Sports betting is one of my favorite forms of entertainment. I love to supplement my love of sports with a side sports bet. What gives me the thrill is to not only to see my player or team on the edge of winning or losing, but knowing I have a bit of real money at stake. It cannot get anymore exciting!
On most sports bets, I also enjoy the research. But I should not inappropriately describe keeping up with sports news as “research”. Research sounds like a chore. Watching the sport, reading the events, listening to The Ringer and other sports podcasts, and of course, shooting the breeze with my mates, and just talking about sports in general, it’s my hobby and my passion. I use this information, to make an informed sports bet.
Do I always win? Far from it. I bet knowing that you win some and you lose some. I don’t have a successful long term winning strategy, but I do employ some great sports betting hacks that I abide by to make my sports betting experience the best that it can be.
Unless you are a successful sports betting professional (and if you truly are, you will most likely be banned from the sports books sooner of later), you will find that in the long terms losses will stack up. The long term odds of sports betting (or any form of gambling) is against you. Yes – there are some who are lucky. I don’t deny that there are winners. Particularly in sports betting there will be many short term winners. But long term, slowly the losses will stack.
At WagerDex, we aren’t going to blow our trumpet and voice out we have the winning strategy. Nor do we offer free sports betting picks. It is far better to provide real money betting strategies that aren’t related to picking the winner and/or margins. I cannot advise you with any guarantee of a winning bet. It’s impossible and no one can.
Legality of US Sports Betting
But what we do provide you with, is a comprehensive listing of where you can bet and what platforms are available.
The US State legality can be summarized in the below table.
N = No, Y = Yes, OS = Offshore Sports Betting Sites, IP = In Person, M = Mobile, O = Online
| Abr | State | Legality | Regulated | Age | Availability |
| AL | Alabama | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| AK | Alaska | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| AZ | Arizona | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| AR | Arkansas | Legal | Y | 21 | IP |
| CA | California | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| CO | Colorado | Legal | Y | 21 | IP,M,O |
| CT | Connecticut | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| DE | Delaware | Legal | Y | 21 | IP |
| FL | Florida | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| GA | Georgia | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| HI | Hawaii | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| ID | Idaho | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| IL | Illinois | Legal | Y | 21 | IP,O |
| IN | Indiana | Legal | Y | 21 | IP,O |
| IA | Iowa | Legal | Y | 21 | IP,O,M |
| KS | Kansas | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| KY | Kentucky | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| LA | Louisiana | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| ME | Maine | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| MD | Maryland | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| MA | Massachusetts | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| MI | Michigan | Legal | Y | 21 | IP |
| MN | Minnesota | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| MS | Mississippi | Legal | Y | 21 | IP,O |
| MO | Missouri | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| MT | Montana | Legal | Y | 18 | IP,M |
| NE | Nebraska | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| NV | Nevada | Legal | Y | 21 | IP,M,O |
| NH | New Hampshire | Legal | Y | 21 | IP |
| NJ | New Jersey | Legal | Y | 21 | IP,M,O |
| NM | New Mexico | Legal | Y | 21 | IP |
| NY | New York | Legal | Y | 21 | IP |
| NC | North Carolina | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| ND | North Dakota | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| OH | Ohio | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| OK | Oklahoma | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| OR | Oregon | Legal | Y | 18 | M,O |
| PA | Pennsylvania | Legal | Y | 21 | IP,M,O |
| RI | Rhode Island | Legal | Y | 18 | IP,M,O |
| SC | South Carolina | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| SD | South Dakota | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| TN | Tennessee | Legal | N | 21 | O |
| TX | Texas | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| UT | Utah | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| VT | Vermont | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| VA | Virginia | Legal | N | 21 | O |
| WA | Washington | Legal | N | 21 | O |
| DC | Washington DC | Legal | Y | 21 | IP,M,O |
| WV | West Virginia | Legal | Y | 21 | IP,M,O |
| WI | Wisconsin | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
| WY | Wyoming | Illegal | N | 21 | OS |
In the US sports betting laws are in a state of flux. Prior to May 2018, a law was in place which prevented most forms of gambling in every state. In particular sports betting was banned. However, the law preventing sports betting (The Professional Amateur Sports Players Act) was overturned by the Supreme Court. Subsequently this allowed each state to set their own gambling laws.
And now, with the catalyst of the PASPA being overturned, sports betting laws are changing throughout many US States.
