As soon as the Supreme Court overturned its ban on sports gambling in 2018, many states took advantage of this trend and quickly decided whether legal sports gambling would take place in their states, like Nevada and Delaware, quickly or gradually. As more states allow legal sports gambling, so too has its reach been expanding rapidly across America.
The following states have passed laws authorizing various forms of online gambling, such as sports gambling:
Arkansas was the first state to legalize sports betting. Bettors can enjoy wagers on professional and college games as well as daily fantasy sports in Arkansas, while pari-mutuel wagering on horse races and pari-mutuel betting on local events (such as Cubs/White Sox games or local events like Pride parades) as well as place player prop bets. Racinos/racetracks provide additional betting options in Arkansas.
Kentucky: Although Kentucky may not be as gambling-friendly as some other states, it has permitted lottery games, pari-mutuel betting on horse races and licensed charitable gambling such as bingo and pull tabs. Online gambling remains illegal here while players in Kentucky are also forbidden from using offshore gambling sites (though this appears not to be enforced).
Louisiana: Another gaming-friendly state, Louisiana’s legislature recently authorized sports betting, with it now available at multiple locations including Greenbrier hotel. Further sites should become operational by 2023. Online casino gaming remains illegal within Louisiana but may soon change.
Montana: Although Montana may lag other states when it comes to legalizing gambling, it does permit lottery games and casino-style gambling at licensed casino locations. Racinos offer pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing as well as daily fantasy sports platforms. In addition, players in Montana may participate in charity bingo events and tag fishing tournaments with permits issued from their state authorities.
Missouri: The state is still crafting its iGaming legislation and, under a recently passed bill, allows a limited number of online gambling websites to open later this year – this marks the first time Missouri has permitted iGaming since 2022 when sports betting and mobile apps became legalized.
North Dakota: While North Dakota’s definition of gambling may seem out-dated, it does permit state lotteries, casino-style gambling at licensed casino locations and racinos, pari-mutuel wagering at on-track and off-track facilities for horse racing and other sporting events, daily fantasy sports platforms and charitable gambling such as bingo. Unfortunately, though, North Dakota doesn’t regulate online gambling – anyone found breaking its laws faces fines.
Utah: While Utah may not be known for being particularly gambling-friendly, they did pass legislation legalizing sports betting this year, which can now be found through DraftKings and BetMGM. Unfortunately online casinos remain illegal within Utah’s borders so tribal casinos remain the sole form of gambling within it’s borders.
As more states legalize online gambling, more and more people seem comfortable with the idea of gaming at a regulated site. We will soon learn if any other states introduce new forms of online gambling as time goes on; but industry growth appears rapid.