Is Sports Betting Legal in My State? Complete Guide to US Sports Betting Laws

Whether you are new to sports betting or simply wondering if you can legally place a wager where you live, this guide has you covered. We break down US sports betting laws state by state, explain who can bet, what restrictions exist, and what alternatives are available if your state has not yet legalized.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Sports betting is only for adults in states where it is legal. Always check official state resources and consult professionals for personal advice.

Quick Answer: Is Sports Betting Legal in the US Right Now?

Yes, sports betting is legal in the United States, but with an important caveat: legality depends entirely on your physical location. There is no single federal law that makes sports betting legal or illegal nationwide. Instead, each state decides its own rules.

This state-by-state approach began in May 2018 when the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). Before that ruling, Nevada was essentially the only state where you could legally bet on sports. The PASPA repeal opened the door for all 50 states to create their own sports betting frameworks.

As of December 2025, here is the breakdown:

• 39 states plus Washington DC have legalized sports betting in some form
• 32 states allow online and mobile sports betting
• 7 states permit retail (in-person) betting only
• 11 states still prohibit sports betting entirely

The pace of legalization has been rapid. In just over six years since PASPA was overturned, more than three-quarters of US states have embraced legal sports betting. However, the rules vary significantly from state to state. Some allow full online betting with dozens of operators, while others restrict wagering to a handful of casinos or tribal venues.

Key takeaway: Your ability to bet legally depends on where you are standing when you place the wager, not where you live or where you opened your account. Use our 50-state dashboard below to check your state right now.

US Sports Betting Legality at a Glance: 50-State Dashboard

This dashboard shows the current legal status of sports betting in every US state. The table includes key information about online availability, age requirements, and notable restrictions. Click your state name to read the full legal guide.

Understanding the Status Categories:

• Online + Retail – Full legal sports betting with mobile apps and physical sportsbooks
• Retail Only – Legal betting available only at physical locations (casinos, racetracks)
• Tribal Only – Betting permitted through tribal gaming compacts, typically on tribal lands
• Not Legal – Sports betting is prohibited; no legal options available
• Pending – Legislation passed or on ballot; launch expected soon

