The Legal Bonus: U.S. States Where You Can Bet Online During Game Time

Get ready for a game-changing update to online sports bettin ang. In a time where state regulators change their minds as often as underwear. VICESNOB has the scoop on where you can place their sports bets online legally across the United States. So, it’s an exciting time for sports fans and bettors alike.

Online sports betting is now legal in 30 states plus Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. We’re thrilled to see this growing trend sweeping the nation. However, from the East Coast to the West, more and more states are jumping on the bandwagon. 

List of Legal Online Sports Betting States

First we’ll explore some of the most popular states where online betting is legal in the U.S and how it’s done in those states. Then, we’ll follow up with a chart that will list each state and the details you’ll need. However, let’s dive into the world of legal online sports betting and find out where you can join the best action for placing bets on the big game. 

1. New Jersey

We’re thrilled to share that New Jersey is a paradise for online betting fans. Since 2018, NJ residents have been able to place legal sports wagers from the comfort of their homes. How cool is that? 

The Garden State didn’t waste any time after the Supreme Court gave the green light. Within weeks, we were off to the races with both in-person and online sports betting options.

But wait, there’s more. New Jersey isn’t just about sports betting. They’ve got a whole buffet of online gambling treats. Since 2013, they’ve been enjoying legal online casinos and poker rooms too.

From Atlantic City to their living rooms, New Jersey offers a wide range of betting choices. We can try their luck at online slots, play a hand of poker, or bet on their favorite teams.

New Jersey’s leading the pack in the online gambling world. We’re setting the standard for other states to follow. It’s an exciting time to be a bettor in the Garden State.

2. Pennsylvania – Legal Online Sports Betting States

We’re thrilled to share that online sports betting is totally legal in Pennsylvania. Since 2019, they’ve been able to place bets from their phones and computers. It’s so convenient.

Pennsylvania has 11 online sportsbooks to choose from. Big names like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM are all here. They can even use Caesars and the new Fanatics Sportsbook.

The state launched physical sportsbooks in 2018, right after sports betting became legal nationwide. Online betting followed in May 2019. Now the state has tons of options.

We love that they can bet on sports without leaving home. No need to drive to a casino or off-track betting site. Just grab the phone and you’re good to go.

Pennsylvania takes gambling seriously. They charge sportsbooks $10 million for a license. That’s a lot, but it shows they’re committed to doing things the right way.

So we are excited to see what’s next for sports betting in Pennsylvania. New sportsbooks keep popping up. Bet365 just joined the party in 2024.

3. West Virginia

Welcome to the state of West Virginia, a place for lovers and sports betting paradise. Since 2018, this Mountain State has been at the forefront of legal online wagering.

Want to place bets from your couch? No problem. However, West Virginia offers a bunch of online sportsbooks for us to choose from. Big names like BetRivers, Caesars, and BetMGM are all in the mix.

Let’s talk about age limits. If you’re 21 or older, we’re good to go for betting in West Virginia. Some online sportsbooks accept 18+, but it’s best to always double check and stick to the laws.

West Virginia was quick to the punch with online betting. They were the third state to jump on board, right behind New Jersey and Nevada. That’s pretty impressive for a tiny state not far from its massively populated neighbors.

As far as betting options, they’ve got options galore in West Virginia. Whether you prefer betting on your phones or visiting a retail sportsbook, this state has you covered. It’s a bettor’s dream come true or a gambling addict’s worst nightmare.

4. Indiana

There’s exciting news for sports fans in Indiana. Since 2019, sports betting has been legal and thriving in the Hoosier State. It’s a game-changer for those who love the thrill of wagering on their favorite teams and events.

Indiana was quick to jump on the sports betting bandwagon and for good reason with the tax revenue the state could gain. Within a month of allowing in-person sportsbooks, online betting apps hit the scene. Now, they’ve got a whole bunch of options to choose from.

Want to know the best part? There are over a dozen legal sportsbooks operating in Indiana. Big names like FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars are all operating within the state. It’s like having a sports betting buffet right at your fingertips.

But what about online casinos, you ask? Well, that’s still a no-go in Indiana for now. But don’t worry. There’s talk of changing that in the future. Imagine the possibilities if online casinos join the party too.

For now, we can enjoy betting on sports from the comfort of their homes or on the go. It’s safe, it’s legal, and it’s adding some extra excitement to their favorite games. Who’s ready to place a bet?

5. Nevada

We’re excited to tell you about sports betting in Nevada. It’s been legal here since 1949, way before other states caught on. Nevada was the pioneer in making sports bets okay at casinos.

