Around $95 billion will be wagered this season on the NFL and college football alone.
Perhaps more unbelievably, 98% of that amount will be bet through illegal channels.
Illegal gambling is not only against the law, it also involves dealing with seedy companies which leads to uncertainty in receiving a payout in the event of a win.
Rather than putting yourself through undue stress, you’re much better off sticking to legalized sports betting instead.
Let’s take a look at which states it’s legal to keep everything above board.
States with Legalized Sports Betting
1. Nevada
An old-school sports betting hub, punters have been betting on all manner of sports in Nevada for as long as we can remember. Its decade’s long history of finely tuned gambling legislation means Nevada is something of a poster child in the sports betting world, which many other states are now seeking to emulate.
2. Delaware
A newcomer to the scene, Delaware is one of the latest states to ride the wave of legalization across America. On June 5th this year, single-game bets were declared legal across three different casinos within the state.
3. New Jersey
On June 11, New Jersey governor Phil Murphy brought a new and long-awaited sports betting bill into law, consequently legalizing the practice across various institutions in the state. William Hill is currently taking bets online, and a number of Atlantic City casinos have decided to follow suit.
States with Existing but Limited Legislation
Oregon residents once enjoyed pick’ em-style sports betting before it was canned about a decade ago. A new push will likely see these much-loved freedoms finally restored.
The Montana Lottery still offers a fantasy style sports betting pool which covers auto racing and football.
What States Do Not Have Legalized Sports Betting?
Most states currently prohibit Nevada-style sports betting. Some are in the process of change while others have yet to get the ball rolling.
The good news is that the US Supreme Court ruled the federal law prohibiting sports betting to be unconstitutional on May 14. Consequently, the states now have the power to set their own rules.
States Where Sports Betting Might Be Legal Soon
A nationwide push towards legalization since May has prompted a number of states to expedite the process. The practice remains illegal in the following six states, but that may not be the case for long.
- Iowa
- Connecticut
- Pennsylvania
- New York
- Mississippi
- West Virginia
States Who Have Begun the Legalization Process
The following 14 states have got the ball rolling, either announcing plans to introduce a new bill or beginning the formal process in court. It may not happen overnight, but it (probably) will happen.
- California
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
States That Haven’t Started the Legalization Process
The following 26 states still restrict Nevada-style betting and would require new legislation to be repealed or amended. That’s not to say it won’t happen, only that it hasn’t happened yet.
- Alaska
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington D.C.
- Washington State
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
States Where It’ll Probably Never Happen
The folks in Utah aren’t big on gambling. In fact, they’ve explicitly written their stance into the state’s constitution.
Don’t expect to be able to punt on the football in Utah any time soon.
Sports Betting Near Me
Is there legalized sports betting where you live? If so, you might need some help with your picks.
Regardless of your preferred sport, Okseim Sports has you covered.