How to Bet on Sports Legally: State-by-State Requirements

Introduction: Why Betting Legally Matters

Sports betting is now legal in the majority of US states, but the rules differ significantly from one state to the next. If you want to place a bet on your favorite team or the big game, understanding how to bet on sports legally is essential for protecting yourself and ensuring you actually get paid when you win.

Betting through unlicensed or offshore sportsbooks might seem convenient, but it comes with serious risks. Accounts can be closed without warning, withdrawals can be blocked indefinitely, and you have no legal recourse if something goes wrong. In some cases, using unlicensed platforms could even create legal issues depending on your state.

The good news is that betting legally is straightforward once you understand the basics. This guide provides everything you need to know: a clear checklist for betting legally, a breakdown of how federal and state laws work, state-by-state requirements, and practical advice on identity verification, age requirements, geolocation, and more.

Whether you are placing your first bet, traveling to a new state, or switching from an offshore site to a regulated sportsbook, this guide will help you bet safely, stay on the right side of the law, and actually receive your winnings when you hit a winner.

Remember: Sports betting should be fun, affordable entertainment. Only bet what you can afford to lose, and use the responsible gambling tools that legal sportsbooks are required to provide.

How US Sports Betting Laws Work: Federal vs State

Understanding how sports betting became legal in the US helps clarify why the rules vary so much between states.

The PASPA Repeal Changed Everything

Until 2018, a federal law called the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) effectively banned sports betting in most of the country. Only Nevada had legal sports betting, with limited exceptions in a few other states.

In May 2018, the US Supreme Court struck down PASPA as unconstitutional. The ruling did not make sports betting legal everywhere. Instead, it gave each state the power to decide for itself whether to legalize and regulate sports betting.

There Is No Single Federal Answer

This is the key point that confuses many people: there is no federal law that says sports betting is legal or illegal across the United States. The decision rests entirely with individual states.

Some states moved quickly to legalize after the PASPA ruling. New Jersey launched legal sports betting within weeks of the decision. Other states took years to pass legislation, and some still have no legal sports betting at all.

State Regulators Control the Rules

Each state that has legalized sports betting establishes its own regulatory framework. This typically includes:

• A state gaming commission or similar agency that oversees licensing
• Specific rules about who can operate sportsbooks (casinos, racetracks, online operators, or some combination)
• Requirements for online betting, retail betting, or both
• Age requirements (21 in most states, 18 in some)
• Restrictions on certain types of bets (such as college player props or in-state college teams)

Online vs Retail Betting

States may allow online sports betting, retail (in-person) betting, or both. Some states like New York initially launched with retail only before adding online betting later. Others like Tennessee launched with online betting exclusively.

The distinction matters because you must follow the laws of the state where you are physically located when you place a bet. Having an account with a sportsbook is not enough. You need to be in a legal state to actually wager.

Sports Betting vs Other Forms of Gambling

Sports betting laws are separate from laws governing casinos, poker, daily fantasy sports (DFS), and lottery games. A state might allow DFS but not sports betting, or permit casino gambling but restrict sports wagering to specific locations.

For complete details on which states have legalized and what types of betting they allow, see our complete guide to US sports betting laws.

How to Bet on Sports Legally: Quick Checklist

Here is a straightforward checklist to follow before placing any sports bet. Each step helps ensure you are betting legally and safely.

Step 1: Confirm Your States Legal Status

Sports betting legality depends entirely on where you are physically located when you place the bet. Before doing anything else, verify that sports betting is legal in your state.

As of late 2025, sports betting is legal in some form in 38 states plus Washington DC. However, not all of these states offer online betting. Some only allow in-person wagering at casinos or racetracks.

Check our state-by-state legal guide for the current status of your state, including whether online betting is available.

Step 2: Check Your Age and Eligibility

Most states require you to be 21 or older to place sports bets. However, some states set the minimum age at 18. Using a fake ID or someone elses account to bypass age requirements is illegal and will result in account closure and forfeiture of any funds.

Beyond age, other eligibility factors include:

• You must be physically present in a legal state (residency is usually not required)
• Sportsbook employees and their family members may be restricted
• People on self-exclusion lists cannot bet
• Athletes, coaches, and team employees are typically prohibited from betting on their own sports

For a complete breakdown by state, see our guide to sports betting age requirements.

