Where Is Sports Betting Legal? All 50 U.S. States In-Depth Review

Legal sports betting in the United States has taken off in the 5+ years since the Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA). And while not every state has opted to introduce sports betting yet, the number of places where Americans can place a legal sports wager increases every year.

Is Sports Betting Legal in the U.S.?

Key Legislative Takeaways

• More than a quarter-century after the U.S. banned sports betting, the Supreme Court ruled the PASPA federal ban was in violation of state sovereignty and therefore illegal, repealing the act and allowing states to decide whether to legalize sports betting
• A whopping 38 states and territories offer legal sports betting in the United States as of August 2024, with a handful of others having introduced bills either centered around or featuring sports betting language.
• While the quest to introduce legal sports betting is the same for the majority of states, the approach to sports wagering can differ significantly. Tax rates, number of licenses and eligible markets are some of the most notable areas where state approaches vary wildly.

U.S. Supreme Court Legal Ruling

A landmark U.S. Supreme Court case out of New Jersey forever changed the sports betting landscape.

Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association saw New Jersey Governor Philip D. Murphy (who had taken over the case from departing Governor Chris Christie) seek to overturn a federal ban on sports wagering and allow for state-sponsored sports betting.

While Christie had sought to have the act repealed previously, he was met with considerable resistance from the major professional sports leagues and the NCAA. In 2017, however, the Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal built around the contention that PASPA violated the anti-commandeering principle, which states that Congress cannot issue directives (such as making sports betting illegal) to the states outside of direct constitutional orders.

The Supreme Court agreed in a majority, repealing PASPA on May 14, 2018 – and predictably, New Jersey was one of the first states to adopt legislation.

Potential Sports Betting States

Alabama

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: Sweet Home Alabama? Not for sports betting – at least, not yet. Despite concerted efforts from lawmakers to pass a bill legalizing wagering, Alabama sports betting remains a wish rather than a reality. And with Alabama legislators passing a lottery bill in March 2024 that excludes sports betting from the agenda, things look less promising for an imminent introduction to wagering in the state.

The highlights:

• March 7, 2024: Following a tense and lengthy session, the Alabama Senate passes gambling legislation without sports wagering or casino gaming; only pari-mutuel betting and horse racing machines are included in the amended bill.

• Feb. 15, 2024: The Alabama House approves a pair of bills (HB 151 and HB 152) which would allow for legal sports betting, casinos and a state lottery.

• Nov. 23, 2023: More than a year and a half after a pair of sports betting bills failed to advance past the Senate, lawmakers confirm that multiple gaming bills will be introduced at the start of the next legislative period, set to kick off in early 2024.

The latest: Sports betting is off the table for Alabama in 2024 after the Senate and House failed to come to an accord on amendments made to HB 151. A conference committee couldn't bridge the gap, leaving sports betting legalization up in the air until 2025 at the earliest.

California

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: The Golden State has made its bones as the home of dramatic performances – and the story unfolding on the California sports betting front is movie script-quality. With lawmakers and the state's tribal nations at odds over how to roll out sports wagering, the state with the largest population in the U.S. can only watch as tens of millions of Americans in other jurisdictions wager legally each month.

The highlights:

• Nov. 17, 2023: More than 50 members of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) officially oppose a pair of sports-betting initiatives filed with the attorney general. “The entire effort surrounding these initiatives was handled abhorrently by the initiative sponsors,” CNIGA chairman James Siva said in a press release.

• Nov. 8, 2022: Voters overwhelmingly reject both sports betting initiatives (Proposition 26 and 27) in a one-sided result that eliminates the possibility of legal sports wagering in California for at least another two years.

• May 3, 2022: The California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act, which has the backing of several notable sportsbooks, surpasses the 1.6 million signatures required to qualify for the November ballot. Unfortunately, tribal nations also seeking to bring online sports betting to California opt to support the California Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative instead.

The latest: In a late-June 2024 appearance on "The New Normal" podcast, Siva says that the Supreme Court decision to deny cert in the West Flagler case won't impact how the tribes in California proceed with a path to legal sports wagering in the state.

Georgia

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: The introduction of legal Georgia sports betting will have to wait at least another year. Lawmakers failed to advance two pieces of legislation past the House Rules Committee before the state's legislative session wrapped for the year, meaning we likely won't see legal sports wagering in The Peach State until well into 2025 at the earliest.

The highlights:

• Feb. 28, 2024: Georgia lawmakers pass Senate Resolution 579, moving one step closer to a statewide referendum to decide whether voters wish to legalize sports betting in the state.

• Feb. 1, 2024: The Georgia Senate green-lights sports betting bill SB386 – but with an amendment that requires voters to approve the bill in a referendum during the 2024 election in order to pass.

• March 29, 2023: The state Senate doesn't vote on an amended House Bill 237, ending all hopes of legal sports betting in Georgia for the year.

The latest: The Georgia House of Representatives adjourns the state's 2024 legislative session without advancing either SR579 or SB386 past the House Rules Committee – effectively scuttling any chance of Georgia introducing sports betting in the next 12 months.

Missouri

Online sports betting: Pending

Retail sports betting: Pending

The gist: It's a case of "better late than never" for the Show-Me State, with voters finally approving sports betting legislation by the slimmest of margins in a Nov. 5 ballot initiative. It appears that 2025 will be their year as House Bill 2331 makes its way through the legislative chain.

The highlights:

• Feb. 28, 2024: A Missouri coalition is making progress in its quest to get a sports betting initiative on the 2024 ballot. Winning for Missouri Education had secured 100,000 signatures as of the end of February; 170,000 are required by the May 5 deadline.

• Feb. 12, 2024: The Missouri House Committee passes House Bill 2331, another step in the right direction toward legalizing sports wagering in the state.

• Feb. 12, 2024: Lawmakers file bills SB 852 and SB 824, both of which are aimed at bringing legal sports wagering to Missouri.

The latest: The voter-backed approval of the November 2024 ballot initiative means that Missouri will see legal sports betting at some point in 2025; early indications are that officials hope to have everything in place in time for the start of the NFL season in September.