Some states have already legalized sports betting, some states are in the process of considering, some have remained apathetic to the PASPA laws, and others have out right rejected any legalization.
As a observation of the change that the US is going through for sports betting, it’s surprising to see a very low uptake of mobile sports betting by legislators. The platform of mobile vs on-site or kiosk and terminal betting is like chalk and cheese. If you are going to bet, surveys have shown that you would choose a mobile app. The convenience and the accessibility is far superior that travelling to a branch, casino or wherever to place a physical bet. Having said that, not all states have banned the use of mobile apps. And even some states such as Vermont have chosen to provide mobile sports getting only.
An interesting feature of the current sports betting laws is that offshore sports betting sites remain not illegal for US located sports bettors. This is a remnant of outdated, complex and ambiguous laws creating a gray area. (Though many lawyers do believe sports betting on offshore sites is definitively legal).
US Sports betting laws are dictated by each individual state. Accordingly, what may be deemed legal in one state, may not be for others and vice versa. With 50 states to keep track of, we have summarized the legality and ability to place a sports bet in each state.
[AL] Alabama
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – only via Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
There is limited onshore gambling available in Alabama, with several native American casinos offering Class II and hybrid Class III gaming. In general, gambling is not as prevalent as other US States.
Sports betting laws reformation started in 2019, but the latest bill HB336 remains adjourned indefinitely.
HB336 was raised in February 2020. It allows for land based and mobile sports betting with four licenses to be issued under the Alabama Sports Wagering Commission.
Covid-19 has slowed progress made for legalizing sports betting.
[AK] Alaska
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
Alaska has one of the most restrictive gambling laws in the US. There are no casino games available and not even a state lottery. The last attempt to legalize the state lottery occurred in March 2017, in which the introduced bill was rejected.
It is highly unlikely that sports betting will be legalized in this state.
[AR] Arkansas
Status – Legal | Regulated – Yes | Availability – In-person
Legal Minimum Age – 21
Limited gambling opportunities exist in Arkansas, but change is happening fast. It was only in 2019 when the first casino opened its doors. Although, gaming is concentrated or offered at the Oaklawn Park and Southland Park Racetrack, on its way is the construction of a new casino expected to be completed by 2021 in Little Rock.
Sports betting is legal in Arkansas and can be found in the following venues:
- Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort partnering SBTech – retail
- The Saracen Casino Annex partnering IGT – retail
- Southland Casino Racing partnering Betly – retail
[AZ] Arizona
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
Onshore sports betting remains illegal in Arizona, despite numerous attempts to pass legislation to legalize it. Arizona gambling is dominated by 22 native American tribes. The tribes have existing compacts with the State, which in their opinion does not allow sports betting distribution among commercial operators, as this is against the compact (agreement) terms and conditions.
Various commercial and government departments are challenging and opposing limiting sports betting to native american casinos in Arizona. As a result, there is a stand still in legalizing sports betting in the state.
The last attempt to legalize sports betting was in February 2020 when Senator Sonny Borrelli and Representative Steve Pierce introduced SB-1525.
Legalization of sports betting is unlikely in 2020.
[CA] California
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
You would think California (being the largest state in the US) would have legalized sports betting by now. It has proceeded to legalize recreational and medicinal cannabis at break neck speed, but sports betting remains in limbo. There is support for legalizing sports betting, however there is a chasm of disagreement as to who should be allowed and by what means: in-person, mobile and online.
Native American Tribes advocate that only they are permitted to offer and distribute sports betting in accordance with pre-existing compacts. But commercial operators dispute limiting sports betting to native American tribes and are wanting the right to operate sport books within the State. Without agreement, sports betting will remain illegal indefinitely.
Legalization of sports betting is unlikely in 2020.
[CO] Colorado
Legal Status – Legal | Regulated – Yes | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – In-person, mobile and online.
Sports betting is regulated by Colorado Gaming Commission.
In total, there are 15 licenses that have been issued.
Sports betting is currently offered by:
- PointsBet – online
- BetMGM – online
- BetRivers – online
- Twin River Casino with DraftKings – retail and online
- Twin River Casino with FanDuel – online
- William Hill – online
- Saratoga Casino Black Hawk with Betfred USA Sports – retail
[CT] Connecticut
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No |Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
Connecticut onshore sports gambling laws remain illegal despite many attempts to pass legislation to legalize. It has been a very slow burn, with each session discussed in parliament either being postponed or falling through with minor issues.
