For a long time, Federal law meant that sports betting in the US was heavily restricted. Until recently, very few states allowed any kind of sports betting at all.
Recent changes to Federal law now mean that states are free to legalize sports betting. So far, the numbers are still quite low, but they’re growing all the time. Read on for our full guide on sports betting in the US. Find out more about online betting sites in Pennsylvania and across the US.
In May 2018, the Supreme Court voted to change the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. This act was first made law in 1992. It meant that there were heavy restrictions on sports gambling except for in rare cases. Before the Supreme Court voted to abolish the law, Nevada was the only state in the US that allowed sports betting.
Now the US is slowly starting to become a country with fewer restrictions on gambling on sports. The following are some of the states which currently allow legal sports betting:
Nevada
Nevada was the only state to allow sports betting for many years. Thanks to this, the sports betting market of Nevada is mature. It sets an excellent example for other states to follow. The Nevada Gaming Commission and Gaming Control Board control the industry.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania was one of the first states to allow sports betting after the Supreme Court decision. Numerous online betting sites in Pennsylvania have since opened, allowing fans to place bets on the favorite sports.
Delaware
Delaware approved the activity of sports betting at certain casinos in the state less than a month after it was legalized. For now, the state doesn’t allow the use of online sportsbooks, but this may change in the future. If you want to make a bet, you’ll need to head over to one of the licensed casinos.
New Jersey
New Jersey followed suit with other states in allowing sportsbooks to open and operate. The industry is fast-growing, and legal sportsbooks and betting sites are available for players to use. New Jersey has quickly become a great place for sports betting and gambling enthusiasts to visit.
Mississippi
While it is legal to make sports bets in the state of Mississippi, for now, you’ll need to place your bets in person. Unfortunately, the use of online betting sites or mobile apps is still restricted here. If you’d like to bet on sports in Mississippi, you’ll need to head over to the nearest sportsbook.
West Virginia
West Virginia is another state which now allows sports betting both at sportsbooks and online sports betting sites. If you’re in West Virginia, you’ll be able to sign up and use any of the online sports betting sites available.
New Mexico
Although New Mexico does allow sports betting, for now, it’s only possible in one location. Sports fans can only make bets at the Santa Ana Star Casino. For now, you won’t be able to make any online bets if you’re in New Mexico. All bets involving either New Mexico State University or the University of New Mexico are also banned.
Sports betting is also legal in the following states: Rhode Island, Arkansas, New York, Iowa, Oregon, Indiana, and New Hampshire.