Sports betting continues to surge across the United States, driven by major events like the Super Bowl and March Madness, but access still depends on where you live. As of now, 40 states and Washington D.C. allow some form of legal sports betting. Out of these, 32 states let bettors place wagers online through mobile apps or websites. At the same time, nearly every remaining state has seen at least one betting bill introduced since 2018, showing how fast the market is evolving. Here is a clear, state-by-state breakdown for bettors who want to know where they can legally bet, and where they cannot.
States where sports betting is fully legal (online and retail)
These states allow both in-person and online betting, making them the most flexible markets for bettors.
Arizona
Sports betting is legal and active. Both retail and online betting launched in 2021. Bettors can choose from 14 licensed sportsbooks.
Arkansas
Retail betting started in 2019, with online betting added in 2022. Three sportsbooks operate both formats.
Colorado
Colorado is one of the most competitive markets, with 16 online sportsbooks. Online and retail betting launched in 2020. College player props are not allowed.
Connecticut
Sports betting launched in 2021. The state currently has three online sportsbooks.
Delaware
Retail betting began in 2018, with online betting added in late 2023. In-state college games and college player props are banned.
Florida
After years of legal battles, sports betting restarted in 2023. The Hard Rock Bet app is the only legal online option.
Illinois
Online and retail betting launched in 2020. There are 10 online sportsbooks. Betting on in-state college teams and college player props is restricted.
Indiana
Sports betting launched in 2019. There are 11 online sportsbooks. College player props are prohibited.
Iowa
Online and retail betting began in 2019, with 11 sportsbooks available. College player props are not allowed.
Kansas
Sports betting launched in 2022. Six online sportsbooks operate in the state.
Kentucky
Sports betting went live in 2023. Both retail and online betting are legal, with eight online sportsbooks and no college betting restrictions.
Louisiana
Sports betting launched in 2022 but is limited to approved parishes. College player props are prohibited.
Maine
Online and retail betting launched in 2023. Only DraftKings and Caesars are licensed. In-state college betting is restricted.
Maryland
Online betting launched in 2022. There are 11 online sportsbooks. College player props are banned.
Massachusetts
Sports betting launched in 2023. Online betting is legal, but in-state college betting is limited and college player props are banned.
Michigan
Retail betting launched in 2020, followed by online betting in 2021. Michigan is one of the strongest online betting markets.
Missouri
Sports betting officially launched in December 2025, allowing both retail and online wagering.
Nevada
Sports betting has been legal for decades. Online betting launched in 2010, long before other states followed.
New Jersey
One of the first states to embrace sports betting after the Supreme Court ruling. Betting has been legal since 2018, with both retail and online options.
New York
Online betting launched in 2022. Nine online sportsbooks operate, but in-state college betting and player props are prohibited.
North Carolina
Retail betting launched in 2021, with online betting approved in 2023. Full online rollout is expected soon.
Ohio
Sports betting launched in 2023. Both retail and mobile betting are legal statewide.
Pennsylvania
Sports betting launched in 2018, with strong mobile and online markets now in place.
Rhode Island
Retail betting launched in 2018, with online betting added in 2019. In-state college betting is prohibited.
Tennessee
Online-only sports betting launched in 2021. College game outcomes are allowed, but player props are banned.
Vermont
Sports betting became legal in 2024. Only mobile betting is allowed.
Virginia
Sports betting launched in 2021. College player props and in-state college betting are restricted.
Washington D.C.
Sports betting has been legal since 2019 through the DC Lottery platform.
West Virginia
Sports betting launched in 2018. Both retail and online betting are legal.
Wyoming
Online sports betting launched in 2021 with no retail sportsbooks required.
States with limited or in-person-only sports betting
These states allow betting but with restrictions that matter to bettors.
Mississippi
Retail sports betting is legal, but online betting is still not allowed.
Montana
Sports betting is legal through the state lottery, with limits on bet types and locations.
Nebraska
Only in-person betting is allowed. Betting on in-state college games is prohibited.
New Hampshire
Mobile betting is legal through DraftKings, but in-state college betting is restricted.
New Mexico
Sports betting is legal only at tribal casinos.
North Dakota
Sports betting is legal but limited to tribal casinos.
Oregon
Sports betting is legal, but all college betting and player props are prohibited.
South Dakota
Sports betting is legal only at four Deadwood casinos. Mobile betting is not available.
Washington
Sports betting is legal only at tribal casinos and must take place on tribal land.
Wisconsin
Retail betting is allowed at tribal casinos, but online betting remains illegal.
States where sports betting is not legal
These states currently do not allow legal sports betting, though many have seen recent legislative attempts.
Alabama
Multiple legalization bills have failed over the past four years.
Alaska
A sports betting bill was introduced in 2025, but no vote has taken place.
California
Several major ballot measures failed in 2022, and no new bills were introduced in 2025.
Georgia
Recent legalization efforts failed to reach a vote in 2025.
Hawaii
Multiple online betting bills failed in 2025.
Idaho
No sports betting legislation has been proposed as of 2025.
Minnesota
Sports betting passed in 2022, but disagreements have delayed a launch, likely pushing action into 2026.
Oklahoma
Legalization bills stalled in the state Senate in 2025.
South Carolina
Sports betting bills have been proposed but not advanced.
Texas
A constitutional amendment is required. Sports betting remains illegal unless voters approve it.
Utah
All forms of gambling are prohibited by the state constitution.
What bettors should know going forward
The US sports betting map is still shifting. While most bettors now have access to legal wagering, restrictions on college betting, player props, and mobile access vary widely by state. For serious bettors, checking local rules before placing a wager is just as important as finding the best odds.
Responsible gaming reminder
Sports betting should always be treated as entertainment, not income. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available through trained professionals such as the National Council on Problem Gambling or by calling 1-800-MY-RESET.
