States With Legal Online Sportsbooks
Welcome to LegalOnlineSportsbooks.com, your state-by-state guide to the states with legal online sportsbooks across the United States. In less than eight years, the country has gone from a single state with full legal sports wagering to nearly 40 states with some form of regulated sports betting on the books. This page breaks down each state with legal online sportsbooks, covering when the market launched, who runs it, what the rules look like and what bettors in that state can actually do.
The landscape continues to shift. Missouri became the 39th state with legal sports betting when it launched on Dec. 1, 2025, and several more states have active legislation that could push the total higher in 2026. Meanwhile, bettors in every state, including those without regulated markets, have access to established offshore sportsbooks that have served American players for decades. Offshore books like Bovada, BetOnline, MyBookie and Everygame accept players from all 50 states and have been reliably taking action and paying winners since long before state legalization began.
This page focuses specifically on states with legal online sportsbooks, meaning states where you can sign up for a licensed, state-regulated mobile or desktop sportsbook app. States with retail-only sports betting, tribal-only sports betting and no sports betting at all are covered in a separate section further down the page. Wherever you live, you have options, and the goal here is to help you understand what those options are.
How The Legal Online Sportsbooks By State Map Works
Every state that has legalized online sports betting has done so through its own legislative or ballot process, and each has created its own regulatory framework. That is why the rules look so different from one state to the next. New Jersey has more than 20 licensed online sportsbooks competing for business, while New Hampshire has a single operator running a state monopoly. New York taxes operator revenue at 51 percent, while Iowa and Nevada tax at 6.75 percent. Some states allow betting on in-state college teams, while others flat-out prohibit it. Some allow college player props, while others have banned them entirely.
Each state also runs its own licensing and compliance process through a dedicated regulator. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the New York Gaming Commission and the Colorado Division of Gaming are among the agencies responsible for issuing licenses, auditing operators, handling consumer complaints and enforcing the rules. These agencies matter because they are the backstop when something goes wrong, and they give bettors somewhere to turn if a sportsbook mishandles an account or a bet.
The practical upshot is that the sportsbook experience varies quite a bit across the states with legal sportsbooks. A bettor in New Jersey has two dozen apps competing for their business with aggressive promotions and favorable odds, while a bettor in Rhode Island has exactly one choice. Understanding those differences helps you set reasonable expectations when you sign up, and it helps explain why bettors in lower-competition states often maintain offshore accounts alongside their regulated apps.
Complete List Of States With Legal Online Sportsbooks
As of early 2026, the following jurisdictions have live, regulated online sports betting markets where residents and visitors can download and use state-licensed sportsbook apps:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
- Washington, D.C.
- Puerto Rico
The sections below cover each of these markets in depth, with launch dates, licensed operators, notable rules and what makes each market unique. Even if you live in a state that already has legal online sportsbooks, offshore books remain a legitimate option that many US bettors use to shop lines, access bigger bonuses or bet markets that regulated operators do not offer.
State-By-State Breakdown Of Legal Sportsbooks
Arizona
Arizona legalized sports betting on April 15, 2021, when Gov. Doug Ducey signed HB 2772 into law. The market launched on Sept. 9, 2021, strategically timed to coincide with the start of the NFL season, which drove massive early engagement. The Arizona Department of Gaming oversees the market and has awarded licenses to a full slate of major operators. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET and Fanatics all operate in the state, along with several others that partner with professional sports teams or tribal gaming operations.
The legal betting age in Arizona is 21. The state allows betting on professional sports, college sports including in-state teams like the Arizona Cardinals and Arizona State Sun Devils, and a range of other markets. Arizona has built one of the healthier regulated markets in the country by population, with competitive operator promotions and a relatively low tax rate that keeps bonuses generous by regulated-market standards.
Arkansas
Arkansas launched retail sports betting on July 1, 2019, following voter approval of a 2018 ballot measure. Online betting took longer to get off the ground and did not go live until March 4, 2022. The Arkansas Racing Commission regulates the market, and the state took an unusual approach by limiting online sportsbook licenses to partnerships with the state's three existing casinos. That structure has kept the list of available online sportsbooks short, with Betly, BetSaracen and Oaklawn Sports operating as the primary options. National brands like DraftKings and FanDuel have not yet entered the Arkansas market.
The minimum betting age is 21. Arkansas law allows betting on professional and collegiate sports, including in-state college teams, though the smaller market size means players have fewer apps to choose from compared to bigger states.