State	Status	Age	College Restrictions	Notes
Alabama	Not Legal	N/A	N/A	No legal sports betting
Alaska	Not Legal	N/A	N/A	No legal sports betting
Arizona	Online + Retail	21+	No in-state college props	Launched September 2021
Arkansas	Online + Retail	21+	None	Mobile launched March 2022
California	Not Legal	N/A	N/A	Ballot measures failed 2022
Colorado	Online + Retail	21+	None	Launched May 2020
Connecticut	Online + Retail	21+	No in-state college props	Tribal and lottery partnership
Delaware	Online + Retail	21+	None	First state after PASPA repeal
Florida	Tribal Only	21+	No college props	Seminole Tribe exclusive via Hard Rock Bet
Georgia	Not Legal	N/A	N/A	Legislation considered annually
Hawaii	Not Legal	N/A	N/A	Strong anti-gambling stance
Idaho	Not Legal	N/A	N/A	Constitutional prohibition
Illinois	Online + Retail	21+	No in-state college props	Major market, launched March 2020
Indiana	Online + Retail	21+	None	Launched September 2019
Iowa	Online + Retail	21+	None	In-person registration removed 2021
Kansas	Online + Retail	21+	None	Launched September 2022
Kentucky	Online + Retail	18+	No in-state college props	Launched September 2023; 18+ for betting
Louisiana	Online + Retail	21+	No in-state college props	Parish-by-parish; most parishes legal
Maine	Online + Retail	21+	No Maine college bets	Tribal partnership model
Maryland	Online + Retail	21+	No in-state college props	Mobile launched November 2022
Massachusetts	Online + Retail	21+	No in-state college props	Launched March 2023
Michigan	Online + Retail	21+	None	Launched January 2021
Minnesota	Not Legal	N/A	N/A	Tribal negotiations ongoing
Mississippi	Retail Only	21+	None	In-person only at casinos
Missouri	Pending	21+	TBD	Ballot measure passed Nov 2024; launch expected 2025
Montana	Retail Only	18+	None	Lottery-run; limited online via Sports Bet Montana
Nebraska	Retail Only	21+	No in-state college bets	Casino-based only
Nevada	Online + Retail	21+	None	Longest-running legal market
New Hampshire	Online + Retail	18+	None	Lottery partnership; 18+ for betting
New Jersey	Online + Retail	21+	No NJ college bets	Led PASPA challenge; major market
New Mexico	Tribal Only	21+	None	Tribal casinos only
New York	Online + Retail	21+	No in-state college props	Largest online market by handle
North Carolina	Online + Retail	21+	No in-state college props	Mobile launched March 2024
North Dakota	Retail Only	21+	None	Tribal casinos only
Ohio	Online + Retail	21+	No in-state college props	Launched January 2023
Oklahoma	Not Legal	N/A	N/A	Tribal gaming only; no sports betting
Oregon	Online + Retail	21+	None	Lottery-run Scoreboard app
Pennsylvania	Online + Retail	21+	None	Launched May 2019
Rhode Island	Online + Retail	18+	No RI college bets	Lottery partnership; 18+ for betting
South Carolina	Not Legal	N/A	N/A	No legal sports betting
South Dakota	Retail Only	21+	None	Deadwood casinos only
Tennessee	Online Only	21+	No in-state college props	Online only; no retail locations
Texas	Not Legal	N/A	N/A	Largest state without legal betting
Utah	Not Legal	N/A	N/A	Constitutional prohibition
Vermont	Online Only	18+	No VT college bets	Launched January 2024; 18+ for betting
Virginia	Online + Retail	21+	No in-state college props	Launched January 2021
Washington	Tribal Only	21+ (18+ some)	None	Tribal casinos only; in-person
Washington DC	Online + Retail	18+	None	GambetDC lottery app
West Virginia	Online + Retail	21+	None	Launched August 2019
Wisconsin	Tribal Only	21+	None	Select tribal casinos only
Wyoming	Online Only	18+	None	Online only; 18+ for betting

Where Sports Betting Is Still Banned

Eleven states currently prohibit sports betting entirely: Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. If you live in one of these states, see our complete guide to states that ban sports betting and learn about legal alternatives below.

How to Use Our State Legality Table and Map

The table above gives you a quick snapshot of sports betting laws across all 50 states. Here is how to get the most out of it:

Step 1: Find Your State Locate your state in the table. The Status column tells you immediately whether sports betting is legal and in what form.

Step 2: Check Key Details

• Age tells you the minimum age to bet legally
• College Restrictions shows whether betting on college sports is limited
• Notes provides additional context about the market

Step 3: Read the Full Guide For detailed information about operators, registration requirements, and specific rules, read our full state-by-state legal guides. These guides cover everything from available sportsbooks to deposit methods and bonus restrictions.

Important Reminders:

• Laws change frequently. Always verify current rules with official state resources before betting.
• Your physical location matters. Even if your home state is not legal, you may be able to bet while visiting a legal state.
• Multiple states may have pending legislation that could change their status soon.

Online vs In-Person vs Tribal Sports Betting

Not all legal sports betting is created equal. States have adopted different models based on their existing gaming infrastructure, political landscape, and regulatory preferences. Understanding these differences helps you know what to expect.

Online and Mobile Betting

This is the most convenient form of legal sports betting. You download a sportsbook app, create an account, verify your identity, and place bets from anywhere within state lines. Thirty-two states currently allow online betting, and these markets typically offer the widest selection of operators and betting options.

Online betting requires geolocation technology to confirm you are physically within the state when placing a bet. This happens automatically through your phone or computer.

Retail (In-Person) Betting

Retail sportsbooks are physical locations where you can place bets in person. These are usually located at casinos, racetracks, or dedicated betting facilities. Seven states currently allow only retail betting without any online component.