Minnesota

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: There might have been plenty of initial excitement over the release of the Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0, but sports betting is unfortunately no closer to being a reality in the state. Sen. Jordan Rasmussen's stunning amendment aimed at banning in-game wagering was seen by most sports betting proponents – most notably outgoing Rep. Pat Garofolo – as a deal breaker for Minnesota's hopes of adopting sports betting legislation.

The highlights:

• March 6, 2024: Citing a commitment to responsible gaming, Rasmussen's amendment was promptly approved by the Senate Commerce Committee, significantly capping the potential tax revenue of Minnesota sports betting and likely inviting resistance from sportsbooks looking to set up shop in the state.

• Feb. 13, 2024: Gov. Tim Walz tells reporters he's ready to sign a sports betting bill – if one ever makes it across his desk. "I think the issue is can they get a bill through the house and Senate that meets all those constituency needs. If they do, I've said I will sign it."

• Jan. 19 2024: Sen. Jeremy Miller introduces the Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0, a proposal aimed at finally bringing legal sports betting to the state.

The latest: The clock ran out on Minnesota's quest to introduce legal sports betting in 2024. A last-minute effort to pass legislation came up short, as the House of Representatives failed to vote on a sports betting measure before the end of the May 19 legislative deadline.

Oklahoma

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: The introduction of a pair of sports betting bills – one new, one left over from 2023 – might have bettors in the Sooner State feeling optimistic, but residents still face a long path to legislation in Oklahoma. A massive gap still exists between lawmakers and the state's tribal nations, which have exclusive gaming rights and are not keen on either legislative proposal presented earlier this year.

The highlights:

• Feb. 6, 2024: Sen. Casey Murdock introduces Senate Bill 1434, a separate legislative item from House Bill 1027 but one that closely resembles it.

• April 18, 2023: House Bill 1027 misses the deadline to advance to the Senate prior to the end of the state's legislative session, ending any hopes of legal sports betting in Oklahoma for 2023.

• Feb. 7, 2023: Rep. Ken Luttrell and Sen. Bill Coleman introduce House Bill 1027, which would allow for both online and in-person sports wagering in Oklahoma.

The latest: At a July panel during the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States conference in Pittsburgh, Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission Chair John Sparks said that the tribes and state government are still at odds over tribal gaming compacts, a major barrier to putting forth meaningful sports betting legislation.

States Where Online Betting is Legal

Arizona 

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Arizona sports betting became legal on April 15, 2021. The first Arizona sports betting apps launched on Sept. 9 of the same year, coinciding with the 2021 NFL season. The HB2772 betting bill allowed for up to 20 sports betting licenses, half granted to professional sports teams and organizations and the other half to Native American tribes. By the latest count, there are 17 online sportsbooks in Arizona.  

The Highlights: 

• March 13, 2024: Just under $706.4 million in handle is generated by Arizona sportsbooks in January, according to the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG). The betting action generated $69.3 million in gross revenue.

• Sept. 8, 2022: BetMGM and the Arizona Cardinals open a retail sportsbook within an NFL stadium, the first of its kind in the U.S.

• Sept. 9, 2021: Sports betting launches in Arizona, with seven sportsbooks going online.

The Latest: Arizona said farewell to a pair of sports betting operators in July 2024, with SaharaBets and Superbook Sports both leaving the state due to poor showings in a highly competitive sportsbook market.

See our top Arizona sportsbook promos.

Colorado

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: In a November 2019 referendum, voters allowed the 33 in-state casinos to apply for up to 30 Colorado sports betting licenses. The referendum upheld the House Bill 1327 that Governor Polis signed in May. With 20 legal Colorado betting apps currently in operation, there’s still room for expansion in Colorado.

The highlights:

• March 7, 2024: Colorado kicks off the new calendar year on the right foot, generating a record $53.5 million in revenue. It's a 32% increase from December 2023 and a 51% boost year-over-year.

• March 17, 2022: Sports betting rules are adjusted to allow for fixed-odds horse and greyhound racing wagering during an 18-month trial run.

• May 1, 2020: The first four online sportsbooks (DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers) go live in Arizona, officially launching online sports betting in the state.

The latest: One major offshore operator is out of the Centennial State after Bovada officially withdrew its operations from Colorado in late May 2024.

See our top Colorado sportsbook promos.

Connecticut

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: As with the majority of states that have legalized sports betting, Connecticut didn't come about it easily. After falling short in 2019 and 2020, retail Connecticut sports betting finally became a reality after the state reached an agreement with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes. Connecticut sports betting apps were given the green light later in 2021, and the Netmeg State now boasts a healthy sports betting ecosystem.

The highlights:

• Dec. 1, 2023: Fanatics officially enters an agreement with the Connecticut Lottery Corp, assuming the online and retail sports betting license previously owned by PlaySugarHouse. Fanatics joins powerhouses FanDuel and DraftKings as the state's only operators.

• Oct. 19, 2021: The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection officially approves online sports betting and iGaming, making the state one of just a handful in the U.S. to offer both options.

• May 2021: Gov. Ned Lamont signs the historic tribal gaming compact, paving the way for legal sports betting in Connecticut.

The latest: Connecticut surpassed the $1 billion mark in handle for its first six months of 2024, a full three months faster than it did a year prior.

See our top Connecticut sportsbook promos.

Delaware

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Despite being nicknamed The First State, Delaware is actually the second territory in the US to legalize sports betting. The first retail sportsbooks opened their doors in 2018, while the first online site went live in late 2023. Delaware is a small state, so other operators are not interested in launching online sportsbooks.

The highlights:

• Dec. 27, 2023: BetRivers launches the first online sportsbook in Delaware.

• June 5, 2018: Delaware’s three racinos unveil the first retail sportsbooks, shortly after the Supreme Court annuls PASPA.

• 1976: The first legal form of sports betting comes to Delaware via a short-lived football parlay game created by the Delaware Lottery.

