Can I bet on U.S. Open Tennis? How to bet legally, responsibly
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Published:
Aug 26, 2024
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07:53 p.m.
ET
The U.S. Open – one of tennis's four Grand Slam events – is not only prestigious but also the oldest, dating back to 1881. Held annually in late August and early September, it kicks off this week and attracts both avid tennis fans and bettors. With the U.S. Open coinciding with the start of college football and the NFL, many casual bettors might place wagers on the matches, especially during the weekdays when other sports are quiet.
Given this context, understanding the legalities, risks and responsibilities of betting on tennis is crucial. This article covers how to bet legally and responsibly on the 2024 U.S. Open, including which states allow betting, age considerations, risks involved and what to do if gambling becomes problematic.
Which states allow tennis betting? 2024 U.S. Open
Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018, legal sports betting has rapidly expanded, now permitted in 38 states plus Washington D.C. This includes betting on U.S. Open tennis matches. However, sports betting remains illegal in 12 states, including California, Texas, and Georgia. Regulations vary among states, so it’s essential to know where you can legally place a bet.
States like Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania were early adopters of legal sports betting, offering both online and physical sportsbooks for placing tennis bets. New York has also legalized sports betting, adding significant volume to the industry. As of August 2024, 26 more states allow online sports betting.
New to the legal betting landscape in 2024 are North Carolina and Vermont, expanding the availability of legal U.S. Open betting. Vermont launched back in January while North Carolina launched in March. It’s worth noting that 22 states have separate regulations on tribal lands, so always check your local laws before betting.
Age considerations for betting on U.S. Open Tennis
Age restrictions are a critical aspect of legal sports betting in the United States. In most states, you must be at least 21 years old to place a bet on the U.S. Open tennis tournament or any other sporting event. This age requirement aligns with other activities that require a high level of responsibility, such as drinking alcohol or purchasing firearms.
A handful of states, however, allow sports betting for individuals as young as 18. This is often the case in states where the legal age for activities like lottery participation or pari-mutuel betting on horse races is also 18. These states include Kentucky, Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Washington D.C. Regardless of the legal age, it’s essential for young bettors to understand the risks involved in gambling and to approach it with caution.
For parents, it’s important to monitor the online activities of minors, as illegal betting sites often target younger audiences. Educating young people about the risks and responsibilities associated with gambling can help prevent underage betting and promote responsible behavior as they reach the legal betting age.
Risks of betting on the 2024 U.S. Open Tennis
While betting on the U.S. Open can enhance the excitement, it’s important to recognize the associated risks. Like all forms of gambling, tennis betting carries the potential for financial loss, addiction and other negative consequences.
Financial loss is a primary risk. Even seasoned bettors can lose money, particularly in a technical sport like tennis, where nuanced markets can yield unpredictable outcomes. Beyond the straightforward money line, markets like match spreads, total games and player props are less familiar and can lead to unexpected losses. The excitement of the event can easily result in betting more than one can afford, causing significant financial strain.
Gambling addiction is another major risk. The frequent matches and live betting options during high-profile events like the U.S. Open can make tennis betting particularly addictive, potentially leading to financial ruin, strained relationships and mental health issues.
There’s also the danger of making uninformed bets. Tennis outcomes can be influenced by factors such as player injuries, weather conditions and playing surfaces. For example, while the U.S. Open is played on hard courts, the French Open is on clay, and Wimbledon is on grass. Additionally, this year’s recent Summer Olympics featured clay courts, which could affect player performance in the U.S. Open. Bettors who overlook these details increase their risk of losing money.
Moreover, the rise of illegal and unregulated betting platforms, known as “offshore sportsbooks,” poses a significant threat. These platforms often lack consumer protections, making bettors vulnerable to fraud or identity theft. Additionally, winnings from illegal bets are not always guaranteed, and bettors may have no legal recourse if a platform refuses to pay out.
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