U.S. Sports Betting is growing in popularity as more states legalize it. In states where it is legal, you can place sports bets at licensed sportsbooks. The amount of legal bets (in dollars) made in each state since May 2018 is tracked, as well as the “hold” percentage and sportsbook revenue generated. So far, the market has generated a good deal of tax revenue for states. Overall, it seems that sports betting is a popular and growing industry in the United States.
US Sportsbooks
When it comes to making sports bets, the options can be overwhelming for those who have never done it before. Not only are there a variety of different sports to choose from, but there are also a number of different ways to bet on each sport. This makes the prospect of choosing a sportsbook somewhat daunting for new bettors. In this article, we will introduce you to the basics of sports betting and help you find the best sportsbooks for your needs.
DraftKing sportsbook
DraftKing is a popular online sportsbook that offers betting on a variety of sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. They offer a wide variety of betting options, including point spreads, moneylines, and totals.
BetMGM sportsbook
The BetMGM sportsbook is a great place to bet on your favorite sports. They have a great summary of all the current games and their odds so you can make an informed decision. They also offer a wide variety of bets, so you can find the perfect one for you. Make sure to check them out today!
In conclusion, sportsbook reviews are a great way to learn about the different options available to you when it comes to wagering on sporting events. By reading up on the experiences of others, you can make an informed decision about which site is right for you. Thanks for reading!
Legal states for sports betting in the US
As of the time of writing, 36 states in the US have some form of legal sports betting or coming very soon. This table provides a state-by-state breakdown of the current legal status of sports betting and links to resources.
| State | Online Sports Betting | Retail Sports Betting |
| Arizona | Yes | Yes |
| Arkansas | Yes | Yes |
| Colorado | Yes | Yes |
| Connecticut | Yes | Yes |
| Delaware | No | Yes |
| Florida | Yes | Yes |
| Illinois | Yes | Yes |
| Indiana | Yes | Yes |
| Iowa | Yes | Yes |
| Kansas | Yes | Yes |
| Louisiana | Yes | Yes |
| Maine | Coming in 2022 | Coming in 2022 |
| Maryland | Coming in 2022 | Yes |
| Michigan | Yes | Yes |
| Mississippi | No | Yes |
| Montana | No | Yes |
| Nebraska | No | Coming eventually |
| Nevada | Yes | Yes |
| New Hampshire | Yes | Yes |
| New Jersey | Yes | Yes |
| New Mexico | No | Yes |
| New York | Yes | Yes |
| North Carolina | No | Yes |
| North Dakota | No | Yes |
| Ohio | Coming in late 2022/2023 | Coming in 2022 |
| Oregon | Yes | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | Yes |
| Rhode Island | Yes | Yes |
| South Dakota | No | Yes |
| Tennessee | Yes | No |
| Virginia | Yes | Coming soon |
| Washington | No | Yes |
| Washington D.C. | Yes | Yes |
| West Virginia | Yes | Yes |
| Wisconsin | No | Yes |
| Wyoming | Yes | No |
Timeline for legal sports betting in the United States
The following is a timeline of the history of legal sports betting in the United States.
Indiana Sports Betting
- Online sports betting? Yes
- Retail sports betting? Yes
Since the legalization of sports betting in Indiana in May 2019, three casinos have been accepting bets – the Indiana Grand Casino, Ameristar Casino, and Hollywood Casino. Mobile betting was launched in the state on October 3, 2019. Sports betting is set up similarly to what has been seen in New Jersey, which has had the most success of any state outside of Nevada since the Supreme Court overturned the federal ban back in May 2018.
New Jersey Sports Betting
- Online sports betting? Yes
- Retail sports betting? Yes
After New Jersey fought the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB and NCAA for a decade, the Supreme Court in May of 2018 ruled that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was unconstitutional. New Jersey quickly legalized sports betting at its discretion and is the most advanced state in its online sports betting offerings as of early 2020. More than 80% of sports bets placed in New Jersey are online.
Colorado Sports Betting
- Online sports betting? Yes
- Retail sports betting? Yes
Colorado has become the 18th state to allow legal sports betting, with full mobile betting available as of May 1, 2020. This makes Colorado a hot spot for sportsbooks, who are looking to capitalize on the growing industry. The state had a referendum vote in November 2019 which narrowly passed, and now all of the major players have committed to launching operations in Colorado. This includes big names like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, and BetMGM. Sportsbooks will be subject to a 10% tax rate and a $54,000 operating fee in 2020. All of this makes Colorado an extremely attractive market for sports betting.