But what about betting online? Great news. You can do that too in Nevada. Since 2010, they’ve been able to place bets on their phones and computers. It’s super convenient.

There are lots of choices for betting in Nevada. Moreover, you can visit fancy sportsbooks in casinos or use mobile apps. These are all legal and watched closely by the Nevada State Gaming Commission to keep things fair and regulated.

One cool thing about Nevada is that it has more in-person betting spots than online ones. This is different from some other states. If you like the thrill of being in a casino while you bet, Nevada is perfect for you. Las Vegas sports betting inside of a casino is like going to the Disneyland of sports betting (oh wait, ESPNBet does exist). 

Remember, you need to be in Nevada to use these betting apps. They check your location to make sure you’re really located within the state and the software is good enough to pick up on a VPN. But if you’re in the state- it’s a fun way to join in on the action when you visit Sin City.

6. Iowa

We’re excited to share that Iowa is a sports betting boomtown. Since 2019, the lovely Iowan people have been able to place bets online and through mobile apps in the Hawkeye State. No need to leave their comfy couches – they can register, deposit, and withdraw from anywhere in Iowa.

Want to get in on the action? You just need to be 21 or older. Don’t worry if you’re not an Iowa resident – visitors can join the fun too.

Iowa offers tons of betting options. You can wager on college sports, pro leagues, and even some international events. The state’s sportsbooks compete for your business with cool promos and user-friendly apps.

Some top choices for Iowa bettors include Fanatics, FanDuel, and Bet365. Each has its own perks, so you can pick the one that fits your style.

7. Colorado

Sports fans in Colorado are fortunate enough to have legal sports betting in their state. Online sports betting is totally legal here. Since May 2020, they’ve been able to place bets on their favorite teams from the comfort of their own homes bringing the casino to their couch. Genius.

Colorado offers a ton of options for betting. They can choose from over 25 different sports betting apps. Plus, there are more than a dozen physical sportsbooks if they want to bet in person.

The best part? You can bet on all kinds of sports in Colorado. From big league games to college matchups, there’s something for everyone. And it’s not just local teams – they can bet on national and international events too.

To get in on the action, you just need to be 21 or older. You can sign up for an account with any licensed Colorado sportsbook. But remember, you must be physically in Colorado to place your bets.

It’s amazing how quickly sports betting has grown in Colorado. In just the first year, 15 online sportsbooks opened up. Now they have even more choices. The crew here at VICESNOB is loving all the excitement and options that legal sports betting has brought to their state.

8. Illinois

Good news if you’re a sports fan in Illinois. Online sports betting is totally and completely legal there. Since 2020, they’ve been able to place bets from their phones or computers. Which makes being a Cubs fan even better.

There are nine different sportsbooks to choose from in Illinois. That means they have lots of options for placing their bets. Punters can shop around various sports books for the best odds and bonuses to keep it competitive.

But, there’s one catch, the legal age for sports betting in Illinois is 21. Sorry, kids – you’ll have to wait a bit longer to join in. But for those of us who are old enough, it’s game on during gametime.

If you lived in Illinois you used to have to go to a casino to sign up for online betting. But that rule changed in 2022. Now you can register for sportsbooks right from your couches. 

How convenient is that? So, sit back on the couch, hit the GoPuff app (get $50 off), and have munchies and beers delivered.   And hold the sportsbook right in the palm of your hand.

Illinois has become one of the top states for sports betting. We’re loving the competition between sportsbooks. It means better deals for all of us. Whether you’re into football, basketball, or any other sport, you can find great betting options in Illinois.

9. Tennessee

If you’re a sports fan in the Volunteer State. Tennessee jumped on the online sports betting bandwagon in 2020, making it legal for adults 21 and up to place bets from their phones or computers.

It’s like having a ticket to the game right in your pocket. You can bet on your favorite teams and players anytime, anywhere in Tennessee. No need to drive to a casino or find a bookie in a dark alley – just grab your phone and get in on the action.

But here’s the catch – only sports betting is allowed online in Tennessee. Casino games and poker aren’t part of the deal yet. Still, there are plenty of licensed sportsbooks to choose from, like FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings, BetOnline, MyBookie, and BetUS to name a few.

We’re thrilled to see Tennessee embrace the digital age of sports betting. However it’s added a whole new level of excitement to game day. Just remember to bet responsibly and have fun.

10. Michigan

We’re excited to share that Michigan is a sports betting wet dream. Since 2019, they’ve been betting on their favorite teams and it’s been totally legal there. The Lawful Sports Betting Act opened up a whole new world of wagering fun for Michigan.

