US States with Legal Sports Betting: Where Sports Betting is Legal in 2026
The number of states with legal sports betting continues to grow in the US with each new bill, with more than 30 licensed options, including Florida, Maryland, and Missouri to name a few.
In this article, I’ll share where sports betting is currently available, identify which might join next, and provide other essential details.
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- Quick facts about states with legal online sports betting
- Pros and cons of states with legal sports betting
- Where is sports betting legal in the US?
- How I choose sportsbooks from an eligible state
- States that might launch online sports wagering in the future
- Conclusion – Join licensed sportsbooks from eligible US states and start betting
- States with legal sports betting FAQs
Quick facts about states with legal online sports betting
- Online sports betting is legal in more than 30 US states.
- Each location has approvals from its state’s commission, such as ADG and KHRG.
- You need to meet the minimum age to access sportsbooks in these states.
- Check the on-page banners for sportsbooks available in your area.
Pros and cons of states with legal sports betting
The main advantage of legal sports betting in the US is that it is licensed on a per-state basis. This ensures every site complies with local regulations and responsible wagering standards. Still, I noted some upsides and a few downsides during my testing.
Here's a summary of my findings:
Where is sports betting legal in the US?
I observed that many US states now offer legal sports betting following the Supreme Court decision striking down PASPA. For years, PASPA (the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) banned sports wagering. Each state has gained the autonomy to decide for itself whether to legalize sportsbooks following the repeal.
Here's an overview of states with legal sports betting online and the agencies that oversee them:
| Legal sports betting states | Licensing bodies |
| Arkansas sports betting | Arkansas Racing Commission |
| Arizona sports betting | Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) |
| Colorado sports betting | Colorado Division of Gaming |
| Connecticut sports betting | Department of Consumer Protection (Gaming Division) |
| Delaware sports betting | Delaware Lottery |
| Florida sports betting | Florida Gaming Control Commission |
| Illinois sports betting | Illinois Gaming Board |
| Indiana sports betting | Indiana Gaming Commission |
| Iowa sports betting | Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) |
| Kansas sports betting | Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission |
| Kentucky sports betting | Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming (KHRG) |
| Louisiana sports betting | Louisiana Gaming Control Board |
| Maine sports betting | Maine Gambling Control Unit |
| Maryland sports betting | Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency |
| Massachusetts sports betting | Massachusetts Gaming Commission |
| Michigan sports betting | Michigan Gaming Control Board |
| Missouri sports betting | Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) |
| New Jersey sports betting | New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement |
| Nevada sports betting | Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) |
| New York sports betting | New York State Gaming Commission |
| New Hampshire sports betting | New Hampshire Lottery Commission |
| North Carolina sports betting | North Carolina State Lottery Commission |
| Pennsylvania sports betting | Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board |
| Ohio sports betting | Ohio Casino Control Commission |
| Rhode Island sports betting | Rhode Island Lottery |
| Oregon sports betting | Oregon Lottery |
| Puerto Rico sports betting | Puerto Rico Gaming Commission |
| Tennessee sports betting | Tennessee Sports Wagering Council |
| Vermont sports betting | Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery |
| Wisconsin sports betting | Wisconsin Department of Administration (Division of Gaming) |
| Virginia sports betting | Virginia Lottery |
| Wyoming sports betting | Wyoming Gaming Commission |
| West Virginia sports betting | West Virginia Lottery Commission |
| Washington, D.C. sports betting | Office of Lottery and Gaming |
During my research, I noticed some states have Casino, Lottery, or Racing in their licensing body’s title. It's usually because these agencies were already established to regulate them and later expanded their portfolios to include sports betting. This explains why some sister casinos utilize shared licenses to operate alongside their sportsbook sections.
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How I choose sportsbooks from an eligible state
Knowing which states permit online sports betting is the first step. The next process is to pick options that work for you. Before I settle on a brand, I look for these features:
Licensing
As mentioned earlier, specific authorities regulate sportsbooks in each legal state. These commissions issue licenses and ensure fair play. To verify that a site is legit, I scroll to the footer to check for the official seal of the state’s gaming commission.
If you spot logos of professional sports leagues such as the NFL and NBA, it's another indicator. These organizations only associate with licensed brands. You can review the on-page banners for sportsbooks available in your jurisdiction.
Minimum age
The age requirement doesn't necessarily make one sportsbook better than another. However, it’s the first thing to check before registering. It also helps you decide if you can stay. Although requirements vary by state, most, including New Jersey and Nevada, require you to be at least 21 to place bets.
