State by State Betting Guide

The legal landscape for betting in the U.S. is constantly evolving and varies dramatically from one state to the next. Whether you're looking to bet on sports, play daily fantasy contests, try your luck at online casino games, or explore newer options like sweepstakes and prediction markets, what’s legal in one state may be entirely off-limits in another.

This guide breaks down every U.S. state's current betting laws and available platforms, helping you quickly understand what’s allowed where you live - and what your real-money options are. From fully regulated sportsbooks to legal workarounds, we cover it all, ensuring you know every single legal way you can bet in your state.

Click on any of the states below to see what options are available for you!

Alabama maintains a very limited gambling landscape. Sports betting and real casinos remain illegal, as lawmakers have repeatedly failed to pass legalization – a 2024 effort died after sports wagering was stripped from a lottery bill. However, we may yet see some progress in legislation before too long, as in early 2025, a key senator noted he was just “two or three votes shy” on a new sports betting push.

While regulated online casinos or sports betting is not allowed, Alabama residents can access social betting and casino apps, which operate using a sweepstakes-style model, which is allowed within Alabama's legal framework.

Alabama did legalize daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests in 2019, reintroducing DraftKings and FanDuel to the state​. However, newer DFS “pick’em” games that resemble prop betting are tightly restricted – operators like PrizePicks and Underdog agreed with the state Attorney General in 2023 to remove single-player stat props and use combo lines instead​.

Alaska is one of the few states with absolutely no legalized gambling. There are no casinos, racetracks, or sportsbooks, and even a state lottery is not authorized. All betting and real-money gaming are broadly prohibited by law.

Despite periodic attempts, lawmakers have made little progress: a 2025 proposal to allow sports wagering (House Bill 145) remains in committee​.

Daily fantasy sports sites operate in a gray area – Alaska hasn’t explicitly legalized DFS, but major operators accept Alaskans, and enforcement is nonexistent. The same goes for newer pick’em-style fantasy contests and sweepstakes betting/casino platforms, which are available to residents under sweepstakes laws, as well as prediction markets which fall under the jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) .

Arizona offers a comparatively robust betting scene, with legal mobile sportsbooks run by both tribes and professional sports franchises. Bettors can wager on all pro and college events, though the state prohibits player prop bets on college athletes.

Traditional DFS contests were also legalized and regulated in 2021, allowing operators like DraftKings and FanDuel to operate legally in the state. While Arizona originally clamped down on DFS pick’em games do to their close resemblance to prop wagers, in 2024 the Arizona Department of Gaming updated its fantasy sports regulations to allow only peer-to-peer pick’em contests where players compete against each other rather than against operators.

No real-money online casinos are allowed in Arizona, however, a number of sweepstakes-based casino and sportsbook platforms - such as Chumba, Pulsz, and Fliff - operate in the state without formal regulation. These sites use virtual currency systems and promotional sweepstakes models to offer slot-style games, table games, and sports betting contests, allowing users to play for the chance to win cash prizes.

Arkansas has legalized both retail and online sports betting through its three licensed casinos, with mobile apps launching in early 2022. Unlike many states, Arkansas imposes no special restrictions on college sports betting – wagers on local college teams and props are allowed.

Traditional DFS was formally legalized in 2017, but the state recently drew a hard line against DFS pick’em contests that function like sports props. In February 2024, the Department of Finance and Administration sent cease-and-desist letters to PrizePicks and Underdog, declaring their player-prop pick’em games to be unlicensed sports betting in violation of state law​. Those operators subsequently exited the market.

No real-money online casino gambling is authorized, though Arkansans can play on sweepstakes casino apps that operate outside state regulation.

California – the nation’s largest market – still has no legal sports betting. Competing interests between gaming tribes and commercial operators doomed two 2022 ballot initiatives, leaving sports wagering unlawful for the foreseeable future, with tribal leaders recently estimating legalization might not happen until 2028 at the earliest.

In the meantime, Californians turn to alternatives: major DFS platforms (like DraftKings and FanDuel) continue to operate, and newer pick’em-style fantasy contests and sweepstakes sportsbooks are popular and accessible without state regulation.

Real-money online casinos and poker are completely illegal in California absent a constitutional amendment. While legislative talks continue behind the scenes, the state’s betting enthusiasts can still play casino games through Social Casinos or Sweepstakes.

Colorado has embraced legal gambling, offering a mature market of online sportsbooks and DFS. Sports betting launched in 2020 with wide participation – bettors can wager on pro and college teams freely, though state rules prohibit prop bets on individual college athletes.

Colorado was also among the first states to legalize daily fantasy sports, back in 2016. By 2024, regulators here proved adaptable: the state formally approved pick’em-style fantasy contests (which had drawn scrutiny elsewhere) by ensuring they fit within Colorado’s DFS regulations.

Coloradans do not yet have access to state-sanctioned online casinos or poker, as casino gambling remains limited to retail venues in mountain towns. However, popular sweepstakes casino sites and social betting apps fill that gap informally.

Connecticut has a relatively comprehensive regulated market run through its tribal compacts. Both online and retail sports betting launched in 2021 via the Mashantucket Pequot (Foxwoods) and Mohegan tribes (plus the CT Lottery for a third online skin). State law prohibits wagers on Connecticut college teams unless they are playing in an intercollegiate tournament - so no betting on regular-season UConn games.

Connecticut also permits online casino gaming – it was one of the first states after New Jersey/Delaware to do so, with DraftKings casino and FanDuel casino operating through their partnerships with Foxwoods Resort and Mohegan Sun, respectively.

Outside the regulated sphere, sweepstakes sportsbooks and casino sites are also accessible to residents without enforcement, giving Connecticut residents additional alternatives to their limited regulated options.

Traditional DFS is legal and falls under state oversight - operators must register with the Department of Consumer Protection. Meanwhile, pick’em fantasy contests have not gained a foothold – likely due to regulatory caution.

Delaware was an early adopter in some areas of online gambling but remains cautious in others. The state lottery has offered retail sports betting since 2018, but mobile betting wasn’t available until December 2023, when BetRivers launched as the state’s sole legal mobile operator.

Online casino gaming is legal and has been live since 2013, however it is limited to the state-run lottery’s platform - with 888 Holdings as the technology provider.