In January 2019, a bipartisan initiative to authorize sports betting (and online casino gaming) allowing Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun Casino was introduced via HB7331. This Bill included allowing college sports, prop bets and in game betting.
In subsequent months, discussions of sports betting legislation was wrapped up with online casino gaming and tax rates. As a result, although many agree to legalize sports betting, other gambling aspects have held back sports betting reformation.
On a positive note, the current proposed legislation includes legalizing retail and online sports betting for native American casinos, off track betting venues and lottery distributors.
Legalization of sports betting is unlikely in 2020.
[DE] Delaware
Status – Legal | Regulated – Yes | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – In Person
Delaware has legalized sports betting for well over a decade, but in limited capacity. In-person betting only and traditionally parlays only.
In-person bets can be placed at the below venues
- Delaware Park Casino – retail
- Dover Downs Hotel & Casino – retail
- Harrington Raceway & Casino – retail
There are no onshore online sports betting sites or mobile apps allowed.
[DC] Washington DC
Status – Legal | Regulated – Yes |Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – In-person, online and mobile
D.C. was one of the first mover states/territories to legalize sports betting after the overturning of the PASPA laws. Sports betting is distributed through the D.C Lottery through its GambetDC mobile app.
To this day, engagement has been extremely disappointing. Reasons include that the odds offered are poor with many bettors choosing to bet at offshore sports betting sites which offer better odds and more betting options.
[FL] Florida
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No |Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
A power struggle is playing out between the Lottery and Commercial Operators. In addition, sports betting law reformation is being wrapped up with casino gaming law changes. With this complex web of various stakeholder interest to navigate through, sports betting onshore remains illegal.
The last attempt to legalize sports betting was in January 2020. HB991 was introduced to the House and was voted in favor of 14 to 1, which essentially locked out the Florida lottery from offering games based on sport outcomes.
Legalization of sports betting is unlikely in 2020.
[GA] Georgia
Status – Illegal |Regulated – No |Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
Sports betting onshore remains illegal, however there is good momentum for legalization despite the fact that the US is going through a tough battle with Covid-19.
Just recently in June 2020, HB903 was raised that would permit commercial operators to partner the Georgia Lottery and offer online betting. Unfortunately, the session was adjourned and no decision was made for HB903.
Legalization of sports betting is possible in 2020.
[HI] Hawaii
Status – Illegal |Regulated – No |Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
Hawaii is one of the most restrictive states regarding gambling. It does not permit gambling, let alone sports betting. Even forms of charitable gambling that includes raffles, pull tabs and bingo are limited.
Legalization of sports betting is highly unlikely.
[ID] Idaho
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No |Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
The closest to discussing sports betting law reformation that legislators got to was in May 2016 to legalize Daily Fantasy Sport. And this was to put their foot down and request DraftKings and FanDuel to cease accepting residents of Idaho i.e. reiterating that DFS was against the law.
Since May 2016, that has been very little impetus to legalize sports betting onshore.
Legalization of sports betting is highly unlikely.
[IL] Illinois
Status – Legal |Regulated – Yes |Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – In-person at Casinos, Online
Sports betting onshore is legal, with accounts to be opened in-person at casinos. However due to the pandemic online registration has been allowed up to 19 September 2020.
Retail and online sports betting is offered through:
- PointsBet – online sports book and retail at Hawthorne Race CourseRivers Casino in Des Plaines – retail sports book
- Argosy Casino Alton – retail sports book
- Bet Rivers – online sports book
- DraftKings- online sports book partnering Casino Queen
- FanDuel – online sports book
- William Hill – online sports book and retail at Grand Victoria Casino
[IN] Indiana
Status – Legal |Regulated – Yes |Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Retail, Online
Regulated by Indiana’s Gaming Commission, it has issued twelve sports betting licenses to casinos and off track betting venues.
- PointsBet partnering Penn National Gaming’s Hollywood Casino
- Ameristar Casino in East Chicago – retail
- Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg – retail
- Indiana Grand Casino – retail
- Horseshoe Hammond – retail
- French Lick Casinos – retail with online partnering with Rush Street Gaming
- Rush Street Interactive – online sports book partnering French Lick Casinos
- DraftKings – online sports books partnering Ameristar Casino
- FanDuel – online sports book partnering Blue Chip Casino.
