It has now been over six years since the Supreme Court made the decision to remove the federal ban on sports betting, giving states the freedom to legalize it should they so wish. Nearly 40 states now have some form of legalized betting, with around 20 having full online sports betting with several operators.
All that means America has the best legal betting sites for you to place all your sports wagers and try to hit the big bucks. In terms of sports betting bonuses, mobile betting apps, sports coverage, and market-competitive betting odds, your sports betting predictions will go a long way at the top sportsbooks the country has to offer.
Online Sports Betting in the US
The sports betting offerings vary between each state. Not all sportsbooks are available in the states where online sports betting is now legalized, and there are other restrictions or considerations that you must observe. Our main points of concern are the following:
- Legal Gambling Age
- College Sports Betting Laws
- State Gambling Tax
- Which Sportsbooks are Available
- Welcome Bonuses/Promos in Your State
Sportsbooks, be it online or mobile, can easily see your location thanks to clever geolocation technology, so you do need to be in a legalized State before you can place any bets online.
Quick Background History on US Sports Betting
Sports betting legislation changes continuously, and each year we see more states embrace online sports betting. Each has its own state gambling authorities and independent legislation on what sportsbooks can offer.
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, or PASPA, effectively made all sports betting illegal in the US, with the exemption of a few states. In the 2018 Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association Supreme Court case, PASPA was repealed. It was decided that the Protection Act conflicted with the Tenth Amendment.
“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
US Constitution 10th Amendment
Simply put, each state should have the right to determine whether it would legalize and regulate sports betting. After PASPA was repealed, many states immediately launched campaigns to legalize online sports betting. Nevada was the only state where sports betting was already legal (it was exempt from PASPA), and then Delaware became the second state to legalize sports betting. Following Delaware: New Jersey (2nd), Mississippi (3rd), West Virginia (4th), New Mexico (5th), and Pennsylvania (6th) all opened their doors to online sports betting.
Skip forward to today, and the majority of states in the US allow sports betting. New states are joining the US gambling market with every passing year, and sportsbooks are extending their services to more states all the time.
Legal States for Online Sports Betting
Discover the sports betting opportunities in your state. Should you live in a state where sports betting is still prohibited, then you can always travel to a nearby legal sports betting state, sign up, and then place your sports bets. As long as you are within the state borders of a legal sports betting state, you can place bets and reel in those big wins. You can also place bets online on one of the growing number of sweepstakes or social betting sites, which use sweepstakes laws to allow real money sports betting in states where traditional online betting is not yet available.
Alabama – Not Legal
Sports betting is not legal in Alabama, though the state tried to allow sports betting through House Bill 151 in 2024. Sports bettors can travel to Tennessee to place their sports bets.
Alaska – Not Legal
Gambling is prohibited in Alaska, and instead, you can look at fantasy sports sites or bingo.
Arizona – Legal
Sports betting is legal in Arizona for anyone aged 21 or older. The state legalized sports betting in 2021 and has some of the best sportsbooks in the US. On top of that, college betting is allowed in Arizona.
Arkansas – Legal, Retail Only
In 2022, Arkansas legalized sports betting. Bettors aged 21 or over can join a sportsbook and start placing their bets. The only drawback is that the only sportsbooks in the state are run by local casinos: Betly, Oaklawn Sports, and Bet Saracen. If you want to join the top US sports betting sites, you will have to travel to the nearby states of Louisiana or Tennessee.
California – Not Legal
Sports betting is still prohibited in California, and there is no initiative to allow online sports betting in the state anytime soon. The closest states with legal sports betting sites are Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon.
Colorado – Legal
Colorado legalized sports betting in 2020 and has a fantastic range of sportsbooks for you to pick from. You can sign up for any Colorado betting site as long as you are 21 or over, and enjoy the extensive sports coverage. What’s more is that college betting is allowed, but you cannot place college player props.
Connecticut – Legal
Not only is sports betting fully legal in Connecticut, but the state has some of the biggest sports betting promotional offers and bonuses. Anyone aged 21 or over can sign up at the top Connecticut sports betting sites and place bets. You can bet on virtually any sport, including college sporting events, with the exemption of betting on in-state college teams.
Delaware – Legal, Limited
Delaware was the first state to legalize sports betting after PASPA was repealed, though the betting options are quite limited in The First State. Should you want to join any of the top US betting sites, we would advise you to check out the options in the nearby states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Maryland.