Delaware did not formally legalize DFS, yet major fantasy sites operate without interference. Notably, in March 2025 Delaware’s regulator joined New Jersey in approving Underdog Fantasy’s new peer-to-peer pick’em contest, indicating an openness to innovative fantasy products.

Delawareans also have access to unregulated sweepstakes casinos and sportsbooks online.

Florida’s gambling landscape is dominated by the Seminole Tribe. After years of legal battles, the Seminoles’ 2021 gaming compact – which includes exclusivity over online sports betting – is in effect. Hard Rock Bet (Seminole) resumed statewide mobile sports betting in late 2023, and a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2024 refused to hear a challenge to the compact​, cementing its legality.

No other sportsbook operators can legally operate in Florida due to the compact and a 2018 constitutional amendment that requires voter approval for non-tribal casino gambling. However, those looking for alternatives to Hard Rock Bet can always turn to Social Sportsbooks.

Traditional DFS contests continue to run in a gray area - Florida has not passed a fantasy sports law, but major providers remain active. Similarly, pick’em-style fantasy apps serve Florida users, though their status is also unofficial.

Georgia has no legalized sports betting or casino gaming despite multiple attempts in the legislature. In 2023, a sports betting bill passed the state Senate but died in the House, and the 2024 session ended with no progress. As a result, all sportsbook apps and casino sites remain illegal in Georgia.

The state is one of the few large markets where even DFS lacks explicit authorization – Georgia’s gambling laws haven’t been amended to address fantasy sports, yet major DFS operators continue to serve residents without interference. Similarly, pick’em DFS platforms and sweepstakes casinos operate in a gray market capacity, offering Georgians ways to play that skirt the state’s gambling prohibitions.

Outside of lottery games, charitable raffles, and coin-operated amusement machines, Georgia outlaws traditional gambling. Sports fans and bettors in the state must either abstain or rely on sweepstakes and prediction market options until lawmakers - or voters via referendum - change course, which now appears unlikely before 2026 at the earliest.

Hawaii is, along with Utah, one of only two U.S. states with no legalized gambling of any kind​. The Aloha State has a blanket ban on lotteries, casinos, sports betting, horse racing – even bingo and charitable gambling are outlawed. Efforts to authorize a lottery or small-scale gaming recur almost every legislative session (dozens of gambling bills have been introduced over the years), but none have succeeded in this historically anti-gambling state.

As a result, sports betting and DFS are completely illegal in Hawaii. Major fantasy sports operators exited the market after a 2016 Attorney General opinion deemed DFS to be unlawful gambling.

Hawaii’s laws are so strict that even sweepstakes casino websites and social betting apps exist in a legal gray area at best. While the state could view them as violating gambling prohibitions, many reputable social betting sites operate freely as enforcement online is scant.

Other than social/sweepstakes betting sites, residents who wish to gamble must travel out-of-state (Las Vegas is humorously dubbed “the ninth island” due to its popularity with Hawaiians). For now, Hawaii’s stance remains one of the most prohibitive in the nation, with no signs of immediate change.

Idaho maintains a very restrictive approach to gambling. Sports betting is completely illegal, and unlike most neighboring states, Idaho has not entertained recent legislation to legalize it. The state lottery and tribal casinos (offering video gaming and bingo) are the only forms of betting Idaho permits.

In 2016, the Attorney General ruled that paid daily fantasy sports constituted illegal gambling, prompting major DFS providers to pull out of Idaho. That stance extends to newer pick’em fantasy contests, which are likewise not available.

While in many unregulated states players resort to sweepstakes-style sportbooks and casino games online, the gambling climate is so restrictive in Idaho that these operators avoid the state altogether, leaving Idaho residents without this alternative outlet.

In general, Idaho’s laws prohibit any wagering outside of the state-run lottery, tribal gaming compacts, and charitable games. With little legislative momentum, Idaho is likely to remain a gambling-prohibition state, alongside Hawaii and Utah, for the foreseeable future.

So is there any way legal way to bet in Idaho? Surprisingly, yes - but its not "wagering", it's called 'speculating'

Prediction Markets don't operate through traditional gambling channels, but rather through the federally regulated Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Platforms like Kalshi are fully accessible in Idaho and allow users to buy and sell positions on the outcomes of real-world events - everything from presidential elections and economic reports to sports headlines and geopolitical developments. Since they’re classified as financial exchanges rather than gambling platforms, prediction markets are legally available in Idaho, even though the state prohibits most other forms of betting.

Illinois boasts a thriving sports betting market, with both retail sportsbooks and over a dozen mobile apps live since 2020. In 2023, lawmakers made permanent a rule prohibiting any wagers on Illinois collegiate teams via online platforms​. Bettors can only wager on in-state college teams in person, and even then, only basic game outcomes – no college player props are allowed.

Illinois has not formally legalized DFS, creating a gray area: a 2015 Attorney General opinion declared DFS illegal gambling, yet DraftKings, FanDuel, and others continue to operate and even pay state taxes. The state so far tolerates this status quo.

Online casino gambling is still outlawed, though bills to legalize iGaming have been introduced and discussions are ongoing. In the absence of regulated iCasino, Illinois residents often turn to sweepstakes casinos online, which are unregulated but widely used.

When it comes to Prediction Markets, Illinois is one of the few states in the nation that are pushing back towards this new format, issuing cease and desist notices in the belief that Prediction Markets are “engaging in unlicensed sports wagering activity in violation of the Illinois Sports Wagering Act.”

Indiana was an early adopter of legal sports wagering and daily fantasy. Sports betting (including mobile betting) has been live since 2019, with no ban on betting on Indiana’s college teams – though the state does prohibit certain wager types like in-game collegiate player prop bets for integrity reasons.

Indiana also sanctioned paid DFS contests via a 2016 law, ensuring DraftKings and FanDuel could operate under state regulation. Newer pick’em DFS games are not explicitly addressed by law; they generally function in Indiana without issue, aside from standard fantasy licensing requirements.

Where Indiana has not yet advanced is online casino gaming. Lawmakers have considered iGaming bills in both 2022 and 2023, and again in 2024, but none passed the legislature. Thus, Hoosiers seeking online slots or table games must wait - or play on sweepstakes and social casino platforms in the interim.

