Sports Betting in The United States State by State Guide

Understanding Betting Site Legality in the US: Laws and Historical Background

Explore a quick overview of major events shaping the history of sports betting in the United States. This brief timeline encapsulates key moments and legislative milestones that have influenced the landscape of sports wagering over the years.

• 1992 – PASPA Enactment: The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) passed by the U.S. Congress prohibited states from legalizing sports betting, except for limited exemptions such as horse racing, dog racing, and jai alai. Exceptions included sports lotteries in Oregon, Delaware, Montana, and licensed sports pools in Nevada.
• 2010 – Public Opinion: Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind conducted a national survey indicating that 67% of Americans opposed the legalization of internet betting websites. A later poll in 2011 showcased a split opinion among voters regarding federal law changes to permit sports betting.
• 2012 – New Jersey's Initiatives: Despite federal restrictions, New Jersey lawmakers and Governor Chris Christie moved forward to allow sports betting at race tracks and Atlantic City casinos, leading to a contentious legal battle.
• 2018 – PASPA Overturned: The Supreme Court of the United States overturned PASPA in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association, declaring it unconstitutional. This decision opened doors for states to legalize sports betting independently. New Jersey, Delaware, and additional states quickly drafted bills to legalize sports betting soon after.
• Delaware's Implementation (June 5, 2018): Delaware became the second state after Nevada to implement full-scale sports betting, run by the Delaware Lottery and available at the state's three casinos. Prior to 2018, the state offered limited sports betting consisting of parlay betting and championship futures for the NFL.
• New Jersey's Legalization (June 11, 2018): New Jersey legalized sports betting, and sportsbooks opened at Monmouth Park Racetrack on June 14, 2018. Subsequently, sportsbooks opened at Atlantic City casinos and Meadowlands Racetrack.
• Mississippi's Entry (August 1, 2018): Mississippi launched sports betting operations when Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica Resorts and Beau Rivage in Biloxi started taking wagers.
• West Virginia's Inclusion (August 30, 2018): West Virginia entered the sports betting scene, with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races becoming the first casino to offer sports betting.
• Pennsylvania and Rhode Island's Legalization (2018): Pennsylvania approved a sports betting law in October 2017, becoming the seventh state to legalize sports betting. Rhode Island followed suit in November 2018, opening the first sportsbook at Twin River Casino in Lincoln.
• 2021-2023 – Recent Developments: Ongoing developments in various states like Florida, Texas, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and California have seen initiatives for or against sports betting legalization, marked by legislative proposals, legal proceedings, and tribal compacts.

Gambling Regulators for Sports Betting in the US

Here are the current states where sports betting is legal alongside their respective regulatory bodies overseeing these activities.

• Arizona sports betting: Arizona Department of Gaming
• Arkansas sports betting: Arkansas Racing Commission
• Colorado sports betting: Colorado Division of Gaming
• Connecticut sports betting: Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
• Delaware sports betting: Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement
• Illinois sports betting: Illinois Gaming Board
• Indiana sports betting: Indiana Gaming Commission
• Iowa sports betting: Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
• Kansas sports betting: Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (Regulation pending)
• Kentucky sports betting: Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
• Louisiana sports betting: Louisiana Gaming Control Board
• Maine sports betting: Maine Gambling Control Board (Regulation pending)
• Maryland sports betting: Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency
• Massachusetts sports betting: Massachusetts Gaming Commission (Regulation pending)
• Michigan sports betting: Michigan Gaming Control Board
• Mississippi sports betting: Mississippi Gaming Commission
• Montana sports betting: Montana Department of Justice – Gambling Control Division
• Nevada sports betting: Nevada Gaming Control Board
• New Hampshire sports betting: New Hampshire Lottery Commission
• New Jersey sports betting: New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
• New Mexico sports betting: New Mexico Gaming Control Board
• New York sports betting: New York State Gaming Commission
• North Carolina sports betting: North Carolina Education Lottery
• Ohio sports betting: Ohio Casino Control Commission (Regulation pending)
• Oregon sports betting: Oregon Racing Commission and Oregon Lottery
• Pennsylvania sports betting: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
• Rhode Island sports betting: Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Lottery Division
• South Dakota sports betting: South Dakota Commission on Gaming
• Tennessee sports betting: Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation
• Virginia sports betting: Virginia Lottery
• Washington DC sports betting: Office of Lottery and Gaming
• Washington sports betting: Washington State Gambling Commission
• West Virginia sports betting: West Virginia Lottery Commission
• Wisconsin sports betting: Wisconsin Department of Administration
• Wyoming sports betting: Wyoming Gaming Commission