The latest: In mid-May 2024, legislators advanced House Bill 365 out of the chamber's administration committee and off to the appropriations committee. The bill is aimed at ending BetRivers' monopoly and supplying "the framework and requirements for a competitive mobile sports wagering market in Delaware."

D.C.

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: D.C. sports betting went legal barely a year after SCOTUS overturned PASPA. D.C. only had to sign a bill into law, which mayor Bowser did in January 2019. Since Congress didn’t veto it, wagering was legalized in May. The capital has a unique setup as mobile betting is lottery-run. Meanwhile, retail sportsbooks can offer online wagering in predetermined district zones.

The highlights:

• March 15, 2024: FanDuel officially takes over as the official D.C. online sportsbook April 15, supplanting GambetDC. The emergence of FanDuel, which projects nearly $200 million in revenue within the first five years of operation, ends an ignominious chapter in D.C. sports betting fueled by GambetDC's disappointing performance.

• May 26, 2021: William Hill opens a retail sportsbook at a professional sports venue, the first of its kind in the United States.

• May 3, 2019: Sports betting goes live in D.C.

The latest: The proverbial floodgates are now open in D.C., with Caesars and BetMGM joining FanDuel in the sports betting mix (and DraftKings announcing it would be next). The district had limited bettors to just one sportsbook prior to mid-July 2024; FanDuel had been the lone operator after taking over for the disappointing GambetDC sportsbook.

See our top D.C. sportsbook promos.

Florida

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: No state has seen more legislative twists and turns than Florida when it comes to legal sports betting. For the moment, Floridians can wager online via Hard Rock Sportsbook – but with West Flagler tirelessly challenging what it considers a tribal sports betting monopoly, residents of the Sunshine State shouldn't get too comfortable with the current state of Florida sports betting.

The highlights:

• Feb. 20, 2024: Florida lawyer and The Athletic legal analyst Daniel Wallach submits an amicus curiae brief in support of West Flagler, which is challenging Florida's decision to offer legal sports betting via off-reservation gaming avenues.

• Dec. 5, 2023: Nearly two years to the day after Hard Rock Sportsbook is forced to suspend operations, Florida sports betting is live again via a Hard Rock re-launch.

• Oct. 5, 2023: The Supreme Court strikes down West Flagler's latest request to intervene in the state's agreement with the Seminole Tribe, setting the stage for legal sports wagering to return to Florida.

The latest: On June 17, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court formally rejected West Flagler's request for a review of an appeals court's decision to reinstate federal approval of a gaming compact between the state and the Seminole Tribe.

Illinois

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Since Illinois sports betting was legalized in June 2019, Illinois has become one of the most successful betting markets in the country. Both retail and online sports betting became legal then, with the first Illinois sports betting apps launching in June 2020. The state allows for eight licenses, all of which are now taken.

The highlights:

• Jan. 19, 2024: Illinois continues to smash records, establishing a new state record for handle for the third month in a row with a $1.4-billion showing in November 2023.

• June 2020: BetRivers becomes the first online sportsbook in Illinois, roughly three months after Rivers Casino makes history as the first retail sportsbook in the state.

• June 2019: Governor J.B. Pritzker signs SB 690 into law, effectively legalizing sports betting in Illinois and blocking out-of-state operators from entering the market in the next 18 months.

The latest: Illinois has extended its streak of months with $1 billion or more in handle to nine, pulling in $1.02 billion in wagers in May 2024.

See our top Illinois sportsbook promos.

Indiana

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Indiana entered the legal sports betting waters in May 2019 by signing the HB 1015 bill into law. Indiana sports betting platforms opened up only a few months later, and today, Indiana is home to 12 online and 13 retail sportsbooks. There is no restriction on who can place wagers on Indiana betting apps, even for non-residents; they only have to be physically present in Indiana and at least 21 years old.

The highlights:

• June 6, 2023: Indiana sports betting generates the wrong kind of headlines, as the NFL opens an investigation after Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers made approximately 100 bets with an unidentified sportsbook within the state.

• Oct. 3, 2019: BetRivers launches an online sportsbook in the state, making it Indiana’s first online wagering platform.

• May 8, 2019: Governor Holcomb signs HB 105 into law, making retail and online sports betting legal.

The latest: Indiana's sports betting market continues to grow in 2024; bet365 entered The Hoosier State at the end of January while Fanatics became the state's 13th sports betting operator just under a month later.

See our top Indiana sportsbook promos.

Iowa

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Iowa sports betting went live on Aug. 15, 2019, when the first retail and online sportsbooks entered the newly formed market. Initially, Iowa sports betting apps didn’t have remote registration, but this was eventually scrapped, allowing bettors to have a full online experience. According to the latest count, there are 17 different sports betting sites.

The highlights:

• January 2021: Bettors are no longer required to be physically present in a casino when registering for an online sportsbook.

• Aug. 15, 2019: Elite Sportsbook and William Hill are the first online sportsbooks to launch in the state.

• May 2019: Governor Reynolds signs SF-617 into law, making retail and online sports wagering in Iowa legal.

The latest: SuperBook Sports customers in Iowa were left looking for another sports betting app to use after the Las Vegas-based operator pulled out of the state on July 22, 2024.

See our top Iowa sportsbook promos.

Kansas

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Both forms of Kansas sports betting went legal on June 20, 2022, following what you might call a legislative race with its neighbor Missouri. Kansas betting apps and retail sportsbooks launched relatively quickly on Sept. 1. More than three years after the market opened, the state has six online platforms out of the 12 it can hold by law. 

The highlights:

• Feb. 16, 2024: Kansas joins several other states in issuing cease-and-desist letters to prominent daily fantasy sports/pick 'em operators, including Underdog.

• Sept. 1, 2022: The first six online sportsbooks launch in Kansas, including BetMGM, Caesars, PointsBet, DraftKings, Barstool, and FanDuel.

• June 20, 2022: Governor Kelly signs SB 84 into law, making retail and online sports betting legal in Kansas.

The latest: Momentum appears to be slowing among Kansas sportsbooks, with the state seeing an 18% month-over-month drop in sports betting handle for June. The state took in just over $140 million wagers during one of the quietest months on the sports calendar.

