Wagering and the gambling industry in the US has gone through some huge changes in recent times. And that got us to thinking about the whole sports betting industry in the good old USA, and how a once niche market is now flourishing.
So with this in mind, we’ve decided to take a closer look at the legalities of sports betting in the US. For example, where it’s legal and how to go about it, that sort of thing.
Is sports betting legal in the US?
The short answer is yes, it is. But the short answer rarely tells the full story, so let’s dig a little deeper. On May 14th 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States lifted the federal ban on sports betting. This made sports betting legal on a federal level throughout the entire nation.
However, with the way the US government system works, it’s up to each individual state to pass its own legislation on legalizing sports betting within their state lines. Nevada already had a thriving sports betting industry, but on the back of the Supreme Court ruling, several other states were quick to make their own moves.
Delaware, New Jersey, Mississippi, West Virginia, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island all introduced and passed their own legislation by the end of the year. And by the end of 2019, Arkansas, New York, Iowa, Oregon, Indiana, and New Hampshire had joined the states that welcome the sports betting industry.
The industry in these states has gained such traction that the heavyweights of sports betting all have a presence of some kind. This is great for the industry and the fans in particular, as the competition between bookmakers means they have a great selection of odds and free bets to choose from.
A further 31 states are currently in the process of either introducing or passing legislation, while there are six states that have yet to make any moves as of yet. These are Alaska, Idaho, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Utah. Of those states, Utah is the one that is unlikely to ever pass legislation.
So the good news is that if you live in any state other than those final six, there’s a strong chance that you’ll be able to bet on sports in the very near future, if you can’t already do so. If you’re lucky enough to live in a state which has already passed legislation, then let’s take a look and see what your options are.
How to bet on sports
For some states, such as Mississippi, sports betting is limited to a casino environment. If you want to bet on the game, then you’ll need to pop down to your local casino to get your odds and place your bets.
Other states are a little less restrictive. The likes of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and West Virginia allow betting in casinos as well as other locations, while they also have a thriving online sports betting industry. This means that sports fans in these states can go online through their PC or mobile device and place their bets from the comfort of their own home. Doesn’t get much better than that, right?
It’s extremely important that you take the time to make yourself fully aware of the legalities of the sports betting industry in your home state. Remember that although you may be able to bet on sports online in your home state, once you cross state lines that may no longer be the case, even if you’re betting through the same app on your mobile device.
It’s also a good idea to see what options there are before settling on one provider. As we mentioned earlier, there are tons of options, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. We would, however, recommend only opting for a provider that has a good reputation for customer service. Check online for reviews and do your homework before settling on one.
Remember too that when it comes to online gambling in particular, there are several systems you can use to ensure that you’re giving yourself the best chance of success. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and see what’s available in your home state.