In August 2024, Forbes released a comprehensive report outlining the states where sports betting is legal in the United States. With the rise of online betting platforms and the growing popularity of sports gambling, many states have legalized the practice in recent years. According to Forbes, the following states currently allow sports betting:
1. Nevada: As the first state to legalize sports betting in 1949, Nevada has long been considered the gambling capital of the United States. With a robust industry that includes online and in-person betting options, Nevada remains a hotspot for sports bettors.
2. New Jersey: Following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, New Jersey quickly legalized sports betting. The state now boasts a thriving industry with numerous online sportsbooks and retail sportsbooks at casinos and racetracks.
3. Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania legalized sports betting in 2017, and the industry has continued to expand in the years since. With a variety of online and in-person betting options available, Pennsylvania has become a popular destination for sports bettors.
4. New York: New York legalized sports betting in 2019, and the industry has quickly grown since then. While in-person betting is available at several upstate casinos, online betting remains limited to a few select operators.
5. Colorado: Colorado legalized sports betting in 2020, and the industry has seen significant growth in the years since. With a diverse range of online sportsbooks to choose from, Colorado has become a popular destination for sports bettors in the western United States.
6. Illinois: Illinois legalized sports betting in 2019, and the industry has flourished in the years since. With numerous online sportsbooks and retail sportsbooks at casinos and racetracks, Illinois has established itself as a major player in the sports betting market.
7. Michigan: Michigan legalized sports betting in 2020, and the industry has quickly become one of the largest in the country. With a wide range of online sportsbooks to choose from, Michigan has emerged as a top destination for sports bettors in the Midwest.
8. Tennessee: Tennessee legalized online sports betting in 2020, becoming the first state to do so without any physical sportsbooks. Despite this unique approach, the industry has seen rapid growth and has become a popular destination for sports bettors in the southeastern United States.
9. Virginia: Virginia legalized online sports betting in 2021, and the industry has quickly taken off in the state. With numerous online sportsbooks to choose from, Virginia has established itself as a top destination for sports bettors on the East Coast.
10. Arizona: Arizona legalized sports betting in 2021, and the industry is set to launch in the state in September 2021. With a variety of online sportsbooks and partnerships with major sports franchises, Arizona is poised to become a major player in the sports betting market.
Overall, the legalization of sports betting in these states has paved the way for a thriving industry that provides new opportunities for both bettors and businesses alike. As more states continue to legalize sports betting in the coming years, the industry is expected to see even further growth and innovation.
