Betting on sports is now legal in over 30 US states, but laws and access differ across the country. This guide provides a complete state-by-state breakdown to help you check whether sports betting is legal in your area, and if so, how you can place your bets in 2025.
Why It Matters: Laws Vary by State, and they’re changing fast
Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that struck down the federal ban, each state has been free to regulate sports betting. While many states allow both online and retail betting, others limit it — or have banned it completely. Staying informed ensures you’re betting legally and safely.
Also read: Best US betting sites in 2025
States Where Sports Betting Is Fully Legal (Online + Retail)
You can legally place bets both online and in physical sportsbooks in the following states:
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- New York
- Michigan
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Arizona
- Nevada
- Indiana
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Connecticut
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Ohio
- Iowa
- Massachusetts
- Arkansas
- West Virginia
- Rhode Island
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
Online sportsbooks in these states are licensed — apps like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and others are fully legal to use.
Also Read: How to make $100 a day with sports betting online
States with Retail-Only Betting (No Online Betting Yet)
In these states, you must visit a licensed venue to place your bets:
- Mississippi (online betting only allowed inside casinos)
- Montana (limited to state-run kiosks)
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Delaware
Note: Mobile apps may exist in these states, but they only function within the walls of specific venues.
States Where Sports Betting Is Legal but Not Yet Live
The following states have legalised betting but haven’t launched sportsbooks yet:
- Vermont (expected by late 2025)
- Florida (partial relaunch underway via the Seminole Tribe)
- North Carolina (online launched in March 2024; expansion ongoing)
States Where Sports Betting Is Still Not Legal
These states have no legal sports betting as of 2025:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- California
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Utah
- Wisconsin
These states either lack legislation or have blocked efforts to legalise sports betting so far.
Important: Always Check Your Local Laws
Even in legal states, specific rules may vary — such as age restrictions, in-state college betting bans, or available sportsbooks. Use only licensed operators listed by your state gaming commission. Never bet with unregulated offshore sites.
The US Betting Map Is Expanding
More states are expected to launch sports betting in the coming year, but the legal landscape remains complex. Bookmark this page for future updates, and always bet responsibly with licensed sportsbooks.
FAQs
Is sports betting legal in all US states?
No. As of 2025, more than 35 states have legalised some form of sports betting, but several states still prohibit it or have no active legislation.
Can I bet on sports online in the US?
Yes, but only in states where online sports betting is legal and regulated. States like New Jersey, Michigan, and New York allow fully legal online betting.
Which states have legal online sports betting?
Some of the top states with legal online betting include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Colorado, Illinois, and Ohio. Always check your state’s laws.
Do I need to be a resident to bet in a legal state?
No. You only need to be physically located within a legal state to place a bet. Residency is not required, but geolocation technology is used to verify location.
Is it legal to use offshore betting sites in the US?
No. Offshore sportsbooks are not licensed in the US and are considered illegal in most states. It’s safer to use regulated sportsbooks approved by your state.
What’s the legal betting age in the US?
In most states, you must be at least 21 years old to legally bet on sports. A few allow it at 18 for retail or lottery-based sports betting.
Can I bet on college sports in my state?
Some states allow betting on college sports, while others limit or ban bets on in-state college teams or college player props. Check your state’s rules.
