Sports Betting Review – What States Is Sports Betting Legal In?
What States Is Sports Betting Legal In?
Until recently, sports betting was illegal in most of the United States. A handful of states, such as Nevada and Pennsylvania, paved the way for legal sports betting through their respective gambling commissions, but the legalization process was stymied by the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). After PASPA was overturned by the Supreme Court, sports betting was allowed in some states, but the federal law still prevented states from enacting their own sports betting laws. Some states have begun the process of drafting their own sports betting legislation, while others are still unsure of their legal approach.
New Jersey, the most populous state in the nation, has been the leading point of access to legal sports betting. The state offers legal online sports betting via mobile apps, and sportsbooks are located at casinos. The state’s sports betting market has already eclipsed the $1 billion mark in handle for December 2021. New Jersey’s legal betting age is 21.
Indiana is another state that has legal sports betting. Governor Eric Holcomb signed the bill into law on May 8, 2019. The law combines in-person wagering and mobile wagering, and the state’s sports betting age is 21. A total of 13 mobile sportsbook apps are currently operating in the state. The law has a legacy clause, allowing existing sports lotteries to continue operating while legal sports betting is introduced. The law also permits the state to authorize up to eight online sportsbooks to operate in the state.
Sports Betting Review – What States Is Sports Betting Legal In?
New Mexico is another state that has legal sports betting. The state’s gaming commission approved applications from both BetMGM and DraftKings to operate in the state. In addition, the state’s Native tribes will also be allowed to accept wagers. The tribes believe that sports betting is a “Class III” game, and they will be allowed to accept wagers as part of their own casino operations.
Illinois, which has a large population and major sports franchises, has become one of the leading states in the country when it comes to legal sports betting. In addition to major sports franchises, Illinois has one of the most sophisticated legal betting laws in the nation, and its sports betting market is expected to grow. The state’s legal sports betting market is expected to grow by up to 25% over the next five years. It is expected that Illinois will be a top five sports betting market in March 2020.
Oregon, one of the most populous states in the nation, has been allowing limited sports lotteries for a decade. In January, the Oregon lottery announced that it would introduce mobile sports betting before the 2019 NFL season. In addition, the lottery announced that it would be legal to re-introduce sports betting if the federal government lifted its sports betting ban.
Massachusetts has been working on a sports betting bill for over two years. In March, the legislature approved a wagering bill that would allow adults age 21 and over to bet on sports. The bill is expected to be signed into law by Governor Chris Sununu. The state has also been considering a bill that would allow state casinos to accept wagers.