The US Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on single-game sports, and since then, the demand for legal sports betting has increased. States are using this opportunity to legalize mobile sportsbook apps, making it simple for players to access some of their favourites on the go. In-person sportsbook wagering or state-wide betting has also been added to the list.
With more than 70% of US states legalizing sports betting, this is no surprise. More states are also considering legalizing sports betting to reduce the number of bettors already accessing illegal betting sites; this means the sports betting system will have a more regulated market that will make it easy to address any gambling problems.
US Relationship with Online Gambling
The relationship between the US and online gambling is what we can call complicated. The variations of laws from state to state have also contributed to this complexity. The ever-changing laws have also made it even more difficult, with some states fully legalizing and regulating online gambling. In contrast, some states remain against it, making it impossible for any of their bettors to wager online.
In 2018 the Supreme Court set that straight and made it clear that each state had the right to regulate sports betting as they pleased. This meant more states could offer sports betting to their bettors but with different rules and regulations. Although some states still deem it illegal, a greater part of the US now allows online gambling.
States Where Online Gambling and Sports Betting Is Legal in the US
The last thing you want as an online bettor is to find yourself on the wrong side of the law. Online gambling and sports betting are legal in Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, The District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.
We will look at a few of these states to give you a bigger picture of the regulations in some states.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia as sports franchises creating a massive market for the sports betting scene. The state legalized retail sports betting in 2018 and opened mobile wagering for bettors in 2019. In 2023 this state hosted over 30 Sportsbooks with about 14 online platforms. They are also considered the highest-grossing state in the US in sports betting.
Tennessee
You won’t find any retail sportsbooks in Tennessee, making them unique in the US sports betting industry. You will only find online wagering sites in Tennessee that allow residents and visitors. In this state, sports betting was officially legalized in 2019, and in early 2023 the state was already hosting 13 online betting sites that offer some of the most popular sports franchises.
Virginia
Virginia saw the first online sites coming up at the beginning of 2021. Here you will find online betting platform legends such as BetMGM and FanDuel. Since the beginning of 2023, Virginia has become home to 14 online sites. Retail sports betting is also permitted in this state.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, sports betting was legalized in 2018. New Jersey was known as the leading state in the sports betting handle on a monthly basis. They currently also have 21 mobile NJ wagering sites that cater to the locals.
New York
New York, also known as the concrete jungle, is one of the most recent to regulate and legalise sports betting in 2022. New York has a massive population, which means they are now the leading state in the sports betting handle on a monthly basis. They have seen at least $800 million in handle every month since the launch of the online betting industry. New York is home to franchises such as the Knicks, Yankees, and Nets and has approximately ten online sportsbooks.
Conclusion
States such as Florida and California have some pending laws and regulations, with some discussions occurring. When it comes to US states, we have noticed that they can change their gambling regulations regularly, so it’s extremely important to always check the state’s laws before participating.
Convenience and accessibility are some of the advantages of playing online. You don’t have to drive or catch a bus anywhere, as you can access an entire casino in the palm of your hand. This could present a potential risk of gambling addiction, but most online casinos and sportsbooks have implemented customizable limits on accounts for players to set limits and avoid overspending. Remember to play responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose.
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