Florida – Legal for Seminole Indian Tribe
The legality of sports betting in Florida is a tumultuous story. The state re-launched sports betting officially in November of 2023, and Hard Rock Bet is the only sportsbook in Florida, though it is only available to bettors who signed up when sports betting was first legalized in 2021. We will keep a close eye on the sports betting situation in Florida and keep you updated with all the latest news.
Georgia – Not Legal
Sports betting is not legal in Georgia, though there have been moves to pass a sports wagering act for Georgia to accept sportsbooks. With a lot of interest in sports wagering from lawmakers and Georgians, we will likely see the state legalize sports betting sometime soon. In the meantime, you can find ample sports betting opportunities in Tennessee.
Hawaii – Not Legal
Not only is sports betting prohibited in Hawaii, but most other forms of gambling are not allowed.
Idaho – Not Legal
Unfortunately, sports betting is not legal in Idaho and it does not look like the state will accept online sportsbooks anytime soon. Should you wish to place sports bets, you can always travel to the nearby states of Nevada, Oregon, or Wyoming, where sports betting is legal.
Illinois – Legal
Illinois has a riveting sports betting scene, after legalizing online sportsbooks in 2020. There are plenty of Illinois sports betting sites to pick from, and you can bet on almost any sports, excluding college sporting events. So long as you are 21 or over, you can sign up at an Illinois betting site and start your sports betting ventures.
Indiana – Legal
Sports betting was legalized in Indiana in 2019. The state has loads of sports betting sites to try out, so long as you are at least 21 years old. You can bet on practically any sport, and Indiana sportsbooks take your college sports betting predictions, but they do not offer college props or college live bets.
Iowa – Legal
Iowa legalized sports betting in 2019 and has a fine range of sportsbooks to pick from. If you are 21 and over, you can sign up at an Iowa online betting site or head on to a retail sportsbook to place your bets. You can also bet on college betting, but the Iowa sportsbooks do not offer college prop bets.
Kansas – Legal
Online sports betting was launched in Kansas in 2022, and the Sunflower State has the best sportsbooks in the country. If you are 21 years old or older, you can sign up at a Kansas betting site and bet on all the major US sports leagues or international sporting competitions you wish. College betting is also allowed, so you can stake your bets on March Madness or the NCAA College Football National Championships.
Kentucky – Legal
Kentucky legalized sports betting in 2023 and has a fair share of top US sportsbooks to offer bettors. The legal gambling age in the Bluegrass State is 18, and you can bet on college sporting events. With loads of massive new player bonuses and no shortage of recurring offers on major US sports leagues, Kentucky bettors are spoiled for choice.
Louisiana – Legal
Online sports betting became a reality in Louisiana in 2022. In addition to the retail sportsbooks at riverboat casinos, sports bettors can now sign up to some of the finest online sportsbooks the US has to offer in Louisiana. As long as you are 21 or older, you can enjoy all the perks and benefits these sportsbooks have to offer. College sports betting is allowed but limited; you are not allowed to place college prop bets or player bets.
Maine – Legal
Maine legalized sports betting in 2023, accepting all sports bettors aged 21 and over. Though college betting is not allowed, you can bet on practically any other sport at the top Maine sportsbooks. What’s more, you have an abundance of recurring bonus bets, odds boosts, and reload offers at the Maine sports betting sites.
Maryland – Legal
The Old Line State offers sports bettors a great choice of betting sites. Sports betting was legalized in Maryland in 2022 and all the top betting sites are partnered with local casinos to abide by the gambling laws. With a huge interest in sports betting, the laws are pretty relaxed, allowing you to place bets on all the major US sports and college sporting events, with the exception of college props and college player bets. As long as you are 21 or older, you can sign up at a Maryland sports betting site today.
Massachusetts – Legal
Not only does Massachusetts have the best betting sites in the US, but there is a plethora of bonuses and promotional offers through which you can extend your bankroll. The state legalized sports betting in 2023 and opened its doors to reputable sportsbooks with a focus on all the Massachusetts NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL teams. The legal age for gambling in Massachusetts is 21, and you can bet on almost any sport, excluding NCAA college teams based in Massachusetts.
Michigan – Legal
Michigan legalized sports betting in 2021 and has quality sportsbooks to offer sports bettors. The legal gambling age in Michigan is 21, and you can bet on all the major US sports leagues, international sports leagues and competitions, and even college sports.