Retail betting appeals to some bettors who prefer the casino atmosphere or want to bet with cash. However, it requires traveling to a licensed location.

Tribal Sports Betting

Some states have sports betting available only through tribal gaming compacts. This means betting is restricted to tribal casinos and may not be available on mobile apps outside tribal lands. Florida, New Mexico, Washington, and Wisconsin fall into this category to varying degrees.

Tribal-only markets tend to have fewer operators and may require visiting specific venues to place bets.

Betting Type	Convenience	Operator Choice	Availability
Online + Mobile	Highest – bet from anywhere in state	Many operators typically	32 states
Retail Only	Low – must visit physical location	Limited to venue partners	7 states
Tribal Only	Low – usually requires visiting tribal casino	Very limited	4 states

For a deeper comparison, see our guide on online sports betting vs in-person betting laws by state.

Who Can Bet? Age, Location, and Residency Rules

Three main factors determine whether you can legally place a sports bet: your age, your physical location, and sometimes your residency status. Understanding these rules prevents frustration and potential legal issues.

Age Requirements

Most states require you to be 21 or older to bet on sports, matching the drinking age. However, several states allow betting at 18 and older:

• Kentucky
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Washington DC
• Wyoming

Some tribal casinos in Washington state also allow 18-year-olds to bet. Always check both state law and individual operator terms, as some sportsbooks may set their own age requirements higher than the legal minimum.

Physical Location Over Residency

Here is a crucial point that surprises many people: you do not need to be a resident of a state to bet there. What matters is your physical location at the moment you place the bet.

This means:

• A California resident can legally bet while visiting Las Vegas
• A Texas resident can bet online while on vacation in New Jersey
• You can open accounts with sportsbooks in multiple states and use them when traveling

However, you cannot place a bet if you are physically outside a legal state, even if you have an active account there. Sportsbooks use geolocation technology to verify your location for every bet.

Geolocation Technology Explained

When you use a sports betting app, it checks your location using GPS, WiFi signals, and cell tower data. This happens automatically and must confirm you are within state boundaries before the app lets you place a bet.

Common geolocation issues include:

• Being too close to a state border
• Being in a high-rise building near state lines
• VPN or location-spoofing software interference (which will get your account suspended)

If you have legitimate geolocation problems, contact the sportsbook customer support. Do not try to bypass the checks.

Age Requirement	States
18+	Kentucky, Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington DC, Wyoming
21+	All other legal states

Can You Bet on Sports at 18 Anywhere?

Yes, you can legally bet on sports at 18 in several states. Here is the complete list:

States Where You Can Bet at 18:

• Kentucky – Online and retail
• Montana – Through lottery-operated Sports Bet Montana
• New Hampshire – Online and retail through lottery partnership
• Rhode Island – Online and retail through lottery partnership
• Vermont – Online only
• Washington DC – Online through GambetDC and retail
• Wyoming – Online only

Important caveats:

• Some tribal casinos in Washington state also allow 18-year-olds
• Individual sportsbooks may set their own minimum age at 21 even in 18+ states
• You must still meet all other requirements (physical presence, ID verification)
• Just because you can bet at 18 does not mean you should – responsible gambling habits matter at any age

Always verify current rules before betting, as legislation can change.

Betting While Travelling: Visiting Another State

One of the most common questions from bettors is whether they can bet while traveling. The good news is that non-residents can generally bet when physically present in any legal state.

Common Travel Scenarios:

Business Trip to New York You live in Texas where sports betting is illegal. While staying in Manhattan for work, you download FanDuel, create an account, and bet on that night's NBA game. Completely legal.

Family Vacation to Colorado Your family is from Georgia where there is no legal betting. During a ski trip to Colorado, you can use any licensed sportsbook app as long as you are within state lines.

Driving Through Multiple States You are driving from Pennsylvania to Indiana. You can bet in Pennsylvania before leaving, but your bets will be blocked once you cross into Ohio unless you stop there (Ohio is also legal). Once in Indiana, betting resumes.

What About Your Account?

