Is Online Sports Betting Legal in the US?
Online sports betting is popular and lucrative in the US, but its legal status varies by state. Over 30 states currently have sports betting legislation considered. However, some states have either not yet legalized sports betting or restricted the types of bets, operators, or platforms allowed.
One of the main factors that influenced the legalization of sports betting in the U.S. was the 2018 Supreme Court decision. The decision struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), effectively limiting U.S. sports betting to Nevada. However, Delaware, Montana, and Oregon carried a legacy clause. Since then, many states have passed laws regulating and taxing sports betting within their borders, creating new revenue streams and opportunities for bettors and businesses.
However, not all online sportsbooks are legal or safe in the U.S. Moreover, some states may have laws that prohibit or penalize online gambling in general, regardless of the source or destination of the bets. Therefore, checking the legal status of online sports betting in your state is advisable before placing any wagers online, and that’s what we cover in this article.
US States Where Online Sports Betting is Legal
Online sports betting is legal in more than 30 states in the United States. States with legal online sports betting in 2023 comprise 33 states and DC. Some states that allow online sports betting are Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and more. The trio of states labeled “Legal—Not Yet Operational” — Florida, Nebraska, and Ohio — have legalized sports betting, as the title implies. However, at present, there are no legally operating sportsbooks accessible in these regions.
Online Sports Betting Restrictions
States that have legalized online sports betting often have regulations to ensure responsible gambling and consumer protection. These regulations cover various areas, including advertising, marketing, data protection, fraud prevention, and more. For instance, operators might be required to provide clear information about odds, potential payouts, and responsible gambling resources. Here are some of the most prevalent online sports betting restrictions:
Age Requirements for Online Sports Betting
The age requirements for online sports betting are typically consistent with the legal gambling age in each state. States generally set the minimum age for participating in gambling activities, including online sports betting, to either 18, 19, or 21 years old. It’s important to verify your state’s legal gambling age before attempting to place any bets.
Geographical Restrictions and Licensing
Geographical restrictions are a fundamental aspect of online sports betting due to the state-by-state approach to regulation. When you’re within a state that has legalized online sports betting, you can usually place bets through licensed platforms. These licensed operators must comply with strict regulations to ensure the integrity of the betting system and protect consumers.
Benefits of Legal Online Sports Betting in the US
It’s important to note that while there are benefits to legalizing online sports betting, there are also potential challenges and concerns. As the online sports betting landscape evolves, states must carefully balance these factors to ensure a responsible and beneficial environment for all stakeholders.
- Consumer Protections and Safety Measures: Legalizing online sports betting allows for establishing a regulated and supervised environment. This enables the implementation of various consumer protection measures to ensure the safety and fairness of the betting experience.
- Revenue Generation and Economic Impact: Legalized online sports betting has the potential to generate significant revenue for states. Betting activities generate tax revenue that can be used to fund public services and initiatives such as education, healthcare, infrastructure projects, and more.
- Reduced Illegal Gambling: One of the goals of legalizing online sports betting is to curb the influence of illegal and unregulated gambling activities. When consumers have access to legal and regulated options, there’s less incentive to turn to illegal platforms that may offer a different level of consumer protection.
- Responsible Gambling Programs: Legalized online sports betting often requires operators to offer responsible gambling tools and resources. These measures can include self-exclusion programs, spending limits, and access to counseling services for individuals experiencing gambling-related issues.
- Support for Sports and Leagues: Legalized online sports betting sites can financially support sports teams and leagues. Some states have explored partnerships between operators and professional sports teams, leading to revenue-sharing arrangements that benefit both parties. This additional funding can contribute to developing and promoting sports at various levels.
