Legal sports betting sites in the USA offer gamblers a fun way to wager on their favorite games. This the reason why US sports betting has been gradually growing after a couple of laws came into play. Read on for an overview of legal sports betting USA as we evaluate how sportsbooks cater to bettors and the regulations surrounding US betting.
Sports betting is legal in the USA in areas where gambling is legal. So, it depends on the state you are in and the casino or sportsbook you want to play on. To understand this better, check out the US sports betting laws below.
Interstate Wire Act The Interstate Wire Act (Federal Wire Act) of 1961 made it illegal to wager on events via `wire communication,’ which referred to the telephone. Theoretically, the Federal Wire Act can affect anyone who bets on sports. According to its opening statement, it applies to everyone who engages in the betting business including bookmakers, but not individuals who bet on sports for fun. This was explained clearly during a debate on the bill by the House of Representatives. The chairman made it clear by saying that the law would only affect the bookmaker and the bettor whose business is to take or lay off bets but would not affect the casual bettor.
Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA) UIGEA is the only significant piece of federal legislation that specifically affects online gambling. The act was passed in 2006, and it was famously believed that the statute declared any form of online betting illegal within the USA. However, this is not true. Instead, the act made it illegal for organizations to facilitate financial transactions associated with online gambling, which made it difficult for US residents to withdraw or deposit at betting sites. In short, the UIGEA prompted numerous betting sites to stop accepting wagers from US customers but did not make it illegal to bet on sports online.
Is Sports Betting Legal in the USA?
Sports betting is legal in the USA in areas where gambling is legal. So, it depends on the state you are in and the casino or sportsbook you want to play on. To understand this better, check out the US sports betting laws below.
Supreme Court Sports Betting Decision
In May 2016, the Supreme Court of the USA lifted the ban on sports betting. The court ruled that one particular federal gambling statute, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), was unconstitutional because the act infringed states` rights. However, this did not mean that sports gambling is legal throughout the country. Overturning the law meant that US states would be free to decide whether they wish to pass legislation to legalize sports betting. This ruling saw some states take steps to legalize and regulate sports gambling. It didn’t, however, mean that anyone or any company can launch a sports betting website. The states that considered legalizing sports betting opted to do so by licensing a couple of companies to offer legal sports betting within a number of forums such as casinos or race tracks. Moreover, this ruling does not mean the Supreme Court supports legalized sports gambling. Instead, it appears agnostic on the merits of legalized sports betting. As the Supreme Court indicated in its ruling, if a statute was passed by Congress to ban sports betting directly, it would probably survive legal scrutiny. When it comes to UK, legalized gambling is supported. Here is the new uk betting sites information you can rely on.Interstate Wire Act The Interstate Wire Act (Federal Wire Act) of 1961 made it illegal to wager on events via `wire communication,’ which referred to the telephone. Theoretically, the Federal Wire Act can affect anyone who bets on sports. According to its opening statement, it applies to everyone who engages in the betting business including bookmakers, but not individuals who bet on sports for fun. This was explained clearly during a debate on the bill by the House of Representatives. The chairman made it clear by saying that the law would only affect the bookmaker and the bettor whose business is to take or lay off bets but would not affect the casual bettor.
Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA) UIGEA is the only significant piece of federal legislation that specifically affects online gambling. The act was passed in 2006, and it was famously believed that the statute declared any form of online betting illegal within the USA. However, this is not true. Instead, the act made it illegal for organizations to facilitate financial transactions associated with online gambling, which made it difficult for US residents to withdraw or deposit at betting sites. In short, the UIGEA prompted numerous betting sites to stop accepting wagers from US customers but did not make it illegal to bet on sports online.