Arizona Sports Betting
- Online sports betting? Yes
- Retail sports betting? Yes
Arizona is one of the more anticipated states for legal sports betting. In 2021, lawmakers passed a bill that will legalize statewide mobile wagering and potentially launch as early as this year. A coalition of the governor’s office, professional sports teams, Native American gaming tribes and top sportsbooks led the charge, paving the way for a thriving market .With mobile wagering available statewide, bettors in Arizona will have plenty of options when it comes to choosing a sportsbook. The state is home to a number of professional sports teams, and with that comes a variety of loyalty programs and betting apps. Top sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel are already operating in the state, and with more to come, Arizona is poised to become a major player in the legal sports betting market.
Pennsylvania Sports Betting
- Online sports betting? Yes
- Retail sports betting? Yes
Pennsylvania is one of the states that allow both online and retail sports betting. The first wave of sportsbooks in the state weren’t fully up and running until November 2019, but that didn’t keep Pennsylvania from having a great start to legal sports betting. In fact, the state took in nearly $1.5 billion in wagers last year, making it the third-largest state in the country for sports betting.
Tennessee Sports Betting
- Online sports betting? Yes
- Retail sports betting? Yes
Tennessee is one of the latest states to legalize sports betting, with operators such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and Action 247 launching on Sunday, Nov. 1. Sports betting is officially live in Tennessee, with a 20% tax rate and a $750,000 license fee among the highest in the country. Some industry observers worry this might prevent some smaller players from entering the market.
A mandatory 10% revenue hold, the only such requirement in the country, could be the biggest deterrent. Sportsbooks are required to keep at least 10% of revenue, even though sportsbooks typically only hold between 5% to 7%. So far, Tennessee sportsbooks have not adjusted their lines or limited their offerings, but it could be an issue for current and future market participants.
West Virginia Sports Betting
- Online sports betting? Yes
- Retail sports betting? Yes
West Virginia has a thriving sports betting industry. Online sports betting is legal and available through licensed operators, and retail sports betting is also available in authorized locations. Mobile betting had some initial hiccups in West Virginia, but it’s been fully live since August 2019. A third mobile operator, BetMGM, joined incumbents FanDuel and DraftKings early in 2020. West Virginia took in $129.6 million in bets from September to December 2019.
The state’s sports betting industry is growing rapidly and attracting more attention from bettors and operators alike. With so many options available, it’s important to know what each type of betting entails before placing a wager.
Illinois Sports Betting
- Online sports betting? Yes
- Retail sports betting? Yes
Illinois sports betting is now legal after the state legislature passed a bill in June 2019. Governor J.B. Pritzker then signed the bill into law. This makes Illinois the 11th state to legalize sports betting.
Under the new law, Illinois residents can place bets at brick-and-mortar locations, like casinos and sports venues, as well as online. There are a few exceptions to the online betting rule. For example, you must be 21 years of age or older and physically located within state lines to place a bet.
The law also gives brick-and-mortar operations an 18-month head start over online-only operators. This means that mobile betting is available right away at licensed locations, but online registration has been turned on and off a few times since the law was passed.
Still, many are hopeful that Illinois sports betting will be up and running in time for football season. So if you’re looking to place a bet on your favorite team, keep an eye out for more information in the coming months.
Virginia Sports Betting
- Online sports betting? Yes
- Retail sports betting? Yes
The commonwealth of Virginia has recently legalized sports betting, and this has led to a number of sportsbooks opening up. These include both online and retail sportsbooks, and there are a number of them located in different parts of the state. The first legal wager was placed on Jan. 21, and since then, a number of other sportsbooks have opened up.
One of the reasons that Virginia was able to legalize sports betting is because of a partnership with the Washington Football Team. This partnership allowed for an early start to sports betting in the state. Additionally, the state’s 2020 sports betting law also allowed for up to 12 mobile operators. This means that there will be a number of different sportsbooks available for bettors in Virginia.
At the moment, bettors can only wager on professional sports teams. However, this may change in the future. Additionally, Virginians are not able to bet on college sports teams from their own state. The state’s lottery is in charge of approving licenses for online-only operators.
Overall, the legalization of sports betting in Virginia has led to a number of different options for bettors. There are both online and retail sportsbooks available, and more are expected to open up in the future. This will give bettors a lot of different choices when it comes to where they want to place their bets.
Connecticut Sports Betting
- Online sports betting? Yes
- Retail sports betting? Yes
Connecticut is one of the states that has recently legalized sports betting. This means that residents can now bet on sporting events both online and in person at authorized locations. There are a few restrictions – for example, only three mobile operators will be allowed – but generally speaking, residents should have no trouble finding a way to place their bets. So far, the response has been positive and it is expected that more states will legalize sports betting in the near future.
