1. Legal Us Gambling Websites Against
2. Legal Us Online Gambling Sites
3. Legal Us Gambling Websites Real Money

Legal US Gambling Sites Welcome to LegalUSGamblingSites.com, home of the best gambling sites that are legal for USA residents. This site is dedicated to making sense of all the confusion that surrounds the legality of online gaming in the U.S. While bringing some of the top offerings in the industry. Legal US Gambling Sites 2020 We’ve all experienced the magic of the internet at one point or another – seriously, nothing beats 1-day Amazon delivery right to your doorstep! With the internet and all of its magical glory, it’s no surprise that the online gambling industry in the US has seen a massive boom in the past few years. Best Online Gambling Sites Compared 2020 - We've tested 100's of sites to help you find the top real money online casinos, gambling & betting options. Gambling sites accepting US customers from outside of the three states are all ”offshore” sites, meaning they operate from outside of the US and have no license to operate within the US. They have obtained a license in some other jurisdictions – such as Antiqua & Barbuda or Panama – but many of those jurisdictions have less-than-stellar.

Finding the best US gambling sites should not be a stressful affair, right? One of the most appealing characteristics of any site for US online gambling is fast payouts, and we believe that should be the standard. No one wants to win and struggle to get paid the real money they’ve earned. That’s why we’ve created this list from extensive research of the top USA gambling sites.

In an age where choice should be a given and not a luxury, we ensure that the best real money gambling sites we recommend provide you with variety. Whether it comes to choosing your payment method, the type of sports you want to bet on, or the casino games you want to play, we believe you should have the final say on matters.

There’s lot’s more involved in ranking the best online gambling sites for US customers, and we explain all about our process on this page. We also touch on a few other topics that gamblers in the United States might be interested in. Read on to find out more.

If you came simply to know where to gamble online in the US safely, you can get started with any of our recommended sites right away.

Unfortunately, online gambling laws in the United States have made things a little difficult for betting and gaming enthusiasts. Online gambling is not fully licensed and regulated throughout the entire US, which means that some shady operators have taken advantage of American gamblers.

We care a lot about ensuring that our recommended online gambling sites are enough to keep customers happy. There are some excellent real money gambling sites that accept customers from the USA, and some that aren’t really up to scratch.

Then again, there are others that we wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole, given how unsafe they are. The bottom line is that we’re experienced in reviewing and ranking real money gambling sites on the web, so nothing gets past our highly-trained eyes.

We do all the hard work, so you don’t have to. Our up-to-date rankings of the best US gambling sites are proof of that. Of course, you might want to know the things we look for when setting these rankings. You might also have questions around the laws and if we only rank legal US gambling sites or list anything reputable.

How We Rank Online Gambling Sites for US Players

Everyone is entitled to want different things from the gambling site they play at. Despite this, we can all agree on a few things we expect from the best online gambling sites.

First things first, here are a few qualities we look for in any real money gambling site.

• Fully licensed and regulated by a trusted body
• Safe, secure, and steadfast in protecting customers’ sensitive information
• Reputable and trustworthy

There’s no doubt that safety should come first when choosing a United States gambling site. We only recommend sites that have absolutely satisfied the above criteria. And not one of our recommended online gambling sites has ever failed to do so.

But there’s more to being a top gambling site than being safe to use. Some of our recommended options offer sportsbooks, casino games, and even poker rooms. These “all-in-one” sites tend to do well with many US customers, but some do prefer sites that cater to just sports betting or casino games.

Here are a few things we just love to see.

We believe you deserve a wide range of markets and the kind of betting odds that keep you coming back for more, regardless of the sports you love to bet on.

The most popular US gambling sites have an extensive sportsbook that delivers nonstop sports betting action to fans of the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and much more.

Many US-based gamblers want more than just the basics, however. Therefore, a site that offers odds on boxing, MMA, EPL soccer, entertainment, politics, and other markets are crucial to betting enthusiasts all over the country.

Many sports betting fans also like to play casino games. Our top-rated US gambling sites offer everything under one roof, making it even easier to bet on sports and play online casino games.