- BetAmerica – retail at the Rising Star Casino Resort
- Unibet – online sports book partnering Horseshoe Hammond Casino
[IA] Iowa
Status – Legal | Regulated – Yes | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – In-person, online and mobile
Iowa has the following sports betting options. Both Retail, online and mobile are offered legally in Iowa state.
Please note that in-person validation of ID is required before a sportsbetting account can be activated.
- PointsBet partnering Catfish Bend -retail, mobile
- Prairie Meadows – retail, mobile
- Isle Waterloo – retail, mobile
- Lakeside – retail, mobile
- Isle Bettendor – retail, mobile
- Riverside – retail
- Ameristar – retail
- Rhythm City – retail
[KS] Kansas
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
So close, yet so far. In March 2020 the Senate passed legalizing sports betting. With one hurdle jumped over, the next was approval in the House then through to the Governor. Unfortunately the pandemic stalled any movement to legalize sports betting.
Legalization of sports betting is unlikely in 2020.
[KY] Kentucky
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
Sports betting in Kentucky remains illegal onshore despite neighboring Illinois legalizing it. Since the overturning of the PASPA laws, there has been much debate and discussion, however sports betting law reformation has never gotten over the line.
Legalization of sports betting is unlikely in 2020.
[LA] Louisiana
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
Almost there! In June 2020 the Governor approved for the voting of legalization of sports betting in the November 2020 election. This is the last hurdle to allow for onshore sports betting to be legal.
Legalization of sports betting is possible in 2020.
[ME] Maine
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
Maine is surrounded by states that have legalized sports betting, but sports betting laws remain as is – illegal.
Legalization of sports betting is unlikely.
[MD] Maryland
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
Almost there! In May 2020 – sports betting bill SB 4 was passed with the Governor abstaining from voting on the bill. It now proceeds to a November 2020 state referendum to determine if the existing six casinos in Maryland will be allowed to offer, retail, mobile and online sports betting.
Legalization of sports betting is possible in 2020.
[MA] Massachusetts
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
Bipartisan agreement exists to legalize sports betting, however the framework and regulatory remains in dispute. Last July 2020 – H2879 was introduced proposing an increased tax rate of 30% and to also allow for the State Lottery to offer an online mobile platform.
Legalization of sports betting is unlikely in 2020.
[MI] Michigan
Status – Legal | Regulated – Yes | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – In-person at casinos
In person sports betting is offered at three casinos in Michigan: MGM Grand, Greektown and FireKeepers Casino.
Due to the events of the pandemic, legalization of online and mobile has been fast tracked in parliament, and is expected to be offered by the end of 2020.
[MN] Minnesota
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
Sports betting remains illegal with no signs of changing. Staunch opposition by existing gambling providers have removed all conversation of legalizing sports betting by lawmakers.
Legalization of sports betting is unlikely in 2020.
[MO] Missouri
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
There was a glimmer of hope of sports betting becoming legal, with legislation debated in the House and Senate introduced in 2019 targeting August 2020. But along came Covid-19 and all momentum has been lost. Sports betting remains illegal indefinitely.
Legalization of sports betting is unlikely in 2020.
[MS] Mississippi
Status – Legal | Regulated – Yes | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – In-person or online at premise of casino
Retail sport books and online at premise is offered at the following casinos:
- Beau Rivage Resort & Casino (Biloxi) – retail sports book
- Gold Strike Casino (Tunica) – retail sports book
- The IP Casino Resort (Biloxi) – retail sports book
- Sam’s Town (Tunica) – retail sports book
- Horseshoe Casino (Tunica) – retail sports book
- Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast – retail sports book
- Boomtown Casino (Biloxi) – retail sports book
- Hollywood Casino (Tunica) – retail sports book
- 1st Jackpot and Resorts Casino (Tunica) – retail sports book
- Harlow’s Casino Resort & Spa (Greenville) – retail sports book
- Riverwalk Casino Hotel (Vicksburg) – retail sports book branded as BetAmerica
- Pearl River Resorts – retail sports book
- The Golden Moon Hotel and Casino – retail sports book
- Bok Homa Casino – retail sports book
- Pinnacle Entertainment branded retail sports book at the Ameristar Casino.