See our top Kansas sportsbook promos.

Kentucky

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: After several unsuccessful attempts, Kentucky sports betting finally became a reality in March 2023. In late September, as many as seven Kentucky sportsbook apps entered the new market. The interest was high, as the operators collected around $50 million in wagers in only the first week.

The highlights:

• Sept. 28, 2023: Online sports betting in Kentucky goes live, with DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, Barstool, and bet365 entering the market.

• Sept. 7, 2023: Governor Beshear places the first wager at Churchill Downs, marking the start of retail betting in the state.

• March 31, 2023: Governor Beshear signs HB 551 into law, legalizing retail and online sports betting in Kentucky.

The latest: The NCAA asked that Kentucky ban college player prop betting in April 2024, but the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission had not yet addressed the request as of early July.

See our top Kentucky sportsbook promos.

Louisiana

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: The government began working on the legislation after 55 of the state's 64 parishes voted in favor of legal Louisiana sports betting in their areas in November 2020. The law was signed in June 2021, officially making the practice legal in the said 55 parishes. The market launched in October, and by the start of 2024, there were eight active Louisiana sports betting apps.

The highlights:

• July 16, 2024: State authorities opted to drop charges against NFL wide receiver Kayshon Boutte in mid-July 2024 for gambling and fraud charges stemming from his involvement in a sports betting scandal while he was attending LSU.

• Jan. 28, 2022: The first six online operators launch their sports betting services in Louisiana.

• Oct. 6, 2021: Sports betting in Louisiana goes live, as Betfred Sportsbook becomes the first retail sportsbook to operate in the state.

The latest: Louisiana joins the ever-growing list of states to crack down on offshore sports betting sites, issuing a cease-and-desist letter to betting giant Bovada in early August 2024. Bovada had yet to respond as of the end of the month.

See our top Louisiana sportsbook promos.

Maine

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: The legal Maine sports betting landscape is one of the newest in the country, having only launched in November 2023. Even though both online and retail forms are legal, bettors only have two Maine sports betting apps and no land-based sportsbooks at the moment. The law allows for four online and ten retail betting licenses. Most types of sports betting are legal, except for esports and some limitations on college sports wagering.

The highlights:

• Nov. 3, 2023: DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook launch in Maine, marking the official start of the sports betting market.

• May 2, 2022: Governor Mills signs sports betting legislation, officially legalizing retail and online wagering.

The latest: The summer slowdown didn't impact Maine's sports betting take as much as other states. Maine sites took in more than $39 million in wagers for June 2024, a drop of just 1.2% over its May handle.

See our top Maine sportsbook promos.

Maryland

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Legal Maryland sports betting kicked off in November 2022, two years after the people voted in its favor through a referendum. Both online and retail sports wagering were legalized a year prior. The law allows for 47 retail and 60 online licenses. A dozen Maryland betting apps have been rolled out so far.

The highlights:

• March 4, 2024: The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency announces that the state will no longer allow college athlete prop wagers due to ongoing player harassment.

• Nov. 23, 2022: The first online sportsbooks launch in Maryland, including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers, Barstool, Caesars, and PointsBet.

• May 2021: Governor Hogan signs the HB 940 bill into law, formally allowing sports betting in Maryland.

The latest: It has been an up-and-down stretch for Maryland sports betting, which welcomed a new operator on July 29 as Bally Bet went live. The launch came exactly one week after SuperBook Sports pulled out of eight states, including Maryland.

See our top Maryland sportsbook promos.

Massachusetts

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Legal Massachusetts sports betting is a recent development, with both retail and online sports wagering having been legalized in 2022. Meanwhile, the first websites started operations in early 2023. Almost a year later, players have eight Massachusetts sports betting apps from which to choose. The law accepts as many as 15 licenses, eight of which are tied to land-based casinos and racetracks, and seven obtained through a competitive bid.

The highlights:

• March 15, 2024: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission approves an expanded sports betting catalog for the state's sportsbooks, including an increase in prop markets across most of the major professional sports leagues.

• Jan. 31, 2023: The retail sports betting market debuts in Massachusetts, with three land-based casinos starting to take bets; Massachusetts online sports betting becomes a reality six weeks later, with six sportsbooks going live.

• Aug. 10, 2022: Governor Baker signs bill H.5164 bill into law, legalizing retail and online sports betting.

The latest: More gambling options will soon be available to Massachusetts residents. Governor Maura Healey signed the state's 2025 fiscal year budget in late July 2024, and it includes a legal online lottery expected to launch in December 2025.

See our top Massachusetts sportsbook promos.

Michigan

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Michigan sports betting entered the legal realm in 2019. Retail sportsbooks debuted in 2020, followed by online sportsbooks in early 2021. Interestingly, Michigan is one of the few states where most gambling forms are legal, with esports missing from the list. According to the latest count, players have 14 Michigan betting apps and 22 retail locations at their disposal.

The highlights:

Jan. 22, 2021: The first online sportsbooks in Michigan launch, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, and BetMGM included.

March 2020: The first two retail sportsbooks in Michigan, belonging to MGM Grand Detroit and Greektown Casino-Hotel, open.

Dec. 20, 2019: Governor Whitmer signs HB 4916 into law, making retail and online sports betting legal.

The latest: Bovada formally withdrew its operations in Michigan just over three weeks after state lawmakers issued a cease-and-desist letter to the offshore sports betting operator, demanding that it leave the state or face serious legal action.

See our top Michigan sportsbook promos.

Nevada

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: The Silver State boasts the oldest gambling laws in the US, with Nevada sports betting having been legal since 1949. It was also the first to launch online betting platforms, with STN Sports debuting in 2010. This early start allowed Nevada to enjoy an online betting monopoly until 2018. Presently, the state offers around 200 retail betting locations and 14 betting apps. A notable rule in Nevada is that bettors must register in person to use these apps, usually with a minimum $50 deposit.

The highlights:

• Jan. 20, 2022: Nevada allows remote registration for casino accounts.

