States Where Online Sports Betting Is Legal
The landscape of online sports betting is constantly changing. Here is a look at the states where it is currently legal to bet on sports online.
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Introduction
In the United States, online sports betting is only legal in a handful of states. The most recent state to legalize online sports betting is Pennsylvania, which did so in October 2017. Other states where online sports betting is legal include Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey. Rhode Island is set to launch its own online sports betting platform in October 2018.
The legality of online sports betting varies from state to state, so it’s important to check the laws in your specific jurisdiction before placing a bet. In some states, like Nevada, only certain types of bets are allowed online. In others, like Pennsylvania, there are no such restrictions.
Check out our comprehensive guide to find out which states allow online sports betting and what kinds of bets you can place:
Nevada
Online sports betting is only legal in Nevada at this time. There are plans to introduce legislation in other states, but nothing has been finalized yet. In Nevada, you must be 21 years of age or older to bet on sports. You will also need to be physically located within the state borders to place your bets.
New Jersey
New Jersey was one of the first states to legalize online sports betting after the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018. Online and mobile sports betting is now live in the state, with several operators offering a wide range of betting options.
Operators in New Jersey include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, PointsBet, William Hill and SugarHouse. There are also a number of smaller operators, including playMGM, bet365 and Hard Rock Atlantic City.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement regulates all online and mobile sports betting in the state.
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, online sports betting is legal and live as of May 2019. The first official bets were placed on June 11, with SugarHouse Casino and Rivers Casino leading the way. Online betting is regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). To bet online in Pennsylvania, you must be 21 years of age or older and physically located within state borders.
Rhode Island
In November 2018, Rhode Island lawmakers approved a sports betting measure as part of the state budget. The move made Rhode Island the eighth state to approve sports betting since the Supreme Court overturned a federal ban in May 2018.
The new law allows sports betting at two casinos operated by the Twin River Management Group: Twin River Casino in Lincoln and Tiverton Casino Hotel. Sports betting officially launched at both casinos on November 26, 2018.
Online and mobile sports betting is not currently offered in Rhode Island, but the state’s legislature is considering a bill that would authorize it. If the bill passes, online and mobile sports betting would launch in Rhode Island in October 2019.
West Virginia
West Virginia became the fifth state to legalize online gambling in March 2019. The state lottery commission was given authority to regulate sports betting, both online and offline. The first sportsbooks in the state launched in August of that year. Online sports betting is only available to residents of the state who are 21 years of age or older.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a number of states where online sports betting is legal. However, it is important to check the laws in your specific state before engaging in this activity.
