Legal Online Sports Betting in USA 2024

Best Legal Betting Sites in the USA at MyTopSportsbooks

Knowing where to bet on sports legally is a key part of doing this right. Online gambling and online sports betting are so much more simple in this sense. Sports betting legislation will vary by state in any case.  Here are the sites that are most available across the United States.

Because they are offshore betting sites, they do not need to be licensed in most states. Ironically, the states that allow local online sportsbooks sometimes, in rare cases, limit access to offshore bookies. This is mainly the case for New Jersey, though with such a fast-changing legal sports betting online landscape, you should check back here often. These are the favorite sites according to our betting experts here at MyTopSportsbooks.

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Top Legal Sports Betting Site Across the USA

Looking for where to bet on sports online legally? Bovada is right up your alley! It is the most widely accepted and used sportsbook in the USA! Bovada is a top sportsbook for a number of reasons. They have the latest odds, great welcome bonuses, and are very easy to use.  They are also fantastic for mobile sports betting, which is a growing market.

Another aspect of this great sportsbook that has drawn the attention of bettors is the fact that they offer a range of cryptocurrencies as payment methods. In a space like gambling, access to digital currency payments is paramount and something that attracts players to specific platforms.

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Is It Legal to Bet on Sports Online in the US?

Sports betting legislation varies greatly when it comes to sportsbooks that are based in each state. However, residents of almost every state can easily access offshore sportsbooks. In nearly each and every state, you can access offshore sportsbooks, as they are not regulated by the state, even though bettors from that state freely access, play, and win on these online sports betting sites.

Sports betting in the USA is heavily regulated. The laws vary greatly by state, so understanding the patchwork can be confusing to some people. The first distinction is between offline and online gambling. Legal online gambling is more common in the USA than offline betting.  Only Louisiana and Nevada have legal offline casinos statewide. Many other states are restricted to riverboats or cities, like Atlantic City.  There was no legal sports betting offline outside of Las Vegas until the 2018 Supreme Court decision (Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association).

This really opened up the market for where you can bet on sports legally. But of course, this did not have much to say about any online sports betting law. That is one of the biggest advantages of online gambling. You do not need to travel hundreds of miles to specific locations. Rather, you can go to a legal gambling site right from your home. Even in states that have not regulated and legalized sports betting, it is perfectly legal to use offshore sports betting sites.

Where Can I Bet on Sports Legally By State

With the Supreme Court decision of 2018, almost every state has passed or introduced legislation to legalize sports betting. You do not need to be a resident of the state to enjoy the casinos online or not. In general, you must be 18 years old for legal online gambles and 21 for in-person casinos where alcohol is served.

Here are some of the key states in the legal gambling scene. They will give you an idea of the different ways that states have approached legal online sports betting. Most states have begun or are considering legalizing sports betting. Wherever you can use offshore sportsbooks, you can also enjoy mobile sports betting.

For those who reside just north of the border, a range of great sportsbooks are available to Canadians. Sportsbooks in Canada are growing in popularity, with each state holding its laws regarding sports betting – much like what we see here in the United States.

California

Currently, California is home to many casinos. In fact, they have more than any other states, though they are all on Tribal lands. Various laws and even constitutional amendments have been introduced, though none have become law.  Most importantly, residents of California can freely enjoy the best online betting sites. There you can gamble completely legally without any concern. Read more about the legality of California betting here.   

Illinois

Illinois is one of the most open states when it comes to US sports betting. They legalized online sports betting in 2019, and many stadiums such as Wrigley Field have applied to become betting kiosks. They do require in-person registration to use the state-sanctioned betting sites. However, you can continue to freely use the recommended offshore betting sites without a problem.  They continue to be a route for legal online betting. You can find all the details of where and how to bet in Illinois.

Iowa

Sports betting is now legal in Iowa. You can enjoy legal gambling and sports betting either online or in person. Iowa is the 11th state to legalize sports gambling. You can use state-regulated or offshore legal gambling sites.  Read all the details and find recommended sports betting sites for Iowa.

New York

New York state has plenty of brick-and-mortar places to bet. You can also continue to use the offshore legal betting sites found on this page. And in 2022, the state launched its own online betting platforms.  While they have a few casinos around the state, using a legal online betting site is easily the most convenient option for NY bettors. Read all the details here.  

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas and Nevada, in general, were the only places to bet live on casinos and sports for a very long time. When the first online, offshore sportsbooks opened up in the mid-1990s, everything in the legal gambling USA landscape changed drastically.  If you want to avoid the crowds and the tourist prices on the strip, online gambling is also legal throughout Nevada.

Alabama

Online sports betting with offshore sportsbooks are available in the state of Alabama for anyone aged 21 and over. While brick-and-mortar casinos have suffered legal battles between the Alabama governor’s office and the state Supreme Court, online sports betting with offshore sportsbooks is a safer bet.

Alaska

With such a sparse population, online betting is the way to go in Alaska. The few bingos and casinos available are likely far from wherever you live. Plus, the only sportsbooks available in Alaska are the legal offshore online betting sites.

Arizona

Residents of Arizona with at least 21 years may participate in casinos and sports gambling. They have 34 casinos that operate on Indigenous lands, the only place where they are allowed legally in the state. Residents in Arizona can also use offshore sportsbooks that we recommend here without a hitch!

Arkansas

Arkansas legalized gambling as late as 2018. While there are only a few casinos up and running, for now, we expect more to pop up over the years. Online sports betting is legal and easily available throughout the state. For now the best options remain the offshore sportsbooks.

Colorado

Legal offline sports betting launched a slate in 2020. This is no surprise for a state that is a leader on so many other issues. You can enjoy a number of great offshore online betting sites in Colorado.

Connecticut

Connecticut is home to some, though few, casinos. However, offline sports betting is still not allowed here. Sports bettors here should check out the online sportsbooks we recommend on this page. These are available for residents who are at least 21 years old.

Delaware

Delaware was one of the first states to legalize sports betting and gambling after the Supreme Court struck down Nevada’s monopoly. Any 21 years of age or older may gamble on or offline in Delaware. The offshore sportsbooks are also available in Delaware. Check out our guide to Delaware sports betting.

Florida

Residents of the Sunshine State can enjoy offshore betting sites, even though offline sports betting in Florida is still illegal. While they have several casinos where you can enjoy slot machines, such as Gulfstream Park. Online betting sites will have you covered for betting on sports or having fun with casino games. As of now, on-site sports betting is only legal at Seminole Tribe-operated casinos, though they have a Florida sports betting app that, as of March 2024, can be used anywhere throughout the state.

Georgia

Georgia remains one of the strictest states when it comes to gambling. The only legal forms of gambling in the Peach State are the state lottery and using online betting sites. GA has considered expanding legal gambling, but there has been no official movement yet.

Hawaii

Hawaii is one of only two states without any form of legal offline gambling. However, the Aloha State rejected the proposal to legalize offline gambling in 2019 to project its family-friendly nature. Bettors should stick with online sportsbooks.

Idaho

Idaho does not have any offline sports betting, nor has it considered any such legislation recently. They do, however, have a casino with a floating golf green! The only race track closed a few years back as well. Online sports betting is legal in Idaho.

Indiana

Indiana is home to many riverboat casinos. When the Hoosier State legalized offline gambling in 2019, only casinos and offtrack betting sites could host sports betting as well. Sports betting sites have been operating in Indiana for decades.

Kansas

While the Kansas legislature has proposed and rejected five bills aimed at legalizing offline sports betting, they do have one of the coolest casinos around. The Hollywood Casino hosts many NASCAR races. As of 2022, bettors in the Sunflower State who are at least 21 years old can legally use online betting sites.

Kentucky

Thanks to the game-changing HB 551, passed in March 2023, the Bluegrass State is opening its doors to sportsbooks. No longer will you have to cross state lines to place our bets because, as of September 28th, 2023, you can legally enjoy the excitement of sports betting from anywhere in Kentucky.

Louisiana

Louisiana was very close to passing legislation to legalize sports betting. Ultimately, though, they got bogged down in the details. The state does host casinos and racetracks. Plus, bettors in the Creole State can use online sports betting sites.

Maine

The Maine Legislature passed a bill to legalize sports gambling in 2020. However, the Governor, Janet Mills, vetoed the bill. The Pine Tree State is home to two casinos and some horse racing tracks. Find your Maine betting site from the recommended ones on this page.

Maryland

Maryland is home to the Preakness Stakes, part of the Triple Crown of horse racing. You can also find plenty of casinos here, including Live! Casino and Hotel. However, offline sports betting is still illegal in Maryland. Stick to the online betting sites.

Massachusetts

Sports betting is now legal in Massachusetts, allowing individuals to legally place bets on sports events. If you are at least 21 in the Bay State, you can now access a variety of different US-based sportsbooks, play the lottery, enjoy the casinos, bet on horse races, and use plenty of offshore online betting sites.