• March 2011: AB 258 updates Nevada's online gaming regulations.

• June 2001: Internet gaming launches in Nevada.

• 1949: Nevada legalizes sports betting at independent turf clubs.

The latest: Nevada is hotter than ever, at least based on year-over-year trends. The state saw an incredible 214% increase in June sports betting handle over its 2023 figure, seeing more than $481 million wagered for the month.

See our top Nevada sportsbook promos.

New Hampshire

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: While the majority of legal U.S. states feature multiple competitors in the space, New Hampshire sports betting is a one-sportsbook show. DraftKings is the exclusive provider of online sports wagering in The Granite State, launching in tandem with the New Hampshire Lottery Commission in late 2019.

The highlights:

• Feb. 28, 2022: New Hampshire officially joins the $1-billion club in all-time betting handle after generating a healthy $99.5 million in wagers in January 2022.

• December 2019: Gov. Sununu makes the historic first legal wager in New Hampshire history, betting on the New England Patriots to win the Super Bowl.

• July 16, 2019: Governor Chris Sununu officially signs bill HB 480 into law, allowing for New Hampshire to offer legal online and retail sports betting.

The latest: On Feb. 19, 2024, the New Hampshire Lottery Commission announced that its partnership with DraftKings has generated $100 million in taxes for public education. Bettors in the state wagered more than $2.7 billion over that span.

See our top New Hampshire sportsbook promos.

New Jersey

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: New Jersey is often seen as having the US's most developed sports betting market, setting a blueprint for other states. Legislators passed the Sports Wagering Act in 2012, but pushback from professional sports leagues stalled its progress. A month after PASPA was repealed, Gov. Phil Murphy signed Assembly Bill 4111, green-lighting New Jersey sports betting at casinos and racetracks. Each brick-and-mortar licensee can link with up to three New Jersey betting app platforms.

The highlights:

• July 2023: NJ extends iGaming until November 2028.

• November 2021: NJ voters reject betting on state college teams.

• June 2021: NJ is the first to legalize fixed-odds horse race betting.

• August 2018: DraftKings spearheads NJ’s online sports betting market.

• June 2018: NJ legalizes sports betting at casinos and racetracks.

• November 2011: New Jersey votes to challenge the federal sports gambling ban.

The latest: The New Jersey sports betting landscape became a little less robust on July 22, 2024, when SuperBook Sports pulled out of The Garden State.

See our top New Jersey sportsbook promos.

New York

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: New York has emerged as the nation's biggest betting state by monthly handle despite a steep 51% tax on operators. Online betting is available through nine apps, alongside in-person options at state casinos. The online New York sports betting bill was signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in April 2021. Nine months later, the first New York betting apps launched. Notably, bets on local college teams, high school games, and political events are off-limits.

The highlights:

• Jan. 8, 2022: New York rolls out statewide mobile sports betting.

• April 2021: Gov. Cuomo signs a state budget into law, legalizing online sports betting.

• July 2019: NY's first retail sportsbooks open.

• November 2013: Gov. Cuomo approves sports betting in four upstate NY casinos, pending the lift of the federal ban.

The latest: WynnBET officially departed in late July 2024, opening the door for PENN Entertainment to enter the New York sports betting market via its partnership with ESPN BET.

See our top New York sportsbook promos.

North Carolina

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: The origins of the North Carolina sports betting scene date back to July 2019 when Gov. Roy Cooper signed S154. The law legalized sports betting on tribal lands, with the Eastern Band of Cherokee as the sole eligible tribe initially. HB 347 was enacted two years later, opening the doors for state-wide mobile wagering. This law saw the introduction of legal North Carolina betting apps on March 11, with eight sportsbooks in the mix.

The highlights:

March 11, 2024: North Carolina online sports betting officially goes live, with eight sportsbooks taking part in the initial launch – just in time for March Madness.

June 14, 2023: Gov. Cooper signs HB 347, mandating the launch of legal online sports betting in North Carolina from Jan. 8 to June 14, 2024.

July 26, 2019: North Carolina's Gov. Cooper signs S 154, legalizing sports betting.

The latest: North Carolina legislators adjourned for the year in mid-July without advancing a bill to ban college player props past the rules, calendar and operations committee. That means NCAA football and basketball player props will remain on the NC sports betting menu for the foreseeable future.

See our top North Carolina sportsbook promos.

Ohio

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: The Ohio sports betting market is one of the biggest in the country. The state's law provides 40 licenses for retail betting outlets and up to 46 for Ohio betting apps. As of now, Ohio has 20 active betting sites and 14 physical betting shops. Sports betting became legal in December 2019 when Gov. Mike DeWine signed HB 29. Each Type-A license holder for online betting is connected with either an Ohio-based pro sports team or a local casino.

The highlights:

• July 5, 2023: Ohio announces plans to double the sports betting tax to 20% and introduces measures to ban abusive bettors.

• Jan. 1, 2023: Ohio kicks off online sports betting with 16 mobile sportsbooks.

• Dec. 22, 2021: Gov. DeWine signs HB 29, paving the way for Ohio's sports betting launch on Jan. 1, 2023.

The latest: The sports betting market share pinch has resulted in a pair of sportsbooks leaving in late July 2024. SuperBook Sports departed Ohio (and seven other states) promptly on July 22, while BetFred announced it would exit the state later in the summer.

See our top Ohio sportsbook promos.

Oregon

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Oregon sports betting has been active longer than most states, thanks to its exemption from the 1992 PASPA ban. Things took a pause in 2007, but the market resurfaced in August 2019 when Chinook Winds Casino Resort began accepting in-person bets. Fast forward to now, and Oregon's betting scene is buzzing both in retail shops and online. DraftKings became the exclusive betting app in 2022 after taking over from the less successful Scoreboard app.

The highlights:

• Jan. 12, 2022: DraftKings announces takeover of Oregon's mobile betting.

• October 2019: Oregon Lottery launches the Scoreboard app.

• August 2019: Chinook Winds Casino reintroduces sports betting in Oregon.