Colorado
Colorado voters approved sports betting in November 2019 through Proposition DD, and the market launched on May 1, 2020. The Colorado Division of Gaming regulates the industry, and the state has built one of the most competitive regulated markets in the country with nearly 20 licensed online sportsbooks operating at various times. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, Fanatics, bet365 and Hard Rock Bet are all live in Colorado.
The legal betting age is 21. Colorado allows a wide range of wagering options, including professional sports, college sports with in-state teams, esports and some novelty markets. The state's low tax rate of 10 percent has kept the market operator-friendly and promotional activity strong for bettors.
Connecticut
Connecticut launched legal online sports betting on Oct. 19, 2021. The state took a tightly controlled approach that limits the market to three operators: the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (which runs FanDuel under the Foxwoods license) and the Mohegan Tribe (which runs DraftKings under the Mohegan Sun license). That three-skin cap means Connecticut bettors have fewer choices than bettors in fully open markets, though the operators present are among the strongest in the country.
The minimum betting age is 21. Connecticut prohibits betting on in-state college teams, so wagers on UConn games are not allowed. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection oversees the sports betting market along with the state's broader gaming operations.
Delaware
Delaware was one of the first four states with legal sports betting after the PASPA ruling, thanks to a limited sports lottery exemption that predated the Supreme Court decision. Full-scale sports betting launched on June 5, 2018, initially as a retail product. Online sports betting has had a complicated history in the state and operates primarily through the Delaware Lottery's partnership with BetRivers. The online market is notably smaller than neighboring states, in part because the state's original betting framework was designed around existing casinos and lottery products.
The legal betting age is 21 for casino-operated sports betting and 18 for lottery products. The Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement oversees the market.
Illinois
Illinois legalized sports betting in June 2019 when Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Sports Wagering Act. Retail betting launched on March 9, 2020, and online betting followed on June 18, 2020. The Illinois Gaming Board regulates the market, which now includes 10 or more licensed online sportsbooks including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, Fanatics, BetRivers and Hard Rock Bet.
The minimum betting age is 21. Illinois allows betting on professional and college sports, but the state prohibits player prop bets on collegiate athletes. Betting on in-state college teams was initially restricted but has since been liberalized. The state raised its sports betting tax rate in 2024, moving to a tiered structure that charges more to the highest-earning operators, which has affected the promotional environment somewhat.
Indiana
Indiana legalized sports betting in May 2019 and launched retail operations on Sept. 1, 2019, with mobile betting following on Oct. 3, 2019. The Indiana Gaming Commission regulates the market and has licensed most major operators including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars and ESPN BET. Indiana was an early mover in the post-PASPA wave and built a relatively open market that has supported strong operator competition.
The legal betting age is 21. Indiana allows betting on professional and collegiate sports with few restrictions, making it one of the more bettor-friendly markets in terms of available wagers. The state prohibits prop bets on college athletes and has specific rules around in-state college wagering that bettors should review before placing bets on Indiana or Notre Dame games.
Iowa
Iowa launched legal sports betting on Aug. 15, 2019, with both retail and online operations going live the same day. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission regulates the market, which initially required in-person registration for online accounts but removed that friction point in 2021. Since then, the market has become more competitive, with DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET and others all operating in the state.
The minimum betting age is 21. Iowa has a relatively low tax rate of 6.75 percent on sports betting revenue, which keeps operators active in promotions and bonuses. The state allows betting on in-state college teams like Iowa, Iowa State, Northern Iowa and Drake, though college player props are prohibited.
Kansas
Kansas launched online sports betting on Sept. 1, 2022, right before the NFL season. The Kansas Lottery oversees sports betting licensing, with the state's casinos serving as the licensing anchors for online operators. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, Fanatics and others are all live in the state.
The minimum betting age is 21. Kansas has an unusual promotional structure that allows operators to deduct a significant share of promotional spending from taxable revenue, which has encouraged aggressive bonus offers. The state allows betting on in-state college teams like Kansas and Kansas State, though college player props are restricted.
Kentucky
Kentucky launched retail sports betting on Sept. 7, 2023, and online sportsbooks followed on Sept. 28, 2023. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission regulates the market, which reflects the state's horse racing heritage. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, Fanatics and Bet365 are among the operators active in Kentucky.
