The US sports betting landscape is in a constant state of flux. Almost every month sees new legislation proposed or passed, and operators launching online and retail sportsbooks.
The last two years have seen PASPA overturned, and states now have the power to regulate sports gambling. But where is it legal?
Nevada
Having been one of the only states to offer legal sports betting since 1949, Nevada has a reputation for being the best place to wager on the games. While the majority of its sportsbooks are located in Sin City, the state has a variety of other options available as well, including online and mobile betting apps. In fact, the state’s sportsbooks generate about $5 billion in handle annually. In addition to allowing bettors to wager on all major sporting events, Nevada’s regulated sportsbooks also accept wagers on US elections (local, state, and presidential), as well as Oscar betting.
Unlike other states that have legalized sports betting, Nevada’s sportsbooks require bettors to register in person at an affiliated casino. This is a result of the state’s laws regarding bettor eligibility, which include a requirement that bettors must be 21 or older and inside the state of Nevada at all times. The state’s regulations also impose restrictions on player prop bets and in-state collegiate games.
Michigan legalized sports betting in December 2019, with retail and mobile sportsbooks becoming available in March 2020. Currently, there are about a dozen legal sportsbook apps available in the state, with the majority of them affiliated with land-based casinos. In addition, New Jersey, which was responsible for the SCOTUS decision that struck down PASPA, has already launched regulated sportsbooks at its dozens of casinos and racetracks.
Delaware
Sports betting is legal in Delaware, and it was one of the first states to launch sports gambling after PASPA was overturned. However, the state is yet to offer online sports betting options. Currently, residents can place their bets in person at the state’s three retail sportsbooks. William Hill is the exclusive bookmaker at all three locations, and the state lottery oversees operations. There is no set timetable for when the state will introduce online sports wagering.
In 2009, Governor Jack Markell tried to expand the state’s existing parlay lottery product into full-scale sports wagering. But the sports leagues sued, arguing that the move violated federal law and led to an unfair competitive advantage for the casinos. The federal court agreed with the leagues, and Markell ended up making only a minimal exemption from PASPA.
The state’s first legal sports bet was placed on June 5, 2018 at Delaware Park, and all of the racinos in the First State now accept sports bets. However, the state doesn’t allow players to bet on in-state collegiate teams.
Despite the fact that the state has no professional teams, its sports fans are passionate and loyal. This explains why the sportsbooks in the state have been so successful. But a lack of online options means that many sports fans in the state must travel to other states for their betting needs. This may change in the future as the state is considering changing its rules to encourage online sports betting.
Indiana
Almost exactly a year after PASPA’s repeal, Indiana joined the ranks of legal sports betting states. The state’s journey from legislative approval to sportsbook launch was a bit shorter than some other states, with online/mobile betting going live just four months after the law passed. Indiana’s sports betting market has soared, with more than $5 billion wagered on the Hoosier State’s new offerings so far.
There are several retail sportsbooks to choose from in the state, including many casino resorts and racinos. The majority of these sites offer a range of sports betting options, from major leagues to small-time events like eSports and ping pong. In addition, the state’s sportsbooks have a number of exciting promotions and incentives to keep players happy.
The state’s best sportsbook is BetMGM, which offers a top-notch mobile experience and first-class features. For example, the Indiana Pacers are an official sportsbook partner and the site offers a full set of futures markets as well as a slew of parlays for basketball fans to enjoy.
The state’s sportsbooks also offer a variety of betting lines, including moneylines, spreads, and over/unders. In addition, the sportsbooks are licensed to accept players from all 50 states. However, it is important to remember that it is illegal in the state to place bets on any non-licensed sportsbook. This means that anyone found in violation of the law could face a fine or even jail time.
Arkansas
Arkansas is one of the few states that still doesn’t allow online sports betting. However, the state did have its first retail sportsbook in July 2019, when the Saracen Casino in Pine Bluff opened its doors. The casino opted to develop its own sportsbook software, rather than partner with an established brand like DraftKings or FanDuel. It’s a risky move but the gamble paid off – the BetSaracen sportsbook app looks solid and the casino has a strong first mover advantage.
http://94.237.65.11/ in the rules could make it possible for mobile sports betting to launch in Arkansas by March 2022. The state’s casinos will be allowed to partner with two sportsbook brands and they must pay 51% of their revenue back as tax to the state. The rate is higher than in New York, but representatives from the state’s casinos argued that such a high tax rate would not deter players from signing up for their services.
In addition to the state’s lack of professional teams, there are several other factors that could hinder the growth of the market in the Natural State. For example, the betting markets are not very well established, and there are some differences in the way that different operators set their prices. For this reason, it’s worth opening up multiple AR sportsbook accounts so that you can compare the odds offered by different operators.
Arizona
Online sports betting in Arizona is legal. However, you must be physically located inside the state to place a bet. This means that if you venture into the Four Corners area of the state (where Arizona borders Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado), you won’t be able to place a bet there. This is because all wagers must be placed at an Arizona-licensed book.
The Arizona sports betting market has a wide variety of options. Several local casinos and tribes operate sportsbooks. The Tohono O’odham Tribe, for example, has a popular gaming app called Desert Diamond Sports. The site is easy to navigate and features a good selection of bets, including odds boost promotions for local teams.
After a long wait, the state finally legalized sports betting in April of 2021. The launch of sportsbooks followed shortly thereafter. DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars were among the first to offer sports betting in Arizona.
A few months later, Rush Street Interactive’s BetRivers launched its sportsbook in the state of Arizona. It partnered with the Phoenix Suns and Footprint Center to offer its service. The company also has a deal with the Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers to bring its sports betting platform to the state. Its mobile app is available in the Phoenix metro area and is easy to use. It supports a wide range of banking options and offers cash withdrawals via PayNearMe.
Maine
Following a reversal in federal law, Maine is now one of the states where sports betting is legal. The state has been lagging behind some of its New England neighbors for years, but the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn PASPA paved the way for sports wagering in Maine. While it will take some time to launch a full sportsbook market, a few sites have already made their presence known.
XBet is the first of the Maine sportsbooks to offer a mobile app, and they have done a great job at making it both intuitive and powerful. They are also committed to offering players multiple banking methods, including cryptocurrencies, and have an excellent selection of markets on offer.
Another major player in the Maine sportsbook scene is MyBookie, a sportsbook that offers a wide range of betting markets and a good odds section. They also have a solid mobile platform that’s perfect for fans on the go.
The Pine Tree State is home to some big sports teams, including the Boston Bruins and the college hockey team, the Maine Black Bears, which has two NCAA national championships to its name. Residents of the state are keen sports fans, and they will likely turn to online and brick-and-mortar sportsbooks when the state finally legalizes sports betting. But until then, it’s probably best to stick with your favorite offshore betting site.