With a stable sports betting framework and a long-standing DFS law, Indiana’s next frontier is likely the legalization of online casinos – a topic that remains under study and debate.

Iowa has a full menu of regulated sports betting options but draws a clear line on certain wager types. Retail and mobile sportsbooks have operated since 2019, and bettors can wager on both pro and college sports. However, Iowa law forbids any prop bets involving individual players on Iowa collegiate teams. Aside from that carve-out, the market is robust and competitive.

Iowa also legalized DFS in 2019, bringing fantasy sports into the legal fold. Notably, the state’s law was drafted to exclude contests that consist of picking player performance outcomes - rather than assembling fantasy teams - which has effectively barred pick’em-style DFS games.

No move has been made to legalize online casinos or poker in Iowa, so those remain illegal - gambling is limited to the state’s many riverboat and land-based casinos for now. That said, Iowans do have access to sweepstakes casinos and sportsbooks that operate online without state approval, a common situation in states without iGaming.

Kansas legalized sports betting in 2022, quickly launching both retail sportsbooks at state casinos and mobile betting apps. The market is run under the oversight of the state lottery in partnership with casino operators. Kansas imposes few betting restrictions – wagers on in-state college teams like the Jayhawks and Wildcats are allowed - including prop bets.

Kansas was ahead of the curve on daily fantasy sports as well, becoming the first state to legalize DFS through legislation back in 2015. Traditional DFS is fully legal and operational. Pick’em fantasy contests are also allowed in Kansas in a slightly different format in order to comply with regulations. In order to differentiate themselves from sports betting, pick’em platforms function as a peer-to-peer game rather than player vs. operator.

There has been no legalization of online casino games or poker in Kansas. The state lottery has floated the idea of iLottery games, but full iCasino would require new legislation that hasn’t materialized. In the meantime, Kansas gamblers can and do use sweepstakes casino sites online, which aren’t regulated by the state.

Kentucky launched legal sports betting in fall 2023, becoming one of the latest states to go live. Wagers are offered both at horse racing tracks (retail sportsbooks) and via mobile apps statewide. Uniquely, Kentucky set the minimum betting age at 18 by law, aligning with its racing and lottery ages. In practice, however, some major operators voluntarily restrict accounts to 21+. Kentucky’s sports betting law allows bets on both pro and college sports with no carve-outs – local college teams like the Wildcats and Cardinals can be bet, including prop bets.

The state did not need to address DFS in 2023 because there was never a ban; Kentuckians have long had access to DFS platforms even without a formal law (a prior attempt to legalize DFS in 2017 stalled, but sites continued operating).

No legislation has yet been passed for online casinos or poker, and Kentucky historically had a strong anti-online poker stance - famously winning a court judgment against PokerStars). For now, online casino gaming remains illegal, and players are limited to sweepstakes casino options if they want to play slots or table games from home.

Louisiana has a region-based approach to legal gambling. In 2020, voters in most parishes approved sports betting, and by January 2022 the state rolled out mobile and retail sportsbooks in the 55 parishes that opted in. Bettors can wager on college and pro events (LSU and other local teams included) with no statutory restrictions on markets.

Earlier, Louisiana also legalized DFS contests on a parish-by-parish basis – those same parishes now enjoy DraftKings and FanDuel fantasy games (launched in mid-2021). However, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board has not licensed any pick’em style DFS apps, treating those as outside the scope of permitted fantasy contests (effectively barring PrizePicks/Underdog unless they get a sports betting license).

Online casino gaming is still illegal, though lawmakers began discussing iCasino in 2023 and 2024. In fact, Louisiana is now moving to tighten online gambling further: in April 2025, a Senate bill was introduced to outlaw sweepstakes online casinos, defining them as prohibited gambling “by computer”. Currently, Louisianans can still freely use sweepstakes casino sites, but that could change if the bill passes.

Maine launched online sports betting in January 2024, becoming the final New England state to do so. The market is unique in that it is run through the Maine Lottery’s regulatory arm in partnership with up to four eligible operators. As of today, only two platforms - DraftKings Sportsbook and Caesars - are live. Maine’s law allows wagering on both pro and college sports, though like many states in the region it bans bets on Maine collegiate teams unless they are in a tournament (March Madness).

Daily fantasy sports have been legal in Maine for several years – the state passed a DFS law in 2017 – and DraftKings and FanDuel DFS have long served Maine users. However, the newer breed of pick’em DFS contests did not launch in Maine, as regulators indicated such games fall outside the permitted fantasy contest definitions.

While Maine does not currently allow online casino play, residents can play slots or table games from home by using social casino sites - which many platforms operating freely in Maine.

Maryland has quickly grown into a successful sports betting state. Voters approved sports wagering in 2020, and by late 2021 retail sportsbooks opened, followed by a November 2022 launch of mobile sportsbooks. There are now 10+ apps in operation, regulated by the Maryland Lottery. Maryland imposes no special restrictions on college betting – wagers on University of Maryland and other local college games are allowed, as are college prop bets.

Maryland law has exempted fantasy sports contests from gambling laws since 2012. However, Maryland regulators took a firm stance against pick’em DFS platforms: in 2022, the Gaming Control Agency informed companies like PrizePicks and Underdog that their player-prop games were not covered by the fantasy exemption, prompting those operators to exit the state.

Maryland has not yet moved to legalize online casinos; casino gambling remains in-person at the state’s six casinos. Notably, in 2025 Maryland lawmakers joined other states in introducing legislation to ban unlicensed online sweepstakes casinos that had been operating in the shadows. While that bill is pending, Marylanders continue to have access to sweepstakes gaming sites for social sports and casino gaming.

Massachusetts launched both retail and mobile sports betting in early 2023, joining the wave of New England states with legal wagering. By law, no betting is allowed on Massachusetts college teams unless they are in a tournament setting, like March Madness. The state has a strong responsible gambling focus – credit cards are banned for deposit, and advertising is tightly monitored.

Massachusetts was actually at the forefront of daily fantasy sports legalization, having officially legalized DFS in 2016. Traditional DFS contests (salary-cap games, etc.) are fully legal. The newer pick’em DFS games, however, faced some pushback; by 2023, at least one operator (Underdog) had to modify its offering in MA (providing only certain formats) to align with state rules.