US States Where Sports Betting Is Legal
- Arkansas – Launched July 2018
- Delaware – Launched June 2018
- Indiana – Launched September 2019
- New York – Launched July 17, 2018
- Nevada – Launched January 2019
- Rhode Island – Launched November 26, 2018
- West Virginia – Launched August 30, 2018
- Mississippi – Launched August 2018
- Kansas – Launched June 2018
- Iowa – Launched August 15, 2019
- Oregon – Launched Augusts 27, 2019
- New Mexico – Launched July 17, 2019
- Pennsylvania – Launched November 2018
States Where Sports Betting Has Been Passed But Is Not Yet Legal
- Illinois – June 2019
- Alabama
- California
- North Carolina – July 2019
- Colorado – November 2019
- Washington DC
- Montana – May 2019
- Tennessee April 2019
- Hawaii – January 2019
- Louisiana
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
States Where Sports Betting Is Illegal
- Florida
- Idaho
- Nebraska
- Utah
- Wyoming
- Wisconsin
Sports Betting Sites Per State
New Jersey
Along with Nevada, New Jersey boasts some of the most liberal sports gambling and betting laws in US sports betting. Visit kryptoszene.de for information on bitcoin casinos. Both live and online sports betting are now 100$ live in New Jersey thanks to the monumental Supreme Court decision made in 2018.Legal Casinos in New Jersey
- Fanduel Sportsbook
- WilliamHill New Jersey
- FoxBet
- Draftkings Sportsbook
- Hard Rock
- 888 Sportsbook
- SugarHouse NJ
- Golden Nugget
Top Sports Betting Games in New Jersey
- Off-track betting
- Charity gambling
- New Jersey lottery
- Horse racing
- Amusement games
Arkansas
Arkansas has for long had a limited range of legal horse racing and greyhound racing. Sports betting in this state has been restricted to pari-mutuel wagers. Since the Supreme Court overturned the PASPA Act, Arkansas has looked at ways to expand its gambling operations online. State residents approved expanding casino gaming in the state in November 2018 by voting on the midterm election ballot, which saw the state become the eight to legalize sports betting.Legal Casinos in Arkansas
- AmWager
- BetAmerica
- TVG
- Draft Kings
- Fanduel Fantasy
- Monkey Knife Fight
- TwinSpires
Top Sports Betting Games in Arkansas
- Online poker
- Horse racing
- Dog racing
- Charitable gambling
Delaware
Delaware launched its sports betting in June 2018 after the Supreme Court decision, making it the first state to legalize sports betting. Residents can now play slots, poker and table games at regulated sites aligned to the existing brick `n’ motor racinos. In 2019, the state`s new sports betting legislation has made it one of the few places in the country where residents can wager on single games too.Legal Betting Sites in Delaware
- BetNow
- MyBookie
- Xbet
- BetOnline
- Sports Betting
Top Sports Betting Games in Delaware
- Mixed martial arts
- Golf
- Basketball
- Auto racing
- Baseball
- Soccer
Indiana
The state legalized sports betting in May 2019. Both mobile and retail sports betting are now live in the state of Indiana. Although the law allows for statewide mobile betting, it prohibits betting on esports and amateur athletes under 18.Indiana Legal Sports Betting Sites
BetRivers DraftKings Sportsbook FanDuel Sportsbook WorldWinnerTop Sports Betting Games in Indiana
- NFL
- MLB
- NHL
- Slots
New York City
Voters had approved a constitutional change to add up private casinos within the state in 2013. A law was also passed by the state to add sports betting if the federal government was to lift its ban. Once the ban was overturned, the state went ahead with this plan, and in June 2019, guidelines for sports betting facilities were unanimously passed by the New York Gaming Commission.New York Legal Sports Betting Sites
- BetAmerica
- TwinSpires
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- WatchandWager
- WorldWinner
- DraftKings
Top Sports Betting Games in New York
- Online skill games
- Fantasy sports
- Greyhound betting
- Horse betting
Nevada
Nevada is one of a few US states where sports betting on individual games is legal. In fact, it was the first US state to make betting legal having done so in 1949. Nevada gambling on sports has skyrocketed at a very high rate and its most significant impact has been on online betting.Nevada Legal Sports Betting Sites
- MyBookie
- BetOnline
- GT Bets
- SportsBetting
Top Sports Betting Games in Nevada
- Football
- Hockey
- Tennis
- Basketball
- Golf
Rhode Island
Rhode Island legalized sports betting in 2018, which did not include mobile betting. The law had previously been approved by voters but went ahead to be formally authorized in 2018 via the state budget. In March 2019, lawmakers expanded the legislation to include mobile and online betting, but no launch date has been set yet.Rhode Island Legal Sports Betting Sites
- TwinSpires
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- WorldWinner
- ExpressBet
Top Sports Betting Games in Rhode Island
- Online horse racing betting
- Online games of skill
- Charitable bingo games
- State lottery
West Virginia