- FanDuel branded sports betting partnering Boyd Gaming’s IP Casino Resort
- Magnolia Bluffs Casino retail sports book
- Scarlet Pearl Casino branded with DraftKings offering retail sports book
[MT] Montana
Status – Legal | Regulated – Yes | Legal Minimum Age – 18
Availability – In-person at over 180 outlets, mobile via Sports Bet Montana app
Montana was only a handful of states that was excluded from the original prohibition of sports betting imposed by the PASPA laws. Accordingly, sports betting has been legal for many years. The Montana regulation of sports betting is unique for a US State. It is the only state whereby sport bets can be placed in-person at taverns, bars and other small outlets via betting kiosks.
The state also provides for mobile sports betting via the Sports Bet Montana app, issued by the Montana Lottery. Unfortunately, the app can only be used when on the premises of an authorized licensed betting outlet.
To avoid the inconvenience of travelling to an outlet, the alternative is to bet on an offshore sports book.
[NE] Nebraska
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
In a huge blow to the chances of legalizing sports betting in the near future, in August 2020 the Secretary of State did not allow to have on the November 2020 ballot a vote on expanding casino games to Nebraska race tracks. Though, this is not directly aimed at sports betting, this does not bode well, because it correlates to the general consensus from lawmakers to not expand gambling laws.
At first, it was anticipated that Nebraska would follow neighboring Iowa whom has legalized sports betting. But alas, it does not appear to be.
Legalization of sports betting is unlikely in 2020.
[NV] Nevada
Status – Legal | Regulated – Yes | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – In-person, mobile, online
The home of sin city, sport books are everywhere and accessible to easily place a bet. You must be over 21 in order to create a betting account. There’s too many sport books to list and casinos/venues.
[NJ] New Jersey
Status – Legal | Regulated – Yes | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – In-person, online, mobile
New Jersey was the first state to legalize sports betting after the overturning of the PASPA laws in May 2018. On offer is sport books in-person at casinos, and also via mobile apps.
New Jersey attracts many New York bettors who have refined the craft of crossing state borders with the path of least resistance in order to place a bet.
[NH] New Hampshire
Status – Legal | Regulated – Yes | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – In-person at various outlets, online and mobile app
In July 2019, sports betting was legalized in New Hampshire. Extraordinarily, but not unexpected, New Hampshire was the first state to offer mobile sports betting (outside the states that were excluded under the original imposition of the PASPA laws). The state created a monopoly with the only provider the New Hampshire Lottery. As a result, New Hampshire has partnered DraftKings and Kambi to be the sports book and software platform.
[NM] New Mexico
Status – Legal | Regulated – Yes | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – In-person at casinos
In October 2018 the New Mexico Gaming Control Board confirmed that native American tribes were permitted to offer sports betting, as it was included as a form of gambling as defined in Class III gaming compact.
As a result, you will be able to find in-person sports betting at land based native American casinos throughout the state.
[NY] New York
Status – Legal | Regulated – Yes | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – In-person at upstate casinos
New York has legalized sports betting, but to the disappointment of many whom live in New York city, mobile and online sports betting is not permitted by an onshore licensed provider. As a result many New Yorkers cross interstate to New Jersey to place a mobile sports bet.
[NC] North Carolina
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
So much hope to be had when we were in the year 2019, but then Covid-19 came and has stalled all momentum of legalizing sports betting. Accordingly 2020 has seen little to no movement by lawmakers in a bid to progress sports betting law reformation further.
Legalization of sports betting is unlikely in 2020.
[ND] North Dakota
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
The last attempt to legalize sports betting was in January 2019, which fell through emphatically. Since then, there has been no impetus to challenge the status quo and therefore sports betting remains illegal onshore indefinitely.
Legalization of sports betting is unlikely in 2020.
[OH] Ohio
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
So close, yet so far. It was in May 2020 where the last pushing for legalizing occurred with SB194 approved by the House. It now progresses to the Senate. If approved it would allow for in-person, online and mobile sports betting.
Legalization of sports betting is unlikely in 2020.
[OK] Oklahoma
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
Massive legal challenges persist between native American tribes and the government. The tribes argue that existing compact agreements allow for sports betting in Class III provisions, while the government maintains that the compact needs to be renewed, thus redefining what the Class III provision includes (or excludes).
Accordingly, sports betting technically remains illegal via onshore, however in reality it is unknown.
Legalization of sports betting is unlikely in 2020.