Minnesota – Not Legal
Sadly, Minnesota has not legalized sports betting yet. The interest is definitely there, but lawmakers have not come to any solution on how Minnesota can open its doors to online sports betting. Iowa is the closest state where online sports betting is legal.
Mississippi – Legal, Retail
Sports betting is legal in Mississippi but only at retail locations. Online sports betting and mobile sports betting apps are only available if you are physically located in one of the land-based casinos that has a sportsbook. Louisiana and Tennessee are the closest states where you can join and bet at the top online US sports betting sites.
Missouri – Legal
Missouri legalized sports betting on December 1 2025. All the big names, including DraftKings, Caesars, FanDuel and BetMGM were quick to seize up tethered licenses in the Show Me State. Home to the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, 2 MLB teams – Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals, an MLS franchise and frequent NHL postseason contenders, the St Louis Blues, the Missouri sports betting scene is passionate and highly diverse.
Montana – Legal, Limited
Though online sports betting has been legal in Montana since 2019, the state has limited options for sports bettors. You can only bet at the state-run Sports Bet Montana betting site. Should you require more betting sites or a better choice of betting markets, then you can explore the betting sites offered in Wyoming.
Nebraska – Legal, Retail
Nebraska legalized sports betting in 2021, but only at retail sportsbooks. The sportsbooks are a bit limited, though you can find the standard range of sports betting markets. Should you wish for more options, then you can always check out the online sports betting possibilities in Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, or Iowa.
Nevada – Legal
Sports betting has been legal in Nevada since 1949, and the state was exempt from PASPA. You can join the finest sportsbooks in the US in Nevada, though you must register your account in person at one of the physical sportsbooks. The legal gambling age in Nevada is 21, and college sports betting is allowed.
New Hampshire – Legal
New Hampshire legalized sports betting in 2019, and all sports betting is regulated by the New Hampshire State Lorrey. DraftKings is the only legal sportsbook in the state, but you are by no means limited in your sports betting ventures. As long as you are 18 or over, you can bet on practically any sports event, including college sports. The only thing to consider is that college prop bets and bets on in-state college teams are not allowed.
New Jersey – Legal
New Jersey picked up sports betting quickly, legalizing it in 2018. There are loads of New Jersey betting sites to pick from, and they offer some tremendous sports betting bonuses. The minimum age for gambling in New Jersey is 21, and the state has no shortage of betting markets for you to explore. The only thing you won’t find in New Jersey is bets on in-state college teams, but you can always bet on college sports that do not involve New Jersey schools.
New Mexico – Legal, Retail
Sports betting was legalized in New Mexico in 2018 but only on the condition that you place your bets at a retail sportsbook. You cannot access online betting sites or mobile betting apps outside the tribal casinos, which is quite disappointing. In the neighboring states of Arizona and Colorado, you have a far larger range of sportsbooks to pick from, and you can access the betting sites anywhere within those states (and not just at tribal casinos).
New York – Legal
Online sports betting sites launched in New York in 2021. New York has a rich sports history, with lots of iconic franchises based in the state. You can back your favorite NY sports teams at the top New York betting sites, so long as you are at least 21 years old. Sadly though, college sports betting is not allowed on any in-state college teams, but you can bet on college teams based outside New York.
North Carolina – Legal
In 2024, North Carolina legalized sports betting. The state has quality betting sites and mobile betting apps for sports bettors to explore. The legal gambling age is 21 and over, and college sports betting is legal. You can find some exceptional offers on the top US sports leagues, and take advantage of the bonuses on the North Carolina-based sports teams.
North Dakota – Legal, Retail
Sports betting was legalized in North Dakota in 2021, but only at retail sportsbooks. Thus, your betting options are quite limited and you can only bet in person at the tribal casinos that have sportsbooks. The closest states with better sports betting offerings are Iowa and Wyoming.
Ohio – Legal
Ohio launched its online sports betting sites in 2023 after HB 29 was passed. The Buckeye State has an abundance of sportsbooks for bettors to pick from, including some of the biggest sportsbook brands in the US. The legal gambling age is 21 and college sports betting is allowed, with the exception of college player props.
Oklahoma – Not Legal
Sports betting is not legal in Oklahoma, despite several attempts to legalize it. We will keep you updated on any developments as far as online sports betting is concerned in Oklahoma, but should you wish to sign up to a sports betting site today, you can always look to the options provided in the neighboring states of Kansas, Arkansas, and Colorado.