The state has only had legalized gambling since 1994, and casinos only launched in 2007. However, it was among the first in the country to legalize sports betting. West Virginia approved sports betting in August 2018 and went ahead to legalize online betting in December the same year.- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- Hollywood Sportsbook
- Mardi Gras Sportsbook
- Mountaineer Sportsbook
- Wheeling Island Sportsbook
- Betlucky
Top Sports Betting Games in West Virginia
- Greyhound racing
- Horse betting
Mississippi
The state has had legalized casinos since the 1990s after its Gaming Control Act was passed. After some failed amendments, Mississippi was able to pass a new bill in 2018 after the Supreme Court ruling against the terms of PASPA. It is then that the state felt ready to push on with its own sports bet legislation.Top Sports Betting Sites in Mississippi
- BetNow
- MyBookie
- Xbet
- BetOnline
- Sports Betting
Top Sports Betting Games in Mississippi
- NFL
- NCAA
Kansas City
Kansas already boasts a wide network of regulated racetracks wherein pari-mutuel betting is allowed. In 2019, the state only allows land-based pari-mutuel betting and does not permit online sports betting. However, the Supreme Court ruling has paved the way for new Kansas sports betting legislation, and three bills are already proposed, and sports bettors will be hoping that at least one can make it through.Top Sports Betting Games in Kansas
- Bovada
- SportsBetting
- BookMaker
- MyBookie
- BetOnline
- XBet
Top Sports Betting Games in Kansas
- NHL Hockey
- NFL
- NCAA
- NBA
- College football
The Top 10 Sports Betting Sites in the USA
- BetNow
- Sportbet
- 5Dimes
- SportsBetting
- BookMaker
- BetDSI
- Intertops
- GT Bets
- BetOnline
- Bovada
Top Mobile Betting Apps in the US
BetAmerica Betting App
BetAmerica has been in the legal US Sports Betting horse for a while now. As of 2019, the bookmaker launched its online sports betting app in New Jersey, offering numerous options when it comes to sports bets, casino games and sports. When new users sign up with BetAmerica, BetAmerica mobile app offers them a 100% match on deposits up to $500. A $20 bonus is also offered for live sports bet. The app offers an abundance of betting options including Spreads, Straight bets, Parlays and Prop Bets. Also, numerous live wagers are available in almost any major sport including golf, soccer, NFL, MLB, NHL, tennis and more.888 Sports Betting App
The 888 mobile app allows users to place instant bets on thousands of events. Users can choose from pre-match and live markets from almost any sport. They can also opt for non-sporting events. This mobile sports app includes a bonus for the initial sign up and claims the most competitive betting odds amongst US sportsbooks. 888 betting app scores high when it comes to in-game betting. The app offers real-time stats, dynamic odds, as well as enhanced visual of live events that allow users to control all the live betting action easily. Though there are numerous different sports offered on the app, the most popular ones include MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL, NCAA and Soccer. Not only does the app cover sports, but it also covers non-sports events, political campaigns and elections.Bovada US Bookmaker
Bovada, previously known as Bodog, is one of the oldest and best US sportsbooks operating online today. The Bovada mobile app allows users to bet on major U.S sports such as baseball, basketball, football, as well as tennis, soccer, rugby, MMA and boxing. The Bovada app gives United States the chance to place mobile bets from Android, IOS and a couple of other types of smartphones. In-play betting is also available as well as teasers, parlays and future among others.Sportsbook Mobile App
Sportsbook has been around since 1996 and remains a leading player in the online and mobile betting and gaming industry. The Sportsbook mobile app features a fairly handy list of sports to bet on that are mainly focused on US-based events. They do, however, allow users to bet on other events like entertainment, elections and politics as well. The app has great promotional offers in terms of bonuses. Fist time bettors get a 50 deposit bonus up to $250.Fanduel Sports Betting App
FanDuel prides itself on having a convenient and safe platform to place and win sports bets. They boast secure and straightforward deposits, up to date odd, extremely fast payouts and reliable customer service. First tie users gain access to a $500 risk-free bet on the app. Users also get access to other promotions such as Parlay Insurance, Risk-Free Bets, Odds Boosters and much more. There is an impressive list of sports that you can bet on with the Fanduel app including football, baseball, boxing, MMA, etc. Fanduel has a lot of bets to choose from, which include Prop Bets, Teaser Bets, Spreads, In-Game lines and Moneylines.4NJBets Horse Betting App