Whether you have a penchant for slots, a romance with roulette, or a love of blackjack, you can find all the games you love neatly categorized and readily available to play. Oh, and let’s not forget other games like video slots, baccarat, and craps.

When it comes to live casino games and all of the above, our top online gambling sites only use modern, state-of-the-art software when producing titles you love. It shouldn’t be any other way!

Nothing is more frustrating than signing up at a site with a poor range of deposit methods. Luckily for you, our recommended real money gambling sites do more to provide options to their customers.

You will find several deposit methods available for you to use, such as debit cards, credit cards, Bitcoin, money transfer and more. What’s better than this is that the top online gambling sites also process US customers’ payments fast and efficiently.

What’s not to love about getting paid quickly?

When ranking our leading US gambling sites, we spend a lot of time analyzing the bonuses, promotions, and other offers that they provide to customers.

It’s always good to have your bankroll boosted by some free cash or land yourself a nice casino bonus. But without fair wagering requirements, some offers fail to do it for us.

Our top recommended websites have a wide range of bonuses and promotions that both new and existing gamblers can get their hands on.

At some point, you will need assistance when betting or playing through any site. Whether you have questions regarding your bets or need more information on how to cash out, it’s always helpful to have a strong customer support function to fall back on.

Our highest-ranked USA gambling sites ensure that you have the support you need when gambling through their site. A solid customer support option can often be reflective of how much a company cares about their players.

Whether it’s through a hotline, a live chat function, or via email, you’ll have the chance to reach an agent who really knows what they’re talking about. In the event of a technical error or payment processing query, that assistance can often be priceless.

The Advantages of Online Gambling from America

One of the greatest things to happen in the history of gambling was the internet. Sure, the early days of online betting and gaming may have been a little rough around the edges, but things have improved so much since then.

We can now access some of the best US gambling sites from the comfort of our own homes and enjoy the opportunity to place bets or play some incredible casino games in a matter of seconds. Without this luxury, we would have to rely on other ways to gamble.

It gets you thinking, doesn’t it? There are many advantages to online gambling that you won’t find anywhere else, that’s for sure. Read a few examples below.

It’s the convenience of being able to bet from anywhere that really makes gambling on the internet special.

If you have a smartphone or device with an internet connection, you could be placing parlays on the NFL or putting chips down on the roulette table from your living room or on the beach.

You can access tons of sports markets and casino games with a couple of swipes of your index finger. You will find all kinds of markets, including foreign sports, entertainment, and even politics. Then, when you have your bets placed, you can move to another part of the site and start spinning those slot reels.

Try traveling to a casino or sportsbook and doing the same.

The greatest part of gambling online is finding the right site for you. We all enjoy different parts of the online betting or playing experience, but the site that does it for a friend may not necessarily appeal to you.

With so many options out there, it can be a pain to find the one that fits like a glove. But, by following our recommended betting sites, we can get you there quicker.

Check out the following guide for a more detailed look at the various aspects of gambling online for real money in the US.

2020 Guide to Online Gambling for Real Money in the USA

Gambling online for real money is a popular pastime. It’s exciting, enjoyable, and can even be profitable. There are risks involved, too, which means real money gambling should be approached with caution. That’s why I’ve put together this...

As we mentioned earlier, gambling online in the United States can be a bit confusing in terms of the legal issues. This is because of how US gambling laws are governed (local, state, and federal gaming regulations apply) and just how outdated a number of these gaming regulations are.

With more and more states changing how they treat online gambling from a legal standpoint, it’s important to understand how these changes could affect you. Depending on where you live in the United States, you’ll either find things straightforward or difficult to understand.

But there’s no need to worry! Below, you will find a link to our US gambling laws and regulation page that will explain everything you need to know. It’s always good to make sure you’re using a legal US gambling site, so make sure to do a little research based on your state.

Yes, online gambling is legal in the US. Some states have gone as far to regulated and provide licenses for legal online gambling sites to operate and accept residents from their states. Not all sites are legal though, so make sure to understand the laws in your particular state.

If you gamble through a safe and trustworthy site, online gambling is 100% safe.

However, if you choose a site at random without understanding who they are and how they work, you could be putting yourself at risk.

Many bonuses and promotions are offered to customers in order to attract them to sign up for a site. Unfortunately, not all of them prove to be easy to convert into real cash.

