Since 2018, the number of legal sports betting states has rapidly increased. The market isn’t slowing down, either, with new states introducing legislation and additional betting options submitted in established states. Since gambling is a state right, sports betting legislation varies by state. Therefore, mobile and retail sports betting may differ state-by-state. So, where is sports betting legal in 2024?
States Where Sports Betting is Legal
More than 30 states have some form of legal sports wagering. Since each state approves its sports betting laws and regulations, gaming regulatory agencies vary by state. In most states where mobile sports betting is legal, new online sportsbook users can get bonuses and special offers.
Arizona Sportsbooks
Arizona launched legal sports betting in September 2021. The state’s sportsbooks had the best September debut among all legal U.S. markets, taking in $291.2 million. The following month, the market took in $486.1 million.
The Arizona Department of Gaming processes license applications for event (sports) wagering and fantasy sports. Currently, there are almost 20 online sportsbooks available in Arizona. All across the state, retail and online sports betting is possible. Governor Doug Ducey negotiated a new agreement with Arizona tribes that operate casinos to include sports betting in their contracts.
Licensing Fees for AZ
The initial application fee for operators is $100,000. Licensing costs $750,000 initially with a $150,000 annual fee. Fantasy sports operators pay $2,000 for an initial license with a $1,000 renewal fee.
Arkansas Sports Betting
Arkansas legalized sports betting at its three casinos in July 2019. The Arkansas Racing Commission has adopted a set of rules to allow online gambling in Arkansas in 2021. Approved in 2022 by lawmakers, mobile sportsbooks launched that year. Only a few sportsbooks operate in the state with more hoping for approval.
Licensing Fees for AR
There is no additional licensing fee associated with sports betting in Arkansas. A casino license covers sports betting operations. A casino license costs $10,000 for 10 years. However, an application fee of up to $250,000 is necessary for new casinos.
Colorado Sports Wagering
In May 2020, Colorado legalized retail and online sports betting. Colorado has many online sportsbooks, including local brands you won’t find elsewhere. The sports betting law gives each of the state’s 30+ casinos the right to offer online gambling within state lines through authorized sportsbooks. The majority have so far taken advantage of the opportunity. A few casinos also host retail sportsbooks.
Licensing Fees for CO
The fees in Colorado vary based on whether mobile or retail sports betting is being offered. A retail license costs $11,700 while a mobile license is $78,000. The fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30. Fees are due annually before July 31.
Connecticut Sportsbooks
Sports betting in Connecticut is legal and accessible throughout the state. In October 2021, online sportsbooks began accepting bets in Connecticut. Online casino games are also available through tribal sportsbook partners, but not the lottery.
A two-story 12,000-square-foot DraftKings Sportsbook opened at Foxwoods Casino. At Mohegan Sun, the FanDuel Sportsbook features a 140-foot video wall. At Winners off-track betting sites, wagers are accepted through the Connecticut Lottery and SugarHouse Sportsbook. The state lottery has the potential to open additional retail outlets in the future.
Licensing Fees for CT
For the tribes to offer online casino games and sports betting off the reservation, licensing of their partners is required. The initial fee for sports wagering is $20,000 with an annual fee of $20,000. This includes the Connecticut Lottery sportsbook partner. To offer online casino games, there is an initial fee of $250,000. The annual renewal fee is $100,000. Additionally, service providers require a license for $2,000 annually.
Delaware Retail Sports Betting
Delaware was the first state outside of Nevada to offer sports betting. This included single-game and future bets. Delaware made rapid progress after the court’s decision, being one of the few states that had legalized sports betting before the PASPA era. It beat New Jersey, which was fighting the case that ended PASPA. In June 2018, the state’s three casinos began accepting bets. However, current legislation does not allow mobile sportsbooks.
Florida Sports Wagering is Unclear
Florida‘s sports betting market is under legal dispute. However, the Hard Rock Sportsbook mobile app is currently operational in the state. The future of sportsbooks in Florida likely depends on a ruling from the Florida Supreme Court and the US Supreme Court. All the Seminole Hard Rock Casinos also have retail sportsbooks.
Illinois Sportsbooks
Online sports betting in Illinois was legalized in 2020. Initially, mobile wagering opened with an in-person verification requirement. This was removed in March 2022, and the results are reflected in the state’s rapidly growing market. The state has more than a half-dozen online sportsbooks. Additionally, most of the casinos in Illinois offer sports betting.
