Sports betting is now legal in more than half of the US. This shift began in 2018 when the Supreme Court lifted a federal ban. States could now legally decide on sports betting for themselves. The laws have since gotten more complex and common. Exploring the specific overviews, such as analyses of PointsBet sportsbook, can help people understand state-approved betting options. Still, laws are different across each state.
States That Allow Legal Sports Betting
More than 30 states and Washington, D.C. allow some kind of sports betting today. Some offer both in-person and online betting. Others only allow bets at casinos or physical locations. A few states allow betting but limit the types of wagers. For example, some block bets on local college teams.
Examples of States With Full Legal Betting
Here are some examples of states where sports betting is fully legal:
- New Jersey – Betting is allowed online and in person. It was one of the first states to legalize it.
- New York – Online and retail betting are both legal. Mobile apps are widely used.
- Colorado – Offers many betting choices with several online companies operating in the state.
- Illinois – Allows mobile and in-person betting. Taxes from bets go to public programs.
- Michigan – Betting is legal statewide, including through mobile apps and tribal casinos.
These states all control sports betting differently. They set their own rules on licenses, taxes, and promotions.
States With Limited or No Betting
Not every state allows legal betting. Some have blocked it completely. Others are still debating laws. Here are some examples:
- Utah – No betting allowed. Gambling is banned by the state’s constitution.
- Hawaii – Also blocks all types of gambling.
- Texas – Lawmakers have discussed legal betting, but no law has passed yet.
- California – Voters rejected a sports betting plan in 2022. Future changes are unclear.
- Georgia – Some bills have been proposed, but nothing has become law.
These states may change their stance in the future, but for now, betting is not legal there.
Rules Vary From State to State
Each state sets different rules for sports betting. Some allow all types of bets, while others limit them.
Here are some ways states differ:
- Where to Bet – Only inside the casino.
- Online or In-Person – Either on mobile apps or on-site.
- College Betting Rules – A few states block bets on college games, especially local ones.
- Minimum Age – Most states set the betting age at 21. A few allow 18.
States also choose how much to tax sports betting. That money often goes to education, roads, or health programs.
Trends and Changes to Watch
Several states are still working on betting laws. Some may allow betting soon. Others are holding public votes or legislative debates.
Tribes also affect betting rules in some states. Tribal casinos often have their agreements with the government. This can delay or limit new laws.
States are also adding rules for safer gambling. Some require spending limits or offer help for problem gambling.
A Quick Overview
Let’s look at clear cases:
- Legal Online and In-Person Betting: New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Colorado, Illinois
- In-Person Only or Limited Online: Mississippi, South Dakota, Montana
- Laws in Progress: California, Georgia, Minnesota, Texas
- Illegal: Utah, Hawaii, Idaho
Final Notes
Sports gambling in the U.S. is changing at a fast rate. States are implementing new laws, and others are evading the problem. People who want to know about this topic should consult local laws regularly. States can modify laws at any time.
This problem continues to be studied by experts. Some caution about addiction and economic damage. Others feel that legalized gambling supplants dangerous, illegal gambling.
Laws will also keep changing in the coming years. Watch out for notifications from state governments and research committees.