Step 3: Choose a Licensed, Regulated Sportsbook

Only bet with sportsbooks that are licensed by your states gaming regulator. Licensed sportsbooks must follow strict rules about:

• Protecting customer funds in segregated accounts
• Paying out winnings promptly
• Offering responsible gambling tools
• Verifying customer identities
• Reporting suspicious activity

You can usually find licensing information in the footer of a sportsbooks website or app. Look for the state gaming commission logo and license number. When in doubt, check the regulators website directly.

Major operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars are licensed in every state where they operate. However, newer or smaller operators should be verified before you deposit money.

For more details on what to look for, see our guide on what makes a sportsbook legal and safe.

Step 4: Verify Your Identity Safely

Legal sportsbooks are required to verify your identity before you can deposit or place bets. This process, known as Know Your Customer (KYC), is a legal requirement for all regulated gambling operators.

You will typically need to provide:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Social Security Number (last 4 digits or full)
• Address
• Sometimes a photo ID

This requirement is actually a sign that you are using a legitimate, regulated sportsbook. It protects against fraud, prevents underage gambling, and allows operators to comply with tax reporting requirements.

For a full explanation of why identity verification matters and how your data is protected, read our guide on sports betting identity verification.

Step 5: Understand Betting Restrictions

Even in legal states, certain bets may be prohibited. Common restrictions include:

• No betting on in-state college teams (varies by state)
• No college player prop bets in many states
• Restrictions on same-game parlays in some jurisdictions
• Live betting limitations in certain states

These restrictions vary significantly by state. Before betting on college sports or using advanced bet types, check the specific rules for your state.

Step 6: Use Responsible Gambling Tools

Legal sportsbooks are required to offer tools that help you gamble responsibly. Take advantage of these features:

• Deposit limits (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Wager limits
• Loss limits
• Time limits and session reminders
• Cool-off periods (temporary breaks from 24 hours to 30 days)
• Self-exclusion (longer-term or permanent restrictions)

Setting limits before you start betting is easier than trying to control spending after the fact. Treat sports betting as entertainment with a set budget, not as a way to make money.

Where Is Sports Betting Legal? State-by-State Overview

Sports betting availability varies dramatically across the country. Here is a high-level overview to help you understand where betting is legal and what options are available.

States With Full Online and Retail Betting

The majority of legal states now offer both online sports betting and retail sportsbooks. This gives bettors the convenience of betting from their phone along with the option to visit a physical location.

States in this category include: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

States With Retail Betting Only

Some states have legalized sports betting but only allow it at physical locations like casinos or racetracks. In these states, you cannot legally place bets from your phone or computer.

States with retail only include: Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin (tribal casinos only).

States With Limited or Pending Legalization

Several states have passed legislation but are still implementing their sports betting programs, or have very limited options available. The legal landscape changes regularly as new states come online.

States Where Sports Betting Remains Illegal

As of late 2025, the following states have not legalized sports betting: Alabama, Alaska, California, Florida (legal status disputed), Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri (pending), Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.

In these states, there is no legal way to bet on sports. Offshore sportsbooks that accept bets from these states are operating illegally, and using them puts your money at risk.

How to Use This Information

The state table above provides a starting point, but laws change frequently. For detailed information about your specific state, including:

• Which sportsbooks are licensed there
• Specific betting restrictions
• Age requirements
• Recent legal developments

Check our complete state-by-state legal guide.

Important: Even if your home state allows sports betting, you can only bet when you are physically located in a legal state. If you travel to a state where betting is illegal, you cannot use your sportsbook account until you return to a legal jurisdiction.

Legal Ways to Bet on Sports

If you are in a legal state, you have several legitimate options for placing sports bets.

Online and Mobile Sportsbooks

This is the most popular way to bet in states that allow it. You download an app or visit a website, create an account, deposit funds, and place bets from anywhere within state lines.

Benefits of online betting include:

• Convenience of betting from home or on the go
• Access to a wide range of betting markets
• Live betting with real-time odds updates
• Easy deposit and withdrawal options
• Promotional offers and bonuses

All major sportsbooks offer mobile apps for iOS and Android. The experience is similar to using any other financial app.

Retail Sportsbooks

In-person betting is available at casinos, racetracks, and sometimes dedicated sportsbook locations. You can walk up to a counter, place your bet with a ticket writer, and receive a paper ticket.

Retail betting offers:

• A social atmosphere, especially for big games
• Access in some states that do not allow online betting
• Large screens and comfortable seating for watching games
• Immediate payouts on winning tickets

Some bettors prefer the experience of watching games in a sportsbook environment. Others use retail locations for large deposits or withdrawals that are simpler to handle in cash.