[OR] Oregon
Status – Legal | Regulated – Yes | Legal Minimum Age – 18
Availability – Online, mobile with Oregon Lottery
Not many are aware, however Oregon was one of four states that was excluded from the application of PASPA, before it was overturned in May 2018 by the supreme court. As a result, sports betting is legal (and has been for quite sometime). The Oregon Lottery is the regulator and sole distributor of sports betting via online and mobile app.
[PA] Pennsylvania
Status – Legal | Regulated – Yes | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – In-person, Mobile apps and online
It’s legal in PA, with many bettors have been flocking to mobile sports betting apps that are available by the below providers:
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- Unibet
- SugarHouse
- BetRivers
- Fox Bet
In addition, you will find at every land based casino there are sports windows and kiosks available to accept in-person bets.
[RI] Rhode Island
Status – Legal | Regulated – Yes | Legal Minimum Age – 18
Availability – In-person, online, mobile app
Rhode Island was one of the first movers to legalize sports betting after the PASPA was overturned.
Sports betting can be found:
- Twin River Casino (Lincoln) – In-Person
- Twin River Tiverton Casino – In Person
- Rhode Island Lottery partnering William Hill on IGT software
You can download the app from anywhere, but currently must register in-person at either Twin River Casino.
[SC] South Carolina
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
Very little movement in lawmakers implementing any real discussion, let alone change to sports betting status quo.
The last news was in September 2019, when a bill was introduced to widen gambling in the state to include sports betting and create a new regulatory body. Further research was to be conducted to examine how it would operate, and the cost vs benefits.
Legalization of sports betting is unlikely in 2020.
[SD] South Dakota
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
Remains illegal, but oh so close. In March 2020 the House and the Senate approved for the November 2020 referendum to include voting on legalizing sports betting through the bill SJR501.
Legalization of sports betting is possible in 2020.
[TN] Tennessee
Status – Legal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
The Volunteer State legalized sports betting in mid 2019, however there is no firm date as to when it will be offered to residents and visitors.
The Tennessee Lottery has been assigned as the regulator, with the big players, DraftKings, FanDuel, William Hill and PointsBet expected to obtain a license. Sports betting will be available via mobile, however the odds will be atrocious because of the state imposed VIG.
Tennessee odds must include a 10% VIG (commission), which will almost guarantee that sports bettor remain betting at offshore online sport books.
[TX] Texas
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
The second largest state in the US, holds onto the status quo of sports betting being illegal. In fact, gambling in general, is quite restrictive in the State, with only “three” gambling venues.
Currently, there is no clear indication as to when further discussions will take place.
Legalization of sports betting is unlikely in 2020.
[UT] Utah
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
Utah is one of the most conservative states when it comes to gambling. As such, sports betting remains illegal. The nearest state to gambling legally is Nevada.
Legalization of sports betting is unlikely.
[VT] Vermont
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
Discussions were held early 2020 with the introduction of SB213. The state has no casinos or any other gambling venues and therefore the plan is to distribute sports betting via mobile app only.
Legalization of sports betting is unlikely in 2020.
[VA] Virginia
Status – Legal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
Yes it is legal, however a formal regulatory framework has yet to be established. The Virginia Lottery has been assigned as the regulatory, however stakeholders are opposing the more stringent consumer protection advice that must be provided.
Regulation of sports betting is unlikely in 2020.
[WA] Washington
Status – Legal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
Really close, but also very confusing. In March 2020, HB2638 was passed that would allow the native American casino’s to offer sports betting.
Included was retail and mobile sports betting.
The catch is that the current tribal compacts must be renegotiated before sports betting can be offered. This is by no means a quick and easy feat. Discussions have begun with the four tribes that operate casinos in Washington.
Regulation of sports betting is unlikely in 2020.
[WV] West Virginia
Status – legal | Regulated – Yes | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – In-person, online and mobile
West Virginia was quick off the mark once the PASPA laws were overturned by the Supreme Court.
You will find sports betting offered per below:
- Hollywood Casino – in-person
- Mardi Gras Casino – in-person
- Mountaineer Casino – in-person
- Wheeling Island – in-person
- The Greenbrier Casino Club – in-person
- FanDuel Sportsbook – mobile app
- DraftKings Sportsbook – mobile app
- BetMGM Sports – mobile app
[WI] Wisconsin
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
Sports betting remains illegal with no bills introduced to the Senate or House to suggest otherwise. Despite the state housing several native American casinos, there does not appear to be any willingness to offer sports betting. For the time being, offshore sports betting sites remain the only option.