The minimum betting age is 18 at Kentucky sportsbooks, which makes the state one of the few that allows younger adults to bet legally. Kentucky allows betting on professional sports and most college sports, with specific rules around in-state college teams and player props. The state's entry into the regulated market was relatively smooth compared to some neighbors, in part because of its existing horse racing infrastructure.
Louisiana
Louisiana launched retail sports betting in October 2021 and mobile sports betting on Jan. 28, 2022. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board regulates the market. Louisiana has an unusual parish-by-parish legal structure, where online sports betting is only legal in the 55 parishes that voted to approve it in November 2020. Bettors in the nine parishes that voted against it cannot legally use regulated sportsbooks in those areas, though geolocation still verifies at the state line for out-of-state players.
The minimum betting age is 21. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET and others operate in the state. Louisiana allows betting on professional and collegiate sports, including in-state college teams.
Maine
Maine launched online sports betting on Nov. 3, 2023. The state took an unusual approach by giving exclusive online sports betting rights to its four federally recognized tribes, which partnered with commercial operators to launch apps. Caesars and DraftKings were among the first operators to go live through these tribal partnerships.
The minimum betting age is 21. The Maine Gambling Control Unit regulates the market. Maine allows betting on professional and collegiate sports, though the limited number of operators and tribal licensing structure means bettors have fewer choices than in more open markets.
Maryland
Maryland voters approved sports betting in November 2020, and retail operations launched in December 2021. Mobile sports betting took significantly longer to roll out and did not go live until Nov. 23, 2022. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency regulates the market, which now includes most major national operators including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET and Fanatics.
The minimum betting age is 21. Maryland has built a competitive regulated market, though its rollout was slower than most because of extensive rulemaking and licensing requirements designed to prioritize minority-owned businesses. The state allows betting on in-state college teams like Maryland and Johns Hopkins.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts launched retail sports betting on Jan. 31, 2023, and online sports betting followed on March 10, 2023. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission regulates the market, which now includes DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, Fanatics and several others. The state has become one of the stronger regulated markets in the Northeast, driven by Boston's passionate sports fan base.
The minimum betting age is 21. Massachusetts prohibits betting on in-state college teams and college player props statewide. The state's regulator has also been particularly active on advertising standards and responsible gambling requirements.
Michigan
Michigan launched retail sports betting in March 2020 and online sports betting on Jan. 22, 2021. The Michigan Gaming Control Board regulates the market, which also includes regulated online casino gaming. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, Fanatics and several others are all active in Michigan.
The minimum betting age is 21. Michigan allows betting on professional and collegiate sports, including in-state college teams like Michigan, Michigan State and Central Michigan. The state has built one of the more competitive regulated markets in the country, with strong promotional activity and operator competition.
Missouri
Missouri is the newest state on the list, with mobile sports betting launching on Dec. 1, 2025. Voters approved a ballot measure in November 2024 after years of failed legislative attempts, and the rollout has been aggressive. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET and Fanatics all went live on or near launch day, and the market has quickly become one of the newer battlegrounds for the major operators.
The minimum betting age is 21. The Missouri Gaming Commission regulates the market. Missouri allows betting on in-state college teams like Missouri and Missouri State, and the state has adopted a relatively permissive framework compared to some other new markets. Given how new the market is, bonuses and acquisition offers have been especially aggressive for Missouri bettors through the first few months of operation.
Nevada
Nevada has offered legal sports betting since 1949, long before any other US state. For decades, it was the only state where bettors could legally place a single-game wager on American sports. Online and mobile sports betting operate in Nevada under rules tied to the state's existing casino industry, which means sportsbook apps must be tied to a land-based casino license.
The minimum betting age is 21. Nevada requires in-person registration at a casino for most mobile sportsbook accounts, which is a friction point that newer state markets have eliminated. The Nevada Gaming Control Board regulates the industry. Available apps include BetMGM, Caesars, William Hill, STN Sports, BetRivers and several casino-specific apps. Nevada remains a major market for sports betting but has lost its crown as the largest US market to New Jersey and New York.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire launched online sports betting on Dec. 30, 2019, through an unusual state-monopoly structure. DraftKings holds the exclusive statewide online sports betting license and is the only option for mobile bettors in the state. The New Hampshire Lottery Commission regulates the market.
The minimum betting age is 18, which is one of the lowest in the country. New Hampshire allows betting on professional and collegiate sports, with some restrictions on in-state college teams. The single-operator structure means bettors cannot line shop within the regulated market, which is one reason many New Hampshire bettors also use offshore books to compare odds.
