What States is Sports Betting Legal?

Introduction

Sports betting has become a popular activity in the United States, but it hasn't always been legal. For many years, sports betting was only legal in a few states. However, since the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, more states have legalized sports betting. In this article, we will discuss the states where sports betting is currently legal and the states where sports betting is pending legalization.

States Where Sports Betting is Legal

Here's a list of the 21 states where sports betting is currently legal:

StateProfessional Sports BettingCollege Sports Betting
ArkansasYesNo
ColoradoYesYes
DelawareYesNo
IllinoisYesYes
IndianaYesYes
IowaYesYes
MichiganYesYes
MississippiYesNo
MontanaYesNo
NevadaYesYes
New HampshireYesNo
New JerseyYesYes
New MexicoYesNo
New YorkYesYes
OregonYesYes
PennsylvaniaYesYes
Rhode IslandYesNo
TennesseeYesYes
VirginiaYesNo
Washington DCYesNo
West VirginiaYesYes

States Where Sports Betting is Pending

Currently, there are ten states with pending legislation that could legalize sports betting in the near future:

  • Arizona
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Missouri
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • South Dakota

It's important to note that even if a state has pending legislation, it doesn't guarantee that sports betting will be legalized. It could take several months or even years for the legislation to pass. However, many states are moving towards legalizing sports betting as they see the potential tax revenue it can generate LeoVegas.

Benefits of Legalizing Sports Betting

One of the main reasons states are legalizing sports betting is the potential for tax revenue. For example, in New Jersey, sports betting brought in $4.5 million in taxes in just the first month of legalization. This money can be used to fund education, infrastructure, and other important programs. Moreover, the legalization of sports betting can boost the economy of a state by creating jobs and generating additional revenue from tourism.

Another benefit of legalizing sports betting is that it can help reduce illegal gambling. When sports betting is illegal, people may turn to illegal bookies or online gambling sites, which can be dangerous and lead to criminal activity. Legalizing sports betting provides a safe and regulated environment for people to place bets. It also helps to reduce the negative social impacts of gambling by providing resources to help those with gambling addiction.

Chameli Chaudhuri
Chameli Chaudhuriverified

Sports betting is becoming more widely accepted in the United States, and more states are legalizing it every year. However, it's important to remember that each state has its own laws and regulations regarding sports betting. Before placing any bets, it's important to research the regulations in your state to ensure that you are following the laws. As more states continue to legalize sports betting, it's likely that the industry will continue to grow in popularity and generate significant tax revenue for states, while also providing a safe and regulated environment for people to place bets.

Frequently Asked Questions about Legal Sports Betting in the United States

Q: Is sports betting legal in the United States?

A: Yes, sports betting is legal in some states in the United States.

Q: Which states have legalized sports betting?

A: As of 2021, there are 21 states where sports betting is currently legal: Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington DC, and West Virginia.

Q: Is sports betting legal in all professional and college sports in states where it is legal?

A: No, some states only allow sports betting on professional sports, while others allow betting on both professional and college sports.

Q: Can I legally bet on sports in a state where it is not yet legal?

A: No, it is illegal to bet on sports in a state where it is not yet legal. However, many states are currently considering or have pending legislation to legalize sports betting in the near future.

Q: What are the benefits of legalizing sports betting?

A: Legalizing sports betting can generate significant tax revenue for states, create jobs, and reduce illegal gambling. It also provides a safe and regulated environment for people to place bets and helps to reduce the negative social impacts of gambling.

Q: What should I do before placing a sports bet in a legal state?

A: Before placing any bets, it's important to research the regulations in your state to ensure that you are following the laws. Each state has its own laws and regulations regarding sports betting.