Sports Betting Legalization: Which U.S. States Have Approved It?

The legalization of sports betting in the United States has made significant strides since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on single-game betting in May 2018. This decision allowed states to legalize sports betting if they chose to do so. As of now, approximately 30 states have legalized sports betting, with 21 of these states permitting online betting.

Here are some of the states that have legalized sports betting:

Arkansas legalized sports betting in February 2022, initially limited to three land-based casinos. However, the state legislature later expanded the legalization to include up to 8 online sportsbooks. Arizona legalized sports betting in April 2021 and is one of the fastest-growing states for online betting. It is also the first state within the United States with in-stadium sportsbooks, which launched in September 2021. Indiana has 13 sportsbooks operating, making it the state with the 5th most wagers in the United States. Illinois legalized sports betting in March 2020. Connecticut legalized sports betting in October 2021, with multiple free-standing casinos and tribal gaming ambitions. Colorado implemented a retail and online regulated sports betting industry in May 2020. Michigan established in-person betting in March 2020 and launched online sportsbooks in January 2021. Louisiana launched in-person wagering in October 2021 and online sportsbooks in January 2022. Iowa adopted legislation for regulated online sports betting in August 2019 and is one of the top 5 states in per capita handle. Nevada, the gambling capital of the United States, has had sports betting for years but requires in-person registration at a regulated casino. Other states that have legalized sports betting include New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, West Virginia, Tennessee, Rhode Island, Virginia, Wyoming, and New Jersey.