Sportsbook accounts are generally tied to the operator, not the state. If you have a DraftKings account in New Jersey, you can log into the same account in Colorado – though the available bets and promotions may differ by state.

Some states require separate registration or have unique operators. Always check what is available before traveling.

What You Can (and Cannot) Bet On: College, Props and Other Restrictions

Even in states where sports betting is fully legal, there are often restrictions on what you can bet on. These rules exist to protect game integrity, prevent corruption, and in some cases, shield young athletes from pressure.

Common Betting Restrictions:

1. No betting on in-state college teams – Some states prohibit any wagers involving local colleges
2. No college player props – Many states ban bets on individual college player performance
3. Limits on micro-betting – Rapid in-game bets on small events may be restricted
4. Amateur event restrictions – High school and other amateur sports are typically off-limits everywhere

The most common restriction involves college sports. Approximately 20 states have some form of college betting restriction, ranging from complete bans on in-state games to simply prohibiting player props.

Restriction Type	Example States	What It Means
No in-state college bets	New Jersey (on NJ colleges)	Cannot bet on any game involving local teams
No college player props	New York, Illinois, Ohio	Can bet on games but not individual performances
No college props only	Arizona, Maryland	Game bets allowed; player props banned
Full college markets	Colorado, Michigan, Indiana	All college betting types permitted

College Sports Betting Rules by State (Overview)

College betting restrictions fall into three main categories:

Category 1: Full College Markets Allowed States like Colorado, Michigan, and Indiana place no special restrictions on college betting. You can bet on any college game, including in-state teams, and player props are available.

Category 2: No In-State College Bets States like New Jersey and Maine prohibit betting on games involving local colleges. A New Jersey bettor cannot bet on Rutgers games, but can bet on Alabama vs Georgia.

Category 3: No College Player Props This is the most common restriction. States like New York, Illinois, and Ohio allow betting on college game outcomes (moneylines, spreads, totals) but ban bets on individual player performance (points scored, yards, etc.).

Why These Restrictions Exist

Regulators impose college betting restrictions primarily to protect student athletes. Unlike professional players, college athletes are typically unpaid (though NIL rules have changed this somewhat) and more vulnerable to gambling-related pressure. Banning player props reduces incentives for anyone to approach individual players about influencing their statistics.

For comprehensive details, see our college sports betting rules by state guide.

Micro-Betting and Live Betting Restrictions

Micro-betting refers to rapid in-game wagers on small, frequent events – things like whether the next pitch will be a ball or strike, or whether the next play will be a run or pass. Some states restrict or ban these bet types.

Why Some States Restrict Micro-Betting:

• Integrity concerns about real-time data manipulation
• Faster betting pace may contribute to problem gambling
• Regulatory challenges in monitoring high-frequency markets

States that restrict micro-betting include Ohio and Massachusetts, though definitions and enforcement vary. Live betting on larger game segments (quarter results, halftime lines) is generally available everywhere sports betting is legal.

Rules in this area change frequently. Always check current operator offerings in your state.

Legal Alternatives in States Without Regulated Sportsbooks

If you live in one of the 11 states where traditional sports betting is illegal, you are not completely out of options. Several legal alternatives exist, though they work differently than standard sportsbooks.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

DFS platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel offer fantasy contests that are legal in most states. You build a lineup of players and compete against other users based on actual game performance. While this feels similar to betting, DFS is legally classified as a game of skill rather than gambling in most states.

DFS is legal in approximately 40 states, including many where traditional sports betting is prohibited.

Sweepstakes Sportsbooks

Sweepstakes platforms like Fliff and Underdog operate using a sweepstakes model that makes them accessible in states without sports betting. You receive virtual currency through purchases or free methods, then use that currency to make picks. Winnings can be redeemed for real prizes.

Sweepstakes platforms exist in a legal gray area. They are not technically sports betting because you are playing for sweepstakes prizes rather than directly wagering money. However, regulators in some states have challenged their legality.