Some US online gambling sites have unreasonable wagering requirements that prevent players from making anything from these bonuses.

The best US gambling sites still have wagering requirements on their promotions. Wagering requirements are effectively what prevents sites from being cleaned out.

Let’s say you get a $20 bonus that comes with wagering requirements of 20x. In order for you to win money from the bonus, you would have to turn it over 20x, to the value of $400. Anything after this is yours.

This term describes betting sites that offer a sportsbook, casino, poker room, or other services. For the most part, it’s one that allows you to place sports bets and play games such as roulette, blackjack, etc.

We spend thousands of hours every year scrutinizing each and every online gambling site we rank, just to make sure they’re safe, secure, and of the highest caliber. Rankings can vary state by state depending on various factors like the legal situation of a particular state.

With years of experience under our belts, and a lot of inside knowledge in the gambling community, we’ve formulated a method of distinguishing safe real money sites from those to avoid. And we have a stellar reputation for doing just that.

More Recommended US Gambling Sites

We understand that you might have other wants and needs from a leading US gambling site. So, here are a number of other top-rated US gambling sites that should help you get started.

Each state in America is free to determine how it operates and regulates online gambling within it’s borders. Because of this, the situation regarding online betting and gaming varies from one state to the next. To help you keep track of the current situation where you live, we’ve compiled guides to online gambling in each individual state. Where appropriate, these guides also include recommendations for the best gambling sites within the relevant state.

It has been more than two years since the Supreme Court of the United States struck down PASPA. That move opened the door to legal sports betting in the US as the justices effectively handed the legislative decision over to individual states.

Since that point, we have seen a flurry of activity. Many states are now completely up and running with legal sports betting. Other states are still sorting through legalization, and more are expected to follow.

While some states have retail, mobile and online options, others require bets to be placed only in-person. There are also restrictions in place to ensure that users are within state lines while placing bets via mobile devices.

The landscape has changed dramatically in a short period of time.

Legal US sports betting apps

Not all states that allow legal sports betting will choose to use online or mobile wagering platforms. Some have rules that allow online and mobile wagering anywhere within state lines, while others require bets to be placed inside a casino.

Just because you download a sports betting app that is legal in one state doesn’t mean it will work in another. Smartphone apps will verify your location within a legal betting area before allowing you to wager. You will be rejected from betting if outside the legal borders.

Where can I place a legal online sports bet?

The list of legal online sports betting states continues to grow. Currently, it’s up to 14 states and Washington, DC, but the official launch is still pending in some spots.

• Michigan *
• Virginia *

* Pending launch

Colorado sports betting sites

Legal sports betting was approved by voters in Colorado in 2019. The official online and mobile rollout took place on May 1, 2020, with DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers and BetMGM all going live on the same day. Several other operators have since gone live in the state.

Illinois sports betting sites

Legislation was also passed in Illinois in 2019 with the official launch taking place in March 2020. Initially, only retail betting was allowed, with in-person registration required for online and mobile players. That provision has been suspended for the time being because of the COVID-19 pandemic. DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet and BetRivers are among the available options.

Indiana sports betting sites

Sports betting was legalized in Indiana in 2019. The rollout happened quickly, with retail options opening up in September of that year, followed by online and mobile launch in October. DraftKings and BetRivers were the first sites available, followed by FanDuel a month later. The list of available options continues to grow.

Iowa sports betting sites

Iowa was also among the states that both legalized and went live with sports betting in 2019. Legislation was passed in May, with the retail and mobile launch coming in August. Through the end of 2020, online and mobile users have to register in-person at a casino that offers sports betting. DraftKings, PointsBet and William Hill are among the operators that are live in Iowa.

Nevada sports betting sites

Nevada’s days as the only option for legal US sports betting are over. Not much has changed for the state since the SCOTUS ruling. While more known for in-person wagering at casinos throughout Las Vegas such as Westgate and Caesars, the state also has online and mobile options available from operators like William Hill.

New Hampshire sports betting sites

Sports betting officially debuted in New Hampshire in December 2019 after being approved by the state Legislature earlier in the year. The approval covered both retail and mobile, but the situation is unique in NH. DraftKings is the exclusive provider of online and mobile wagering in the state and also the operator of the lone retail shops.