New Jersey
New Jersey is arguably the most important state in the entire US sports betting story. The state spent years fighting PASPA in federal court and ultimately won the 2018 Supreme Court case, Murphy v. NCAA, that overturned the federal ban. Gov. Phil Murphy placed the first legal sports bet at Monmouth Park on June 14, 2018, and online sports betting followed in August 2018 when DraftKings launched as the first legal mobile app.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement regulates the market, which is now the most competitive regulated environment in the country. More than 20 licensed online sportsbooks have operated in the state at various times, and as of early 2026, there are roughly 14 active apps including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, Fanatics, Bet365, Hard Rock Bet and others. The minimum betting age is 21, and bettors can register and deposit remotely from anywhere, though actual wagers require in-state physical presence confirmed through geolocation.
New Jersey prohibits betting on games involving New Jersey college teams like Rutgers, Seton Hall and Princeton, a restriction voters declined to remove in a 2021 ballot referendum. The state raised its sports betting tax rate to 19.75 percent in mid-2025, up from 13 percent previously, though promotional activity remains strong due to intense operator competition.
New York
New York launched online sports betting on Jan. 8, 2022, and immediately became the largest sports betting market in the country by handle, a position it has held consistently since. The New York Gaming Commission regulates the market, which includes nine licensed online operators: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, Resorts World, Bally Bet, Fanatics and ESPN BET.
The minimum betting age is 21. New York has the highest tax rate in the country at 51 percent of gross gaming revenue, which has made the market brutal for operators and limited the promotional activity bettors see. The state prohibits betting on in-state college teams and has strict rules around college prop bets. Despite the high tax rate, the market's sheer population and enthusiasm for sports have kept revenue numbers at the top of the national charts.
North Carolina
North Carolina launched online sports betting on March 11, 2024. The North Carolina State Lottery Commission regulates the market, which includes eight licensed operators: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, Fanatics, Bet365 and Underdog Sports. The launch timing coincided with the opening weekend of the NCAA men's basketball tournament, which drove enormous early handle.
The minimum betting age is 21. North Carolina prohibits college player props across the board, a rule the state adopted to protect collegiate athletes from betting-related pressure. Betting on in-state college teams like Duke, UNC and NC State is allowed on team-level markets like spreads and totals.
Ohio
Ohio launched online sports betting on Jan. 1, 2023, opening day with 16 licensed operators ready to take bets. The Ohio Casino Control Commission regulates the market, which has since consolidated somewhat as smaller operators exited. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, Fanatics, Bet365 and several others remain active.
The minimum betting age is 21. Ohio doubled its sports betting tax rate from 10 percent to 20 percent in mid-2023, which affected operator promotional budgets but did not significantly disrupt the market. The state allows betting on in-state college teams like Ohio State and Cincinnati, though college player props are restricted.
Oregon
Oregon has had sports betting in some form for decades through the state lottery's Sports Action game, which predated PASPA and was protected by a grandfather clause. The modern regulated market launched on Oct. 16, 2019, with the state lottery's Scoreboard app. DraftKings took over the state's mobile sports betting contract in January 2022, replacing Scoreboard as the exclusive operator.
The minimum betting age is 21. Oregon initially banned college sports betting but has since loosened that restriction to allow betting on out-of-state college games, though in-state college betting remains off limits. The single-operator structure limits bettor choice within the regulated market.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania legalized sports betting in October 2017, before the Supreme Court even ruled on PASPA, but the state had to wait for the federal decision before launching. Retail betting went live on Nov. 17, 2018, and online sports betting launched on May 28, 2019. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board regulates the market, which now includes all major national operators.
The minimum betting age is 21. Pennsylvania has one of the higher sports betting tax rates at 36 percent of revenue, which affects operator economics but has not prevented a competitive market from developing. The state allows betting on in-state college teams like Penn State, Temple, Pitt and Villanova, though with some restrictions on prop bets.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island launched online sports betting on Sept. 4, 2019, through a state-monopoly structure administered by the Rhode Island Lottery. Sportsbook Rhode Island, powered by IGT technology, is the only legal mobile sports betting option in the state. There are no other operators available under the regulated framework.