PrizePicks and Similar Pick Em Apps

Apps like PrizePicks offer pick em contests where you predict whether players will go over or under statistical lines. These are typically classified as DFS rather than sports betting, making them available in more states.

Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Betting

Horse race betting is legal in most states through licensed platforms like TVG and TwinSpires. Even states that ban sports betting often allow pari-mutuel wagering on horses and greyhounds.

Alternative	How It Works	Legal Status
Daily Fantasy Sports	Build lineups, compete for prizes	Legal in ~40 states
Sweepstakes Sportsbooks	Virtual currency model with prize redemption	Gray area; state dependent
Pick Em Apps	Predict player over/unders	Usually classified as DFS
Horse Racing	Pari-mutuel wagering	Legal in most states

Important Warnings:

• Do not confuse legal alternatives with offshore sportsbooks. Offshore sites are illegal and offer no consumer protections.
• Sweepstakes legality can change quickly. Check current status before participating.
• Even legal alternatives carry gambling risk. Set limits and bet responsibly.

For more on the risks of unregulated betting, see our guide on offshore sportsbooks vs legal US sportsbooks.

Taxes on Sports Betting Winnings

Yes, you must pay taxes on sports betting winnings in the United States. This applies whether you bet online, at a retail sportsbook, or even through DFS platforms. Understanding your tax obligations helps you avoid surprises come April.

Federal Taxes

All gambling winnings, including sports betting, are considered taxable income by the IRS. This includes:

• Cash winnings
• The value of prizes won
• Winnings that are not directly reported to you

The tax rate on gambling winnings depends on your total income and filing status. Winnings are added to your ordinary income and taxed accordingly.

When Sportsbooks Report Your Winnings

Sportsbooks must report winnings to the IRS when:

• You win $600 or more AND the payout is at least 300 times your wager
• You receive certain types of winnings that trigger automatic reporting

You receive a W-2G form in these cases. However, you are legally required to report all gambling winnings regardless of whether you receive a form.

State Taxes

In addition to federal taxes, most states with legal sports betting also tax winnings at the state level. Rates vary significantly:

State Tax Approach	Examples
No state income tax	Nevada, Wyoming, Washington, Tennessee, Florida
Gambling winnings taxed as income	New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois
Special gambling tax rates	Varies by state

Can You Deduct Losses?

You can deduct gambling losses, but only up to the amount of your winnings. You must itemize deductions to claim losses, and you need records to prove your gambling activity.

Important Tax Reminders:

• Keep detailed records of all bets, wins, and losses
• Save W-2G forms and any statements from sportsbooks
• Consider consulting a tax professional for personalized advice
• This is informational only – not tax advice

Is It Legal to Use a VPN for Sports Betting?

Short answer: Do not use a VPN to place sports bets. While VPNs themselves are legal, using one to disguise your location for sports betting can violate both operator terms of service and potentially state laws.

How Geolocation Works

Licensed sportsbooks use sophisticated geolocation technology to verify you are physically within state boundaries. This is a legal requirement – sportsbooks can only accept bets from people inside their licensed states. The technology checks GPS data, WiFi networks, and cellular signals to confirm location.

What Happens If You Use a VPN

If you attempt to use a VPN to bypass geolocation:

1. Detection is likely – Sportsbooks employ advanced anti-fraud systems specifically designed to detect VPN usage
2. Account suspension – Your account will likely be suspended or permanently banned
3. Forfeited winnings – Any bets placed may be voided and winnings confiscated
4. Potential legal issues – Depending on the state, this could constitute fraud

Why VPN Circumvention Is Risky

Beyond the immediate consequences, using a VPN to bet creates serious problems:

• No consumer protections if something goes wrong
• No recourse if the sportsbook refuses to pay
• Potential criminal liability in some jurisdictions
• Risk of losing all funds in your account

The Bottom Line

If sports betting is not legal in your state, the responsible choice is to use legal alternatives (DFS, sweepstakes) or wait for legalization. Attempting to circumvent geolocation checks puts your money and potentially your legal standing at risk.