New Jersey sports betting sites

The Garden State was one of the first to act after the landmark Supreme Court ruling. Retail sports betting rolled out in June 2018. DraftKings was the first online option in August, followed by PlaySugarhouse and FanDuel. There are now more than a dozen options NJ sports betting apps on the market.

Oregon sports betting sites

Oregon legalized sports betting in August 2019. Retail wagering was introduced at one of the state’s tribal casinos the following month. In October, the Scoreboard sports betting app was launched. Run by the state lottery, this is the only mobile option available for sports bettors in Oregon.

Pennsylvania sports betting sites

Pennsylvania was among the states that moved quickly in the wake of the PASPA ruling. Retail sportsbooks opened for business in November 2018. The official online launch took place in May 2019. SugarHouse was the first site to go live, and it was soon joined by sister property BetRivers and others including DraftKings and FanDuel.

Rhode Island sports betting sites

Rhode Island sports betting legislation was approved in 2018, but it was initially for retail only at the state’s two operating casinos. The following year, a new bill was approved that gave the green light to mobile wagering with an in-person registration requirement, which has since been removed. The Rhode Island Lottery oversees things, with William Hill handling operations.

Tennessee sports betting sites

Tennessee approved sports betting in April 2019. It’s a unique situation as there are not expected to be any retail sportsbooks in the state. Sports bettors are now able to place mobile wagers as of November 2020.

Washington, DC, sports betting sites

The city council gave its approval to sports betting in 2018, but the bill wasn’t signed into law until the following January. GambetDC, an offering run by the lottery and powered by Intralot, is the sole online and mobile option for bettors since its launch in 2020. A William Hill retail sportsbook has since opened for business at the Capital One Arena.

West Virginia sports betting sites

West Virginia also sprang into action following the Supreme Court ruling. Retail sportsbooks opened up in September 2018. BetLucky was available for a short time as a mobile option, but it shut down the following year due to a technology dispute. DraftKings and FanDuel went live in WV soon thereafter and have since been joined by other operators.

States pending launch

Michigan sports betting sites

Sports betting was signed into law in December 2019 in Michigan. Retail sportsbooks opened up in March 2020, but the rest of the rollout is still pending. Online sports betting is expected to be live in the state by late 2020 or early 2021.

Virginia sports betting sites

Sports betting was legalized in Virginia in April 2020. According to state law, there will be a minimum of four and as many as 12 mobile options available. The hope is that the official launch will take place before the end of 2020.

To date, there are 13 NJ sports betting apps on the market.

Rhode Island sports betting sites

Rhode Island sports betting went mobile in fall 2019 after Gov. Gina Raimondo signed a bill into law in March.

Rhode Island’s sports betting operation runs through the state lottery in partnership with William Hill, so the well-known bookmaker will provide the state’s app technology. Twin River casinos offer a sports betting app through the state that can be registered for and funded remotely.

Tennessee sports betting sites

Tennessee is unique in that it legalized only online sports betting in the state. The legislature created a wide-open model that should mean a lot of different sports betting sites and apps go live beginning in November 2020. The market launches with four online sports betting operators.

Best sports betting apps in the US

The list of options for users in legal sports betting states continues to grow. Here are some of the top options available in multiple states.

DraftKings app

The daily fantasy sports giant was among the many operators awaiting the Supreme Court ruling in 2018. The company was the first online and mobile option available in NJ. DraftKings has since expanded to a number of other states, with plans for further expansion in the works. It’s known for having a slick platform and live betting feature.

DraftKings Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, IN, IL, WV, NH, IA, CO

FanDuel app

FanDuel was also ready to go soon after the SCOTUS ruling. NJ was the first point of entry for the company in sports betting, but the platform has since been unveiled in several other states. FanDuel is known for being visually appealing and user-friendly, with features like single-game parlay offerings.

FanDuel Sportsbook is legal in: PA, IN, NJ, WV, CO, IL, IA

FOX Bet app

Launched as a tag-team effort from media giant FOX Sports and The Stars Group, the platform receives great visibility throughout FOX Sports programming and has a steady stream of promotions tied in with network personalities. FOX Bet is somewhat geared toward newer bettors and is working toward launching in additional states.

