Where Sports Betting Is Legal
After the repeal of PASPA, every state in the United States is now able to legalize sports betting. Connecticut was one of the more ambitious states to get the process underway, but neighboring states are catching up.
Connecticut’s gaming compact has 45 days to be amended by the U.S. Department of Interior. Until then, Connecticut is waiting for the federal government to approve the changes. Until then, you’ll be able to place your bets online.
Louisiana
In June, Gov. John Bel Edwards signed House Bill 697 and Senate Bill 247, which set up the legal framework for sports betting. The state will have the first retail sportsbooks open in October 2021, while the state’s first legal online sports betting apps will start in January 2022.
Only nine parishes have yet to approve the new industry. While these initial steps are a big step forward, Louisiana sports betting may still face a few setbacks.
New Jersey
The United States Supreme Court has ruled that sports betting is now legal in New Jersey. The state had been against legalizing the practice, but the lawsuit brought by Governor Chris Christie and the major sports leagues won the case.
The state was able to legalize the practice and open the door to online sports betting. However, the NFL and NBA have come out against the move.
These organizations argue that legalizing sports betting violates the state’s sovereignty, and they would like to see the ban overturned.
Illinois
The state of Illinois has passed legislation making sports betting legal. The law defines sports events as collegiate, professional, or motor race events.
Certain events, such as eSports or one-off events, require special approval from the state gaming board. Licensed sportsbooks can be found in Illinois and may offer a variety of sports wagering options.
There are several ways to register with a sportsbook in Illinois, including online or in person.
Mississippi
As a neighbor to Louisiana, Mississippi has already made strides towards legalizing sports betting. Governor John Bel Edwards signed a bill in June that will legalize in-person and mobile sports betting.
While this bill does not legalize online sports betting, the legislation does allow for in-state college teams to be bet on. As such, legal sports betting in Mississippi could hurt the casino industry in the state. This is why some lawmakers have weighed in on this issue.
In fact, the chair of the state’s gaming committee, Casey Eure, has advocated for mobile sports betting in Mississippi.
Nevada
Before the Supreme Court decision in May 2018, Nevada sports betting was illegal. The state was one of only four grandfathered states to continue accepting sports bets, and it was the only one to continue offering legal sports betting.
After New Jersey and other states challenged the federal ban on legalized sports betting, Nevada was the only state to continue operating sportsbooks. But on May 14, 2018, the US Supreme Court threw out PASPA and made Nevada sports betting legal.
Maryland
Though it is not yet legal in all states, the state has long supported legal sports wagering. It is legal in neighboring jurisdictions, such as Delaware, and has a growing number of fans.
DraftKings and FanDuel spent big on a campaign to pass the referendum. The sports betting backers had hoped to begin wagering as soon as the Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports gambling. However, the state constitution prevents gambling expansion without majority approval.
Nebraska
The state of Nebraska is a relatively new entrant to the sports betting fray. In the last few years, there have been a few changes to the laws governing sports betting, but the most notable is the expansion of remote sports wagering through mobile apps. This type of betting allows players to wager on races in real time.
However, the state is still far from legalizing online sports betting. The legislature must pass an amendment to change the state’s constitution to legalize online gambling.
Florida
While sports betting is not yet legal in Florida, it will soon be. Previously, the age for gambling was set at 18. Until recently, sports betting was illegal in Florida, but a recent ruling by a federal judge changed that. As a result, the state government is looking into the issue.
In the meantime, fans can place bets online and through great sports betting apps. In 2021, sports betting in Florida will be legal.
Delaware
If you’re looking for a new place to place a bet, consider trying out sports betting in Delaware. You’ll find several Delaware casinos that accept wagers made on sports games.
You can also bet on horse races. Delaware is one of the few states that allow sports betting. The state’s legal climate and current laws made it possible for the industry to be approved. Regulators expect to launch the industry in June.