• July 2007: Oregon's Sports Action closes due to HB 3466.

• October 1992: PASPA exempts Oregon from the federal sports betting ban.

The latest: Oregon saw a nice year-over-year bump in its sports betting figures in April 2024, bringing in more than $72 million in bets (well up from $55.2 million in 2023) and generating $7.3 million in revenue (edging out its $7.1 million from a year earlier).

See our top Oregon sportsbook promos.

Pennsylvania

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: In 2017, The Keystone State set the stage for a thriving iGaming scene, giving the green light to Pennsylvania sports betting, online casinos, and poker. Bets began to flow after PASPA fell, beginning in November 2018 and taking off online in May 2019. Up to 14 licenses are up for grabs, each tethered to a land-based partner, and 12 Pennsylvania sports betting apps have already launched. The state's betting menu is comprehensive, but player props on college games are prohibited.

The highlights:

• May 2019: SugarHouse launches, becoming Pennsylvania's inaugural online sports betting site.

• November 2018: The first legal sports bet in Pennsylvania is placed at Hollywood Casino.

• Oct. 30, 2017: Pennsylvania's Gov. Tom Wolf signs H 271, paving the way for legal sports betting.

The latest: One of the top sports betting revenue producers in the nation welcomed one of the top sportsbooks in the world on July 22, 2024, as Pennsylvania gave final approval for bet365 to launch in the state.

See our top Pennsylvania sportsbook promos.

Rhode Island

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Rhode Island might be the smallest state of all, but it has one of the more robust gaming offerings in the country. Not only has Rhode Island sports betting been in place since the summer of 2020, but it became just the seventh U.S. state to offer legal online casino action following the approval of amended Senate Bill 948 Sub B. That said, players looking for some variety in their Rhode Island betting apps will be disappointed.

The highlights:

• June 13, 2023: The state's House Finance Committee passes Senate Bill 948 Sub B, an amended bill that allows for the introduction of legal online iGaming and casino.

• July 16, 2020: The Rhode Island General Assembly green-lights bills H8097 and S2919, making online sports betting legal in the state. Gov. Gina Raimondo signs both into law less than a week later.

• June 22, 2018: Rhode Island's state budget is signed into law, officially allowing for retail sports betting operated by Sportsbook RI (run via the Rhode Island Lottery).

The latest: On March 5, 2024, Rhode Island officially introduced live-dealer iGaming, joining six other states in the U.S. in the legal online casino space.

See our top Rhode Island sportsbook promos.

Tennessee

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: In July 2019, Tennessee broke new ground as the first state to embrace a mobile-only sports betting market with the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act. Despite being opposed to gambling, Gov. Bill Lee let the Tennessee sports betting bill slide into law without his signature. The state sets no limit on the number of sportsbooks, and currently, 12 Tennessee sports betting apps are in operation. It took the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council about a year to hammer out the rules, launching the first books in November 2020.

The highlights:

• May 18, 2023: Gov. Lee enacts a new sports betting tax rule, shifting from a 20% tax on gross revenue to a 1.85% tax on total handle.

• Nov. 1, 2020: Tennessee launches its first online sportsbooks.

• July 2019: Tennessee's sports betting law officially takes effect.

• May 2019: Gov. Bill Lee allows the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act to become law.

The latest: On July 22, 2024, Tennessee said goodbye to SuperBook Sports, which opted to withdraw its sportsbook from eight states while remaining active in Nevada.

See our top Tennessee sportsbook promos.

Vermont

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: The launch of Vermont sports betting completed New England's foray into the industry. The Green Mountain State said “yes” to betting on sports in June 2023, with Bill H127 permitting up to six Vermont sports betting apps. DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics snagged the first nods from Vermont's Department of Liquor and Lottery and went live as expected on Jan. 11, 2024.

The highlights:

• Jan. 11, 2024: Legal sports betting kicks off in Vermont at the stroke of midnight, with DraftKings, FanDuel and Fanatics Sportsbooks offering wagers.

• Dec. 12, 2023: Scott’s office sets Jan. 11, 2024, as the kickoff date for sports betting in Vermont.

• June 14, 2023: Scott signs off on Bill H127, green-lighting sports betting in Vermont.

The latest: The summertime blues hit Vermont hard, as the state generated less than $1 million in revenue for June 2024 – an all-time low for a single month. It came on just over $10 million in handle.

See our top Vermont sportsbook promos.

Virginia

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Gov. Ralph Northam laid the groundwork for Virginia sports betting on April 22, 2020, with amendments to two bills. This paved the way for Virginia betting apps to go live on Jan. 21, 2021. The legislation also greenlit retail sports betting, allowing up to five casinos in the state to run their own sportsbooks. Among these, Hard Rock, Rivers Casino, and Caesars have already opened their brick-and-mortar betting shops.

The highlights:

• July 8, 2022: Hard Rock opens the first retail sportsbook in Virginia.

• Jan. 21, 2021: Virginia's online sports betting kicks off with FanDuel making the first legal bet.

• April 2020: Virginia sports betting becomes legal after lawmakers approve Gov. Northam's amendments to SB 384 and HB 896.

The latest: As the debate raged on between legal sports betting and pick-'em DFS games, the state's gambling law subcommittee vowed in late July 2024 to hit fantasy sports operators with stricter regulations in 2025.

See our top Virginia sportsbook promos.

Washington

Online sports betting: Legal on casino grounds

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Washington sports betting became legal in March 2020, but the market only got off the ground in September 2021. Strictly confined to tribal lands, the state offers in-person betting at over 15 casinos. Mobile betting is also available, but it's geo-locked to the grounds of these tribal casinos. Several casinos have partnered with major operators like DraftKings and Caesars, facilitating on-site app usage.

The highlights:

• Feb. 21, 2023: A federal court decision blocks Maverick Gaming's effort to extend sports betting beyond tribal casinos in Washington.

• Dec. 29, 2021: Snoqualmie Casino rolls out the state's first mobile sports betting app on-site.

