Sports betting states: Which U.S. states have regulated sports betting?
Our state-by-state guide to U.S. sports betting regulations.
Key takeaways
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There are now 38 sports betting states in the USA.*
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The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) was a federal law that effectively banned sports betting nationwide in the United States.
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When PASPA was repealed in 2018, dozens of states introduced legislation to legalize online and retail sports betting.
*Figure correct as of November 2025.
Where is sports betting online legal in the U.S.?
Here is a complete list of the sports betting online states:
| State | Is sports betting online legal? |
| Alabama | No (Retail only) |
| Alaska | No (Retail only) |
| Arizona | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Arkansas | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| California | No (Retail only) |
| Colorado | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Connecticut | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Delaware | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Florida | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Georgia | No (Retail only) |
| Hawaii | No (Retail only) |
| Idaho | No (Retail only) |
| Illinois | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Indiana | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Iowa | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Kansas | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Kentucky | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Louisiana | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Maine | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Maryland | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Massachusetts | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Michigan | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Minnesota | No (Retail only) |
| Mississippi | No (Retail only) |
| Missouri | No (Retail only) |
| Montana | No (Retail only) |
| Nebraska | No (Retail only) |
| Nevada | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| New Hampshire | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| New Jersey | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| New Mexico | No (Retail only) |
| New York | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Nortd Carolina | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Nortd Dakota | No (Retail only) |
| Ohio | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Oklahoma | No (Retail only) |
| Oregon | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Pennsylvania | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Rhode Island | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Soutd Carolina | No (Retail only) |
| Soutd Dakota | No (Retail only) |
| Tennessee | Yes (Online only) |
| Texas | No (Retail only) |
| Utah | No (Retail only) |
| Vermont | Yes (Online only) |
| Virginia | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Washington | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Washington DC | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| West Virginia | Yes (Online & Retail) |
| Wisconsin | Yes (Online &Retail)* |
| Wyoming | Yes (Online only) |
* Sports wagering may be offered at tribal gaming venues in the state of Wisconsin, pursuant to a valid tribal-state compact. All other forms of sports betting are prohibited.
Note that although not technically sports gambling states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico also permit regulated sports betting.
Which states could legalize online sports betting next?
There are still 11 states where sports betting remains illegal. Most have previously looked at legalizing regulated sports betting, but failed to make progress in passing these bills.
Online sports betting regulations in California
The last major attempt to legalize sports betting in California was made in November 2022, but was rejected by voters. Despite strong opposition, legislation may be revived as early as 2026 in an effort to allow California to join the list of sports betting states.
Online sports betting regulations in Georgia
Senate Bill 386 was passed by the Georgia State Senate in February 2024, but later failed due to an amendment. The earliest opportunity to revisit legalization will be in the 2026 session.
Online sports betting regulations in Minnesota
Legislators have made consistent efforts to legalize sports betting, with the latest bill failing in February 2025. It is very likely that another attempt will be made at some point in 2026.
Online sports betting regulations in Mississippi
Mississippi lawmakers last attempted to legalize sports betting in early 2024. Having attracted overwhelming House support, the issue is still being debated.
Online sports betting regulations in Nebraska
Nebraska attempted to legalize online sports betting in 2024/2025. This was followed by a constitutional amendment proposal, which is set to be sent to a public vote in November 2026.
Online sports betting regulations in Oklahoma
Bills HB 1027 and SB 1434 sought to legalize both online and retail sports betting, but both failed in the Senate. The Oklahoma Governor has threatened to veto sports betting if various outstanding stakeholder disputes are not resolved.
Online sports betting regulations in Texas
Despite passing the Texas House, the most recent attempt at legalization was blocked by the Lt. Governor in 2024. This intervention suggests that the earliest chance of change will now be in the 2027 legislative session.
The evolution of U.S. sports betting: Post PASPA
The repeal of PASPA in 2018 ended the federal ban on sports betting, sparking an initial rush by states like Delaware, New Jersey, and Mississippi to legalize and regulate it. New Jersey, the primary advocate for PASPA’s repeal, quickly launched both retail and online sportsbooks, resulting in significant revenue growth. Delaware, despite being first, maintained stricter controls with limited online options, while Mississippi legalized sports betting at casinos and plans to expand mobile betting.
Over time, the market has become more diversified and competitive, with a growing number of states legalizing mobile betting, not just retail locations. States like West Virginia and Pennsylvania followed with comprehensive legislation permitting online wagering, driving market expansion. Retail sportsbooks initially dominated, but mobile platforms are increasingly capturing most of the betting volume due to convenience. Moreover, competition among operators and technological advancements have reshaped user experience and market strategies, fostering innovation and driving revenues across newly regulated markets. You can learn more about how consumers have engaged with sportsbooks in our research report, All the Ways Players Pay.
Power sports betting payments with Paysafe
Paysafe offers a complete suite of sports betting payment solutions that comply with the regulations in every state where online gambling is permitted. Learn more about our iGaming payment solutions and what they offer your sportsbook.
FAQ
Which U.S. states have regulated sports betting?
Florida (via tribal agreement with the state), Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are among the 39 states to have legalized regulated sports betting. See the table above for a full list of online sports gambling states.
How many states in the U.S. have legal sports betting?
38, plus Washington DC, and Puerto Rico.
*Figure correct as of November 2025.
What does retail mean in sports betting?
“Retail” refers to physical, brick-and-mortar locations where customers can place their bets in person, such as sportsbooks inside casinos, racetracks, or dedicated betting shops.
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