting at those properties.
That was a lot of action for one year, and since then the interest has only
grown. Bills of all different kinds are introduced, discussed, and passed in
jurisdictions across the country every year. Some would create a market like New
Jersey’s, some more like Mississippi’s, with all different tax rates and models
for the number of sportsbooks allowed in-person and online. Sports betting, and
online sports betting is here to stay in the United States and is only growing
in popularity.
BRETT SMILEY
Brett Smiley is editor-in-chief and co-founder of Sports Handle, which joined
forces with the US Bets team in November 2018. He focuses on the sports betting
industry and legislation. He's a recreational sports bettor and DFS player
himself, focusing on the NFL. In a past life, Smiley practiced commercial
litigation in New York City and previously wrote for FOX Sports and SI.com. He
lives in New Jersey with his family.
ShareTweetShare
TOP SPORTSBOOKS IN YOUR STATE
1
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
SugarHouse Sportsbook
Review / 4.2
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
PointsBet
Review / 4.3
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
PointsBet Sportsbook
Review / 4.3
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
BetRivers Sportsbook
Review / 4.2
BET NOW
T&Cs ApplyOnly 1x Wager Applies
3
FOX Bet Sportsbook
Review / 4.3
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
PointsBet
Review / 4.3
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
PointsBet Sportsbook
Review / 4.3
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
SI Sportsbook
Review / 4.1
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
PointsBet
Review / 4.3
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
PointsBet Sportsbook Illinois
Review / 4.3
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
SI Sportsbook
Review / 4.1
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
PointsBet
Review / 4.3
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
PointsBet
Review / 4.3
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
Betfred Sportsbook
Review / 3.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Bet99 Sportsbook
Review / 4.7
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Sports Interaction Ontario
Review / 4.2
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
bet365 Sportsbook Ontario
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Bet99 Sportsbook
Review / 4.7
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Sports Interaction Ontario
Review / 4.2
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
bet365 Sportsbook Ontario
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Monkey Knife Fight
Rating / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
PrizePicks
Rating / 4.2
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
STATE SPORTS BETTING GUIDES
MICHIGAN SPORTS BETTING – WHERE TO PLAY, ONLINE SPORTSBOOKS, AND FAQ
by Brett Smiley
May 27, 2022
VIRGINIA SPORTS BETTING – WHERE TO PLAY, ONLINE SPORTSBOOKS AND BONUS OFFERS
by Brett Smiley
April 5, 2022
NEW JERSEY SPORTS BETTING — WHERE TO PLAY, ONLINE SPORTSBOOKS, AND FAQ
by Brett Smiley
May 5, 2022
PENNSYLVANIA SPORTS BETTING – WHERE TO PLAY, ONLINE SPORTSBOOKS AND BONUSES
by Brett Smiley
April 4, 2022
MOST READ STORIES
WILL EVERYONE PLEASE STOP CALLING ‘MATTRESS MACK’ A SPORTS BETTOR?
April 29, 2022
DAVE PORTNOY SAYS, ‘F**K THAT GUY,’ TO WHICH BETTOR AND GAMBLING TWITTER
SERIOUSLY OBJECT
May 16, 2022
MISSOURI SPORTS BETTING BILL DRAWS DEBATE, BACKLASH IN SENATE
May 5, 2022
CALIFORNIA TRIBES WON’T TRY FOR MOBILE PROPOSAL ON 2022 BALLOT
May 24, 2022
CANADA SPORTS BETTING GUIDES
CANADA SPORTS BETTING – BEST SPORTSBOOK APPS & BONUS OFFERS
BRITISH COLUMBIA SPORTS BETTING – LEGAL UPDATE, AVAILABLE SPORTSBOOKS, AND FAQ
ONTARIO SPORTS BETTING – LEGAL STATUS AND WHERE TO PLAY
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and
referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
(IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA/MI), 1-800-9-WITH-IT
(IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA) or call/text
TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN).
19+. Please play responsibly. Terms and conditions apply.
Individuals must be 19 years of age or older to participate in igaming in
Ontario. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. If you, or someone
you know, has a gambling problem in Ontario and wants help, please visit
ConnexOntario or call their helpline at 1-866-531-2600. Operators on this
website operate pursuant to an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario.
SEARCH SPORTS HANDLE
No Result
View All Result
* About Us / Contact
No Result
View All Result
* US Sports Betting
* Arizona
* Arkansas
* Colorado
* Connecticut
* Delaware
* Illinois
* Indiana
* Iowa
* Kansas
* Louisiana
* Maine
* Maryland
* Michigan
* Mississippi
* New Jersey
* New York
* Ohio
* Pennsylvania
* Tennessee
* Virginia
* West Virginia
* Wyoming
* Pending States
* California
* Florida
* Georgia
* Massachusetts
* Canada
* Ontario
* British Columbia
* Alberta
* Sportsbooks
* FanDuel
* BetMGM
* Caesars
* PointsBet
* BetRivers
* Tools
* Sportsbook Bonuses Explained
* Guide To ‘Risk-Free’ Bets
* Common Beginner Mistakes
* Sports Betting Podcasts
* Expected Value
* Sports Scores And Odds Apps
* Sports Betting Twitter
* Partnership Tracker
* News
Please share your location to continue.
Check our help guide for more info.