States where sports betting is legal?
Updated: July 27, 2024Sports betting in the United States has seen significant changes over the past few years, particularly following the Supreme Court's 2018 decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). This decision allowed individual states to legalize and regulate sports betting within their borders. As a result, many states have jumped on the opportunity to offer legal sports betting to their residents. Below is a detailed overview of the states where sports betting is currently legal, along with some unique facts and insights about each state's regulations and market conditions.
New Jersey
New Jersey was one of the pioneers in legalizing sports betting post-PASPA. The state quickly became a major hub for sports betting, drawing in both local bettors and those from neighboring states. New Jersey offers both in-person and online sports betting options. The state's regulatory framework is considered one of the most robust, ensuring a safe and fair betting environment.
- Launch Date: June 2018
- Number of Operators: Over 20
- Revenue (2022): $1.1 billion
Nevada
Nevada has a long history of legal sports betting, having been the only state with full-scale sports betting before PASPA was overturned. Las Vegas, in particular, is synonymous with sports wagering, offering an array of high-end sportsbooks that attract tourists from around the globe. The state continues to lead in terms of betting handle and innovation in the sports betting industry.
- Launch Date: 1949
- Number of Operators: Multiple, including major casinos
- Revenue (2022): $500 million
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania quickly moved to legalize sports betting following the Supreme Court's decision. The state offers both retail and online sports betting options, making it accessible for residents across the state. Pennsylvania's high tax rate on sports betting revenues is often a topic of discussion among operators and analysts.
- Launch Date: November 2018
- Number of Operators: 14
- Revenue (2022): $450 million
Illinois
Illinois is another state that has embraced both in-person and online sports betting. The state initially required in-person registration for online betting accounts, but this mandate was eventually lifted, making it easier for residents to place bets. The market has seen rapid growth and boasts multiple operators.
- Launch Date: March 2020
- Number of Operators: 10
- Revenue (2022): $350 million
Indiana
Indiana has emerged as a competitive market for sports betting, offering both retail and online options. The state's central location in the Midwest makes it accessible for bettors from neighboring states where sports betting may not yet be legal. Indiana's regulatory environment is considered favorable for operators, contributing to its rapid growth.
- Launch Date: September 2019
- Number of Operators: 13
- Revenue (2022): $250 million
Iowa
Iowa was one of the early adopters of legal sports betting in the Midwest. The state offers both in-person and online betting, although it initially required in-person registration for online accounts. This requirement was lifted in 2021, making it easier for residents to participate. Iowa's market is smaller but growing steadily.
- Launch Date: August 2019
- Number of Operators: 9
- Revenue (2022): $120 million
Colorado
Colorado presents a unique case with its decentralized approach to sports betting. The state allows individual municipalities to decide whether to permit sports betting, leading to a diverse landscape of options. Colorado's market is known for its competitive pricing and wide array of betting options, both online and in-person.
- Launch Date: May 2020
- Number of Operators: 25
- Revenue (2022): $200 million
Tennessee
Tennessee stands out as the first state to legalize sports betting exclusively online, with no retail betting locations. This approach has allowed for rapid adoption and a wide variety of online sportsbooks. The state's regulatory framework includes unique elements such as a minimum hold percentage for operators.
- Launch Date: November 2020
- Number of Operators: 8
- Revenue (2022): $180 million
Michigan
Michigan offers both retail and online sports betting, with a market that includes a mix of commercial and tribal casinos. The state has seen significant growth, partly due to its comprehensive approach to online gambling, which includes online casinos and poker in addition to sports betting.
- Launch Date: March 2020 (retail), January 2021 (online)
- Number of Operators: 15
- Revenue (2022): $300 million
Virginia
Virginia is a newcomer to the sports betting scene but has quickly established a strong market presence. The state offers online sports betting, with plans to introduce retail locations in the near future. Virginia's regulatory environment is considered progressive, attracting multiple top-tier operators.
- Launch Date: January 2021
- Number of Operators: 10
- Revenue (2022): $150 million
Arizona
Arizona legalized both retail and online sports betting in 2021, with a unique model that includes partnerships between professional sports teams and betting operators. This approach has helped quickly integrate sports betting into the state's sports culture.
- Launch Date: September 2021
- Number of Operators: 18
- Revenue (2022): $100 million
West Virginia
West Virginia is another state that offers both retail and online sports betting. Despite its smaller population, the state has seen steady growth in its sports betting market. West Virginia's regulatory framework is considered user-friendly for operators, contributing to its success.
- Launch Date: August 2018
- Number of Operators: 7
- Revenue (2022): $80 million
As sports betting continues to evolve across the United States, the landscape of legal states is likely to change, with more states considering legalization and existing markets expanding their offerings. Each state brings its own unique regulatory approach and market dynamics, making the sports betting scene diverse and ever-changing.
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