Legalization of sports betting is unlikely.
[WY] Wyoming
Status – Illegal | Regulated – No | Legal Minimum Age – 21
Availability – Offshore Online Sports Betting Sites
Sports betting remains illegal with no bills introduced to the Senate or House to suggest otherwise. Despite the state housing several native American casinos, there does not appear to be any willingness to offer sports betting. For the time being, offshore sports betting sites remain the only option.
Legalization of sports betting is unlikely.
Sports Betting NFL
The most popular sports to place a bet on in the US is the NFL. By far way a head of the pack at approximately 40% of sports bets wagered, the NBA is a distant second at only 15% for sports wagering. The American Gaming Association conducted a survey which showed that 38 million Americans intended to place a sports bet on an NFL game this year. Of course, the biggest betting event in the US is the super bowl. Billions of dollars in turnover are placed on this one event alone.
Sports Betting UK
The UK has a long standing history of gambling. Bingo boomed during the World War II period, horse racing remains extremely popular, and of course casino and sports betting (soccer especially) is a major form of entertainment.
Back in the day football pools used to be very popular. Each week players would need to submit their score predictions for each match. The correct winning team prediction scores points, with the correct result awarding more player points.
Online sports betting innovation has overtaken the industry, offering so much variety. You may have Ladbrokes and Paddy Power, two of the biggest players in the sports betting industry.
Unlike the US, the minimum age requirement is slightly lower at 18.
Sports Betting Canada
The sports betting laws in country vary from province to province. But in general sports betting remains a grey area. Though not legal, it strictly isn’t illegal either. As such, you will find many offshore sportsbook providers accepting Canadian sports bettors.
Sports Betting Australia
Australians love to place a bet. You can see it everywhere. It’s in the pubs and clubs, sport venues, horse tracks and racing, lottery and casinos.
Similar to the UK they have many forms of gambling legally available to them. You can still see “old school” terminals and kiosks scattered around in the suburbs at branches of the TAB. Betting windows can still take the old fashioned crossed out hard ticket with physical money passed to complete the transaction. Nowadays bettors are more inclined to bet with a mobile app.
In the sports betting industry TAB and SportsBet are two of the largest sports books in the country. The TAB has been around for many years in Australia, and as previously mentioned has a network of branches mostly in the south east of Australia. Towards the north east in Queensland, UniBet is making a splash into the market. Ladbrokes the formidable European sports books has launched an aggressive marketing campaign. And Australian funded and listed on the Australian stock exchange is the new upcoming PointsBet.
In Australia Sign Up and Welcome Bonuses are not permitted as a form of marketing by sportsbooks. The Australian law is strictly enforced, though big players have been able to ween themselves off big potential fines by playing the big end of town – which is typical in most capitalist systems.
Unlike the US, the minimum age requirement for sports betting is 18.
Multiple Sports Betting Accounts
Having multiple sports betting accounts is a good way to get the best sports betting odds. Unlike online casino gaming, sports betting is placing a bet on a specific sporting event. Accordingly, having multiple accounts will allow you to choose the best odds for that particular event.
Sports Betting Hacks
We provide you with the best sports betting hacks.
Now these hacks aren’t about hacking into a software or system. Nor are they about sneaky under the radar schemes. These are good, common sense, easy to do “habits” that every day sports bettors should perform.
Sports Betting Tips and Tricks
We provide you with the best sports betting tips and tricks.
These tips and tricks are strongly to be considered. Often they are specific to the sport. Or the maturity of the sport. Take for example e sports which is a relatively new sports betting
Sports Betting Strategies
We provide you with the best sports betting strategies. These strategies do not guarantee a win, or a long term winning pattern, but they do help with managing your bank roll, how to extend your betting, and to extract the most enjoyment from betting.
Sports Betting is a form of Gambling
Remember sports betting is a form of gambling. Gambling is fun as a social activity, but you should be aware of the signs if sports betting becomes a bad habit. Gamble Responsibly and within your means.
For any assistance you can reach out to the Gambling Support organizations that are available in your locality. Each country and province / state will have specific support centers available to you. These gambling support centers are normally government funded. Reach out for support should you need it.