FOX Bet Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, CO

BetMGM app

Originally known as playMGM upon its launch in NJ, the site and app have since been rebranded. BetMGM has been making a lot of headway with its entry into multiple states and various deals with teams and media entities. The company is one of several with designs on becoming one of the top sports betting destinations across the US.

BetMGM Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, WV, CO, IN

PointsBet app

Australia-based PointsBet debuted in NJ in 2019 and has since opened its doors in other states. The site is geared toward sports bettors and features a unique betting option known as PointsBetting. The company captured a good deal of attention with its recent deal with NBC Sports and continues to aggressively pursue market share.

PointsBet Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, IA, IN, IL

William Hill app

The UK bookmaker has had a retail presence in Nevada for some time. It has since expanded into other states both physically and via online and mobile offerings. The platform itself is easy to use and filled with features. William Hill has made some headway in the US in a short period of time and appears poised to continue on that path.

William Hill Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, CO, WV, IL, RI, NV

BetRivers app

BetRivers comes our way from Rush Street Gaming, which is also the parent company of sister site PlaySugarhouse. The company also has a retail casino presence in several states. BetRivers has come to be known for having a solid offering and good loyalty program.

BetRivers Sportsbook is legal in: PA, IN, CO, WV

Other legal sports betting apps

The overall list of legal sports betting sites is a lengthy one. Here’s a look at a few more that have debuted in multiple states to date.

BetAmerica Sportsbook

Horse racing fans are familiar with BetAmerica, an offering from Churchill Downs International. The sportsbook is now up and running in three states, while users in NJ and PA can also access casino games right from the same site.

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BetAmerica Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, IN, PA

Caesars Sportsbook

The iconic Caesars name is well-known to both online and brick-and-mortar casino patrons. The sportsbook has launched in a trio of states to date. It’s a basic offering, but all of the bet types and sports you could ask for are available.

Caesars Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, IN

SportsBetting.com

This is a newer offering that has made its debut in the Colorado market. The company also has its sights set on entering the New Jersey, Indiana and Iowa markets as soon as possible. As the name implies, the site is solely focused on sports betting.

SportsBetting.com is legal in: CO

Unibet Sportsbook

Unibet is an international operator that has a big presence on the global scene. It’s now up and running in select states in the US with plans on entering more soon. This is a basic offering without a lot of bells and whistles, but solid for just getting down to business.

Unibet Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, IN

Which states are most likely to launch sports betting sites next?

Michigan and Virginia are next up on the launch watch list. The current timeline calls for MI to be live in late 2020 or early 2021, while VA is expected to be up and running before 2020 is through.

The following states have passed legislation for retail sports betting at tribal casinos, but the official launch hasn’t happened yet.

• North Carolina
• Washington

Plans call for retail only in both states, but the fact that sports betting legislation has been passed in at least some form can be seen as a glimmer of hope on the online front.

Three states approved ballot measures in 2020 to make some form of sports betting legal:

• Louisiana
• Maryland
• South Dakota

A handful of states have opened up sports betting on a retail basis without launching online. Efforts to legalize online betting in these states have stalled to date, but it remains a work in progress.

• Arkansas
• Delaware*
• Mississippi
• Montana
• New Mexico
• New York

* Online legal but not launched

There are another 20 states that are at least considering some form of sports betting legislation. The list of states in which there has been absolutely no movement stands at eight.

Retail sports betting

For decades, the only state in which you could legally place a sports bet in person was Nevada. It’s a different story in the aftermath of the PASPA ruling. Here are the states (and Washington, DC) in which you’ll find retail sportsbooks.

• Delaware
• New Jersey
• Mississippi
• West Virginia
• New Mexico
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Arkansas
• New York
• Iowa
• Oregon
• Indiana
• New Hampshire
• Illinois
• Montana
• Michigan
• Colorado
• Washington, DC

Washington and North Carolina are expected to be the next states to open brick-and-mortar sportsbooks at tribal casinos.

Which states are most likely to regulate sports betting next?

Sports betting legislation has at least been introduced in 20 states that have yet to act on the matter. While optimism is high that it’ll eventually be passed in each of these states, there’s nothing concrete that says it’s right around the corner for any of them. Here’s the list.

• Maine
• Vermont
• Massachusetts
• Connecticut
• South Carolina
• Georgia
• Alabama
• Ohio
• Kentucky
• Minnesota
• North Dakota
• Missouri
• Kansas
• Texas
• Arizona
• California
• Alaska
• Hawaii

The next legal sports betting states are likely coming from the above list at some point. Meanwhile, these states are still holding out and have yet to introduce legislation to legalize sports betting.

• Florida
• Wisconsin
• Nebraska
• Oklahoma
• Wyoming
• Idaho
• Utah

Legal vs. offshore betting

The best options available for US sports bettors come via the sites that have been approved for operations in the respective states. Gaining acceptance and approval is not easy, and those who have joined the list of approved operators have invested heavily to do so.

While there remains an active black market for sports betting via illegal offshore sites, there’s no reason to take the risk. Here are some of the main points to understand.

• The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed in 2006 to crack down on offshore operators. The law is aimed at the companies to prevent them from doing business in the US, but many still operate due to what they claim is a legal gray area.
• Offshore operators are not operating under the same rules and regulations that legal US betting sites are. There is no guarantee that your funds, data or information will be safely kept.
• Legal sports betting sites have clear terms and conditions, house rules for players to follow, a wide range of normal funding options and customer service options that can be reached easily. That’s not the case with the offshore sites.

There are a few easy ways to spot which sites are on the up and up versus those that are not. For starters, the majority of legal states maintain a running list of approved operators on their websites under the division of gambling section or its equivalent.

There’s also the eye test. When an operator is legit, it will point users to the right places for information on things such as legality and responsible gambling. That’s not something that’s high on the priority list for less-than-reputable operators.

Things you can’t legally bet on in the US

Each of the individual states is responsible for setting its own rules and regulations for sports betting. As a result, not every piece of legislation that has been passed to date reads in the exact same fashion.

The standard stuff, such as team-based professional sports and major individual competitions, are good to go at all legal and regulated sportsbooks. Each of the operators will also offer various niche sports, but the list of options may vary.

Legal Us Online Gambling Sites

One of the biggest points of difference has been on college sports. While you can bet on college football and basketball in several states, some have expressly prohibited wagering on in-state teams or on amateur events that take place in the state.

In general, the legal sportsbooks stay away from non-sports events. That means no wagering on the weather, reality television outcomes or on elections. However, wagering on the Oscars has been allowed here and there.

Why can’t you bet on the election or weather?

While there is often chatter about the betting odds for major political events such as the US presidential election, it remains illegal to bet on the outcome of that. There may be plenty of history attached to betting on who will be the next president, but that doesn’t mean it’s legal.

Legal and regulated operators offer odds and markets on sporting events. You won’t find options to bet on the weather or reality TV at the big shops, and there’s a simple reason for that: They’re not allowed to.

Sports leagues’ stance on legal sports betting

NBA

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver took a front-facing role in advocating for legal sports betting in the US. His op-ed embracing sports betting spurred discussion on the topic long before the fall of PASPA.

Legal Us Gambling Websites Real Money

Before and after the Supreme Court decision, NBA officials spent most of 2018 trying to get a cut of sports betting money from various state legislatures. They helped introduce the concept of an integrity fee in state-level legislation, claiming the league would face increased monitoring and enforcement costs in a national sports betting environment.

Silver recently added to that argument by calling NBA games the league’s “intellectual property” for which it deserves compensation.

The NBA does not permit wagering on its games through the Ontario Lottery, where the Toronto Raptors play. The same policy existed when an NBA team played in Vancouver. Provinces that do not host NBA teams offer parlay cards on games for the sport.

NHL

The NHL largely let other leagues take the lead on sports betting issues prior to signing a data and marketing agreement with MGM Resorts in November 2018. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also weighed in during the Stanley Cup Final in Las Vegas: the league wants federal legislation (or state-level equivalents) and a slice of sports betting money.

The NHL launched a new franchise in Las Vegas in 2017, which is the first major professional sports team for the country’s gambling hub. The Vegas Golden Knightsdrew heavy betting interest through their inaugural season.

It has no issues with the activity in Canada. Some teams participate with lotteries that sell NHL parlay cards. The NHL also opposed new sports betting legislation in Canada.

MLB

Major League Baseball is sensitive to betting on its games. In the post-PASPA world, though, MLB advocates for sports betting legislation that includes integrity fees paid to the league.

The league also signed a data and marketing deal with MGM Resorts in November 2018. It will provide the company with exclusive rights to advanced data for in-play betting.

With regard to integrity fees, MLB went as far as having top executive Joe Torrelobby Governor Andrew Cuomo directly on New York sports betting legislation. This represents a major shift from the league’s historical attitude toward gambling.

The 1919 Chicago White Sox threw a World Series, a scandal the league wants everybody to forget. Pete Rose betting on his games and the aftermath involved in that scandal is another black eye MLB never wants to see again.

While MLB joined the New Jersey lawsuit, it has no issues with betting on Toronto Blue Jays games in Ontario. The Montreal Expos were also on parlay cards when that team existed.

NFL

America’s most powerful sports league remains largely opposed to legal sports betting. The NFL publicly fought sports betting for decades and now wants federal legislation addressing it after PASPA. Interestingly, the NFL is not advocating for integrity fees.

Despite its stance on US sports betting, the NFL allowed the move of the Raiders to Las Vegas from Oakland beginning in 2020.

The NFL is the only major professional sports league with no direct investment into daily fantasy sports, although 28 of its 32 teams are involved in sponsorships.

NFL games are by far the most popular sports betting events in the US, with the Super Bowl generating close to $150 million in bets in Nevada by itself. The NFL plays games in London, where betting shops are on every corner, and the league seems to have no issues with that.

NCAA

Long the staunchest opponent of legal sports betting, the NCAA finds itself in a tricky position after the repeal of PASPA.

The organization detests sports betting despite the fact that college football and March Madness college betting are two of the largest drivers of handle. The NCAA instituted a de facto ban on national championship contests being held in states with legal sports betting, namely Nevada. But it reversed course after the Supreme Court decision, at least temporarily. That is in part because it already awarded future championships to states that will have sports betting.

The NCAA similarly does not like fantasy sports. It does not permit student-athletes to enter contests. Many conferences do not accept advertising from daily fantasy sites. The NCAA has attempted to convince sites to stop college fantasy sports contests, but DraftKings and FanDuel restarted their college contests post-PASPA.

PGA Tour

Professional golf jumped into the sports betting fray by supporting the integrity fee concept along with MLB and the NBA. The tour also wants sports betting operators to pay for official data from its ShotLink system.

The data question also comes up with other leagues, but the PGA Tour claims to have a different case with proprietary data. In-play betting that relies on data can easily be gleaned from TV broadcasts in many sports. The same can be said for golf with scoring, but anything more in-depth (driving distance, length of putts, etc.) could require official data.

How online sports betting in USA became legal

Challenge in New Jersey

New Jersey voters passed a non-binding referendum in November 2011 that instructed the state legislature to legalize sports betting. The legislature quickly passed a bill that would have regulated sports betting at New Jersey racetracks and Atlantic City casinos. Governor Chris Christie signed the bill into law.

The major sports leagues challenged New Jersey in court, claiming that the state was not exempted by PASPA; therefore it could not legalize sports betting. A lower court ruling sided with the leagues, and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed it. The US Supreme Court at that time refused to hear the case.

New Jersey tried another angle. The state attempted to deregulate and decriminalize sports betting in the same venues as before. The sports leagues returned to court and challenged the new approach to sports betting. The sports leagues prevailed in the lower court and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

New Jersey was able to appeal and receive a rehearing in the Third Circuit, which it also lost. The Supreme Court then agreed to hear it and New Jersey won its case in May 2018.

American Gaming Association’s stance

The American Gaming Association is the gaming industry’s lobbying group. It maintains the black market of illegal gambling is too lucrative and thrives in the unregulated environment. The AGA supported the repeal of PASPA and strongly advocates for states to be able to write their own sports betting laws.