Online casino gambling is not yet legal in Massachusetts, though a special commission studied the issue in 2024 and some lawmakers have expressed interest in iGaming legislation in the near future. For now, residents wanting online slots can resort to social casino sites, which currently operate unregulated within the state.

Michigan is one of the few states with a full suite of online gambling options. It launched online sports betting and internet casino gaming simultaneously in January 2021. Today, Michiganders enjoy a wide array of mobile sportsbooks, with the market including all major brands, tethered to commercial casinos or tribal partners. They can also legally play slots, table games, and poker online through licensed apps.

Michigan’s sports betting rules are among the more permissive – betting on in-state college teams is allowed, and there are no unusual wager restrictions beyond standard integrity measures. The state also has a regulated online poker network and participates in interstate poker liquidity.

DFS contests were formally legalized in late 2019 as part of Michigan’s gaming expansion, ensuring DraftKings and FanDuel’s operations were on solid legal footing. That said, Michigan’s regulators have taken a cautious view on pick’em-style DFS games; some popular pick’em platforms have limited offerings or held off in Michigan, likely to avoid conflict with the state’s definition of fantasy contests.

Michigan’s vibrant regulated market coexists with unregulated sweepstakes gambling sites, but the latter face competition from the robust legal options available.

All sports wagering is still prohibited in Minnesota, and there are no legal sportsbooks in operation, largely due to impasses over tribal gaming rights. In 2022 and 2023, legislation to authorize sportsbooks gained some traction - the state House passed a bill in 2023 - but the effort stalled in the Senate amid disagreements on including the state’s two horse racetracks. The state’s tribal casinos offer only in-person gambling (slots, blackjack, etc.) and have thus far opposed outside competition.

When it comes to Daily fantasy sports, Minnesota never passed a DFS law - but it also hasn’t attempted to stop DFS operators, so operators like DraftKings and FanDuel have long accepted Minnesota users. That tacit allowance extends to pick’em DFS contests, prediction markets, and sweepstakes sites, which many Minnesotans play on online without incident. Still, none of these are formally regulated or recognized by the state.

Gambling expansion is a recurring topic at the Capitol – and with neighboring Iowa and North Dakota having legal sports betting, pressure remains – but unless an agreement with Minnesota’s tribes is reached, the status quo of no sportsbooks will continue.

Mississippi was an early mover on sports betting, but it restricts play to on-site wagering at casinos. Since 2018, Mississippi’s 20+ commercial casinos have been allowed to operate sportsbooks, and patrons may even use mobile betting apps – but only while physically on casino property. There is no statewide mobile betting, as legislative attempts to authorize it have repeatedly failed, with the most recent push dying in 2023.

The state did legalize DFS in 2017, bringing fantasy sports into the legal fold. However, Mississippi regulators in late 2023 joined other states in warning DFS operators not to offer pick’em prop contests that resemble sportsbook wagers. As a result, Mississippians do not currently have access to PrizePicks or similar pick’em-style apps for real-money play.

For now, online casino gaming remains illegal, yet many residents continue to play on sweepstakes casino sites in the legal gray market. In 2024, Mississippi’s legislature nearly enacted a ban on unlicensed online casinos and sweepstakes games – a bill passed both chambers to criminalize those operations, but it died in conference after a controversial amendment to allow mobile sports betting was added.

After years of stalemate, Missouri is finally on the path to legal sports betting. In November 2024, Missouri voters approved a constitutional amendment legalizing sports wagering, bypassing the legislative gridlock. This measure requires the Missouri Gaming Commission to set up mobile and land-based sportsbooks, with a mandate to have betting operational by late 2025.

Until the sportsbooks launch - expected by the 2025 NFL season - Missourians looking to bet online will have to rely only on social/sweepstakes options.

Daily fantasy sports have been legal in Missouri since 2016, and all major DFS sites operate under that law. However, Missouri regulators have taken issue with pick’em DFS games and, in 2022, the state issued cease orders to PrizePicks for offering unlicensed sports betting via its pick’em product, leading operators to exit Missouri.

Online casino gaming remains illegal, as Missouri’s constitution currently prohibits games of chance outside of licensed riverboat casinos. Once sports betting goes live, Missouri will have cleared a major hurdle, but any further expansion such as iGaming would likely also require voter approval in the future. On the meantime, Missourians can look to social casinos to fill the void in online casino gaming,

Montana has a very restrictive sports betting setup, legalizing sports betting in 2019 but only through the state lottery’s Sports Bet Montana system, which uses kiosks and an app that function only when you are physically at a licensed retailer. The lottery’s system also does not allow wagers on collegiate sports, meaning Montanans cannot bet on college games. Tribal casinos in Montana may offer sports betting on-premises, but the market is very limited.

Montana law explicitly forbids paid daily fantasy sports, so DFS operators do not serve Montana at all. Instead, the state offers a fantasy football prediction game via the lottery.

As for online casinos, none are legal - gambling in Montana is generally confined to in-person locations and small-stakes video gaming. However, residents can still access social and sweepstakes-based casinos and sportsbooks, which have become a popular alternative. These platforms, like Chumba Casino, Pulsz, and Fliff, operate using virtual currency and sweepstakes systems that allow users to play games or place picks for the chance to win real cash prizes - without violating Montana’s gambling laws.

Because they don’t require a direct exchange of money for a chance to win, and instead use bonus-based or no-purchase-necessary models, they fall outside the scope of traditional gambling regulation.

Prediction markets like Kalshi are also fully legal and accessible in Montana, thanks to federal oversight by the CFTC. These platforms let users speculate on real-world events - from elections to sport outcomes - without violating state gambling laws.

Nebraska sports betting is restricted by law to in-person wagering at licensed venues. Voters approved casino gaming at horse racetracks in 2020, which by extension legalized on-site sports betting. By statute, all sports bets must be placed in person at one of the racetrack casinos – Nebraska does not allow mobile sports betting off-property. In 2024, a state senator introduced a proposal to amend the constitution and permit statewide online sports betting, but it gained little traction.