Varying Licensing Fees in IL
Licensing fees in Illinois vary based on the property hosting the sportsbook. The fee schedule was calculated differently during the initial launch. Initial sports wagering licenses are valid for four years. Fees after June 2019 are as follows:
Racetracks pay an initial license of $5,000,000 or 5% of its first 12 months of racing operations handle, whichever is higher. Casinos also pay $5,000,000 or 5% of their first 12 months of gambling operations, whichever is higher. The maximum fee for both is $10,000,000.
Sports facilities that want to offer sports betting pay an initial $10,000,000 licensing fee. The license is good for four years. After that, it renews for $1,000,000 every four years. Three online operators pay an initial licensing fee of $20,000,000. Renewal is $1,000,000 every four years.
Additionally, service providers pay an initial fee of $1,000,000. The four-year license renews for $500,000.
Indiana Sports Betting
Retail sportsbooks in Indiana opened in September 2019. A month later, online sportsbooks launched in Indiana. Since then, Indiana has been a strong location for sports betting. The journey of Indiana from legalization to launch took just four months. It was only four months between the passage of the law and the first bet. The NFL betting season was likely the driving force behind this quick turnaround. Casinos, racinos, and off-track betting locations may have retail sportsbooks in addition to mobile betting apps.
Taxes and Licensing Fees for IN
The tax rate on authorized sports betting in Indiana is 9.5% of adjusted gross receipts. The initial application for sports wagering is $100,000. It is valid for one year. The renewal fee is $50,000 annually.
Iowa Sports Wagering
Iowa legalized sports betting in May 2019. The first online sportsbooks went live in August of the same year. There are more than a dozen online sportsbooks to choose from in Iowa. Retail sportsbooks are located inside casinos.
Licensing Fees in IA
The initial licensing fee for sports betting is $45,000. It costs $10,000 annually to renew. The application fee for fantasy sports operators is $5,000. The annual licensing fee is $1,000 if the adjusted gross revenue is under $150,000 or $5,000 for operators with an annual adjusted gross revenue over $150,000.
Kansas Sportsbooks
In September 2022 at the beginning of the NFL season, sports betting launched in Kansas. Retail sportsbooks are permitted inside casinos. Additionally, up to three mobile sportsbook operators may partner with each casino. More than a half-dozen online sportsbooks currently operate in Kansas.
Kentucky Sports Betting
In September 2023, sports betting launched in Kentucky. Retail sportsbooks opened first with mobile sports wagering following a few weeks later. Licenses are limited to racetracks. However, each racetrack can have up to three mobile sports betting skins.
Taxes and Licensing Fees in KY
Sports wagers are taxed at 9.75% of adjusted gross revenue at retail locations. Online bets are taxed at 14.25% of adjusted gross revenue. The initial sports betting license for operators costs $500,000. It is $50,000 for the annual renewal.
Louisiana Sports Wagering
Retail sports betting launched in Louisiana in October 2021. Then, legal online betting started on January 28, 2022. Being legal in the state, however, is not enough in Louisiana. Parishes must independently decide whether to permit sports wagering. 55 of the state’s 65 parishes have approved sports betting.
Licensing Fees in LA
When applying for a sports wagering license, there is an initial application fee of $250,000 in addition to the annual $500,000 fee. A fantasy sports license has a $15,000 initial investigation cost and a $1,000 application fee.
Maine Sportsbooks
Sports betting launched in Maine on November 3, 2023. Up to ten retail sportsbooks are permitted in the state. Locations are limited to commercial racetracks, casinos, and off-track betting facilities. Mobile sportsbooks must be partnered with a federally recognized Indian tribe. Additionally, there must also be a physical presence on the tribal property, if the sportsbook is not owned by the tribe. Each tribe can receive one mobile license.
Taxes and Licensing Fees in ME
In Maine, sportsbook operators pay 10% of adjusted gross wagering receipts. The background investigation fee is $5,000 for a retail sportsbook and $10,000 for a mobile sportsbook. There is an additional initial application fee of $4,000 for retail and $200,000 for mobile sports betting. A management services license has an initial application fee of $40,000. Licenses are valid for four years.
Maryland Sports Betting
Maryland residents voted to legalize sports betting in the November 2020 election. Legislators approved regulations allowing 60 online and 30 retail options in April 2021. The first sportsbooks opened in December 2021. Then, mobile betting options launched in November 2022. Retail sportsbooks are located inside Maryland casinos. Over a dozen mobile sportsbooks are available.
Licensing Fees in MD
Fees vary when applying for a Maryland sportsbook license. However, all applications require a $2,000 background check deposit. Application fees are $2,000,000 for Class A-1, $1,000,000 for Class A-2, $250,000 for Class B-1, and $50,000 for Class B-2 sports wagering facilities. Licenses are valid for five years. The application fee for a sports wagering facility operator license is $25,000. The fee for a mobile sports wagering license is $500,000. An online sports wagering operator license costs $25,000.