I also found that some jurisdictions, such as Kentucky, still allow bettors aged 18 or older. Keep in mind that even in those states, some brands still require you to be 21 to use their products.
Promotions
A good brand offers a range of sports wagering promotions. For context, I look for sites that offer bonus options such as Bet and Get, Profit Boosts, and Early Payouts.
These deals can help you make the most out of your betting experience. The same logic also applies to free casino offers.
Payout time
The best online sportsbooks for payouts make it easy to move your funds. Most US-regulated brands prioritize e-wallets and direct bank transfers.
I check support for Venmo, Apple Pay, and PayPal; these usually process within a few hours. Major debit cards like Mastercard, Visa, and VIP Preferred (ACH) are also reliable. They can take one to three business days to reach your bank account.
Mobile experience
Besides a mobile-optimized site, I prioritize dedicated apps on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. A top-tier app shouldn't freeze when you're confirming your location or trying to place bets. To get started, I downloaded betting apps with sign-up bonus offers to test the ease of using their interfaces and loading speeds.
Customer support
Both the range of customer support channels and the quality of responses matter. It’s the only way to ensure your betting inquiries are resolved quickly. I expect a licensed online sportsbook to offer a comprehensive help center, including email support, FAQ, live chat, and social media channels.
Some US books can now answer questions directly on Facebook, X, and even Telegram.
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States that might launch online sports wagering in the future
The list of states with legal sports betting is constantly shifting. Based on my checks, several jurisdictions have introduced multiple sports betting bills that failed to pass in previous sessions. However, they continue to advance new proposals.
Here are the potential contenders and their current legislative status:
Alabama
After several failed attempts, Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed signaled that subsequent bills will receive adequate attention from the House. For me, Senate Bill (SB) 257 is the one to watch. It would allow voters to decide whether the state should add sports betting, casinos, or a lottery to its legal lineup.
Georgia
House Bill (HB) 910 carried over into the recent session. It seeks to legalize online sports betting only as an extension of the state lottery. Many proponents believe this move would bypass the statewide referendum.
Mississippi
Although in-person betting is legal here, the push for a mobile version has attracted considerable attention. I recently learned that the House passed HB 1581. It includes a major amendment to use sports betting taxes to shore up the state’s public pension. The bill has moved to the Senate for consideration.
Minnesota
A primary hurdle is the friction between tribal gaming interests and the state’s racetracks, including Canterbury Park. SB 3414 is the latest effort to legalize sports betting and balance the competing interests of the parties.
Oklahoma
I’ve also confirmed that Oklahoma legislators are currently pushing carryover bills, HB 1047 and HB 1077. If they continue to stall, HB 1101 could appear on the ballot for voters to decide.
Nebraska
There's promise here because retail or in-person betting is active in the state. LB 421 and LR 20CA propose expansion into mobile markets, but they consistently face resistance.
Texas
Texas is currently in its waiting period because the legislature meets only in odd-numbered years (e.g., 2025, 2027, and 2029). However, major sportsbooks and other stakeholders are already laying the groundwork for the next session.
Conclusion – Join licensed sportsbooks from eligible US states and start betting
By now, you already have an idea of which US states accommodate online sports wagering. These locations obtain their official licenses from local authorities, including the ADG, MGC, and KHRG.
I also learned from my research that legalization is still underway in several jurisdictions. States like Georgia, Alabama, and Oklahoma continue to move forward with newer or carryover bills. This means the current list isn't final; new states regularly join the mobile sports betting lineup as applicable legislation passes.
If you're interested in placing bets on the go, click the banners on this page to choose a licensed sportsbook in your location. Once you find a match, sign up, make eligible deposits, and claim your welcome bonus.
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States with legal sports betting FAQs
Is online sports betting legal in the US?
Yes, it's available in over 30 states. Examples are Missouri, North Carolina, Arizona, New York, Maryland, Michigan, Washington, Massachusetts, Florida, Louisiana, Kentucky, and more. Each state holds a license from its local regulatory authority.
Which states plan to authorize mobile sports wagering?
Several states are looking to legalize or expand their markets to include online betting. Based on recent legislative efforts, the likely candidates are Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Minnesota, Mississippi, Alabama, and Nebraska.
Can I access sportsbooks legally at 18?
It depends on the state and, in some cases, the specific bookmaker. States like Kentucky set the minimum legal age at 18, whereas most other locations, such as Nevada, require you to be 21 or older. Another factor is that some apps may still require bettors to be 21 or older to sign up, even if local laws allow 18.