• March 25, 2021: Gov. Jay Inslee enacts HB 2638 in Washington, legalizing sports wagering at tribal casinos.

The latest: Maverick Gaming took its challenge against Washington's tribal-only sports betting and casino gambling policy to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals with an appeal filed on July 7, 2023.

See our top Washington sportsbook promos.

West Virginia

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Legislators approved West Virginia sports betting ahead of the 2018 PASPA overturn. The first bet was placed in person at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in August 2018; in December, the state launched an online market, with West Virginia sports betting apps among the first to go live in the U.S. The law permits each of the five retail sportsbooks to partner with three online platforms, totaling 15 licenses. Nine of these permits are already in use by juggernauts like BetMGM and BetRivers.

The highlights:

• March 14, 2022: West Virginia expands betting options to include esports events.

• December 2018: BetLucky debuts as West Virginia's first online betting operator.

• March 2018: Sports betting gets the green light in West Virginia with Gov. Jim Justice's endorsement.

The latest: West Virginia became the fourth state in the U.S. to issue a cease-and-desist to Bovada, and the renowned offshore operator complied, officially restricting customers in the state in mid-July 2024.

See our top West Virginia sportsbook promos.

Wisconsin

Online sports betting: Legal on tribal land

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Legal Wisconsin sports betting debuted on Nov. 30, 2021, at Green Bay's Oneida Casino. The Oneida, followed by Forest County Potawatomi and St. Croix Chippewa, amended their compacts, leading to retail sports betting at various tribal casinos. Online betting is allowed but confined to tribal lands and properties. The Oneida tribe provides a sports betting app, but it's usable only in their casino and specific Green Bay properties.

The highlights:

• March 2023: Forest County Potawatomi Community opens Kambi-powered sports betting kiosks at casinos in Milwaukee and Carter.

• December 2021: St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin update their compact to include sports betting.

• November 2021: Oneida Indian Nation starts sports betting in Wisconsin, launching a sportsbook at Oneida Casino in Green Bay.

The latest: On April 9, 2024, the state and the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians get federal approval for a series of amendments to their gaming compact, allowing the tribe to offer sports betting at their Lake of Torches Resort Casino in northern Wisconsin.

Wyoming

Online sports betting: Legal

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: The Wyoming sports betting scene took off on Sept. 1, 2021. It was the second state to adopt an online-only model, giving operators a smoother entry without needing land-based partners. The Wyoming Gaming Commission is supposed to allow for least five licenses, but so far, only four – DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars – have signed on so far.

The highlights:

• Sept. 1, 2021: Wyoming's sports betting goes live with BetMGM and DraftKings.

• August 2021: The Wyoming Gaming Commission finalizes online sports betting regulations.

• April 5, 2021: Governor Mark Gordon signs HB 133, making Wyoming the first state to legalize sports betting in 2021 with a mobile-only model.

The latest: As of mid-July 2024, Wyoming had yet to make a decision on whether it would ban college player props at the behest of the NCAA. The Wyoming Gaming Commission opted to table the discussion for a later date.

See our top Wyoming sportsbook promos.

Retail-Only Sports Betting States

Mississippi

Online sports betting: Limited

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: Mississippi sports betting is legal, and has been so since SCOTUS overturned PASPA in May 2018. Only retail sportsbooks are allowed, while mobile wagering is limited to their physical locations – but legislators are looking to change that in 2024. Currently, there are 29 retail sportsbooks, and only two have apps.

The highlights:

• September 2021: BetMGM launches the first online sportsbook in Mississippi, but bettors have to be physically present in one of its locations to place wagers.

• August 2018: BetMGM is the first operator to open a retail sportsbook in the state.

• June 2018: The Mississippi Gaming Commission releases the first sports betting rules and regulations.

The latest: House Bill 774 dies in conference to close out the month of April, eliminating any chance of Mississippi passing expanded online sports betting legislation in 2024.

Montana

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: The Big Sky State has a very small gambling footprint. Montana sports betting is limited to just the state lottery platform Sports Bet Montana, operated by Intralot. Additionally, Montana residents can only wager at retail sportsbook locations.

The highlights:

• March 2020: Montana formally launches legal sports betting via Sports Bet Montana, a state lottery-run platform powered by Greek gaming giant Intralot.

• May 3, 2019: Montana Gov. Steve Bullock puts pen to paper on HB725, which amends the state's lotto laws to allow for legal sports wagering.

The latest: On Jan. 12, 2024, Brady Schultz of Sports Bet Montana confirms that the state saw a 22% increase in handle from 2022 to 2023, generating just under $63 million in bets for the year.

Nebraska

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: The path to legal sports betting has been a long (and sometimes frustrating one) for Nebraska residents. The first retail sportsbooks didn't appear for more than two years after LB 561 was signed into law, and while Nebraska lawmakers are keen on introducing mobile sports wagering, that might not happen for a while.

The highlights

• June 22, 2023: More than two years after the state's sports betting bill was signed, retail sports wagering is finally available in Nebraska via WarHorse Casino, whose sportsbook is powered by Kambi.

• May 27, 2021: Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts signs LB 561 into law, but there is no timetable for when sports betting will officially launch.

• March 18, 2021: The Nebraska state legislature passes LB 561, formally legalizing sports betting in the state. Sports wagering is limited to retail gambling facilities and racetracks.

The latest: A coalition of sportsbooks, in tandem with the economic arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, mulled over a petition drive in February 2024 aimed at getting a sports betting referendum on the Novemberballot.

New Mexico

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: New Mexico has been one of the quietest states with regard to the advancement of sports betting. While the state was one of the first to roll out legal wagering shortly after the repeal of PASPA in 2018, New Mexico sports betting has remained a retail-only endeavor – and that doesn't appear likely to change anytime soon.

The highlights

• 2019: Four additional locations in New Mexico welcome retail sports betting. Buffalo Thunder launches in tandem with the Pueblo of Pojoaque in May, while the Mescalero Apache oversee the debut of sports betting at three casinos over the summer.