Daily fantasy sports have long operated in Nebraska without formal legalization. Since the state has no law banning DFS, operators like DraftKings and FanDuel have served Nebraskans for years - and everything indicates they will continue to do so without issue. The same goes for pick’em style fantasy contests, which are available as Nebraska has not pursued any action against them.

Online casino gaming remains illegal. For now, Nebraskans who want to play slots or table games can do so at racetrack casinos or via sweepstakes casino sites online.

Nevada is often considered the gold standard for gambling, with the broadest array of legal betting options – yet even Nevada has its quirks when it comes to online play.

Sports betting has been legal for decades and is available via dozens of retail sportsbooks and mobile apps. The key caveat is that Nevada mandates in-person registration for mobile sportsbook accounts, meaning bettors must visit a casino to sign up before wagering on an app. Once registered, mobile betting anywhere in the state is allowed, including on UNLV or Nevada college games.

Daily fantasy sports is technically considered sports wagering under Nevada law, so DFS operators would need to be licensed as sports books – a hurdle that caused DraftKings and FanDuel to exit Nevada in 2015. As a result, Nevadans have no DFS contests.

While online poker is legal and regulated, Nevada has not authorized broader online casino gaming like slots or table games for play from home. The only online casino-style gaming permitted is via mobile systems inside casinos. Meanwhile, Social casinos and sweepstakes gambling sites are also unavailable in the state.

Nevada is one of the few states that have pushed back against prediction markets, considering their offering of sports-related, event-based contracts to be in violation of state law. The Nevada Gaming Control Board sent a cease and desist letter to Kalshi in April 2025, however Kalshi was granted a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction by the Nevada District Court, allowing them to continue to offer their services for the time being.

New Hampshire was an early adopter of online sports betting, but it did so through a single-operator model. The state lottery commissioned DraftKings as its exclusive sports betting provider, meaning DraftKings Sportsbook is the only mobile option. Sports betting has been live since late 2019, and while it’s widely available, state law forbids wagers on New Hampshire college teams or any college games taking place in the state.

DFS contests - including newer pick’em formats - are available without issue. New Hampshire never outlawed DFS, and benefits from this permissive stance without having formal DFS legislation. In fact DraftKings located its headquarters in Boston’s neighboring New Hampshire during a legal spat with Massachusetts years ago.

There are no commercial casinos in New Hampshire, only charitable gaming halls, and currently no legal online casino games. An online casino bill has been discussed in 2023–2024 but has yet to pass. Until then, residents can and do use sweepstakes casinos and social sportbooks for entertainment beyond what DraftKings offers.

New Jersey is one of the most developed gambling markets in the U.S., often seen as a model for regulation. The state offers everything from sports betting to online casinos under a robust legal framework.

Mobile sports betting has been legal since mid-2018, following NJ’s victory in the PASPA Supreme Court case. The Garden State only bars wagers on New Jersey college teams or collegiate events held in the state. Otherwise, bettors enjoy a huge selection of apps and betting options, including college props.

Daily fantasy sports were codified as legal in 2017. Initially, DFS pick’em games were seen as too sportsbook-like, NJ regulators have begun to accommodate the format, declaring Underdog Fantasy’s “Pick’em Champions” peer-to-peer fantasy contest is compliant with state rules in 2025.

New Jersey has taken a hard line against prediction markets, deeming sports-related contracts unlawful gambling. In March 2025, the state issued a cease-and-desist to Kalshi, but a federal court blocked the order in April, allowing Kalshi to continue operating - at least for now.

New Jersey offers online casino gaming on over two dozen online casino platforms with a full array of slots, table games, and live dealers. The state has also been aggressive in policing unlicensed gambling, introducing bills in 2025 aiming to criminalize sweepstakes casinos that siphon revenue. In practice, most New Jersey gamblers have little need for unregulated sites given the smorgasbord of legal options.

New Mexico has not passed any sports betting or online gambling legislation, yet sports betting exists in a limited form via the state’s tribal casinos. There is no mobile sports betting available to the general public in New Mexico, as the state has not authorized it and the tribal sportsbooks operate under federal tribal authority. However, players looking to get their sports betting fill can legally do so using Social Sportsbooks, which operate without oversight in the state.

Daily fantasy sports companies like DraftKings and FanDuel operate in New Mexico without state approval, as there’s no law prohibiting DFS – the Attorney General hasn’t challenged it. Similarly, pick’em fantasy contests are accessible.

New Mexico has a few commercial racetrack casinos (“racinos”) and many tribal casinos, but online casino gambling is illegal - and would violate tribal exclusivity if introduced without negotiation. Residents often turn to neighboring states for regulated online betting, or partake in sweepstakes casinos which exist in a gray market.

New York offers a huge and active gambling market, with some notable gaps. Mobile sports betting is legal and thriving, having launched in January 2022. New York quickly became a top handle state with multiple competing sportsbook apps. The state’s rules prohibit betting on any New York college team or any college event held within the state, and also disallow wagers on individual college player performances across all teams.

Daily Fantasy Sports was legalized by statute in 2016, though it faced a legal challenge that was finally resolved in 2022 in the industry’s favor. However, New York regulators drew a hard line on the newer pick’em-style DFS games. By early 2024, the Gaming Commission took enforcement action that drove PrizePicks out with a $15 million settlement, and in March 2025 Underdog Fantasy agreed to pay $17.5 million and cease its pick’em contests in NY.

On the other hand, online casino gambling is not yet legal in New York. There have been serious discussions and bills - Sen. Joseph Addabbo has introduced iCasino legislation - but legislative leaders indicated it’s unlikely to pass in 2025.

Meanwhile, New York is moving to combat unlicensed sweepstakes platforms – bills to outlaw those operations have been advancing in 2025. Social Sportsbooks and Casinos are still operating in the Empire state, but it's hard to tell for how long.

Following a 2023 law that authorized both mobile and retail sportsbooks, North Carolina launched 8 state-regulated mobile sportsbook apps and additional retail sportsbooks in 2024. Unlike many states, North Carolina’s legislation does not carve out any college restrictions – bets on in-state college teams (like UNC or Duke) are allowed, and so are college player prop bets.