Michigan

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation that legalized sports gambling in Michigan in 2019. In addition, Michigan is home to 26 casinos, the majority of them on Tribal lands. If you are online or at a site that does not serve alcohol, the legal gambling age in the Great Lakes State is 18. The easiest option for bettors in Michigan is to use the online betting sites that are eminently accessible, even if they are not based in Michigan.

Minnesota

Minnesota is home to 21 Tribal casinos scattered across the Gopher State. The state has considered allowing offline sports betting at these casinos, but the legislation has not advanced. For now, feel free to use the sports betting sites that are widely available across the country.

Mississippi

Biloxi, Mississippi is home to the best casinos in this region of the country. When Mississippi legalized offline sports betting in 2018, 23 casinos in the Magnolia State immediately began offering sports betting. These entered into competition with the online sportsbooks not based in Mississippi that continue operating there. These tend to be the best options.

Missouri

Since 1992, Missouri has been best known for its riverboat casinos. The legal betting age here for online and offline betting is 21 years. The Missouri State Legislature had considered and rejected bills to legalize sports betting for several years, before the big change came just after Election Day. Amendment two was carried out and Missouri became the 39th state to legalize sports betting in the United States.

Montana

Montana legalized offline sports betting in 2019. You can bet at kiosks throughout the state. You can also use their sports betting app, or any of the widely available sports betting sites, The legal gambling age in Big Sky Country is 18. However, the best option remains using the more free, offshore sportsbooks.

Nebraska

Even though Nebraska has only legalized on-site betting, almost all betting in Nebraska still takes place online. Legislation has not been seriously considered to expand gaming laws, and the only casinos are far from the population centers. So, for anyone in the Cornhusker State, online betting remains by far away from the best option.

Nevada

Nevada has had legal sports betting much longer than any other state. For decades, they enjoyed a monopoly on offline sports betting. This was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2018. Nonetheless, whether betting offline or online, Nevada is a good state to be a bettor.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire became the 16th state to legalize sports betting in 2019. Ironically, its last off-track betting site closed its doors for good in 2018. Any resident of the Granite State that is at least 18 years old can enjoy gambling online or at casinos.

New Jersey

New Jersey is one of the most gambling-friendly states in the country. In fact, they were the straw that broke the camel’s back and got the Supreme Court to strike down Nevada’s sports betting monopoly. For most forms of gambling, the legal age is 21 in the Garden State.

New Mexico

Offline sports betting is available at only one casino in New Mexico. Apart from this casino operated by the Santa Ana Tribe, bettors in the land of Enchantment can go online and bet legally—as long as they are at least 21 years old.

North Carolina

Governor Ray Cooper signed S 154 into law in 2019. He thus made North Carolina the 17th state to legalize sports betting. The state hosts two casinos, including the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, which is also the state’s largest hotel. North Carolina online sports betting services launched in March 2024. Offshore sportsbooks are also available online in North Carolina and tend to have better odds.

North Dakota

North Dakota is still struggling to legalize offline sports betting. Bettors here can go online, or to some of the many Tribal casinos around the state which operate legally and are overseen by the gaming commission of each individual tribe. These casinos even feature golf courses and live entertainment.

Ohio

Ohio is home to great casinos and racetracks. Their Hollywood Casino is over 18,000 square feet. On January 1, 2023, Ohio officially launched sports betting following the passage of legislation. Bettors in the Buckeye State can play at online betting sites legally.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a great state for bettors. They have great horse racing tracks such as Remington Park. And, most importantly, they are home to the largest casino in the world: WinStar World Casino. Though sports betting in Oklahoma isn’t yet legal, legislation is on the table to change that. And in the meantime, bettors can still access offshore sites.

Oregon

Oregon bettors can use the state’s Scoreboard App to participate in sports betting, which is legal at tribal operated casinos. That said, they can also use the offshore betting sites that are legally available across the country.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has long had online sportsbooks available. In 2018, they added physical locations, and in 2019, they added their own mobile betting app. The legal gambling age in the Keystone state is 21.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island got a jump start. They were among the first states to legalize sports betting way back in 2018. This tiny state is however only home to two casinos. Luckily MA and CT are just a quick drive or train ride away. Head online to find a wider offering of betting options.

South Carolina

Offline sports betting is still far away in South Carolina. Luckily, the offshore sports betting sites we recommend across the country are available in The Palmetto State anyway. The legal sports betting age is 21.

South Dakota

Voters approved legal sports betting by ballot referendum in November of 2020. It was finally launched to the public in 2021. Anyone 21 and over in South Dakota can enjoy the casinos or online betting sites.

Tennessee

Tenessee’s recent launch of legal sports betting has been a big success. Since the 2020 NFL season, bettors in Tennessee have had even more options. Funnily enough, when the governor signed the legislation for sports betting in 2019, he highlighted his hate for casinos. Stick to the legally available ones online.