What Is NOT a Legal Way to Bet

The following are not legal betting options, regardless of how they market themselves:

• Offshore sportsbooks: Sites based in other countries that accept US bettors without state licenses
• Local bookies: Unlicensed individuals taking bets in person
• Unregulated online sites: Platforms without proper state gaming licenses

For a detailed comparison of the risks, see our guide on offshore vs legal sportsbooks.

Sports Betting Age and Eligibility Rules

Age requirements for sports betting are set by individual states, and the rules are strictly enforced.

The 21 vs 18 Divide

Most states require bettors to be at least 21 years old. This is the standard in major markets like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Michigan.

However, some states allow betting at 18. These include:

• Montana
• New Hampshire
• Rhode Island
• Wyoming (18+ for online betting at tribal casinos)
• Washington DC (for the DC Lottery app only)

Important: The age requirement applies to where you are betting, not where you live. If you are 20 and travel to New Hampshire, you can legally bet there even if your home state requires 21.

Residency Is Usually Not Required

One common misconception is that you need to be a resident of a state to bet there. In most states, this is not true. You simply need to be physically present within state borders.

This means visitors, tourists, and business travelers can typically bet as long as they are of legal age and within the state. However, you will still need to create an account and complete identity verification.

Other Eligibility Restrictions

Beyond age, you may be ineligible to bet if you:

• Work for a sportsbook, casino, or gaming regulator
• Are a professional athlete, coach, referee, or team employee (for your own sport)
• Have placed yourself on a self-exclusion list
• Are on a states involuntary exclusion list

For complete details on age requirements in every legal state, see our sports betting age guide.

Geolocation and Travel: Betting in Another State

Geolocation technology is what allows sportsbooks to verify you are actually within a legal state when you place a bet. Understanding how it works helps avoid frustration when traveling.

How Geolocation Works

When you use a sports betting app, it checks your location using:

• GPS from your phone
• WiFi network information
• IP address data
• Cell tower triangulation

All of these signals are combined to verify you are within state boundaries. The technology is sophisticated enough to detect attempts to fake your location.

Betting While Traveling

The good news is that physical presence, not residency, determines where you can bet. This creates opportunities for bettors who travel:

Scenario 1: You live in Texas (illegal) but travel to Las Vegas for a work conference. You can create an account with a Nevada-licensed sportsbook and bet legally while you are there.

Scenario 2: You live in New Jersey but are visiting family in Pennsylvania for the weekend. You can use your same sportsbook app (assuming they operate in both states), but your account will switch to the Pennsylvania version while you are there.

Scenario 3: You are on a road trip and cross from Ohio into West Virginia. Your betting options may change, and any pending bets in one state cannot be cashed out from another state.

What Happens at State Borders

If you are near a state border, geolocation can be tricky. The technology generally does a good job of determining your actual location, but you may experience:

• Temporary lockouts near borders
• Requests to move further into the state
• Different results between WiFi and cellular connections

If you encounter geolocation issues, try moving away from the border, switching between WiFi and cellular data, or restarting the app.

Betting While Traveling: Practical Tips

Before traveling, consider:

1. Check legality first: Verify sports betting is legal where you are going
2. Download apps in advance: Some app stores restrict downloads by location
3. Complete verification early: You do not want to be stuck verifying identity on game day
4. Understand restrictions: Some states have unique rules about bet types or sports
5. Check for open bets: You may not be able to cash out bets if you leave a state

Why VPN Betting Is a Bad Idea

Some bettors attempt to use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to disguise their location and bet from states where it is illegal. This is a serious mistake for several reasons:

It violates terms of service: Every licensed sportsbook explicitly prohibits location spoofing. If caught, your account will be closed.

You will forfeit winnings: Sportsbooks can void bets and confiscate funds if they determine you were betting from an illegal location.

It may be illegal: Depending on state law, using technology to circumvent gambling restrictions could constitute a crime.

Geolocation is sophisticated: Modern geolocation technology is designed to detect VPNs and other spoofing attempts. You are unlikely to succeed anyway.

You lose legal protections: If something goes wrong, you have no recourse because you were violating the rules.

The bottom line: only bet when you are actually, physically present in a legal state. The risks of trying to circumvent geolocation are not worth it.