Daily fantasy sports has operated in NC for years in a gray zone. Attempts to formally legalize it have stalled, but DFS has never been outlawed, so DraftKings and others serve the state freely. The introduction of sports betting did not include any explicit DFS regulations, meaning that status quo continues - with even fantasy pick’em sites being added to the equation.

North Carolina has not legalized online casinos – gambling in the state is otherwise limited to the tribal casinos and a lottery. However, the state is known for its prevalence of sweepstakes gaming parlors, which have been subject to legal battles. Online sweepstakes casino sites operate similarly in an unregulated fashion, allowing NC gamblers to play their favorite casino games unimpeded.

Ohio launched one of the country’s most robust sports betting markets on January 1, 2023. Both online and retail sportsbooks went live, and Ohio now boasts a large roster of mobile apps plus brick-and-mortar books at casinos and stadiums. The state allows wagering on in-state college teams and even college props for out-of-state players, but it prohibits prop bets on college athletes from Ohio schools. Ohio’s sports betting law is otherwise broad - even esports and celebrity events can be approved by regulators.

Oklahoma has yet to legalize sports betting or any form of online gambling, despite being home to one of the largest tribal casino industries in the country. The state’s tribes and legislators have been in negotiations for several years over sports betting – bills were introduced in 2022 and 2023 to authorize sportsbooks through the tribes, but none passed. Without enabling legislation or new compact agreements, sports betting remains illegal in Oklahoma.

Luckily for would-be bettors, the Sooner state offers a great selection of Social Sportsbooks, which - using a sweepstakes-style model- allow you to bet on your favorite sports and compete for real money prizes.

Daily fantasy sports contests operate under the radar and unimpeded. While Oklahoma never passed a DFS law, they also haven't tried to stop DFS sites, allowing residents to play on the major platforms. This includes Pick 'em fantasy sites, which allow sports fans to compete in individual player contests to win real cash.

Online casino games are all illegal under state law. Oklahoma does permit extensive tribal gaming and a state lottery, but online participation is limited to things like lottery subscriptions. Social and sweepstakes casino sites are popular as a workaround for slots and table games, letting Oklahomans play casino games online for real prizes.

Oregon’s sports betting is run exclusively by the Oregon Lottery. The lottery originally launched a solitary mobile sportsbook app called Scoreboard, but after less than stellar results, they partnered up with DraftKings Sportsbook, making it the exclusive betting app in the state.

Oregonians can bet on professional sports, but the lottery does not allow any wagering on college sports. This means no bets on Oregon or Oregon State games - or any other NCAA events - which is a significant limitation compared to most states.

DFS sites operate freely in Oregon, as the state never got around to outlawing fantasy sports. Therefore, traditional DFS sites like DraftKings and FanDuel are accessible to Oregonians, as are Pick 'em DFS sites like PrizePicks and Underdog.

Oregon has not ventured into online casino gaming, so no iGaming is legal beyond lottery games. As with many states, Oregonians do turn to sweepstakes casino platforms online for slot-style play, which the state currently neither authorizes nor expressly forbids.

Pennsylvania is one of the most expansive regulated markets in the US, covering nearly all gambling verticals. The state legalized online sports betting and online casinos in 2017, launching both in 2019. Sportsbooks in PA allow betting on in-state college teams, but like many states it bars wagering on individual college athletes’ statistical props. The sports betting market is among the nation’s largest and is taxed at 36% – high, but sustainable due to the volume.

Daily Fantasy Sports was explicitly legalized in 2018, and operators are licensed and pay taxes under the Gaming Control Board’s supervision. Interestingly, Pennsylvania’s regulations and market conditions have kept DFS pick’em games out – no major pick’em operator offers contests in PA, as the Gaming Board’s fantasy regulations don’t accommodate them.

On the online casino side, Pennsylvania has over a dozen regulated online casinos offering thousands of games to residents and making sweepstakes casinos far less popular than in other states. With the successful implementation of online sports betting and casino gaming, Pennsylvania has emerged as a model of a full-service gambling state, balancing high tax rates with a thriving, consumer-friendly market.

Rhode Island, the smallest state, has taken a lottery-centric approach to gambling regulation. The RI state lottery manages both sports betting and online casino gaming in partnership with Bally’s Twin River. Sports betting began in late 2018 at the Twin River casinos and expanded to mobile in 2019 via the Lottery’s “Sportsbook Rhode Island” app.

By law, Rhode Island bettors cannot wager on any collegiate game involving a Rhode Island school or on any college games taking place in-state.

Daily fantasy sports were never a major point of contention in RI, and operators like DraftKings and FanDuel have always been available as the state never banned them. Therefore, both traditional and pick 'em DFS sites operate without impediments, and are popular options for sport fans in RI.

In 2023, Rhode Island became just the seventh state to legalize online casino gaming. The law permits the Lottery to offer online slots and table games through Bally’s/Twin River, allowing Rhode Islanders to legally play casino games on their phones.

While having legal sports betting and casino reduces the need for people to resort to social sportsbooks and casinos, many in Rhode Island still opt for these sweepstakes-style sites, as they offer them variety from the limited government-run monopoly.

South Carolina has among the strictest gambling laws in the country. The state constitution bans the authorization of most gambling, and there are no commercial casinos, no racetracks, and no legal sports betting in South Carolina. Occasional efforts emerge – for example, a 2023 bill proposed a referendum to allow casinos and sports wagering – but to date, nothing has been enacted. The only forms of betting currently legal are a state lottery and some charitable gaming - and even that required a constitutional amendment.

Despite this, daily fantasy sports companies operate openly. South Carolina has not passed a DFS law, but it also hasn’t attempted to prosecute DFS as gambling, so DraftKings and FanDuel consider SC a permissive state by default. Likewise, residents use sports pick’em pools and sweepstakes gambling sites online - both social sportsbooks and casinos - because there is no specific prohibition on participating in those from home.

Prediction markets also operate unimpeded in South Carolina, as they fall under the jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This allows South Carolina residents to legally access platforms like Kalshi or Crypto.com, where they can bet on the outcomes of real-world events - from political elections and economic indicators to entertainment and sports.

Until the constitution is interpreted differently or amended - which would require a voter referendum - South Carolina cannot legalize sports betting or casinos through normal legislation. That means the status quo of very limited legal gambling – essentially just the lottery – continues.