In 2020, Michigan got to experience the thrill of in-person betting at local casinos. But the real game-changer came in 2021 when online sportsbooks hit the scene. Now they can place bets right from phones or computers.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board keeps everything fair and safe and make sure all the online sportsbooks play by the rules. Moreover, there are tons of options to choose from, which keeps things exciting and competitive.

Ready to join the action? Just remember, you need to be 21 or older to bet in Michigan. Whether you’re at a casino or lounging at home, you can now easily put your sports knowledge to the test.

From Detroit’s commercial casinos to the state’s 23 tribal casinos, there are plenty of places for you to get your betting fix. And with both in-state and offshore options available, you are anything but ‘short’ on choices.

Where is Sports Betting Legal in the United States?

Here’s an updated and comprehensive list of states where online betting is legal and in-person sports betting is legal:

Understanding Online Betting

Online betting has transformed the way we wager on sports. It’s convenient, accessible, and packed with exciting opportunities. Let’s explore how it works and why legal online sports betting is a game-changer.

How Legal Online Sports Betting Works

Online betting is pretty straightforward. You start by picking a licensed sportsbook and creating an account. Next, you will deposit money using various payment methods like credit cards, crypto, or e-wallets. Once your account is funded, you’re ready to place bets.

Moreover, you can bet on tons of sports and events. From football to horse racing,even politics- as the options are endless. You can choose a bet type, like point spreads or moneylines, and enter your stake (the amount you want to bet). The sportsbook will calculate your potential winnings instantly. Then you pull the trigger and click the elusive ‘place bet’ button. 

Live betting is super exciting too. With live betting you can place bets while games are happening, with odds changing in real-time. It’s fast-paced and keeps you on your toes. Pro tip: Sportsbooks like MyBookie and BetUS both offer live betting with streaming options to watch the game live in-app. Now that’s next level betting if you ask us.

Benefits of Legal Online Sports Betting

Legal online sports betting comes with some sweet perks. First off, it’s safe and regulated. We don’t have to worry about shady operators running off with your money.

Although licensed sportsbooks use top-notch security to protect their personal and financial info. Plus, they offer responsible gambling tools to help us punters stay in control.

However, we get access to better odds and more betting options with legal sites. Many offer welcome bonuses and promotions too, giving us more bang for their buck.

Mobile apps make betting a breeze. We can place bets from anywhere, anytime. It’s perfect for catching those last-minute wagers or in-play action. However, from personal experience there are many times I’ll catch the pre-game action and decide to wager. It’s a great feature to be able to place a bet instantly on my iPhone.

Exploring Legal Frameworks of Legal Online Sports Betting

The legal landscape of online sports betting is changing fast. Let’s take a look at how federal and state rules shape the industry and what it means for local economies. Especially states like New York and California.

Federal and State Regulations about Legal Online Sports Betting

There’s been a big shift in sports betting laws since 2018. That’s when the Supreme Court struck down a federal ban. Now, each state gets to decide if they want to allow it. Some states jumped right in, while others are taking it slow like California.

Moreover, in states where it’s legal to bet on sports, there are rules about who can bet and how. You usually have to be 21 or older. Some states only let you bet in person at casinos. Others allow mobile apps too like Florida.

Here’s a quick look at a few states:

• New Jersey: One of the first to legalize online betting
• New York: Launched mobile betting in 2022
• California: Still working on legislation. *California tribes have locked out online giants FanDuel and DraftKings from their multi-million dollar lobbying efforts to push legislation  – estimated date we’ll see sports betting and online betting in CA, 2028

Impact on Local Economies

Online sports betting can bring in huge tax revenues and big bucks for states. It creates jobs and tax money beyond what many states have seen before. 

In New Jersey, sports betting brought in over $100 million in taxes in 2023 alone. That’s nothing to bet against. 

But the bigger concerns aren’t just about the money. Sure money is the root of all evil (some say). But more recently, industry groups worry about gambling problems. So, states use some of the tax money to help people who struggle with betting too much through responsibly gambler initiatives. Many of the large online casinos also contribute to state funds earmarked for responsible gambling campaigns. 

Here are some ways sports betting affects local economies:

• New jobs at casinos and betting companies
• More tourists coming to bet
• Extra tax money for schools and roads
• Funding for problem gambling programs

It’s a balancing act. States want the cash, but they also need to keep people safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Legal online sports betting is heating up across the US. Let’s dive into some burning questions about where you can place your bets and what’s coming up next.