How to Check if a Sportsbook Is Legal and Safe

With dozens of sportsbooks operating across the country, knowing how to identify legitimate operators is essential.

Check for State Licensing

The most important factor is state licensing. A legal sportsbook must be licensed by the gaming commission in every state where it operates.

To verify licensing:

1. Look for the state gaming commission logo in the apps footer or About section
2. Check for a license number displayed on the site
3. Visit your state gaming commissions website and search their list of licensed operators
4. Verify the sportsbooks name matches exactly (some scam sites use similar names)

Look for Recognized Operators

Major sportsbooks that operate across multiple states have established track records and regulatory compliance:

• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• BetMGM
• Caesars Sportsbook
• ESPN BET
• Fanatics Sportsbook
• bet365

These companies are publicly traded or owned by major corporations, giving them additional accountability and oversight.

Red Flags for Illegal or Unsafe Sites

Watch out for these warning signs:

• No licensing information: Legitimate sportsbooks display their licenses prominently
• Accepts players from all states: Legal sportsbooks can only operate in licensed states
• Cryptocurrency-only deposits: While some legal books accept crypto, crypto-only sites are often unlicensed
• Unrealistic bonuses: Offers that seem too good to be true usually are
• Poor website quality: Typos, broken links, and unprofessional design suggest an illegitimate operation
• No responsible gambling tools: Legal sportsbooks must provide these features
• Offshore domain: Sites ending in .ag, .eu, or other non-US domains are typically unlicensed

Verify Customer Protections

Legal sportsbooks must provide:

• Segregated customer funds (your money is protected if the company fails)
• Clear terms and conditions
• Dispute resolution processes through state regulators
• Responsible gambling tools and resources
• Secure payment processing

If a sportsbook cannot clearly explain how your funds are protected, that is a major red flag.

For an in-depth look at licensing and safety, see our guide on sportsbook licensing explained.

Is Online Sports Betting Safe?

Many first-time bettors are understandably cautious about trusting an app or website with their money and personal information. Here is what you need to know about safety.

Regulated Sites vs Offshore Sites

The safety of online sports betting depends entirely on whether you use a regulated or unregulated site.

Regulated sportsbooks:

• Must maintain secure systems and data encryption
• Are audited regularly by state gaming commissions
• Must keep customer funds separate from operating funds
• Provide dispute resolution through state regulators
• Must verify all customers (which prevents fraud)
• Report to law enforcement on suspicious activity

Offshore sites:

• Have no regulatory oversight in the US
• Can change terms or close accounts without notice
• May refuse to pay out winnings
• Have no obligation to protect customer data
• Provide no legal recourse if something goes wrong

Data Security Measures

Licensed sportsbooks use the same security measures as banks and financial services:

• 256-bit SSL encryption for all data transmission
• Two-factor authentication options
• Secure payment processing through established providers
• Regular security audits
• Compliance with state data protection requirements

Your personal and financial information is protected by both technology and regulation.

Payment Security

When you deposit money with a licensed sportsbook, those funds are protected. Most states require operators to maintain customer funds in segregated accounts, meaning even if the company faced financial difficulties, your balance would be protected.

Payment methods include:

• Debit cards
• Bank transfers (ACH)
• PayPal and Venmo (in most states)
• Apple Pay and Google Pay
• Prepaid cards
• Cash at retail locations

Credit cards are blocked for gambling transactions in most states due to banking regulations.

Is It Safe to Give a Sportsbook Your SSN?

This is one of the most common concerns for new bettors. Yes, providing your Social Security Number to a licensed sportsbook is safe and necessary.

Why sportsbooks need your SSN:

• Identity verification: To confirm you are who you say you are
• Age verification: To ensure you meet legal age requirements
• Fraud prevention: To prevent money laundering and account fraud
• Tax reporting: Sportsbooks must report winnings to the IRS using your tax ID

How your data is protected:

• Encryption during transmission and storage
• Strict access controls limiting who can view sensitive data
• Regular audits by state regulators
• Compliance with federal data protection laws
• Liability if data is breached or misused

The key distinction is that licensed sportsbooks are legally required to protect your information. Offshore sites make no such guarantees.

For more details, see our complete guide on why sportsbooks need your ID.

Market Restrictions: College Sports, Props, and Live Betting

Even in states where sports betting is legal, not everything is available. Understanding market restrictions helps you avoid confusion when certain bets are unavailable.

