Can I bet on EURO 2024 & Copa America? Betting soccer responsibly
Author:
Jonathan
Published:
Jun 23, 2024
This summer promises to be thrilling for soccer enthusiasts as two massive international tournaments are now underway: EURO 2024 (started June 14) and Copa America (kicked off June 20). EURO and Copa America take place every four years. EURO is a competition between Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) while Copa America represents CONMEBOL (South American football federation). However, the Copa can invite a couple of other nations to participate, like the USA and Canada this year.
As fans gear up to watch their favorite teams compete, many are also considering placing bets on the outcomes. If you’re interested in betting on these tournaments, it’s important to understand the legalities and how to do so responsibly.
Legal considerations for betting on soccer in the U.S.
Where are you located?
Since May 14, 2018, when the U.S. Supreme Court shot down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), states have been able to dictate the legality of sports betting. Once the goalie came out of net, so to speak, states quickly capitalized, taking aim with the top-shelf services of DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and Caesars sportsbooks, among others, eager to handle millions of dollars in whichever states opened their doors.
To legally bet on soccer in the U.S., you must be in one of the 38 states (or Washington D.C.) that allow some form of sports betting. Out of these, 30 states have legalized mobile sports betting, enabling you to place bets from your phone or computer. These states include: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Eight states allow in-person betting at retail locations: Delaware, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington.
Meanwhile, 12 states do not permit any form of sports betting: California, Texas, Idaho, Utah, Minnesota, Missouri, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Alaska, and Hawaii.
How old are you?
Age restrictions for sports betting vary by state. In most states, you must be at least 21 years old to place a bet. However, some states permit betting for individuals who are 18 or older, including Kentucky, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Washington D.C., and Wyoming. It’s important to follow the age rules of the state where you are placing the bet. For example, a 19-year-old from New Hampshire cannot place a bet while visiting Tennessee, where the minimum age is 21.
How popular is betting on soccer in the United States?
Soccer betting has seen significant growth in the United States, particularly during major tournaments like the World Cup and European Championships. The trend of increasing interest in soccer betting is expected to continue with the upcoming EURO 2024 and Copa America tournaments.
In fact, one operator has reported that Soccer is also a top-five sport in the U.S., in both turnover and the number of bets placed, surpassing ice hockey in both categories.
Betting on soccer responsibly this summer
As you prepare to place your bets on EURO 2024 and Copa America, it’s essential to do so responsibly. Here are five responsible gambling tips tailored to soccer betting this summer:
Set a Budget: Determine how much money you are willing to spend on EURO 2024 and Copa America betting and stick to that amount. Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Do Your Research: Before placing a bet, research the EURO 2024 and Copa America formats, teams, players and match conditions. Informed bets are more likely to be successful.
Avoid Chasing Losses: If you lose a bet, resist the urge to immediately place another bet to try to win back your losses. This can lead to even bigger losses.
Take Breaks: Betting should be fun, not stressful. Euro 2024 and Copa America run through July 14, so relax, you won’t miss out on everything if you take a break. Take breaks to avoid becoming too absorbed in the activity.
Seek Help if Needed: If you find that betting is starting to negatively impact your viewing experience of EURO 2024 or Copa America, consider seeking help from a professional. Sports betting should supplement your viewing pleasure, not become a detriment to it.
Gambling Addiction resources & treatment choices
Betting on EURO 2024 and Copa America can add excitement to your soccer experience, but it’s important to do so responsibly. Ensure you are in a state where betting is legal, adhere to age restrictions, and follow responsible gambling practices. If you or a loved one needs help, resources like Birches Health and 1-800-GAMBLER are available to provide support.
Birches Health provides virtual telehealth, which allows for discreet care with the convenience of avoiding travel. It also enables quicker intakes and more flexible scheduling. From the comfort of home, Birches’ services include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), one-on-one counseling, group therapy, family therapy, and digital engagement and peer support to facilitate self-guided learning.
Sources:
Kambi: Copa America offers huge opportunity for soccer betting.
