2026 US Sports Betting: Where It’s Legal

2026 US Sports Betting: Where It’s Legal

As of April 2026, sports betting has become a significant part of the American sports landscape, with 39 states and Washington D.C. legalizing it. Among these, 30 states offer online sports betting through licensed apps, while others restrict betting to retail sportsbooks or tribal markets.

The shift towards legal sports betting began in 2018 when the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing states to regulate sports betting independently. Since then, numerous states have embraced this opportunity, with more expected to follow suit in 2026.

Current Status of Sports Betting in the US

The following table summarizes the legal status of sports betting across all 50 states and Washington D.C.:

| State | Online Betting | Retail Betting | Status |
|----------------|----------------|----------------|--------------------|
| Alabama | No | No | Not legal |
| Alaska | No | No | Not legal |
| Arizona | Yes | Yes | Legal since 2021 |
| Arkansas | Yes | Yes | Legal since 2019 |
| California | No | No | Not legal |
| Colorado | Yes | Yes | Legal since 2020 |
| Connecticut | Yes | Yes | Legal since 2021 |
| Delaware | Yes | Yes | Legal since 2018 |
| Florida | Yes (limited) | No | Legal since 2023 |
| Georgia | No | No | Not legal |
| ... | ... | ... | ... |

This guide provides a detailed overview of sports betting legality, including online availability, launch dates, and restrictions on college betting. For instance, while Arizona has a competitive market with 14 licensed online operators, states like Alabama and Alaska have yet to legalize sports betting.

The Evolution of Sports Betting Legislation

Before 2018, sports betting was largely illegal across the United States due to PASPA, which limited states from authorizing sports gambling. The Supreme Court's ruling in Murphy v. NCAA changed that, allowing states to create their own regulations. New Jersey was the first state to launch a legal online sportsbook outside of Nevada, setting a precedent for others to follow.

As of now, states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan have established robust sports betting markets, while others are still navigating the legislative process. The landscape continues to evolve, with more states considering legalization in the near future.

For the latest updates on sports betting promotions and legal changes, visit our dedicated sportsbook promotions page.