Which states have legal Sports Betting? Now ft. Missouri
Author:
Zach Lutz
Clinical Review by:
Published:
Nov 8, 2024
,
04:51 p.m.
ET
Updated:
Dec 12, 2024
,
03:58 p.m.
ET
Once restricted to essentially just Nevada, the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) allowed more individual states to decide on legalized sports betting. Since then, legal sports betting has surged across the country, both in person and online, contributing an estimated $408 billion in total money wagered across legal sportsbooks.
With Missouri now set to join that group after passing an amendment to legalize it, let’s take an updated look at where sports betting stands in the U.S., including the latest information on online and retail sports betting and the challenges facing states with limited or no legal options.
Also, check out our full list of top sports betting states to see the major contributors to this growing market.
Where is sports betting legal in the United States?
As of November 2024, 38 states, along with Washington, D.C., offer some form of legalized sports betting, with 30 states offering both in-person and online betting options. Missouri will become the 39th in 2025.
In the United States, online sports betting options allow users to place bets on sports events from the comfort of their homes. These platforms have grown in popularity due to ease of use, wide accessibility, and competitive options for betting. States like New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have been among the top sports betting states, leading the nation in betting handle, which is the total amount wagered.
Online Sports Betting
The following states and districts currently have legal online, or mobile, sports betting offerings:
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Missouri (PENDING)
New Hampshire
New York
New Jersey
Nevada
North Carolina
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Tennessee
Vermont
Virginia
Washington D.C.
West Virginia
Wyoming
In all, there will be 31 states with legal online sports betting once Missouri goes live. While these states allow betting from any location within state lines, states like Mississippi still require bettors to place wagers with licensed sportsbooks only when physically at those locations.
In-Person, Retail Sports Betting Only
For those in the 8 states that allow only in-person sports betting, fans must visit a licensed sportsbook or casino.
Mississippi
Montana
Nebraska
New Mexico
North Dakota
South Dakota
Washington
Wisconsin
This option may appeal to those who prefer the experience of betting in a physical location but lacks the convenience of online betting.
Mississippi Exception
In Mississippi, online sports betting is restricted to the premises of licensed casinos. The state legalized in-person sports betting in 2018, and mobile betting (limited to casino grounds) in early 2024. Mississippi has three mobile apps available, usable only on casino property. Efforts to expand sports betting statewide were tabled in 2024, so broader legalization may not occur until 2025 or later.
Where is sports betting NOT legal?
Sports betting remains prohibited in the following 11 states:
Alabama
Alaska
California
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Minnesota
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Texas
Utah
Courtesy: Action
Never use bookies or offshore sportsbooks
Without legal sports betting, some turn to offshore sportsbooks or illegal bookies. However, these unregulated entities can pose serious risks to bettors:
Withdrawal issues: Offshore sportsbooks may refuse or delay payouts.
Lack of licensing: Since they’re not regulated by U.S. laws, these platforms often operate without oversight.
Unreliable customer support: Bettors may face account closures, withheld winnings or unresponsive support teams.
Betting with Credit: This can be very dangerous, as the money wagered may not feel “real” until a debt owed
Lack of Player Protections: Regulated sportsbooks have Responsible Gaming tools like deposit and time limits to help bettors keep guardrails in place. Offshore sportsbooks and bookies’ sites do not.
Rising Gambling Addiction numbers in America
With the growth of legal betting comes increased awareness of gambling addiction. Gambling addiction rates have risen in states where sports betting is legal, often straining state resources as addiction services struggle to keep up with demand. States like New Jersey, which legalized sports betting early, reported a surge in calls to gambling addiction hotlines. This issue remains significant across other states with high rates of gambling.
Nearly half of Americans (49%) gambled in some form over the past year. In response, many states now provide educational resources and treatment options for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
Gambling Addiction treatment in the United States
Birches Health provides convenient, evidence-based treatment for individuals facing gambling-related problems. Care is available from the comfort of home through teletherapy and is often covered by insurance.
Connect with Birches Health today:
You can also get in touch with Birches by calling 833-483-3838 or emailing hello@bircheshealth.com. For more information about why Birches may be the best option for support, click here.