Texas

While bettors in the Lone Star State can enjoy online sports betting, three major horse racing tracks, and several casinos, offline sports betting remains unapproved. You must be 21 years old at least to gamble at a casino in Texas.

Utah

You might assume Utah, with its large Mormon population, would be conservative on betting. You’d be right. They are one of two states without any form of legalized gambling in the state. You can still use the legal offshore betting sites without a problem in the Beehive State.

Vermont

Vermont has officially entered the realm of legal sports betting, with the launch taking place on January 11, 2024. Bettors in the Green Mountain State can now explore three top-tier U.S. betting sites. This makes Vermont the 38th state in the U.S. to embrace legal sports betting.

Virginia

Virginia became the 22nd state to legalize sports betting in 2020. Ironically, they are one of only nine states that do not allow casinos anywhere within their territory. The legal age for sports betting in Virginia is 21, and here you can go online or use some of the retail sportsbooks.

Washington

The 21st state to legalize sports betting was Washington state. Tribal casinos can now host sports betting, though there are no plans to launch mobile betting here. The legal age to bet on sports in the Evergreen State is 18 years old. The online sports betting sites from offshore remain available here.

West Virginia

West Virginia was an early adaptor. It became the fifth state to legalize offline sports gambling in 2018. The state is also home to plenty of casinos and horse tracks, which struggle to compete with the online betting sites. The legal gambling age in the Mountain State is 21.

Wisconsin

There is no permanent horse racing track in Wisconsin, even though it is legal. Sports betting, on the other hand, is only legal in-person. It launched back in November 2021. Though policymakers have considered expanding laws to account for Wisconsin online sports betting, this interest has not really picked up. Betting with a trustworthy offshore site is still residents’ best option.

Wyoming

While online sports betting in the Cowboy State went live in 2021, all four Wyoming casinos that are on the Wind River Indian Reservation remain unable to offer sports gambling in person. What’s more, no efforts to allow them to host sports betting have been made in the state. Any person at least 21 years old in the Equality State can log into and use the offshore betting sites.

Sports Betting Legislation Update: Progress and Challenges Across US States

• Georgia: Georgia continues its push for sports betting legalization with a new bill proposing a 15% tax rate. Educational efforts by sportsbooks have improved legislators’ understanding of the industry.
• Minnesota: A new Minnesota bill offers online licenses to tribes and retail betting at various venues. Bipartisan support is likely if both tribes and horse tracks endorse the legislation.
• Alabama: Alabama is considering comprehensive gambling legislation including sports betting, despite having no major pro teams. This first-time effort shows promise in the sports-loving state.
• Mississippi: Early adopter of retail sports betting, Mississippi is now exploring online betting expansion. A task force is studying the economic implications of this potential move.
• Florida: The Seminole tribe’s Hard Rock Bet app operates in Florida amid ongoing legal challenges. The outcome could significantly impact sports betting in other states with strong tribal gambling presence.
• Other States: Washington, Wisconsin, Texas, and California face unique hurdles ranging from legal disputes to constitutional processes, delaying sports betting legislation progress.

Which State is Most Likely to Legalize Gambling Next?

The sports betting landscape in America is poised for change. From the Midwest to the coasts, Minnesota, Georgia, South Carolina, California, and Texas are all weighing the pros and cons of online sports wagering.

Two giants loom large in this potential betting bonanza: California and Texas. Their massive populations make them irresistible to operators eager to expand their reach. California’s path forward hinges on mending fences with tribal interests, whose support is crucial after previous setbacks. Meanwhile, Texas faces a different hurdle. As the Lone Star State grapples with broader gambling expansion, sports betting might take a back seat until 2025. Nevertheless, industry advocates remain undeterred, continuing their push for legalization.

The Best Sports to Bet on In US

With so many states legalizing sports betting, it is good to start looking at some of the details! NFL is the king when it comes to sports and sports betting in North America, and it’s also our favorite sport to bet on. Monday Night Football isn’t the same without a little bet to spice things up!

The NBA, MLB, and NHL offer thrilling options for sports bettors, thanks to their packed game schedules and nonstop action. With soccer’s growing popularity in the U.S., the MLS has also emerged as an exciting market, presenting a wide variety of betting opportunities for fans.

UFC and Tennis are growing in popularity when it comes to sports betting in the United States, especially because those sports offer really good entertainment value for both men and women. Also, when we looked at the classic gender pay gap in sports we found out that Tennis and UFC were some of the most equal when it comes to money.