Iowa Sports Betting
- Online sports betting? Yes
- Retail sports betting? Yes
On May 13, 2019, Iowa’s sports betting ban was lifted. On August 15, the state began allowing bets. From anywhere in the state, residents of Iowa can now register, deposit and bet online.
Louisiana Sports Betting
- Online sports betting? Yes
- Retail sports betting? Yes
Louisiana has launched its online sports betting platform, which is now live. The launch comes after the state’s sports betting regulation bill was signed into law by Gov. John Bel Edwards in June 2021, allowing as many as 41 mobile operators to enter the state. Six sportsbooks were approved to go live on Day 1, and more are expected to follow.
Michigan Sports Betting
- Online sports betting? Yes
- Retail sports betting? Yes
Online sports betting is now legal in Michigan, and residents can place bets at retail sportsbooks and Native American sportsbooks. Statewide online wagering began on January 22, 2021, with 10 operators. At least five and as many as 10 more sportsbooks could take bets later in 2021. In December 2019, lawmakers legalized sports betting and fantasy sports, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed it into law nine days later. Michigan launched in-person wagering at the MGM Grand Detroit just ahead of March Madness 2020 and, after more than a year of regulatory preparations, took its first legal online bet in January 2021. With so many options now available to Michigan residents, sports betting is more convenient and accessible than ever before. So get out there and place your bets!
New York Sports Betting
- Online sports betting? Yes
- Retail sports betting? Yes
Yes, online and in-person betting are legal in New York. Online sports betting launched in January 2022 with four apps available at the start. Nine sportsbook apps were chosen by the NYSGC in November 2021, and all should be available this year.
New York legalized sports betting at its commercial casinos in 2013. The first in-person sportsbooks started opening in July 2019, more than a year after the fall of the federal ban on sports betting.
Legal New York online sports betting went live on January 8 2022, joining in-person betting which began in 2019.
FanDuel Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook and BetRivers were the first to launch with BetMGM going live on January 17. PointsBet joined the crowd January 24, Wynn on February 3 and Resorts WorldBET on March 3 leaving just Ballys Bet left to launch. All of the apps arrived in the state with welcome bonuses and promotions for new players.
New York is already the biggest legal sports betting state by handle. The first 30 days of online betting saw New York’s sportsbooks take in nearly $2 billion in total bets. The state registered more than $70 million in taxes in that same time period.
Wyoming Sports Betting
- Online sports betting? Yes
- Retail sports betting? Yes
In 2021, Wyoming launched its online and retail sports betting scene with the approval of operators like DraftKings Sportsbook, BetMGM, FanDuel, and PointsBet. Since then, a few more operators have been approved but have yet to launch (Barstool Sportsbook and Caesars Sportsbooks). There are no commercial casinos in Wyoming, but there are four tribal casinos that are allowed to offer Class III gaming, which includes sports betting. Because of this, all sports betting in the state is done through mobile apps.
Washington DC Sports Betting
- Online sports betting? Yes
- Retail sports betting? Yes
In the United States, Washington, DC is one of the few areas where you can participate in all types of sports betting. There are four distinct ways to gamble on sports in the district, with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The GambetDC smartphone app, provided by the DC Lottery, has been plagued with numerous issues since its release. However, it is still currently the only mobile sportsbook available citywide. If you’re searching for anything else, you can try your hand at retail betting at some locally owned companies or play online sports betting with Caesars Sportsbook or BetMGM.
Stakeholders for sports betting in the US
Since the legalization of sports betting in the US, the major professional sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL) have taken a different stance on the issue. Whereas they were instrumental in getting PASPA passed in 1992 and blocking state-level attempts to legalize sports betting, they have now shifted their focus to how they can benefit from and be involved in sports betting. The leagues see sports betting as an opportunity to grow their businesses and increase revenue. For example, the NBA has partnered with MGM Resorts International to create a sports betting app that will offer in-game betting options for NBA games. The NFL has also struck deals with Caesars Entertainment and DraftKings to provide data and content for their sports betting operations.
The major professional sports leagues are not the only stakeholders in the US sports betting market. There are also operators of sportsbooks, casinos, and gaming facilities, state and federal lawmakers, and state lotteries. Each of these groups has their own interests in the US sports betting market and will likely impact the future growth of the industry. For example, state legislatures will need to pass laws to authorize and regulate sports betting, while casino operators will need to obtain licenses from state gaming commissions. Lotteries may also get involved in sports betting, offering another option for people to place bets on sporting events.