College Betting Restrictions

Many states have restrictions on betting involving college sports:

No in-state college team betting: Some states prohibit betting on games involving colleges located within the state. For example, in New Jersey you cannot bet on Rutgers games.

No college player props: Many states ban proposition bets on individual college athletes. You can bet on game outcomes but not on how many points a specific player will score.

States with college restrictions include:

• New Jersey (no in-state teams)
• New York (no college player props)
• Illinois (no in-state teams, no player props)
• Massachusetts (no in-state teams)
• Pennsylvania (no college player props)
• Oregon (no college games for state universities)

These restrictions were implemented due to concerns about the vulnerability of college athletes to exploitation and match-fixing.

Same-Game Parlay Restrictions

Same-game parlays (SGPs) allow you to combine multiple bets from the same game into one wager. While popular, some states restrict or have additional rules around SGPs:

• Minimum number of legs required
• Restrictions on certain bet combinations
• Different treatment for college vs professional SGPs

Check your sportsbook app for state-specific SGP availability.

Live Betting Limitations

Most states allow live betting (wagering on games in progress), but restrictions may apply:

• Some states require a brief delay before bets are accepted
• Certain bet types may not be available live
• Technical requirements may vary by state

Other Market Restrictions

Depending on your state, you may also encounter:

• Sports restrictions: Some states limit which sports you can bet on
• Event restrictions: Certain events (high school sports, for example) are universally prohibited
• Bet type restrictions: Complex bet types may not be available everywhere

When you encounter a bet that is not available, it is usually due to state regulation rather than the sportsbook limiting options arbitrarily.

For state-specific details on what you can and cannot bet on, check our state-by-state legal guide.

Taxes and Responsible Gambling

Two important aspects of legal sports betting that many new bettors overlook are taxes and responsible gambling practices.

Sports Betting and Taxes

Sports betting winnings are taxable income in the United States. This applies to both federal and state taxes in most cases.

Key points about sports betting taxes:

• All winnings are taxable, regardless of amount
• Sportsbooks report winnings above certain thresholds to the IRS
• You may receive a W-2G form for large wins
• You can deduct losses, but only up to the amount of your winnings
• State tax rates and rules vary

Record-keeping is important:

• Keep records of all bets, wins, and losses
• Save deposit and withdrawal records
• Document promotional credits and bonuses
• Consider using a dedicated account for sports betting

This article is not tax advice. Consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Responsible Gambling Fundamentals

Legal sports betting should be treated as entertainment, not as a way to make money. The house always has an edge, and most bettors will lose money over time.

Core principles of responsible gambling:

1. Set a budget: Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start
2. Never chase losses: Losing streaks happen. Increasing bets to recover losses usually makes things worse
3. Take breaks: Regular time away from betting helps maintain perspective
4. Understand the odds: Learn how betting works before wagering real money
5. Keep it fun: If betting stops being enjoyable, it is time to take a break

Tools Provided by Legal Sportsbooks

State regulations require licensed sportsbooks to offer responsible gambling tools:

• Deposit limits: Cap how much you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly
• Loss limits: Set maximum loss thresholds
• Time limits: Receive reminders after set periods of play
• Cool-off periods: Take short breaks (24 hours to 7 days)
• Self-exclusion: Longer-term or permanent exclusion from gambling

These tools are found in your account settings. Setting limits before you start betting is recommended.

Getting Help

If gambling is causing problems in your life, help is available:

• National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-522-4700
• Text helpline: Text "HOPE" to 53342
• Chat support: ncpgambling.org/chat

Every legal sportsbook also provides links to these resources directly in their apps.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

New bettors often make preventable mistakes that cost them money or create legal issues. Here are the most common errors and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Using Offshore Sites

Just because a site accepts US players does not mean it is legal. Offshore sportsbooks operate without US licenses, meaning:

• Your money is not protected
• Winnings can be withheld without recourse
• You may face legal consequences depending on your state
• Your personal data is at risk

Solution: Only use sportsbooks licensed in your state. The convenience of offshore sites is not worth the risk.

Mistake 2: Assuming Home State Rules Apply Everywhere

If you live in New Jersey where betting is legal, you might assume you can bet anywhere. That is not how it works.

Solution: Check legality for the state where you are physically located, not where you live. Our state-by-state guide makes this easy.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Age Requirements

Using a fake ID or someone elses account to bypass age requirements is not just against the rules. It is illegal.