This is an excellent app for horse betting enthusiasts. Run by TVG, America`s leading horseracing network, 4NJBets is a top-notch horse racing online betting app that allows users to place legal bets and live stress horse races. This free mobile app (Android is supported) makes it easy to set alerts for big races, access instant funding and withdrawals, as well as live stream events in 150+ tracks.William Hill Betting App
If you want sports betting on the go, then you need to consider the William Hill Betting App. It offers access to a complete sportsbook right in the palm of your hand. After signing up, first-time users are offered a $200 cashback reward. You can place bets on your favorite live sports like soccer, hockey, baseball and basketball at almost any time. William Hill also has other events throughout the year that they open up to sports bettors as well.SugarHouse Sportsbook Mobile App
New Jersey takes the top spot when it comes to progression in terms of gambling, a reason why the SugarHouse and Casino gambling is owned and operated here. This app for sports fans is among the best in US sports betting. When it comes to bonuses, the app has everyone covered. Upon the initial signup, Sugarhouse matches the first deposit up to $250! Other bonuses offered include Refer a Friend, Bonus Store, Bonus Bank, 1X Wager and Free Bonus Bingo. There`s a wide range of sports and casino games on the SugarHouse Mobile App to choose from including football, soccer, baseball, cricket, darts and tennis. If you fancy casino games, the SugarHouse App casino will not let you down. It allows you to play your favorite slots or hit up live dealers and table games.Caesars Sports Betting Mobile App
It turns out you don’t need to take a trip to Las Vegas for you to dive into the Caesars Palace experience. This is thanks to their versatile betting mobile app. The Ceasars Casino and Sports app offers an extensive list of online sports games to choose from, which includes 21 video poker games, roulette, nine different sets of blackjack, 267 slots and baccarat. As far as sports betting goes, the app has a growing group of bets to offer on sports, which include Futures, Point Spreads, Moneyneylines and Totals. Most of the standard games for betting like football, baseball, soccer, boxing, mixed martial arts, tennis, golf and motor racing are also covered on the app.Draftkings Sports Betting App
Most people consider Draftkinsg to be more about Fantasy Sports. Draftkings also created a sportsbook and mobile app. If you`re looking to wager on sports, you don’t need to go any further that on Draftkings Betting App. They have a wide assortment of sports such as soccer, basketball, NFL, golf, baseball and college football. Along with this diverse selection of sports, the Draftkings mobile app also allows users to play a long list of different bets such as moneylines, futures, prop bets, pool prizes and futures. When you sign up, you’re eligible for a $200 on your first bet as well as $35 in free bets.How Does Sports Betting Work?
What exactly is sports betting, and how does it work? Below is sports betting explained. Sports betting is all about staking on the outcome of a sporting event. Gamblers attempt to predict the result of an event so as to win their bet and potentially profit. Sports betting involves betting odds, which are a representation of probability. Odds of 2.00 (1/1 in fractional odds) means that an event has a 50% chance of happening. Let’s look at an example: Team A with an odd of 2.3 and Team B with odds of 1.5. The implied probability here is 38.5% for Team A and 66.7% for Team B. One unit on Team A will pay 2.3 units if Team A wins the match, and one unit on Team B will pay 1.5 units if Team B wins. As you can see, the implied probabilities total to more than 100%. This is as a result of the bookmaker`s margin. But do bookmakers make a profit? Yes, they do. An obvious example of a bookmaker making money is if a user placed a bet on a team to win a match and they didn’t. That’s $10 for the bookmaker. Bookmakers are hit hardest when a favorite loses. They are, however, in big profit if a favorite loses. You know it’s a rough weekend for bookmakers, for example during a Premier League football weekend, and then 8 out of 10 favorites win. But they don’t lose entirely as they utilize something called a bookmaker margin to ensure they earn a profit for every bet that is placed. The bookmaker adjusts the odds in their own favor so that they are on the winning side no matter the outcome will be.Sports Betting Strategy
What is the best or most profitable sports betting strategy? The answer to this is that there isn’t a definite best approach to betting. Making money by betting on sports can be tough, but numerous bettors consistently win and some even make a living out of it. But what works for some bettor might not work for others. That’s why it’s advised that you stake what you`re prepared to lose, and winning is rarely guaranteed. But there are a few tips you can use to make the most out of sports betting. They include the following:Understand Some Basic Betting Strategies
