Is it Legal to Bet on the NBA? 2024-25 Basketball Betting
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Published:
Oct 21, 2024
,
05:47 p.m.
ET
As a pioneer and proponent of legalizing regulated sports betting, the NBA has embraced and benefited from what’s now 38 states, plus Washington, D.C., offering legal sports gambling. The NBA is one of the most popular betting sports in the country, especially as the growth of player props offerings have allowed bettors to wager on the performances of their favorite superstars.
Last season, the league dealt with its first major sports betting-related scandal, however, as Jontay Porter was caught and subsequently banned for life from the NBA for breaking multiple gambling rules. Porter gave inside information to a group of gamblers, instructing them to take the under on his props. He then purposely took himself out of the game after just a few minutes to ensure the “under” would win. In addition to relaying inside information, Porter also placed 13 bets on NBA games using an associate's betting account.
Despite that saga, pro basketball is still available to bet on at all sportsbooks in the country, and with the new 2024-25 NBA season set to start on Tuesday, October 22, now is a great time to review where it’s legal to place basketball bets this year.
Who can bet on the NBA in the United States?
In the U.S., betting on NBA games is legal in most states, but it’s crucial to understand the varying laws and requirements. Sports betting regulations are different in every state and apply to anyone who is in the state at that time. So even if you are a resident of one state where sports betting is legal, you cannot bet while traveling in a different state where it’s not. It all depends on the current location (and age) at the time of placing the bet.
Legal Locations
Ever since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was repealed in 2018, sports betting laws have been determined by individual states. As of 2024, sports betting is legal in some form in 39 locations. However, only 30 of those states allow online/mobile betting. Here’s a full breakdown:
Mobile Sports Betting: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada (requires in-person registration), New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee (online only, no retail), Vermont (online only, no retail), Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wyoming.
In-person Retail Only: Delaware, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin.
Betting NOT Legalized: Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Utah
Age Requirements
Another key factor is the minimum age to place a sports bet. Most states require bettors to be at least 21 years old. However, a few locations, including Kentucky, Montana, Rhode Island, Washington D.C. and Wyoming, allow those 18+ in age to bet legally. Keep in mind that bettors must adhere to the laws of the state they’re physically located in when placing a bet, even if they are a resident of another state with different rules.
Who is allowed to bet on the NBA in Canada?
Online Sports Betting: Provinces like Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia allow residents to bet on NBA games through licensed online sportsbooks.
Retail Betting: Bettors in some locations can also place wagers at physical locations like casinos.
Gambling Addiction Care
Sports betting can quickly devolve into a dangerous gambling addiction if you are not careful. If you, a friend or family member is struggling with a gambling problem, help is available. Birches Health offers online treatment options tailored to your needs, ensuring recovery from the comfort of your home. With a team of specialists, Birches Health supports individuals throughout the process, from intake to aftercare.
You can reach out to Birches Health by:
You can also call us at 833-483-3838 or email us at hello@bircheshealth.com to connect with our Birches team as soon as possible.