It is clear that the various stakeholders in the US sports betting market will have a significant impact on its future. Sports leagues, in particular, will be able to shape how sports betting is conducted and what kind of bets are available. The involvement of major league sports will likely attract more attention and interest from the general public, which could lead to more people participating in sports betting. With so many different stakeholders involved, it will be interesting to see how the US sports betting market develops over time.
10 Best sports to bet on in the United States
It is no secret that sports betting is a huge industry in the United States. From the casual fan to the professional gambler, there are many opportunities to make some money by correctly predicts the outcome of sporting events. But with so many different sports to choose from, which ones offer the best chance to make a profit? Here are 10 of the best sports to bet on in the United States.
Football with NFL betting
There is no doubt that football is the king of American sports betting. The NFL alone generates billions of dollars in bets each year, and that number does not even include college football or other professional leagues. There are dozens of different ways to bet on football games, including point spread, moneyline, and prop bets. With so many options available, it is no wonder that football is one of the most popular sports to bet on in the US.
Read more about NFL betting
Basketball with NBA betting
Basketball comes in a close second to football when it comes to sports betting in the US. The NBA generates nearly as much money in bets each year as the NFL, and college basketball is also very popular among bettors. Similar to football, there are several different ways to bet on basketball games, making it a very versatile sport for gamblers.
Baseball with MLB betting
While baseball may not generate as much money in bets as basketball or football, it is still one of the most popular sports to gamble on in the US. baseball offers a unique betting experience compared to other sports because there are so many different ways to wager on each game. For example, bettors can choose to bet on who will win the game outright, what the final score will be, how many runs will be scored, and much more. With so many options available, it is easy to see why baseball is such a popular sport for gambling.
Hockey with NHL betting
Hockey may not be as popular as other major sports in the US, but it still attracts a significant amount of betting action each year. Similar to baseball, there are several different ways to bet on hockey games, making it a very versatile sport for gamblers. One unique aspect of hockey betting is that it often takes place during other major sporting events like the Super Bowl or March Madness, which can attract even more bettors than usual.
Soccer with MLS betting
Soccer is another sport that may not be as popular as some of the others on this list but still attracts a significant amount of betting action each year. One reason why soccer is so popular among gamblers is because there are many different ways to bet on games. For example, you can choose to bet on who will win outright, what the final score will be, how many goals will be scored, and much more . Soccer also provides an opportunity to bet on international competitions like the World Cup, which can attract even more attention from gamblers .
Tennis betting
Tennis may not generate as much betting action as some of the other sports on this list , but it still offers plenty of opportunities for gamblers . There are many different ways to bet on tennis matches , including who will win outright , what the final score will be , how many games will be played , and much more . Additionally, tennis betting often takes place during major sporting events like Wimbledon and The French Open, which can attract even more attention from gamblers .
Golf betting
Golf may not be as popular as some other sports , but it still attracts a significant amount of betting action each year . Golf offers plenty of opportunities for gamblers due to its individual nature . There are many different ways to bet golf matches , including who will win outright (also known as “ futures ”), what their score will be for each round (known as “ rounds robin ”), how they will perform at specific holes (known as “ prop bets”), and much more.
Boxing / MMA with UFC betting
Boxing and MMA matches often take place during major sporting events like pay-per-view boxing match es or UFC events, making them attractive for gambling purposes . There are many different ways you can bet boxing / MMA matches ( similar To other individual sports like golf ) including who will win outright, what their scorecard score will be after specific rounds, and much more .
Racing with Nascar betting
While Nascar may not generate as much money in bets each year as some other mainstream sports like basketball or football , it still remains popular among diehard fans and casual observers alike . There are several different types Of bets you can make on Nascar races (such As who will win outright or what position they will finish in) making it an attractive option for those looking to gamble on racing events.
Horse Racing
Horse racing has been around for centuries and remains one of the most popular spectator sports in the world today. However, it has also been declining in popularity in recent years due to the rise of other gambling options. Nevertheless, horse racing still offers plenty of opportunities for those looking to gamble on the sport.
10 of the best sports to bet on in the United States
These are just 10 of the best sports to bet on In the United States ; However, there are many other options available depending on your personal preferences and interests.
Sports betting summary
Sports betting is a great way to add excitement to sporting events, and can be a profitable hobby if done correctly. There are a few things to keep in mind when betting on sports, however, so that you can make the most of your experience.