South Dakota does not offer online sports betting or casino, and permits only a very narrow form of betting confined to one geographic area. Following a 2020 constitutional amendment, sports betting became legal in Deadwood, the historic gaming town, as well as at tribal casinos via compact. This means you can place a wager only in person at Deadwood’s sportsbooks, but there is no mobile betting outside those premises. Recent attempts to allow statewide mobile betting by amending the constitution again have failed to make the ballot.

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) occupies a legal gray area in South Dakota. The state has not passed any legislation explicitly authorizing or regulating DFS, but it also hasn’t enacted a ban. . As a result, major DFS operators like DraftKings and FanDuel continue to serve South Dakota residents. In addition to classic DFS formats, South Dakota users can also access pick'em-style games offered by platforms like Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks.

Residents who want a broader betting menu often resort to Social betting sites, which use a Sweepstakes model workaround that allows players to bet on sports or play their favorite casino games and compete for real prizes.

Prediction markets also operate freely in South Dakota, as they are regulated at the federal level by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This regulatory structure allows platforms like Kalshi to offer South Dakota residents the ability to legally trade on the outcomes of real-world events - including politics, economics, weather, and global affairs. Since these markets are not classified as gambling under South Dakota law, they provide a unique legal avenue for speculative wagering in a state where most forms of traditional betting remain restricted.

Tennessee was the first state to adopt a fully online sports betting model, with no physical casinos or sportsbooks at all. Sports betting went live in November 2020 and is available via mobile apps statewide, regulated by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council. Tennessee allows betting on in-state college teams (like UT or Vanderbilt), but it forbids any individual college player prop bets, as well as live in-game prop bets on college teams. Aside from those college prop restrictions, the betting menu is broad, including esports which were legalized in 2023.

Tennessee was one of the first states to legalize daily fantasy sports, passing a law in 2016 that clearly established DFS as a legal activity. However, the state has taken a stricter stance on pick’em-style contests, which resemble player prop parlays and edge closer to sports betting. As a result, operators like PrizePicks and Underdog were compelled to adjust their formats in Tennessee — shifting to “free-to-play” or pooled contest models after discussions with regulators, in order to avoid being classified as illegal sports wagering.

Online casino games are not legal in Tennessee, consistent with its long-standing ban on all forms of casinos. Tennesseans who wish to play slots or table games generally use social and sweepstakes casinos online, which allow users to play for the chance to win cash prizes through promotional credits.

Texas is a sleeping giant in the gambling world that, so far, has refused to wake, as sports betting and real-money online casinos remains illegal in Texas. Despite significant lobbying, bills to legalize sports wagering - along with a limited number of casinos - have failed in the state legislature. In 2023, the Texas House actually passed a sports betting constitutional amendment, but the measure didn’t advance in the Senate. By 2025, opposition in the legislature remained entrenched - a coalition of lawmakers announced they lacked the two-thirds support needed to put any gambling expansion on the ballot.

Nevertheless, would-be Texan bettors have plenty of options to participate in sporting event contests with real money prizes.

Daily fantasy sports contests are widely available and used in Texas. DraftKings and FanDuel resumed operations despite a 2016 Attorney General opinion that classified DFS as illegal gambling. No enforcement followed that opinion, and a 2019 court case left the legal status ambiguous.

Similarly, Texans participate in sports pick’em contests and sweepstakes-based sportsbooks and casinos online, taking advantage of the state’s lack of explicit prohibitions against these alternative formats. While Texas law strictly bans traditional sports betting and games of chance, it doesn’t directly address fantasy sports or sweepstakes models, creating a legal gray zone that many operators have moved to occupy.

Utah remains one of the two U.S. jurisdictions with a blanket constitutional prohibition on gambling - the other being Hawaii. This ban covers lotteries, sports wagering, casino gaming, poker, racetracks, and even charitable bingo. Every form of gambling, whether in person or online, is prohibited by Utah law and the state’s deeply entrenched public policy.

However, it's not all bad news for would-be bettors in the Beehive State, as there are plenty of alternative options for those looking to bet on sports or casino games.

Against all odds, Daily Fantasy Sports have managed to slip through the legislative cracks. DraftKings, FanDuel, and others have been running salary‑cap contests in the state for years, while the popularity of player‑prop “pick’em” apps has grown markedly: PrizePicks, Underdog Fantasy, Sleeper Picks, Betr Picks, and many more freely accept Utah customers and operate without pushback.

Meanwhile, for those looking for something even more similar to the real thing, Social and Sweepstakes betting sites are thriving in Utah, allowing users to make sports picks for redeemable cash prizes, while Social Casinos like Stake.us offer 1,400‑plus casino‑style games using virtual coins.

Prediction sites like Kalshi are the one real-money option that Utahns can currently use freely. Regulated by the CFTC, Kalshi lets users trade on simple “Yes/No” questions about real-world events - everything from election results and inflation numbers to major sports outcomes and geopolitical news. Unlike traditional sportsbooks or casinos, prediction aren’t classified as gambling under Utah law, so they operate legally and openly in the state with no restrictions.

Vermont recently entered the sports betting arena, passing a law to legalize online sports betting in 2023. The first sportsbook apps went live in January 2024, overseen by the Department of Liquor and Lottery. By statute, Vermont prohibits betting on in-state college teams unless they're competing in a multi-team tournament. Aside from that carveout, Vermont’s market is relatively open - and notably, is one of the few states where the minimum betting age is just 18, not 21.

Daily fantasy sports was legalized in Vermont in 2017 via a consumer protection law, so DFS is clearly legal and active. That law’s language was broad enough that it covers pick’em DFS as well, giving Vermonters have access to those platforms with no issues.

Vermont has no traditional casinos and has not yet pursued online casino gaming. A mandated study on iGaming was delivered to lawmakers, but no action has been taken as of early 2025. Sweepstakes casinos and social gaming sites exist operate in a gray area but are used by residents seeking casino-style play without pushback.