For more on the risks of betting outside legal channels, see our guide on offshore sportsbooks vs legal US sportsbooks.

How to Choose a Legal, Safe Sportsbook

With dozens of operators available in most legal states, choosing the right sportsbook matters. Here are the key factors that indicate a sportsbook is legitimate and safe.

Signs of a Legal Sportsbook:

• State license displayed – Look for licensing information in the app or website footer
• Regulatory body logos – Icons from state gaming commissions
• Secure payment processing – Encrypted transactions, trusted payment partners
• Clear terms and conditions – Readable policies on bonuses, withdrawals, disputes
• Responsible gambling tools – Deposit limits, time limits, self-exclusion options

Red Flags for Illegal or Offshore Sites:

• No licensing information or fake licenses
• Headquarters in countries known for unregulated gambling
• Unrealistic bonus offers with impossible terms
• Difficulty withdrawing funds
• Poor customer support or no US contact options
• Not listed on official state gaming commission websites

How to Verify a Sportsbook Is Licensed:

1. Visit your state gaming commission website
2. Find the list of approved operators
3. Verify the sportsbook you want to use appears on that list
4. Check that the website or app URL matches the approved operator

Do:

• Research operators before depositing
• Start with well-known brands (DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, etc.)
• Read user reviews on trusted platforms
• Set deposit limits before you start betting
• Use responsible gambling tools from day one

Do Not:

• Bet with offshore or unlicensed sportsbooks
• Ignore terms and conditions for bonuses
• Deposit more than you can afford to lose
• Chase losses by betting more aggressively

For detailed reviews of licensed sportsbooks, visit our sportsbook reviews page. To understand what makes a sportsbook trustworthy, see our guide to sportsbook licensing and safety.

When Will Sports Betting Be Legal in My State?

If you live in a state without legal sports betting, you are probably wondering when that might change. Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed timeline, but understanding the process helps set expectations.

How States Legalize Sports Betting:

1. Legislative Path – State lawmakers introduce and pass a bill, then the governor signs it. This is the most common route.

2. Ballot Initiative – Citizens vote directly on legalization. This requires gathering signatures and winning a public vote.

3. Tribal Compact – In some states, sports betting may be added through negotiations with tribal gaming interests.

Current Status of Major Non-Legal States:

• California – Failed ballot measures in 2022; future attempts uncertain
• Texas – Legislative efforts repeatedly fail; strong opposition from some lawmakers
• Georgia – Bills introduced annually; has come close but not passed
• Florida – Complicated by tribal compact disputes; currently tribal-only
• Minnesota – Ongoing negotiations between legislators and tribal interests

Why Legalization Takes Time:

• Political disagreements over tax rates and licensing
• Tribal gaming interests seeking exclusive or favorable terms
• Opposition from anti-gambling groups
• Competition between casinos, racetracks, and professional sports teams for licensing priority
• Revenue projections that may not justify legislative effort in some states

What You Can Do:

• Follow your state legislature for updates
• Contact representatives if you support legalization
• Use legal alternatives in the meantime
• Be wary of anyone claiming to know exact timelines

Legalization progress is unpredictable. States that seemed close to legalizing have stalled, while others moved faster than expected.

How to Start Betting Legally in Your State (Step-by-Step)

Ready to place your first legal sports bet? Here is a simple process that works in any legal state.

Step 1: Confirm Your State Is Legal

Use our 50-state dashboard above or check your state gaming commission website. Verify that sports betting is legal and whether online betting is available.

Step 2: Choose a Licensed Sportsbook

Select a sportsbook that is licensed in your state. Popular options include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and state-specific operators. Compare features, odds, and promotions, but prioritize legitimacy over bonus offers.

Visit our sportsbook reviews to compare legal options.

Step 3: Download the App or Visit the Website

Most betting happens through mobile apps. Download from the official App Store or Google Play – do not use third-party sources. You may also bet through desktop websites.