Major Sport Events in the US

All year round in America, there are all sorts of sporting events that grab the eyes of the whole country. From the grandeur of the Super Bowl, captivating audiences with its exhilarating football showdowns, to the iconic New York Marathon and Boston Marathon that test the endurance of dedicated runners, these events resonate with diverse audiences. The NBA Finals and MLB World Series showcase the thrill of basketball and baseball, while the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta and the prestigious Kentucky Derby in Louisville bring the grace of golf and the excitement of horse racing to the forefront. The Daytona 500 ignites the passion of auto racing fans, while the US Open in tennis and surfing draw enthusiasts from around the globe. These major sporting extravaganzas punctuate the American sporting landscape, uniting fans, athletes, and enthusiasts in moments of unparalleled excitement and fervor.

Betting Bonuses in the USA Online Casinos

Betting bonuses within USA online casinos are a pivotal tool for augmenting account balances and enriching the wagering experience. In the American market, these bonuses stand out for their substantial rewards, surpassing offerings in other regions. The welcome bonus reigns supreme among these incentives, with Sportbet Casino notably excelling in this arena, offering an enticing welcome package. Complementing this, risk-free sports betting bonuses are immensely popular, providing a safety net where the wagered amount is reimbursed if the bet doesn't yield a win. This encourages players to explore diverse betting options without the fear of losing their initial stake. Free bet bonuses add to the allure, granting players a predetermined amount for specific wagers, thus enabling risk-free betting opportunities. Moreover, increased odds bonuses further elevate the excitement, enhancing potential returns by boosting odds on specific outcomes or events. For instance, these enhanced odds might include scenarios like “Under 2.5 goals” or offering better odds for a team like Inter Miami to win against Los Angeles. CasinoLandia, through comprehensive assessment, presents a curated list of top casinos and their appealing bonuses, catering to the diverse preferences of enthusiastic bettors in the United States.

In short, these are the most popular types of sports bonuses in the USA:

• Welcome Bonus: Leading the array of incentives, Sportbet Casino offers an alluring welcome package, setting the tone for favorable betting experiences for new users.
• Risk-Free Sports Betting Bonuses: A popular choice among American online bookmakers, these bonuses provide a safety net by refunding the initial wagered amount if the bet does not yield a win, encouraging exploration of diverse betting options without the fear of losing the stake.
• Free Bet Bonuses: These bonuses grant players a predetermined amount to place risk-free wagers on specific events or outcomes, enhancing opportunities for betting without financial risk, based on players' preferences and activities.
• Increased Odds Bonuses: Elevating excitement, these bonuses boost potential returns by enhancing odds on specific outcomes or events, diversifying betting options to encompass scenarios like “Under 2.5 goals” or offering improved odds for particular teams, such as Inter Miami against Los Angeles.

Licensed Betting Sites vs Offshore Betting Sites – What are the differences?

Licensed Betting Sites and Offshore Betting Sites exhibit discernible disparities that influence the betting experience. Licensed Betting Sites operate exclusively within the United States, adhering to strict regulations imposed by US State gambling regulators. They offer prominent sports like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, feature larger welcome bonuses, and provide a secure betting environment vetted by stringent regulatory tests, assuring players of fair play. Conversely, Offshore Betting Sites cater to diverse regions with varied licenses, often from jurisdictions like Curacao. These sites offer smaller welcome bonuses, present different sports based on the player's country, and may have a broader range of payment methods, potentially including cryptocurrencies. However, Offshore Betting Sites entail a higher risk of scams or fraud if players choose an untrustworthy platform, contrasting starkly with the regulated and secured environment of Licensed Betting Sites in the USA.