Solution: Wait until you meet the age requirement. Sportsbooks verify age during the withdrawal process, so even if you somehow get past initial checks, you will not be able to collect winnings.

Mistake 4: Refusing KYC Verification

Some bettors are hesitant to provide personal information, so they delay or avoid identity verification. This creates problems later.

Solution: Complete verification immediately when you create your account. KYC is a legal requirement that protects both you and the sportsbook. You cannot withdraw winnings without verification anyway.

Mistake 5: Not Understanding Market Restrictions

Placing a bet on your states college team only to have it voided is frustrating and avoidable.

Solution: Before betting on college sports, check your states specific restrictions. Most sportsbook apps will not even show restricted bets, but knowing the rules helps you understand why certain options are unavailable.

Mistake 6: Chasing Losses

After a losing streak, the temptation to make bigger bets to recover is strong. This almost always makes things worse.

Solution: Set deposit and loss limits before you start. When you hit your limit, stop. There will always be more games tomorrow.

Mistake 7: Ignoring Terms and Conditions

Promotional offers often have wagering requirements and restrictions that bettors overlook.

Solution: Read the terms for any bonus or promotion before opting in. Pay attention to rollover requirements, minimum odds, and expiration dates.

Mistake 8: Not Keeping Records

Without records, you cannot accurately track your results or document losses for tax purposes.

Solution: Keep a simple spreadsheet or use your sportsbooks built-in tracking. Record all deposits, withdrawals, and significant bets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to bet on sports in the US?

Sports betting is legal in the United States, but not in every state. Following the Supreme Courts 2018 decision to overturn PASPA, individual states gained the authority to legalize and regulate sports betting. As of late 2025, 38 states plus Washington DC have legalized sports betting in some form. The remaining states either have legislation pending or have chosen not to legalize. Check our state-by-state legal guide for your states current status.

Is online sports betting legal in my state?

Online sports betting is available in most but not all legal states. Some states only allow retail betting at casinos or racetracks. To determine if online betting is available where you are, check whether your state has licensed mobile sportsbook operators. Major operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM operate in all states with legal online betting. If their apps are not available in your state, online betting may not yet be legal there.

How old do you have to be to bet on sports?

The minimum age varies by state. Most states require you to be 21 or older to place sports bets. However, some states including Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Wyoming allow betting at 18. The age requirement is based on where you are betting, not where you live. A 19-year-old from Ohio (21+ state) could legally bet in Wyoming (18+ state) while visiting. See our age requirements guide for a complete state-by-state breakdown.

Can I bet on sports in another state when I travel?

Yes, in most cases. Sports betting eligibility is based on physical presence, not residency. If you travel to a state where sports betting is legal and you meet the age requirements, you can create an account and bet while you are there. Your existing sportsbook account may even work in multiple states, though you will be subject to that states rules and available markets. Some sportsbooks require separate registrations for each state.

Can I use a VPN to bet on sports online?

No. Using a VPN to disguise your location and bet from a state where sports betting is illegal violates sportsbook terms of service and may be illegal depending on your jurisdiction. Sportsbooks use sophisticated geolocation technology designed to detect VPNs and other location spoofing attempts. If caught, your account will be closed and any winnings may be forfeited. There is no safe or legal way to use a VPN for sports betting.

Is it safe to give a sportsbook my SSN or ID?

Yes, when using a licensed, regulated sportsbook. Identity verification is a legal requirement for all licensed gambling operators in the US. Sportsbooks need your information to verify your age, prevent fraud, comply with anti-money laundering laws, and report winnings to tax authorities. Licensed sportsbooks are required to protect your data using encryption and secure storage, and they face significant penalties for data breaches. Offshore sites that request similar information offer no such protections. See our guide on identity verification for more details.

How do I know if a sportsbook is legal and licensed?

Check for state gaming commission approval. Licensed sportsbooks display their license information, usually in the app footer or About section. You can also verify licensing by visiting your states gaming commission website and searching their list of approved operators. Red flags include sites that accept players from all states, have no visible licensing information, or offer unrealistic bonuses. Major operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM are licensed in every state where they operate.

Can I bet on college sports legally?

College sports betting is legal in most states that have legalized sports betting, but with restrictions. Many states prohibit betting on in-state college teams or ban college player proposition bets. For example, you can bet on the Super Bowl in New Jersey but not on Rutgers football. The restrictions vary significantly by state. Before betting on college sports, check your states specific rules to understand what is allowed.