Step 4: Create Your Account

You will need to provide:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Social Security number (last 4 digits usually)
• Address
• Email and phone number

This information is required by law for identity verification.

Step 5: Verify Your Identity

Sportsbooks verify your identity before allowing withdrawals and sometimes before betting. You may need to upload a photo ID. This process protects against fraud and underage gambling.

Step 6: Set Responsible Gambling Limits

Before depositing, set limits on:

• Deposit amounts (daily, weekly, monthly)
• Betting amounts
• Time spent on the platform

These tools are available on every licensed sportsbook and are important for maintaining healthy betting habits.

Step 7: Make Your First Deposit

Fund your account using approved methods like debit card, bank transfer, or PayPal. Check minimum deposit requirements and any fees.

Step 8: Place Your First Bet

Start with small amounts while you learn the platform. Understand the bet types you are choosing before wagering.

For detailed guidance, see our complete guide on how to bet on sports legally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sports betting legal in my state?

Sports betting is legal in 39 states plus Washington DC as of December 2025. Use our 50-state dashboard above to check your specific state. Remember that legality depends on your physical location, not your state of residence.

Can I bet on sports online in my state?

Online sports betting is available in 32 states. Some states only allow retail (in-person) betting at casinos or tribal venues. Check the Status column in our dashboard to see whether your state allows online betting.

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

Most states require you to be 21 or older. However, Kentucky, Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington DC, and Wyoming allow betting at 18. Always verify age requirements with both state law and your chosen sportsbook.

Can you bet on sports at 18 anywhere in the US?

Yes, seven states and Washington DC allow sports betting at 18: Kentucky, Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington DC, and Wyoming. Some tribal casinos in Washington state also accept 18-year-old bettors.

Do I have to be a resident of a state to bet there?

No. You do not need to be a state resident to bet on sports there. What matters is your physical location at the time you place the bet. A Texas resident can legally bet while visiting New Jersey, for example.

Do I have to pay taxes on sports betting winnings?

Yes. All gambling winnings, including sports betting, are taxable income under federal law. Most states also tax gambling winnings. You must report all winnings regardless of whether you receive a W-2G form. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.

How much can you win on sports betting without paying taxes?

There is no tax-free threshold for gambling winnings. All winnings are technically taxable. However, sportsbooks only report wins to the IRS when you win $600 or more and the payout is at least 300 times your wager. You are still legally required to report smaller wins.

Is it illegal to use a VPN for sports betting?

Using a VPN to circumvent geolocation checks violates sportsbook terms of service and may violate state laws. Consequences include account suspension, forfeited winnings, and potential legal issues. Do not attempt to use VPNs to bet from outside legal states.

Is PrizePicks (or similar apps) legal in my state?

PrizePicks and similar pick em apps operate as daily fantasy sports platforms, which are legal in more states than traditional sports betting. However, legality varies by state and can change. Check the specific app current availability in your state before participating.

When will sports betting be legal in my state?

This depends on your state legislature and is difficult to predict. Major states like California and Texas have seen repeated legalization attempts fail. Follow your state government for the latest updates. In the meantime, legal alternatives like DFS may be available.

Responsible Gambling Notice

Sports betting should be entertainment, not a way to make money. The vast majority of bettors lose over time, and chasing losses leads to bigger problems. Here are essential guidelines for responsible betting:

Only Bet What You Can Afford to Lose

Never bet with money you need for rent, bills, food, or other necessities. Set a dedicated bankroll and stick to it. When it is gone, stop betting until your next budgeted amount.

Set Limits Before You Start

Every licensed sportsbook offers tools to limit your deposits, bets, and time spent on the platform. Use these from day one, not after you have a problem.

Recognize Warning Signs

Seek help if you:

• Bet more than you planned
• Chase losses with bigger bets
• Borrow money to gamble
• Feel anxious or irritable when not betting
• Hide your betting from family or friends
• Neglect work, relationships, or responsibilities

Where to Get Help

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

• National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-522-4700
• Gamblers Anonymous: www.gamblersanonymous.org
• Your state may have additional resources