The minimum betting age is 18, which is lower than most states. Rhode Island bettors who want to compare odds or access more betting markets commonly use offshore sportsbooks alongside the state's single regulated option. The market is small, and the single-operator structure limits promotional activity significantly compared to open markets.
Tennessee
Tennessee launched the first online-only state sports betting market in the country on Nov. 1, 2020. Unlike most states, Tennessee has no retail sportsbooks because the state has no casinos, so all betting takes place through mobile and online platforms. The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council regulates the market, which includes DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, Fanatics and several others.
The minimum betting age is 21. Tennessee has unusual regulatory requirements including a mandatory 10 percent hold on operator revenue, which operators initially had trouble meeting and which has been the subject of ongoing regulatory tweaks. The state allows betting on in-state college teams like Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Memphis.
Vermont
Vermont launched online sports betting on Jan. 11, 2024, becoming one of the smallest states with a regulated market. The Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery regulates sports betting, with DraftKings, FanDuel and Fanatics serving as the three licensed operators.
The minimum betting age is 21. Vermont has no casinos, making it the second state after Tennessee to operate a purely online sports betting market. The market is small due to the state's population, but the launch added another option for New England bettors.
Virginia
Virginia launched online sports betting on Jan. 21, 2021. The Virginia Lottery regulates the market, which now includes most major national operators including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, Fanatics and Bet365.
The minimum betting age is 21. Virginia initially prohibited betting on in-state college teams but has since modified that rule, though some restrictions on college player props remain. The state has built a steadily growing market, and its proximity to the District of Columbia and Maryland has contributed to strong regional competition.
West Virginia
West Virginia was one of the first four states to launch sports betting after the PASPA ruling. Retail betting went live on Aug. 30, 2018, and online sports betting followed on Dec. 27, 2018. The West Virginia Lottery Commission regulates the market, which includes DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars and several others.
The minimum betting age is 21. West Virginia allows betting on in-state college teams like West Virginia University and Marshall. The market is relatively small due to the state's population, but the early launch has given it a mature regulatory framework and a stable set of operators.
Wyoming
Wyoming launched online sports betting on Sept. 1, 2021, and took an unusual approach by allowing only online sportsbooks with no retail component. The Wyoming Gaming Commission regulates the market, with DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars and a few others operating in the state.
The minimum betting age is 18, which is one of the lowest in the country. Wyoming is the least populous state with legal online sports betting, but its permissive licensing structure has attracted most of the major national operators. The state allows betting on in-state college teams, including Wyoming's Mountain West Conference football and basketball programs.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. launched online sports betting in 2020, with a complicated rollout that initially gave the DC Lottery a monopoly through its GambetDC app. That structure was widely criticized and produced poor results, leading the city to open the market to additional operators. Today, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics and others are all available in D.C., with the DC Lottery's role reduced.
The minimum betting age is 18. D.C. is unusual in that it is not a state, but its regulated sports betting market functions similarly to a state market. Residents and visitors can bet on professional and college sports, and the proximity to Maryland and Virginia creates a regional market where bettors often cross jurisdictional lines.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico legalized sports betting in 2019, and the territory launched its first licensed sportsbook in 2023. The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission regulates the market, which is smaller than most US state markets due to the territory's size. BetMGM and Caesars have partnered with Puerto Rico operators, and the market has slowly grown in the years since launch.
The minimum betting age is 18. Puerto Rico is not a state, but its regulated market operates similarly and offers residents legal access to major sportsbook brands.
States With Retail-Only Or Tribal-Only Sports Betting
Several states have legalized sports betting in some form but do not offer statewide mobile apps that bettors can use from anywhere in the state. These partial markets typically limit betting to physical casino locations or tribal gaming facilities, which works for residents who live near approved venues but leaves most of the state without practical online access. Bettors in these states often use offshore sportsbooks when they want the convenience of betting from their phones.
- Mississippi: Sports betting is legal at casinos, but mobile betting only works inside casino premises
- Montana: The state lottery operates a limited mobile sports betting product, but it only functions at approved retail locations
- Nebraska: Retail sports betting launched in 2023 at licensed casinos, but no mobile option exists
- New Mexico: Sports betting is available at tribal casinos through existing gaming compacts, but no statewide mobile market exists
- North Dakota: Limited tribal-only sports betting is available at approved tribal casinos
- South Dakota: Retail sports betting launched in Deadwood casinos in 2021, with no mobile statewide
- Washington: Tribal casinos offer sports betting under existing compacts, but no commercial mobile market exists
- Wisconsin: Tribal casinos offer retail sports betting, but no mobile statewide option exists
Residents of these states who want mobile sports betting have the same two options as residents of states with no legalization at all. They can either travel to a neighboring state with a fully legal mobile market and bet there during visits, or they can use established offshore sportsbooks like Bovada, BetOnline, MyBookie, Everygame or BetUS that accept players from all 50 states.