Massachusetts Sports Wagering
Massachusetts licenses three categories of sports betting operators. Category One is for in-person wagering at a gaming establishment, Category Two is for in-person betting at a racetrack or simulcast facility, and Category Three is for mobile sports betting. A Category Two license also requires a capital investment of $7,500,000 within 3 years of receiving a license. Up to seven untethered Category Three licenses are available.
Approved sports wagering establishments include Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino. There are also almost a dozen approved mobile sportsbook operators in Massachusetts.
Licensing Fees and Taxes in MA
The deadline for sports wagering licenses in Massachusetts was November 21, 2022. After this date, the commission is not obligated to consider any applications. The application processing fee is $200,000 for sports betting operators in Massachusetts. Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield paid $5 million for five years. However, Plainsridge Park Casino paid $1 million for a one-year license. Gross sports wagering revenue is taxed at 15%.
Michigan Sportsbooks
Michigan is rapidly becoming a major online gambling and sports betting market. The state’s legislation permits for a highly competitive market that includes multiple operators. In-person betting at the MGM Grand Detroit started on March 11, 2020. Then, mobile sportsbook apps launched on January 22, 2021.
Gaming Taxes and Licensing Fees in MI
Detroit casinos pay 8.4% of adjusted gross sports betting receipts. Online gaming and sports betting licenses must be applied for separately. Each license has an initial $50,000 application fee plus a $100,000 license fee. Licensing renewal costs $50,000 annually after that.
Mississippi Sports Betting
In 2017, Mississippi repealed the section of its law that prohibited sports wagering. Then in August 2018, the state opened retail sports betting. Mobile sportsbooks are restricted in Mississippi. While a sportsbook app can be used, wagers must be placed at a casino property. Users can register anywhere they want but must only place bets at licensed casinos. BetMGM was the first online sportsbook in Mississippi to open in September 2021.
Licensing Fees in MS
There is no additional fee needed for sportsbooks at Mississippi casinos. However, the casino application fee is $5,000, and $5,000 annually.
Montana Sports Wagering
Sports betting launched in Montana in March 2020 by the Montana Lottery. Sports Bet Montana is the approved mobile app. However, it only works inside licensed locations. Users can select bets and prepare a bet slip at home but must visit an approved lottery sports betting location to finalize the wager. Wagers can also be placed at on-site kiosks.
Nebraska Retail Sportsbooks
In October 2022, sports wagering rules were approved in Nebraska. Sports betting is limited to retail locations at casino racetracks. On June 22, 2023, the first sportsbook opened with two more opening later in 2023.
Nevada Sports Betting
In 1949, Nevada legalized sports betting. It was the first state to regulate sportsbooks. In 1992, Congress passed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. This law prohibited any state from expanding sports betting. However, Nevada was granted a legal monopoly by the U.S. on single-game wagering. The law has since been overturned allowing other states to join Nevada in offering sports wagers.
Retail sportsbooks are located inside casinos. Mobile sports betting apps are also available in the state. However, in-person registration is required. Therefore, mobile-only sportsbooks are unable to operate. Once the account verification is complete, mobile sportsbook app users can deposit, withdraw, and place wagers anywhere in Nevada.
New Hampshire Sports Wagering
Sports betting in New Hampshire became legal in July 2019. In early 2020, the New Hampshire State Lottery began mobile sports betting through DraftKings Sportsbook. Wagers are also accepted at a few retail locations.
New Jersey Sportsbooks
Online sports betting in New Jersey is legal and considered the best in the country. Since its launch in June 2018, the market has seen exponential growth. Nearly two dozen apps for sports betting are available in the state.
NJ sports betting is one of the oldest and most competitive new markets in the U.S. Retail sportsbooks are located at racetracks and inside Atlantic City casinos. Mobile apps are available throughout the state.
Licensing Fees in NJ
Casinos and racetracks pay an initial licensing fee of $100,000 to operate sportsbooks. Licenses must be renewed every five years.
New Mexico Sports Betting
Sports betting is offered at some of the tribal casinos in New Mexico. While not explicitly mentioned, the assumption has been made that event wagering is Class III gaming. This uncertainty has led some casinos to install sportsbooks, while others are waiting for an official stance.
New York Sports Wagering
New York State sports betting was launched online on January 8, 2022. This joins in-person betting that began in 2019. FanDuel Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, and BetRivers were the first mobile sportsbook apps to launch. BetMGM followed suit on January 17. Wynn and PointsBet joined in on the fun on January 24, while Wynn launched on February 3.