Virginia rapidly transformed its gambling laws in the last few years, authorizing both sports betting and casino gaming. Sports betting went live first, in January 2021, as an online-only offering. A dozen-plus mobile sportsbooks now operate under Virginia Lottery oversight. The law included two major college betting restrictions: bets on Virginia college teams are completely prohibited, and prop bets on any individual college athletes are not allowed

Daily fantasy sports was actually legalized in Virginia way back in 2016 – Virginia was the first state to enact a DFS law, providing a template that many others followed. DFS and pick’em operators must be registered with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Online casino gambling is not yet legal, however online casino legislation is expected to surface in coming sessions. For now, players turn to sweepstakes casino sites for online slots, which lawmakers have started examining as unregulated gambling to possibly crack down on.

Washington State has some of the strictest gambling laws in the Lower 48, even though it hosts significant tribal casino gaming. In 2020, Washington authorized sports betting but only on tribal lands, and more than a dozen tribes now operate retail sportsbooks at their casinos. Mobile sports betting is geofenced to those properties. Washington explicitly bans online gambling and was the only state to criminalize online gambling.

Daily fantasy sports is considered illegal gambling by Washington’s Gambling Commission, so DFS operators do not serve the state. The same goes for pick’em-style fantasy games

Interestingly, Washington’s courts have even ruled that certain social casino games can constitute illegal gambling. In the 2018 Big Fish Casino case, a federal court found virtual casino chips to be “something of value,” making the game an illegal gambling operation under state law. That has put a cloud over sweepstakes and social casinos in WA with most sweepstakes platforms avoiding the state entirely.

So is there any way to bet legally in Washington? Yes! There is one, but it's not betting... it's speculating!

Prediction markets like Kalshi are fully accessible in the state, regulated at the federal level by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). These markets let users speculate on the outcomes of real-world events by buying shares in "Yes" or "No" positions on topics ranging from politics and the economy to sports and world affairs. Because prediction markets are treated as federally regulated financial instruments rather than gambling, they operate legally in Washington despite the state's broader prohibitions.

West Virginia is a pioneer in embracing online gambling among smaller states. It was quick to market with sports betting, launching retail books in late 2018 and mobile betting in 2019. The state places no unusual restrictions on college betting – wagers on WVU and Marshall games are allowed, including props, which sets it apart from many states that impose limits.

West Virginia legalized DFS contests in 2016 by clarifying they are not illegal gambling, so DraftKings and FanDuel operate freely. DFS pick’em games have also been available without controversy.

West Virginia was also one of the first after NJ and PA to legalize online casinos and poker. As a result, West Virginians have access to multiple mobile casino apps offering slots and table games for real money. While Sweepstakes casinos and sportsbooks do function in WV, given the availability of legal options they’re less prominent than in unregulated states.

Wisconsin has not passed state legislation to legalize sports betting, but a couple of tribes have amended their gaming compacts to open retail sportsbooks at their casinos. By compact, these tribal books can only accept wagers on-site - no state-wide mobile betting. Online casino gaming is also illegal and confined instead to the state’s many tribal casinos offering only in-person play.

Major Daily fantasy sports operators continue to serve Wisconsin without issue, despite there being no legislation specifically legalizing DFS. The absence of restrictive laws has also allowed newer pick’em-style platforms, such as PrizePicks and Underdog, to operate in the state, offering contests that resemble player prop bets but are structured as skill-based fantasy games.

Similarly, Sweepstakes sportsbooks and casinos like Fliff and Pulsz are accessible to Wisconsin bettors, giving players an alternative to bet on their favorite sports and play their favorite casino games. Since these platforms use virtual currency and promotional sweepstakes mechanics instead of direct real-money wagering, they fall outside the scope of state gambling laws and have not been targeted by regulators.

Wyoming was a trailblazer as the first state to legalize online-only sports betting via legislation. Mobile sportsbooks launched in September 2021, and the state has since added a few more operators in this minimal-population market. Wyoming’s rules allow betting on all college and pro events with no unusual restrictions

Wyoming also legalized DFS contests in 2019 and in doing so clarified that fantasy sports of all formats are legal. This also includes pick 'em style platforms like PrizePicks, Underdog, etc., which have operated without incident from the outset.

Wyoming doesn’t have traditional casinos and has not yet pursued online casino legalization. While online casinos remain illegal, sweepstakes casinos fill the void for interested players, allowing them to enjoy slot-style games and virtual table games using virtual currency that can be redeemed for real cash prizes. These platforms operate under sweepstakes law, which enables them to legally serve Wyoming residents despite the state’s lack of formal casino legislation.

Washington, D.C. legalized sports wagering in 2019, but chose a lottery-run mobile platform (GambetDC) as the sole citywide app. After years of poor performance, D.C. officials replaced GambetDC with a FanDuel in 2024, before finally moving to open up and expand the market. Betting is not allowed on any college games involving D.C. schools or taking place within the District.

Daily fantasy sports are available in Washington, D.C., where no specific laws prohibit their operation. As a result, residents can freely access major DFS platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, as well newer entrants offering pick’em-style contests - a format that resembles player prop betting but is structured as a game of skill.

Online casino gaming remains illegal - no real-money slots or table games are authorized by the D.C. Council. However, sweepstakes-based casino and sportsbook sites can be accessed as they fall outside local jurisdiction.

Online casino gaming remains fully illegal in D.C. The D.C. Council has not authorized any form of real-money online slots or table games, and no licensed operators offer casino-style gambling within the district. However, social casinos and sportsbooks like Chumba and Fliff are fully accessible to residents. These sites operate under federal sweepstakes law and are not subject to local gambling regulations, providing an alternative for players seeking casino-style gameplay without violating D.C.'s strict gambling laws.

Puerto Rico has emerged as a progressive but tightly regulated sports‑betting market. Retail books opened in 2022, and three licensed mobile operators - BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel - serve the island, though bettors must complete account verification on‑site at partner casinos. Wagers on college sports and esports are allowed, yet markets involving local amateur competitions remain prohibited.

DFS contests enjoy full legal status under the 2019 enabling act, but pick’em‑style games sit in regulatory limbo until the Gaming Commission clarifies whether they constitute sports wagering.

Real‑money online casinos were stripped from the statute that allowed sports betting, leaving online slots and tables illegal and pushing players toward sweepstakes and social‑casino alternatives that award cashable prizes that can be earned with virtual currencies.