Online sports betting in the US is growing rapidly, but the rules differ from one state to another. Each state decides which betting sites are legal and licensed to operate. If you are looking to place bets safely, it is important to know which sportsbooks are allowed in your state. Here’s a breakdown of the best legal betting sites across the US.
Why betting legality differs by state
Since the Supreme Court overturned PASPA in 2018, US states can decide whether to legalize sports betting. As a result, some states have multiple sportsbooks available, while others still ban online betting. This means your choice of legal sites depends entirely on where you live or travel.
Also Read: Rising Scams in the Booming Online Gambling Sector
Best betting sites in the US by states
New Jersey
New Jersey was one of the first states to legalize online betting. Popular sportsbooks include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars. NJ players enjoy competitive odds and frequent promotions.
New York
New York launched mobile betting in 2022 and quickly became the biggest market in the country. The top licensed operators are FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings, and BetRivers.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a strong betting market with BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetRivers. The state is known for high betting volume, especially on NFL and NBA games.
Michigan
Michigan legalized online betting in 2021. Legal sportsbooks include PointsBet, FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings. The state also has strong support for college sports betting.
Illinois
Illinois offers legal mobile betting through FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and BetRivers. The state’s bettors often focus on the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Cubs games.
States with partial or no online betting
Some states allow in-person betting only, while others still ban it altogether. For example, states like Utah and Hawaii have no legal sportsbooks, while states such as Nevada require in-person registration before betting online.
Also Read: Best strategies for betting on underdogs in MLB
How to choose the best legal site
- Check if the sportsbook is licensed in your state
- Compare welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions
- Review odds and betting markets for your favorite sports
- Ensure the site offers secure payments and customer support
FAQs
Is online sports betting legal in every US state?
No, online sports betting is legal only in states that have passed laws regulating it. Some states still ban all forms of online betting.
Do I need to be in the state to bet online?
Yes, most legal sportsbooks use geolocation technology. You must physically be in a legal state to place bets, even if your account is registered elsewhere.
Which states have the most betting options?
New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania currently have the widest range of licensed sportsbooks available to bettors.
Are offshore betting sites legal?
No, offshore betting sites are not licensed in the US. For safety and reliability, stick to sportsbooks regulated by your state.
What is the safest way to deposit money?
The safest deposit methods include debit/credit cards, PayPal, bank transfers, and Play+ cards, depending on the sportsbook’s offerings.
