Bet Big and Win Big: Sports Betting Now Legal in More Than a Dozen US States
As of late 2020, a dozen states plus Washington, D.C., have legalized sports betting in the U.S., with several more on the way. Sports betting has been long banned in the U.S., primarily due to the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992. But this was overturned in May of 2018 and now sports betting can be done in more than a dozen states.
Which States Allow Sports Betting?
The following states now allow sports betting:
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
- Delaware
- Rhode Island
- New Mexico
- Mississippi
- Arkansas
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Indiana
- Tennessee
- Washington, D.C.
Where is Sports Betting Currently Legal?
Currently, sports betting is legal in the states mentioned above. But several more are projected to be added in the near future. States like California, Florida, and New York are all looking to legalize sports betting while other states such as North Carolina, Virginia, Michigan, and Maryland are considering legislation. And with more states on the horizon, the betting landscape is sure to expand even further.
Types of Bets and Odds
Sports bettors can now place bets on various sports including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, tennis, and many more. The most popular type of bet is the point spread, which involves predicting which team will win or lose by a specific number of points. Bettors can also place wagers on money lines, prop bets, and future bets. Additionally, bettors can compare their odds from different sportsbooks, as most bookmakers will offer different odds and lines for each game.
How to Get Started
Getting started with sports betting is easy, but you need to do some research first. It’s important to understand the basics, which means understanding the different types of bets and how the odds are calculated. Additionally, it’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different sportsbooks and how they operate. Once you have a handle on the basics, you can start betting.
Wrapping Up
Sports betting has come a long way in the United States and is now legal in more than a dozen states. With more states expected to join this list in the near future, bettors have plenty of opportunities to bet big and win big. But before getting started, it’s important to understand the basics, compare odds, and find the best sportsbook for you. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can bet big and win big.
Good luck, and have fun!
What states currently allow legal sports betting?
Currently, Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, West Virginia, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Iowa, Indiana, Oregon, and Arkansas all have laws in place allowing legal sports betting.
What laws govern legal sports betting in states that allow it?
The laws governing legal sports betting vary by state. Generally, states that allow sports betting have laws that regulate and register sportsbook operators, establish the taxes and fees that operators pay, and define the types of bets that are allowed. States may also require sportsbook operators to have a certain level of experience in the industry, establish minimum and maximum betting limits, and impose age restrictions on those who participate in sports betting.