U.S. Sports Betting – news in a post-PASPA world
USBettingReport.com is dedicated to the world of American sports betting. Our goal is to give you the latest news in sports betting regulations and help you find the best place to bet on sports.
In May 2018, PASPA – a federal law the previously prevented sports betting in the U.S. (with a few exceptions) – was lifted, paving the way for the positive change we want to see in the world of U.S. gambling and betting.
Here is where sports betting is currently legal in the United States:
Arkansas
Following a state referendum in Arkansas, voters gave their support to Issue 4. Part of a wider push to authorize four casinos within Arkansas, Issue 4 also opened the doors to legal sports betting. Under the terms of the bill, Oaklawn Jockey Club and the Southland Racing Corporation were automatically granted licenses. Two additional Arkansas sports betting venues will open as part of the deal.
Delaware
The state of Delaware authorized online gambling back in 2013 so entering the sports betting market is possible there. However, regulators (Division of Gaming Enforcement) are monitoring the live sports betting industry closely before approving casinos to offer sports betting. 888 is likely the first casino to get authorized.
Illinois
In Illinois, Governor Jay Robert Pritzker signed Senate Bill 690 (SB690) into law on June 28. The move was part of a $45 billion capital plan designed to help fund local schools, hospitals and amenities. In signing the bill, Pritzker ended a long-running debate between sports leagues, local officials and gaming operators. Under the terms of SB690, Illinois online sportsbooks as well as live betting venues are permitted.
Indiana
The Hoosier State legalized sports betting in May 2019. Following positive votes by the House and Senate on HB1015, locals were given the opportunity to access legal live and online sports betting facilities. Hoosier Park and Tropicana Evansville are among the two offline venues able to offer sports betting in Indiana. Additionally, operators are permitted to offer mobile sports betting following a last-minute amendment to HB1015.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, 23 licensed casinos offer sports betting, but on-premise only. The first tribal casino to enter the sports betting market was the Pearl River Resort, run by the Choctaw Indian tribe.
Montata
In Montana, House Bill 725 (HB725) was the route into the regulated US sports betting market. Following the likes of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Montana legalized bookmakers but with some caveats. When Governor Steve Bullock signed the bill in May 2019, he gave full control of the industry to the Montana Lottery. This means the state lottery will be in sole control of Montana’s sports betting industry. What’s more, mobile betting is restricted to licensed venues, meaning you can’t bet from home.
Nevada
In Nevada, sports betting, poker and casino games are all allowed. To be able to bet on sports you would have to register for an account at a casino first. Most of these casinos of live bets and online sports betting apps have been around since 2010.
New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, sports betting became legal in June 2019. The New Hampshire Lottery controls the local market and oversees all licensing and regulation. Currently, no operators have a license yet although the usual gambling brands are likely going to be active here too as soon as they have gone through the licensing procedures.
New Jersey
New Jersey offers live betting in 9 separate locations and online sports betting is available. New Jersey was the second state to launch state-regulated sports betting in June of 2018 and the first legal sports bet was placed at Monmouth Park.
New Mexico
In New Mexico there is only one casino that offers sports betting: the Santa Ana Star Casino and Hotel. There are no new state laws but as this casino is on tribal land, sportsbetting is allowed and offered here since October 16, 2018. No online betting available, though.
New York
Although sports betting is legal in New York, it’s something of a unique case. In 2013, the New York Gaming Economic Development Act gave the greenlight for developers to build four casinos within the state. This bill also contained provisions for sports betting pending federal approval. Since the downfall of PASPA, New York has technically been able to offer sports betting. However, at this stage, only RIvers Casino Report offers online sports betting (although more is likely to follow suit in 2019).
Pennsylvania
Three casinos offer sportsbook in Pennsylvania: Rivers Casino in Pittsburg, SugarHouse casino in Philly and Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course. In 2019 SugarHouse was also the first casino to launch online sports betting, with more casinos expecting to follow suit this year.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island sports betting is limited to only two casino: Twin River and Tiverton Casino. Here, all legal sports betting is run by the state lottery. To play on sports, you will have to be physically present in a casino until mobile betting is permitted – there are indications this will happen in the future.
Tennessee
Tennessee is slightly different to other US sports betting states in that it’s an online-only affair. SB16 underwent First Consideration in January 2019 and eventually made it into law in May. All licensed operators will be subject to a 20% tax rate and all Tennessee sportsbooks will only be available online or via mobile.
Washington DC
As the end of 2018 loomed, the District of Columbia approved the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act. By January 2019, Mayor Muriel Bowser gave the bill her seal of approval allowing it to go before Congress. With another positive round of voting, Washington DC sports betting became a reality soon after. The DC Lottery has sole control of the state’s one and only bookmaking app, while the state’s lack of casinos means betting will be available offline at kiosks and sports stadiums.
West Virginia
In West Virginia the gambling industry is regulated by the state lottery, where online betting is legal but yet not launched by any operator. Three casinos operate sports betting: Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, The Greenbrier and Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort.