Virginia and Washington legalized sports betting bills in 2020 while Maryland, Louisiana and South Dakota approved ballot measures that could bring legal wagering as early as 2021. 30, 2018, West Virginia became the fifth state to offer legal and regulated sports betting when the Hollywood Casino - a sportsbook owned by Penn National - opened its doors.

Online sports betting and other forms of wagering have been restricted for some time, with the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 preventing fans from placing bets on games. Some exemptions existed, but this mostly only favored Nevada and a few other states.

In 2018, the US Supreme Court ruled that this law was unconstitutional, paving the way for states to set their own rules on sports books. This means that, unlike many European countries, where laws are uniform across the territory, Americans living just a few miles from each other may be subject to very different laws on betting.

American States Where Online Sports Betting is Legal

Nevada and New Jersey were some of the first to take advantage of this, passing legislation almost immediately. As of July 2020, there are 12 states that allow online sports betting in the country, although they each have different rules.

New Jersey

New Jersey offers the widest range of online sports betting with around 17 different licensed sports books. Online casinos are also legal, meaning New Jersey-ites can enjoy new slot games in 2020 as well as betting on a wide array of sports.

Nevada

Online sports betting is possible in Nevada, but you must first create your account while inside a physical casino first.

Indiana

Sports betting websites have been operating since 2019, with a broad selection of bookmakers to choose from. Users can sign up, deposit and place wagers from their computer or mobile device, but there are some restrictions on in-game betting.

Pennsylvania

Most major online bookmakers operate in Pennsylvania where online wagering has been allowed since 2019. The state is a big market since it has one of the biggest populations in the country and a high proportion of sports fans.

Colorado

First allowed in May 2020, sports fans in Colorado already have a good selection of sports books to choose from. It also has some of the most liberal rules surrounding sports betting, with online registration and depositing, no in-game restrictions and wagers on college teams allowed.

Illinois

Illinois passed legislation that allowed online sports betting in June 2019 but the first brands didn’t begin accepting registrations until Q1 of 2020. Existing physical casinos in the state have an 18-month head start over national online brands.

Iowa

After sports betting was permitted in May 2019, several sports books have begun operating in the state. However, until 2021 fans must visit a sports book or casino in-person to create their account.

Mississippi

Mississippi first legalized sports betting in 2018, but it requires bets to be placed inside a casino, even if the customer wants to use their smartphone.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire has allowed sports betting since July 2019 although wagering from a smartphone wasn’t permitted for another 5 months. Only a handful of brands operate in the state right now, but more are expected to open soon.

Oregon

Sports betting is allowed in Oregon but only through the state-operated Oregon Lottery.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island is the only state to allow betting at 18 instead of 21. However, like Oregon, it’s only permitted through the state lottery.

West Virginia

Sports betting in West Virginia has been legal since August 2019, with full online and mobile services allowed.

Which Will be the 13th State?

While there are still 38 states that don’t allow sports betting, it is expected that many more will pass legislation that will change this in the coming months and years. Some of these are expected to do so much quicker than others, including:

Online Sports Betting Laws United States

• Kentucky – A bill to legalize sports betting was blocked earlier in 2020, but commentators believe this to only be a temporary hurdle

• Ohio – In May 2020, the Ohio House Finance Committee voted to progress a bill that will legalize sports betting in the state. It was approved by the House the next day but still needs to be approved by the Senate.

• Connecticut – Like Kentucky, a bill had been progressing in early 2020 but it has been hit many hurdles.

States Where Online Sports Betting Legal

• Maryland – A bill was approved by the Senate in early March 2020 but it’s not yet clear when it will be approved by the House.
• Missouri – The state of Missouri has been considering sports betting for some time, but there have been delays for it and other matters in recent months, meaning it’s not yet clear when it will pass.

Of these five, either Ohio or Maryland is likely to be the first to permit betting but these could still be derailed.

Pros of gambling online

A modern person has already been surrounded by many activities, such as TV, music and movies. Recently to broad audience video games have been added, as well as various kinds of online gambling games. They have achieved huge success within public. Now there's no point in going outside and making a long trip to Vegas, you can play from every corner of world. Development of games, such as poker, roulette and slots, has given a start to an era of gambling online. Advantages of participating in such events are endless. New gamers can comfortably learn rules and master their skills without being embarrassed or ashamed. As soon as you feel ready to try chances in online gambling for real money you may start contests with players from other towns and states. Finding a proper rival is not a problem anymore, as plenty of people spending hours in attempts to make money. There is a high opportunity to meet a real pro, or a star, or become an idol for thousands yourself. Best online gambling sites offer people numerous opportunities to earn both fame and money.

Legality of online gambling

Majority of countries restrict betting via Internet, but it is allowed in several states in US. Government is very strict about rules of regulations for those providers who offer people online gambling services. They need to get a special license for performing their business. And after that it becomes possible to make ads in mass media including television, radio and even print publications. Notifying audience about tournaments and big prizes organisations attract new players, who are willing to try their chances in winning easy money. Pennsylvania online gambling has reached biggest success within public, promoting numerous events and games. It is 100% legal and secure. If Vegas is mecca for rich people, spending thousands on hotel, planes and restaurants, we can call PA online gambling is a starting point for everyone. No matter how luxurious your clothes are, no matter in what town you live and how you look, there's a possibility for everyone to become a new star!

Negative aspects of gambling

It all sounds like a dream, but a reasonable person will always think of some pitfalls of betting. First, you might get addicted to it and spend all your free time online trying to win bigger and bigger prise. Second, and that's even worse, amount of money on your bank account may reduce, not grow. Third, after losing your cash, you might start borrowing funds to play again. Making a decision to stop after unsuccessful games is a true characteristic of wise and mentally stable person