Most people don’t give a thought at all to any simple strategy involved in sports betting when starting. You must know the simplest of basics as a beginner. Most of the basics are quite straightforward and easy to learn, and they can really help new bettors make right decisions. These basic strategies include checking for off-market prices, arbitrage betting, low-risk multiples and arbitrage betting.Always Compare Lines and Odds
This is one of the most straightforward tips to follow. Comparing lines and odds is pretty simple, and it just takes a few moments when you`re placing a wager. Since betting sites and bookmakers do not offer precisely the same lines and odd, shopping around will ensure you land the best possible deal for each bet you placeManage your Bankroll
This is the most basic yet most useful tip you`ll come across. To avoid wagering money you can’t afford to lose, you should manage your bankroll like a pro. For example, if you have a budget of $500 for betting through the NFL, ensure you keep each bet pegged to anything between 1 to 5 percent of the bankroll. This will help you avoid catastrophic situations of more significant loses.Do Your Homework
Although luck can help you win big in Bitcoin casino, in sports betting, luck will not always be on your side. Alternately, you can try your luck trading through automated apps like bitcoin loophole to see some profit. Remember, the majority of sports bettors don’t do any research before placing their bets. This implies that you`ll be ahead of hundreds (if not thousands) of other sports bettors if you put effort into background research and analysis.Devise a Strategy and Stick with It
Like everything else, sports betting is somehow overcomplicated. You can almost certainly explain every outcome with all kinds of theories. However, you could be in a better position if you distance yourself from non-value theorization and analysis. For instance, over-optimization, selection bias and model overfitting are some sins of sports betting that can diminish your chances. Instead, stick to your strategy, have confidence in it and wait for it to yield results.Watch out for Baits
Another great tip to have is to understand that you can never be too far from a bookmaker that will sell you a dummy. Also, if you manage some part of your gambling activities offline, make sure you`re aware of the pitfalls. A lot is happening in the cyber-sphere that can interfere with the actions of a sober thinking sports betting lover. Bookmakers try to lure gamblers by floating special promotions and unrealistic bonuses, only to cut them a shady deal afterward. Do your background research before you decide to join a particular sports betting network.US Sports Betting FAQs
Is online gambling legal in the US?
Yes, the US federal government allows for legal online sports betting. Nowadays, sports betting USA allows you to gamble online in a select number of states where online gambling is already legal.
What are the various types of games offered on online casinos?
Online casinos feature as many games as in a land-based casino. Standard casino games like roulette and blackjack can be found online.
Where in the USA is online gambling legal?
Online casino gambling is legal in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania while online poker is legal in Nevada, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Lastly, online lottery is legal in Michigan and Pennsylvania.
How safe is online gambling?
Sports betting online is much safe compared to betting at illegal gambling sites. With online sportsbooks in the US, you know that the games are fair, your money is secure and that you`ll receive your winnings.
Will the Supreme Court legalize sports betting?
The US Supreme Court legalized sports betting USA in 2018 when it lifted the ban on sports betting. Today, legal online sports betting is allowed, and online sportsbooks in the US are allowed to operate.
Can I get free bets when I sign up for online casinos and sports betting sites?
Yes. Online casino sites often have free bet promotions to get new users. New users will typically get $10 to $25 worth of free bets while new users on sports betting sites can get up to $50 worth of free bets.
How to deposit money on sports betting sites?
The deposit methods you can use depend on the sports betting site you’ve signed up to. The common options you’ll see are debit/credit card, PayPal and bank transfer.
Are there mobile betting apps available?
Yes. There are lots of mobile betting apps you can from. The most popular ones are BetAmerica, 888 Sports, Bovada and Sportsbook mobile apps.
What does the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act mean?
This law prohibits anyone engaged in betting or wagering businesses to knowingly accept payments made from unlawful internet gambling. In simple terms, it aims to cut off the flow of income/revenue to unlawful online gambling businesses.
Are there risks to betting on sports at unlicensed sites?
Yes. If you knowingly or unknowingly bet on sports at unlicensed sites, you may get punished based on the laws in the state you’re in. It’s also possible that you will not be able to withdraw your money if ever you win some.