New York may already be the largest legal state for sports betting. According to GeoComply reports, New York witnessed unprecedented online activity in its first weekend. Retail sportsbooks are located at commercial and tribal casinos.
Taxes for NY
Sports wagering is taxed at 51% in New York State. Fantasy sports are taxed at 15% of gross revenue plus an additional 0.5%.
North Carolina Sportsbooks
Sports betting is legal in North Carolina through the state lottery commission. Retail sportsbooks are inside tribal casinos with online sports wagering apps launching in early 2024.
Taxes and Licensing Fees in NC
The initial licensing fee for sports wagering operators is $1,000,000. Licensing is $50,000 for service providers and $30,000 for suppliers. There will be an 18% tax rate on gross wagering revenues. Pari-mutuel licensing is also now available in the state. The licensing fee is $1,000,000 for advance deposit wagering applicants. Additionally, there is an annual fee of 1% of total pari-mutuel wagers.
North Dakota Sports Betting
Sports betting is only offered at tribal casinos in North Dakota. Like New Mexico, event wagering is assumed to be covered under the current gaming compacts. Therefore, sports wagers must be placed on Reservations.
Ohio Sports Wagering
Sports betting was legalized in Ohio in 2021 with sportsbooks opening on January 1, 2023. Both retail and mobile sportsbooks are available in the state. Mobile sportsbook partners include major sports teams, casinos, and racetracks. Retail sports betting options may also be offered, including in-person windows and kiosks. However, like many states, Ohio has found the most success with online sportsbooks.
Ohio law even allows retail lottery locations to participate in sports wagering through kiosks or a clerk. However, wagers at lottery locations are limited to spread wagers, over/under bets, moneylines, and parlay wagers with no more than four components.
Licensing Fees in OH
The licensing fees in Ohio vary based on the type of license, the number of mobile apps offered, and the type of business applying. A sports organization contracted with one online mobile app pays an initial licensing fee of $500,000. Then $125,000 each year for the next four. To partner with two mobile platforms, the initial fee costs $1,666,667, and then $416,667 for each of the next four. However, after the initial five years, the renewal license for both costs $500,000 for the first year and $125,000 for each of the next four.
Other qualifying mobile partners include casinos and racetracks. The initial licensing fee for these organizations with one mobile app costs $750,000 for the first year, then $187,500 for each of the next four years. To offer two mobile options, it costs $2,500,000 for the first year and $625,000 for the next four years. However, after the initial five years, the renewal license for both costs $750,000 for the first year and $187,500 for each of the next four years.
There is an additional fee for operators with a mobile license to also offer a retail sportsbook. This includes live betting windows and self-service kiosks. The initial year costs $100,000 with each of the next four years costing $10,000. For a qualifying operator to offer retail sports betting without a mobile option, the license costs $50,000 for the first year, then $10,000 for each of the next four.
Oregon Sportsbooks
In August 2019, Oregon joined the growing number of states that allow legal online betting. The Scoreboard sports betting app was launched in October 2019. However, after two years, the contract switched to DraftKings. The only app that allows you to wager on sports in Oregon is DraftKings.
Sportsbooks are also allowed at tribal casinos. Chinook Winds was the first tribal gaming facility to launch a sportsbook in September 2019. While Oregon has a solid sports betting market, it does not allow betting on college sports.
Pennsylvania Sports Betting
Pennsylvania online sports betting is legal as of 2019 and includes some of the largest names in sportsbooks, such as FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings. Recognized as one of the most popular markets for legalized sports wagering, there are over a dozen different sportsbook apps to choose from. Additionally, there are retail sportsbooks inside casinos and racetracks.
In addition to sports wagering, Pennsylvania has legalized online casino games. Many sportsbook apps also offer casino games. Users can play table games, slots, and video poker.
Licensing Fees in PA
Initial licensing fees and renewals are valid for five years. The initial license for sports wagering certificate holders is $10,000,000. Then, to renew is $250,000. Sports wagering operators have an initial and renewal fee of $50,000. Both licensing and renewal fees are $10,000 for sports wagering manufacturers and suppliers. Fantasy contest operators pay an initial fee of $50,000, then a renewal fee of $10,000.
Licensing periods for interactive gaming licenses are the same five-year terms. Interactive gaming certificate holders pay an initial fee of $4 million to $12 million. The renewal fee decreases to $250,000. The initial fee for interactive gaming operators is $1,000,000 with a $100,000 renewal fee. The licensing and renewal fees are $10,000 for both interactive manufacturers and suppliers.