How is daily fantasy sports different from sports betting?

Daily fantasy sports is believed to be legal in at least 40 states, according to the companies that promote the product.

There are big differences between daily fantasy sports and sports betting.

In sports betting, a bettor picks a team or multiple teams to win or cover a point spread. In daily fantasy sports, a user chooses athletes and enters a competition that computes a winner based on the statistics accumulated by the players in a sport.

Current status of daily fantasy sports

Daily fantasy sports is generally considered to be legal in about 40 states, with laws on the books in about half of those.

States that restrict DFS

Daily fantasy sports are illegal in Iowa, Montana, Louisiana, Arizona and Washington. Nevada requires a gaming license to operate a daily fantasy sports site.

Opinions from attorneys general have emphasized the legal gray area for DFS in many states. DraftKings, FanDuel and others pulled out of Idaho, Hawaii and Alabama. FanDuel does not serve Texas, but DraftKings does.

FAQ for betting sites

Is it legal to bet on sports online?

Yes, but it depends on where you are located. Legal sports betting can be done online in many of the states mentioned above. You do not have to be a resident of a state to bet there, but you do need to be physically located within the state to place a legal online sports bet.

What is the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act?

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act passed Congress in September 2006. It made payment processing of illegal gambling transactions a federal crime. It exempted gaming specifically legalized at the state level, horse racing and some forms of fantasy sports.

Is sports betting legal in Europe?

Online sports betting is legal throughout most of Europe including the UK. This includes betting shops, mobile apps and over the Internet. Some of the best online betting sites in Europe are now operating in the US.

Is online sports betting legal in Canada?

Canada lotteries offer parlay cards on a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball and hockey. There is a push to expand betting to straight wagers. Online betting sites operate in a legal gray area.

Is online sports betting legal in the US?

Yes, in some places. Sports betting has been legalized in a number of states to date, and the list is expected to continue growing in the coming years. In 2018, the Supreme Court placed the matter of legalizing sports betting into the hands of the individual states to decide on. While sports betting has since been legalized in a number of states, legislation hasn’t been passed on a federal level.

What is the safest betting site?

The safest options for sports betting online come via the legal and regulated operators. DraftKings and FanDuel are two examples of operators that have received approval to open for business in a number of states. Legal and regulated sites have to go through a lengthy application process, follow specific rules and regulations, and verify that customer funds are safe. That’s not the case with the unregulated options that may be available.

Why do some sports betting sites accept cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, are not available as funding options at legal and regulated sportsbooks. If you see these options available, then there’s a good chance that you have stumbled upon a black-market operator that claims it can operate safely under some kind of legal gray area. A fully legal site will provide its users with standard funding options such as credit cards, PayPal and wire transfers, and you won’t have to jump through any unnecessary hoops to deposit or withdraw.

Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?

Yes, profits obtained from sports betting or any other type of gambling are considered taxable income in the US. If you win above a certain level, operators may even provide you with a 1099-G that states your level of winnings, and the form will be filed with the IRS, as well. A complete tracking of the deposits and withdrawals you have made for gambling purposes is a good habit to get into. For specific questions in regard to your personal situation, we encourage you to consult with a tax advisor.

What legal online and mobile sports betting is available in Nevada?

Sports Connection / Station Casinos, NV Sports Books / South Point, William Hill, CG Technology, Aliante Casino, Treasure Island and Boyd Gaming all operate mobile betting apps in Nevada. Sports Connection/Station Casinos also offers a website.

Can you deposit with PayPal at legal Nevada sports betting apps?

No, at this time you cannot deposit using PayPal for any Nevada sports betting apps. You will need to deposit in person or using a pre-paid card. There are options to top off your account at some convenience stores with certain Nevada apps.

PayPal is likely to be an option for payment in other states, however.

Is it legal to play on Bovada?

No. Bovada is an unlicensed sports betting site. It is illegal for the company to operate in the US but players likely face no legal consequences.

Are there risks to betting on sports at unlicensed sites?

Offshore sportsbooks may not pay players. If a bettor gets stiffed by an unlicensed betting site, then he or she has no recourse. That does not happen at licensed sites.

Sports Betting in other countries: Australia, New Zealand