• Oct. 16, 2018: The Pueblo of Santa Ana Tribe, in partnership with USBookmaking, take advantage of its Class III gaming compact with the state to open the first legal sportsbook in New Mexico at the Santa Ana Star Casino and Hotel.

The latest: 2021 saw the last real effort to introduce online sports betting in New Mexico – and it didn't go well. The New Mexico Lottery Education Assistance Act (HB 101) was introduced with the intention of permitting sports wagering and table games at the state's five racetracks. Yet, despite support from a handful of cosponsors, the bill never made it past the House Education Committee.

North Dakota

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: You can legally wager on sports in North Dakota – but not on your mobile device. The state introduced sports betting late in 2021 despite not altering the language of its Century Code to do so – a unique approach to legislation. However, online sports wagering remains illegal, with no clear path to change for the foreseeable future.

The highlights:

• April 14, 2023: The North Dakota Senate fails to pass HCR 3002, a bill that would have asked voters to decide on the future of legal sports betting expansion in a November 2024 referendum. That shelves the issue until 2025 at the earlies.

• Dec. 1, 2021: North Dakota sports betting officially becomes a reality, with the Dakota Nation Sportsbook going live at Dakota Magic Casino.

• March 2021: ND lawmakers scrub a ballot measure (ND 3032) that would have allowed voters to participate in a referendum on whether to introduce online sports wagering.

The latest: North Dakota's second and third brick-and-mortar sportsbooks began operation in 2023, with Dakota Nation Sportsbook expanding to 4 Bears Casino and Lodge and Sky Danver Casino and Resort.

South Dakota

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: Legal

The gist: The South Dakota sports betting scene is much more robust than its neighbor to the north, with a whopping 11 casinos offering sportsbook access in the state (though nine of those are located in Deadwood). However, just like in North Dakota, South Dakotans can't wager online – at least, not unless they're actually located in one of the casinos.

The highlights:

• Sept. 9, 2021: Six months after SB 44 is officially passes, and a month after BetMGM secures exclusive sports betting rights in South Dakota, four casinos launch their sports betting operations in the state.

• Nov. 3, 2020: South Dakota voters approve a constitutional amendment with a 58.47% majority, paving the way for legislation which would permit sports betting in the state.

• February 2020: Senate Joint Resolution SJR 501 passes through both the House and Senate, giving residents the opportunity to vote on sports betting in November.

The latest: Numbers were down across the board in February 2024. South Dakota saw a 2.9% dip in handle year-over-year, and a drop of nearly 20 percent from January's strong results. Revenue was down 140% month-over-month and 146% year-over-year.

Not Legal Sports Betting States

Alaska

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: You shouldn't expect to see residents of The Last Frontier using sports betting to occupy their free time anytime soon. And not only is sports wagering illegal in Alaska, but legal gambling of any kind is significantly limited. Despite efforts to bring sports betting into the fold, it's unlikely we'll see legalization unless something drastic happens.

The latest: On Feb. 22, 2022, Rep. Adam Wool introduced Bill HB 385, which proposed to bring mobile sports gaming to Alaska; it was referred to the House Labor and Commerce Committee but didn't go any further.

Hawaii

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: When you're in paradise, who needs gambling? Hawaii lawmakers have traditionally eschewed any form of cash gaming; it's one of only two states where all forms of gambling, including sports betting, are illegal. And while 2024 saw a pair of gambling bills introduced, they both fell short short of being passed.

The latest: In late April 2024, Hawaiian lawmakers adopted House Concurrent Resolution 70, aimed at studying the impact of potential legalization of online sports betting. The news came six weeks after House Bill 2765 failed to cross over to the state legislature's other chamber and was scuttled as a result.

Idaho

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: There won't be sports betting in Boise or Coeur d'Alene anytime soon. Idaho might be the furthest state in the country from adopting sports wagering legislation, and with no legislation having been proposed since the 2018 repeal of PASPA, it would take a dramatic swerve for the Idaho legislature to embrace the idea of sports betting.

The latest: All is quiet on the legislative front when it comes to Idaho sports betting. With zero bills introduced in 2024, Idaho is still a long, long way from legal sports wagering.

South Carolina

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: The Carolinas couldn't be more different when it comes to their approaches to sports betting (and gambling in general). While North Carolina triumphantly introduced legal online sports wagering in March 2024, its southern namesake has repeatedly fallen short in its quest to bring sports betting to the state.

The latest: South Carolina lawmakers introduced House Bill 3749 in 2023, but it has made minimal progress in the months since and is at risk of falling short. The state wraps its 2024 legislative session May 9, and unless the bill crosses over to the opposite chamber before April 10, the process will end well before the legislature wraps.

Texas

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: Texas sports betting will remain a pipe dream until at least the 2025 legislative session. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick prevented the state Senate from referring a sports betting-related amendment to the constitution to close out the 2023 session, and since Texas only sits in odd numbered years, there is little to no chance that 2024 will see any movement on the sports betting front in The Lone Star State.

The highlights:

• Nov. 29, 2023: Mark Cuban agrees to sell off his majority stake in the NBA's Dallas Mavericks to the Las Vegas Sands casino empire run by the Adelson and Dumont families.

• May 13, 2023: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he won't call HB 1942 to the Senate floor, essentially scuttling any hopes for legal sports betting in Texas before 2025.

• April 18, 2023: HB 1942, a bill that would allow for legal online sports betting, is sent to the House Committee on Calendars after receiving a favorable review by the state affairs committee earlier in the month.

The latest: Texas continues to be the focal point for businesses looking to expand their gaming empires. Las Vegas Sand Corp., which purchased a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks late in 2023, filed a petition in late March 2024 to bring legal casino gambling to Texas, with the construction of several casinos central to the plan.

Utah

Online sports betting: No

Retail sports betting: No

The gist: The final state on this exhaustive list might also be the least likely to ever have a sports betting or casino offering. Gambling of any kind is expressly prohibited across the state, and Utah is one of only five states without a lottery.

The latest: There has been no significant movement on the sports betting front in Utah, and that's unlikely to change anytime soon.