States Where Sports Betting is Legal
Sports Betting is Legal
Almost 80 percent of the states in the United States have passed laws that allow for legal sports betting. Some states have done so through legislative action while others have done so through budget approvals. In most cases, sports betting is legally allowed only in person. However, some states have allowed online sports betting as well. The most recent states to legalize sports betting are Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Nevada, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Other states are in the process of legalizing sports betting. These states are listed below with links to their respective bills.
Illinois has a large population and major franchises like the Bears and Blackhawks. It is also home to the MetLife Stadium, where the first sportsbooks were opened in June. In March 2020, the state became the fourth largest sports betting market in the nation. In November of 2020, Colorado voters approved a sports betting measure. In addition, Colorado has a plethora of big-name universities. Sports betting will be legal in Colorado by May 2020. In addition to sports betting, Colorado has also approved the expansion of casino games in the 2020 election.
In April 2021, Massachusetts passed a sports betting legalization bill. It will be legal in person and online. In addition, the state will allow betting at horse racing tracks and casinos. The state has two major casinos. The first sportsbooks are expected to open at the MetLife Stadium and Foxwoods. Sports betting is expected to launch in 2023. However, the timing of sports betting will depend on whether the state legislature passes the law in time. The law is expected to be signed into law by Governor Charlie Baker.
States Where Sports Betting is Legal
Illinois has a reputation as one of the leaders in sports betting. It is home to a number of major casinos and sports franchises, including the Bears and Blackhawks. In addition to in-person betting, Illinois has a number of sportsbooks online. The state will also offer mobile wagering, and its first mobile bets will be placed in September of 2021.
Iowa is one of the top five states in per capita wagers and has more than 20 casinos. It is also home to the Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway, which has applied for betting licenses. Sports betting will be legal in Iowa by August 2019. In addition to sports betting, Iowa is also home to the Iowa State University football team. In December 2021, betting on in-state colleges will be legal.
Missouri has introduced a number of sports betting bills in recent years. Lawmakers competed with Kansas for the first sports betting bill, which was enacted in 2017. However, the bill never passed through the Senate. In addition to sports betting, Missouri is also considering bills that will allow online betting and mobile wagering. The state legislature will likely continue to consider sports betting in 2023.
Minnesota lawmakers are working to pass sports betting legislation. The state legislature approved a budget in 2021 that included sports betting revenues. The legislature also approved a 2022 budget that included the revenues from sports betting. However, the legislature did not vote on a bill to allow state-run lottery in 2022. Regardless, Minnesota is expected to pass sports betting legislation in 2023.