Oregon – Legal
Ohio launched its online sports betting sites in 2023 after HB 29 was passed. The Buckeye State has an abundance of sportsbooks for bettors to pick from, including some of the biggest sportsbook brands in the US. The legal gambling age is 21 and college sports betting is allowed, with the exception of college player props.
Pennsylvania – Legal
Online sports betting has been available in Pennsylvania since 2019. The Keystone State has lots of sportsbooks to offer sports bettors, and betting on college sports events is allowed. If you are 21 or over, you can sign up at a Pennsylvania sports betting site and claim your newcomer sign-on bonus today.
Rhode Island – Legal
The Ocean State legalized sports betting in 2018 and regulates all sports betting activities through the state-run Rhode Island State Lottery. The only sportsbook that operates in Rhode Island is DraftKings, and the legal age for gambling is 18. College sports betting is not allowed, but apart from that, you can bet on virtually any other sport you like.
South Carolina – Not Legal
Sports betting in South Carolina is illegal, but you can always travel to North Carolina or Tennessee to join a top US sports betting site and place your bets. If there are any developments on the legality of sports betting in South Carolina, we will keep you updated.
South Dakota – Legal, Retail
Sports betting has been legal in South Dakota since 2021, but only at retail sportsbooks located in tribal casinos. You can place standard bets, but don’t expect the odds to be too market-competitive. An alternative would be to travel to a nearby state such as Iowa or Wyoming, where you can access the best US sports betting sites and get better bang for your buck.
Tennessee – Legal
Tennessee legalized sports betting in 2020 and offers bettors the top sportsbooks in the US. You must be 21 or older to sign up at a Tennessee betting site, and the state does not tax your sports bets. College sports betting is allowed, but you cannot place college prop bets, player bets, or live college bets.
Texas – Not Legal
Sadly, Texas has not yet legalized sports betting. You can come back to this page to check the state’s progress on legalizing sports betting, but there is no initiative in place for that to happen anytime soon. Louisiana is the closest state that has a considerable sports betting offering.
Utah – Not Legal
All traditional forms of gambling are prohibited in Utah, and it is highly unlikely that the state will ever legalize sports betting. If you want to bet on sports, you can always travel to the nearby states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, or Wyoming, or use one of the Utah sports betting apps and sites that work on the sweepstakes and social gaming models.
Vermont – Legal
Sports betting was legalized in Vermont in 2024. Sports bettors can pick from some exceptional sportsbooks in the state, so long as they are 21 or over. The state legalized betting on college events but banned college player props 2 months after passing the sports betting bill.
Virginia – Legal
The Old Dominion State has loads of sportsbooks to offer bettors. Online sports betting was legalized in 2020, and anyone over 21 can register at a Virginia betting site. The state has some of the best college sports teams, but you cannot bet on them within state borders. However, you can bet on college teams outside Virginia. When it comes to the major US sports leagues, you have a world of betting opportunities at the top Virginia betting sites, including massive bonuses to make it more worth your while.
Washington – Legal, Retail
Washington legalized sports betting in 2020 but with lots of restrictions. You can only bet on sports in the state of Washington at tribal casinos that have sportsbooks. The offering is quite limited, and you cannot access online sportsbooks or betting apps if you are not physically located in one of the tribal casinos. Oregon is the closest state with a more diversified sports betting scene.
West Virginia – Legal
West Virginia was the fourth state to legalize sports betting, doing so in mid-2018. The state has a wide range of sportsbooks and lots of bonuses for sports bettors to take advantage of. You must be 21 or over to sign up at the top West Virginia betting sites, and there are no restrictions on college sports betting in the state.
Wisconsin – Not Legal
Technically, sports betting is not legal in Wisconsin, but some of the tribal casinos in the state have sportsbooks. The sports betting offerings at these local casinos are limited, and, without any competition, the quality of the odds is not great. The sports betting scene in the neighboring states of Iowa and Illinois is far less limited, and you can find some of the best US sportsbooks in those states.