Rhode Island Sports Wagering
Rhode Island opened retail sportsbooks at its two casinos in 2019. Then, in 2020, mobile betting launched through the Rhode Island State Lottery. However, this is the only legal mobile option available in the state.
South Dakota Sportsbooks
South Dakota legalized sports betting in November 2020. Legislators fulfilled voter wishes in 2021 and passed legislation legalizing sports betting within the city of Deadwood. Governor Kristi Noem signed the bill into law in March. Despite some gray areas in the legislative language, sports bettors must place wagers on-premise at a Deadwood casino. In September 2021, four Deadwood casinos began accepting retail sports bets. That number has since doubled. Three retail tribal casinos also operate in South Dakota.
Licensing Fees in SD
Deadwood sportsbooks pay an application fee of $5,000. Additionally, licensing is $2,000 each year. The fiscal year runs from July through June.
Tennessee Sports Betting
As of November 2020, online betting on sports is legal and available in Tennessee. Online wagering and mobile apps are the only ways to place bets on Tennessee sports. The state bans retail betting.
Licensing Fees in TN
For the first three years, registration costs $150,000 for all vendors. Approved applications pay the fee in three payments of $50,000. The first payment is due when the registration is approved. Then, the next two are on the first and second anniversaries of registering.
The formula changes for subsequent periods of registration. The above payment schedule remains intact for geolocation service providers, online sports wagering platform software providers, and player account management service vendors. Licensing fees decrease for risk management services, oddsmaking services, and sports data feeds. The $75,000 in fees are split into three payments of $25,000.
Virginia Sports Wagering
Online sports betting in Virginia is legal and available. People living in Virginia have seen a complete transformation since Virginia became a gambling-friendly state. The law that allows sports betting also allows for the construction of several casinos in the state. Retail sportsbooks can be found inside these locations.
Licensing Fees and Sports Betting Taxes in VA
Sports betting operators pay an application fee of $250,000. A supplier application for a sports wagering platform is $125,000. Up to $115,000 is refundable if background check values do not exceed the deposit value. However, additional fees may be required. The tax rate on an operator’s adjusted gross revenue is 15%.
Washington State Sportsbooks
Washington legalized sports betting in March 2020. The first bet was placed on Sept. 9, 2021. However, only tribal casinos are permitted to accept wagers. Mobile sports betting is only allowed when at a casino property. Mobile betting is not likely to become a statewide reality anytime soon.
Washington, D.C. Sports Betting
Washington, D.C. sports betting is now live. There are currently four ways to book your action while in Washington, DC, including at Grand Central Restaurant, Bar & Sportsbook.
GambetDC is the D.C. Lottery’s sportsbook wing. It is available in every district. GambetDC launched in 2009. However, it has faced many difficulties since then. There are other better options available with Caesars Sportsbook or BetMGM in certain areas of the city. These retail sportsbook options are more popular than the GamebetDC sportsbook app.
Taxes and Licensing Fees in DC
There is a 10% tax on monthly gross gaming revenues. An operator license for sports wagering facilities is $500,000 for five years. These approved Class A facilities are Capital One Arena, Audi Field, Nationals Park, and St. Elizabeths East Entertainment and Sports Arena.
West Virginia Sports Wagering
Online and retail betting in West Virginia is legal and live. Since August 2018, West Virginia’s sportsbooks have accepted wagers, just two months after Delaware became a non-Nevada state with a sports betting platform. There are six online sportsbooks and five casinos in West Virginia. In addition to mobile sportsbook apps, online casino games are also permitted in the state.
Licensing Fees in WV
The application fee is $100,000 for a sports wagering operator. It is valid for five years and renewable for another five years for $100,000.
Wyoming Sportsbooks
Wyoming launched sports betting on September 1, 2021. DraftKings Sportsbook and BetMGM were the first Wyoming online sportsbooks to launch their apps on the very first day. FanDuel was approved to operate on November 19. PointsBet was approved on February 3. Wyoming is the only state to accept cryptocurrency for legal sports betting.
Two Native American tribes operate four tribal casinos. These tribes can offer Class III gaming and are allowed to offer sports betting at the casinos. Otherwise, there is no retail sports betting available.
Tax Rates and Licensing Fees in WY
The tax is 10% on online sports wagering revenue. The fee is $2,500 for online sports wagering operator applications. Upon approval, the five-year permit is $100,000. It costs $50,000 to renew the permit. A vendor permit is $10,000 for the first five years. Then, it costs $5,000 to renew.