States With No Legal Sports Betting
The following states have not legalized sports betting in any form as of early 2026. Residents in these states do not have access to state-licensed sportsbooks of any kind, whether mobile or retail, but offshore books continue to serve bettors in all of them:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- California
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Minnesota
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Utah
California, Texas and Georgia are the largest holdouts by population and represent enormous untapped markets that major operators would love to enter. California voters rejected two separate ballot measures in November 2022, and tribal gaming interests have so far blocked any framework that would give commercial operators significant market share. Texas requires a two-thirds legislative supermajority plus voter approval, which has been a difficult threshold to clear, and the 2025 session ended without action. Georgia has come close multiple times, with bills passing one chamber of the legislature but stalling in the other. Legislative momentum continues to build in most of these states, but there is no guarantee any will legalize in the next few years.
Utah has a constitutional prohibition on all gambling and is widely considered the least likely state to legalize anything. Hawaii, Alabama and Alaska have also had very little legislative progress. Residents of these states who want to bet on sports have used offshore sportsbooks for decades, and established offshore operators continue to serve them without interruption.
Offshore Sportsbooks Serve Every State
Regardless of where you live, you have access to established offshore sportsbooks. Operators like Bovada, BetOnline, MyBookie, Everygame, BetUS and SportsBetting.ag have been taking action from American bettors for more than 20 years in most cases, and they continue to accept players from all 50 states and U.S. territories. These books have built long track records of paying winners, maintaining reliable customer service and handling the practical realities of serving a US-based customer base.
Offshore sportsbooks appeal to bettors for several practical reasons, even in states with regulated options:
- Access from states without legal online sportsbooks, where offshore books are often the only mobile betting option
- Larger welcome bonuses, often ranging from 50 percent to 100 percent deposit matches with higher maximum limits than regulated books typically offer
- Fewer restrictions on winning players, since offshore books generally do not limit or ban bettors as aggressively as many regulated operators
- Cryptocurrency banking that bypasses US banks entirely, providing faster deposits and withdrawals plus greater privacy
- Betting markets on politics, entertainment, weather and international sports that many regulated books do not cover
- Lower minimum betting ages at many offshore operators, typically 18 compared to 21 at regulated US books
- Consistent availability across state lines for bettors who travel frequently
Bettors in regulated states often maintain offshore accounts alongside their licensed apps for exactly these reasons. Line shopping between a regulated book and an offshore book can produce better prices on individual bets, and the bigger offshore bonuses are attractive to bettors who want more promotional value than regulated markets can offer under current tax structures.
What To Expect In 2026 And Beyond
Several states have active sports betting legislation that could produce new launches or expanded markets through 2026 and into 2027. Minnesota, Alabama and Georgia have all had recent legislative activity, though none has yet passed a bill. California and Texas remain long-term priorities for operators but face structural obstacles that may take years to clear. Nebraska has a potential 2026 ballot measure that would authorize statewide mobile betting if approved by voters.
The trend across the country has clearly pointed toward legalization since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling, but state-level politics, tribal gaming interests and constitutional requirements have slowed progress in many places. For bettors watching the legal landscape, the practical reality is that the status of states with legal online sportsbooks will keep changing, and bettors in every state can continue to use offshore books while their own state's rules evolve.
About LegalOnlineSportsbooks.com
LegalOnlineSportsbooks.com is an independent guide to legal sports betting by state across the United States. We track state-by-state launches, regulatory changes, operator availability and the practical details that matter to American bettors. Our coverage includes state-licensed sportsbooks, long-established offshore operators and the evolving legal frameworks that shape both.
Nothing on this site is legal or financial advice. Sports betting laws vary significantly by state and change frequently, so always verify the current rules in your jurisdiction before placing a bet. Consult a tax professional about reporting obligations for any significant winnings.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER for free, confidential support 24 hours a day. Most states with legal online sportsbooks also operate their own problem gambling helplines and self-exclusion programs accessible through state gaming regulator websites.




