If you’re like me, sports betting is one of those exhilarating activities that adds an extra thrill to your favorite games. But navigating the world of sports betting can be a bit tricky, especially when the laws vary so much from state to state. So, you may be wondering, “Where can I place a bet legally?” Lucky for you, states with legal sports betting are growing in number, and more states are jumping on board each year.
I’ll break down everything you need to know about the legal landscape, including which states have legal online and retail sports betting, and where you can place your next bet!
States With Legal Sports Betting in 2025: An Overview
As of February 2025, sports betting is legal in 39 states, plus Washington, D.C.. This marks a significant shift in the U.S. gambling landscape, thanks to the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). This decision allowed individual states to regulate sports betting according to their own laws, creating a patchwork of legal sports betting markets across the country.
The landscape of sports betting has split between states offering full mobile/online access and those still restricting betting to in-person (retail) wagers. But no matter where you are, there are definitely options for getting in on the action.
Which States Have Legal Online & Retail Sports Betting?
Some states offer the best of both worlds, where you can place bets using mobile apps like DraftKings or FanDuel from anywhere within state lines, as well as enjoy a retail sports betting experience at physical sportsbooks. Here’s a breakdown of states where you can place both online and retail bets.
States with Both Mobile & Retail Betting
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware (Online launched Jan 2024)
Florida (Exclusively via Hard Rock Bet)
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Missouri (Most recent launch; live Dec 1, 2025)
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Vermont (Mobile only, no retail)
Virginia
West Virginia
Wyoming
Washington, D.C.
These states offer an integrated betting experience—bet online or at a casino or sports venue. In states like New Jersey and Michigan, the options are even broader, allowing for comprehensive sports betting opportunities.
States with Retail-Only Sports Betting
While many states have embraced mobile and online betting, some still limit sports betting to physical locations. This means you can only place bets at legally licensed sportsbooks, often located in tribal casinos or state-licensed venues.
States with Retail-Only Betting
Mississippi
Montana
Nebraska
New Mexico
North Dakota
South Dakota
Washington
Wisconsin
These states restrict sports betting to in-person wagers only. If you live in one of these states, your betting options are limited to traveling to a casino or sportsbook, which may not be as convenient as placing a bet online.
Key Restrictions and Prohibitions in Legal Sports Betting
While sports betting is growing across the country, there are still some restrictions in place that bettors should be aware of. Here’s what to look out for:
Collegiate Betting Prohibitions
Some states have laws that prohibit betting on in-state college teams. For example, Delaware, New Jersey, and Virginia have laws that restrict bets on local college teams, but they still allow betting on national teams and leagues. This restriction ensures that schools with strong local support or high betting interest are not unduly affected by gambling.
Mobile-Only States
Some states, like Tennessee, allow sports betting exclusively through mobile apps, with no physical retail locations available. In these states, you’ll need to place your bets using an app like FanDuel or DraftKings without the option to visit a brick-and-mortar sportsbook.
Non-Legal States
Unfortunately, some states like California, Texas, and Georgia have yet to legalize sports betting, despite ongoing legislative efforts. Until these states pass legislation, residents will need to travel to nearby states with legal betting or wait for their own state to come on board.
How to Bet Legally in States With Sports Betting
So, you’ve checked the laws, and you live in a state where sports betting is legal—now what? Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started with sports betting legally.
Step 1: Choose a Legal Sportsbook
Start by choosing a sportsbook that operates legally in your state. Popular options like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM are available in many states. Make sure you’re registering with a sportsbook that has a valid license in your state to ensure your bets are legal.
Step 2: Create an Account
Once you’ve chosen a sportsbook, you’ll need to create an account. This typically involves providing your name, address, and proof of age to verify that you meet the legal betting age (21 in most states). You’ll also need to link a payment method so you can deposit funds to place bets.
Step 3: Make Your First Deposit
After you’ve created your account, it’s time to deposit funds. Most sportsbooks offer several payment methods, including credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Choose the option that’s most convenient for you.
Step 4: Place Your First Bet
Once your account is funded, it’s time to place your bet! Browse through the available sports, events, and odds. Select the bet you want to make, enter your stake, and confirm the wager. Whether it’s on a football game, basketball game, or horse race, you’re now officially a sports bettor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I bet on sports in California?
Currently, sports betting is not legal in California. While there have been legislative efforts to legalize it, the state has yet to pass any laws that allow legal sports betting. Keep an eye on any new updates in the state’s legislature.
2. Is mobile sports betting available everywhere?
Not all states allow mobile sports betting. While many states with legal sports betting offer mobile apps, others, like Mississippi and Montana, only allow retail betting at physical locations. Check your state’s specific regulations for details on what’s available.
3. Can I place bets on college sports?
In most states, you can place bets on college sports, but some states, such as Delaware and New Jersey, prohibit betting on in-state college teams. Always check your state’s specific rules to avoid placing illegal bets.
4. What is the minimum age to bet on sports?
The legal minimum age for sports betting is 21 years old in most states, though a few, like Tennessee, allow 18-year-olds to bet. Always make sure you meet the age requirements in your state before registering.
The Future of Sports Betting in the U.S.
Sports betting is expanding rapidly across the U.S., and more states are embracing it every year. Whether you live in a state that offers online and retail sports betting, or you’re still waiting for your state to legalize it, there’s plenty of opportunity to get in on the action. Just remember to bet responsibly and keep track of your state’s laws.
As more states move toward legalization, it’s likely that states with legal sports betting will become the norm, and soon, you’ll be able to place a bet from almost anywhere in the country. Until then, enjoy the thrill of legal betting wherever you are—and may the odds be ever in your favor!
