US Sports Betting: Legal States, Sportsbooks & How to Bet
Subcategories
Since 2018, sports betting has swept across America — from the Super Bowl to courtside in-play. It’s now legal in more than 38 states and Washington, D.C., though the rules and the apps change at the state line. We guide you to the licensed sportsbooks in states where you can legally bet, and explain how to get started. You must be 21+ in most states.
Where it is legal
More than 38 states plus Washington, D.C. allow some form of sports wagering, and more than 30 now offer statewide mobile betting. The markets we cover include AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, FL, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, RI, TN, VT, VA, WV and WY, plus D.C. New Jersey is the deepest, most competitive market and the template for the rest. Missouri was the most recent to go live, on 1 December 2025, and Wisconsin legalised mobile betting in April 2026 ahead of a tribal-run launch. California and Texas remain the big holdouts. Rules, taxes and which books are available differ by state, so always check what is legal where you are.
Prediction markets vs sportsbooks
A separate option has grown quickly: sports prediction markets, where you trade Yes/No contracts on an outcome rather than taking a price from a bookmaker. These run under a federal framework (the CFTC) instead of state gambling licences, which is why platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket can offer sports contracts nationwide — even in California and Texas, where licensed sportsbooks still are not legal. The legal picture is contested: a federal appeals court sided with Kalshi in April 2026, but dozens of states are still arguing the contracts amount to unlicensed betting. Tellingly, the big books are moving in too — FanDuel and DraftKings both launched prediction-market apps in late 2025 (FanDuel Predicts and DraftKings Predictions), with Fanatics and the daily-fantasy app PrizePicks following. If you want to explore them, see our guide to the best prediction market apps in the US.
How it works
US sportsbooks worth a look
The state-licensed sportsbooks we rate, and the states each is live in. Footprints change as operators add states; availability is current as of June 2026, so always check the app for your state.
The market leader, best known for same-game parlays and a fast app.
Live in: AZ, AR, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY, DC
A solid all-rounder with a transparent rewards program.
Live in: AZ, CO, DE, IA, IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV
Strong in-play markets, tied to the Hard Rock brand; the only book in Florida.
Live in: AZ, CO, FL, IL, IN, MI, NJ, OH, TN, VA
Fast-growing book with a rewards-led approach.
Live in: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY, DC
The newest US sportsbook app — PENN’s platform, rebranded from ESPN Bet in December 2025, with deep integration into theScore media app.
Live in: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, DC
A word on tax
As with US casinos, betting winnings are taxable — federal and state — and larger wins come with a W-2G. The UK’s tax-free rule does not apply here, so keep a record of your bets and payouts.
Frequently asked questions
How many states have legal sports betting?
More than 38 states plus Washington, D.C. now allow some form of legal sports betting. Around 30 offer statewide online or mobile betting; the rest are retail-only.
Do I pay tax on winnings?
Yes. US sports-betting winnings are taxable at the federal and state level, with a W-2G issued on larger wins. Keep records of your bets.
What is the minimum age to bet?
21 in most states. You also have to be physically located in a state where betting is legal, confirmed by geolocation.
Which apps lead the market?
FanDuel and DraftKings dominate, taking roughly 70% of all online betting handle between them, followed by BetMGM, Caesars and others.
Is sports betting legal in California or Texas?
Not yet. As of 2026, neither California nor Texas — the two largest potential markets — has legalized sports betting.
21+. Gambling should be entertainment, not income. If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-GAMBLER for free, confidential support. This page is general information, not legal or financial advice.
More on US sports betting
Below are our latest US sportsbook guides and reviews — the books, the bonuses and how to bet.