Wyoming – Legal
Sports betting became legal in Wyoming in 2021. The Equality State has a great range of top US sportsbooks to pick from, and no shortage of betting bonuses to bring the most of your sports betting predictions. The legal age to gamble in Wyoming is only 18, and you can bet on college sports in addition to all the major US and international sports events
Washington DC – Legal
The District of Columbia legalized sports betting in 2019. You have the very best sportsbooks the US has to offer in Washington DC, and top quality odds on the best franchises located in the District. As long as you are 18 or over, you can sign up at the top Washington DC sportsbooks and start placing your first bets today. The only drawback is that college sports betting is not allowed on in-state teams or college sports events that take place within the District of Columbia.
Best Sportsbooks
The sportsbook offering varies between each legal sports betting state in the US. Some states allow sports betting but only bet at tribal casinos with very limited sportsbooks. Others may have a state-run, independent sportsbook that has a monopoly on sports betting. The best scenario is when a state has multiple top-tier betting sites, giving you plenty of options while keeping the odds razor-sharp and the betting bonuses high.
We review these sportsbooks at BettingTools, casting light on their best features, which sportsbooks have the best lines and odds, and what types of bonuses they have to offer.
The top betting sites in the US are the following:
Not only do these sites have the most competitive lines out there, but they attract loads of sports bettors through incentives such as recurring betting bonuses, reload deposit offers, betting boosts, and extensive sports betting coverage.
Which State was the First to Legalize Online Sports Betting?
In August 2018, New Jersey was the first state to quickly jump on the opportunity to legalize online sports betting following the removal of PASPA. Since then, huge names in the gambling world like FanDuel, BetMGM and DraftKings have really cornered the market. New players who sign up for an account at any of these sportsbooks can claim welcome bonuses, often resulting in free money. Promotions such as these have accelerated the growth of online sports betting across the US.
Legal States for each Sportsbook
Not every sportsbook is available in every state where sports betting is legal and available. Some operators only choose to launch in certain states, this could be due to tax, limited license availability and many other reasons. To see which states a sportsbook is available in, you can read our handy guides:
- FanDuel Sportsbook legal states
- DraftKings Sportsbook legal states
- bet365 Sportsbook legal states
- BetMGM Sportsbook legal states
- Caesars Sportsbook legal states
Gambling Age and State Taxes
The legal age for gambling in the US is generally 21 and over, though in some states the legal age is as low as 18. When you sign up at a legal sportsbook, you must prove that you are of legal age, and thus eligible to sign up, by submitting the last 4 digits of your SSN. Adding the 4 digits from your SSN is a legal requirement for any licensed sportsbook to confirm your identity.
Furthermore, you will have to pay taxes on any of your gambling winnings. There is the federal tax, which applies to all sports betting across the US; and there is the state gambling tax. Most states regard your gambling winnings as taxable income, and therefore you must pay out a tax on your winnings. There are some states in which this tax is higher than 10%, and, on the other end of the spectrum, some in which you don’t need to pay any state taxes at all. At BettingTools, we keep a close eye on the gambling laws of each state and keep you in the know-how about any taxes and laws that you must observe to enjoy a hassle-free sports betting experience.
You can use our free gambling winning tax calculator to quickly work out your returns.
Welcome Offers and Bonuses
When you join a sportsbook you will be rewarded with a sign on bonus. This bonus can only be claimed once, and in most cases, is given to you after you make your first deposit.
We continuously review bonuses and welcome offers at the top US sportsbooks and show you what each has to offer. There are no laws anywhere in the US that say you are only allowed to join one sportsbook. Should you like the offers at two or more betting sites, feel free to snap them up.
There are also many perks beyond the welcome offer to keep you coming back for more. The top US sportsbooks place special attention on the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL, providing all sorts of thrilling promotions for you to use.
Popular Sports and Betting Tools Betting Picks
On the subject of sports to bet on, all our recommended betting sites cover the major US sports leagues extensively. In addition to the standard betting markets (moneylines, spreads and totals), you will find all sorts of thought-provoking props, player bets and team specials.
Our job, at BettingTools, is to scour the betting sites to find the best-priced picks, and give you some food for thought for your next bets.
Whether we find a risky bet at unmissable odds, or nice juicy lines on a favorite, we always share our findings in easily digestible posts. However, keep in mind that the odds we post are the best that are offered in the top US sportsbooks.
Should one of our betting tips refer to a sportsbook that does not operate in your location, you can always check the next best sportsbook that does offer the bet. If you want regular betting tips to draw inspiration from, then be sure to follow our X account, where we share our free betting tips.
