Multi-State Sports Betting Accounts: Traveling and Betting Legally

Sports betting is legal in nearly 40 states across the US, but every state operates under its own set of rules and licensing requirements. If you travel for work, take vacations, live near a state border, or split time between two states, you have probably wondered how your sportsbook account works when you cross state lines. The good news is that your account, balance, and personal information are portable. The key detail is that your ability to actually place bets depends entirely on your physical location at the moment you try to wager.

This guide explains how multi-state sports betting works in practice, what happens to your account when you travel, and how to avoid the most common issues bettors face when betting in different states.

How Sports Betting Accounts Work Across State Lines

Sports betting in the United States is regulated at the state level. Each state that has legalized online betting issues its own licenses to sportsbook operators. Major sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars hold separate licenses in each state where they operate.

When you create an account with one of these operators, your account is generally tied to the state where you register. However, because most large sportsbooks hold licenses in many states, you can use the same account when you travel to another state where that operator is licensed. Your account balance, deposit history, and personal details carry over. You do not need to create a new account or transfer funds.

The critical requirement is that you must be physically located within a state that has legalized online sports betting every time you place a bet. Sportsbooks verify this through geolocation technology that checks your location before each wagering session. To understand which states currently permit online sports betting, see our complete guide to US sports betting laws by state.

While your core account is portable, some details may differ from state to state. Betting markets, available wager types, and promotional offers can vary depending on what each state's gaming commission has approved.

Which Sportsbooks Operate in Multiple States

Not all sportsbooks have the same geographic footprint. The largest national operators are available in the most states:

DraftKings and FanDuel are the two most widely available sportsbooks, each operating in over 20 states. If you travel frequently, these platforms give you the broadest access.

BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook also have wide availability, operating in more than 20 states each. Both benefit from their parent companies' existing casino and hospitality presence across the country.

ESPN BET, Fanatics Sportsbook, and bet365 are expanding their US footprints and are available in a growing number of states.

Regional operators like Hard Rock Bet, Bally Bet, and various state-specific books may only be available in a handful of states. If you primarily use a regional sportsbook, check whether it operates in your destination state before you travel.

Not all sportsbooks handle multi-state accounts the same way, and this is an important detail to understand before you travel. DraftKings and FanDuel offer the smoothest experience, with a single account and shared wallet that transfers seamlessly across every state where they operate. BetMGM uses one app nationwide, but your account is actually state-specific. If you signed up in New Jersey, you will need to create a separate account to bet in Indiana, and funds deposited in one state are not available in another. BetRivers takes this further with entirely separate apps for each state, requiring a new download and new account in each market. Before traveling, check how your preferred sportsbook handles state transitions so you are not caught off guard.

The simplest way to check availability is to visit your sportsbook's website and look for a list of states where they are licensed. You can also open the app when you arrive in a new state. If the operator is licensed there, you will be granted access after geolocation confirms your location. For a state-by-state breakdown of what is available, see our guide to online vs in-person sports betting by state.

What Happens When You Cross State Lines

When you physically move from one state to another, your sportsbook account adjusts automatically. There is no manual step required on your part. Here is what happens in practice:

Geolocation checks your new location. Every time you open your sportsbook app or log in to the website, the geolocation system verifies where you are. If you have traveled from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, the system detects that you are now in Pennsylvania and grants you access to Pennsylvania's betting markets. For a detailed explanation of how this technology works, see our guide to sports betting geolocation.

You gain access to your destination state's markets. Once verified in a new state, you can browse and bet on the markets available in that state. The odds, bet types, and events you see may differ slightly from your home state.

You lose access to your home state's markets. While you are physically in another state, you cannot place bets on your home state's markets. This switches back automatically when you return.

Pending bets remain active. If you placed a bet in New Jersey before traveling to Pennsylvania, that bet stays active regardless of where you are when the event occurs. You do not need to be in the originating state for the bet to settle. Winnings are credited to your account balance normally.

Your account balance is shared. You have one account balance that works across all states where your sportsbook operates. Winnings from a bet placed in Colorado are available to wager in New Jersey when you return, and vice versa.

Depositing vs Betting in Different States

An important distinction that many bettors overlook is the difference between managing your account and placing bets.

Depositing funds can generally be done from anywhere, including states where online sports betting is not legal. Adding money to your sportsbook account is an account management function, not a wagering activity. You can deposit from home in a non-legal state and then place bets when you arrive in a legal state.

Placing bets requires physical presence in a state where online sports betting is legal and where your sportsbook is licensed. This is the activity that geolocation restricts.

Withdrawing funds can also typically be processed from any location. If you won money betting in Nevada during a trip and want to withdraw after returning to a state without legal betting, you should be able to request that withdrawal.

Viewing your account is unrestricted. You can check your bet history, account balance, and pending wagers from anywhere. You simply cannot place new bets unless you are geolocated in an eligible state.

Some payment methods may vary by state due to different banking regulations. For example, a specific deposit method available in New Jersey might not appear as an option when you are logged in from Indiana. Major methods like bank transfers, debit cards, and PayPal are generally available in most states.

State-Specific Restrictions and Differences

Even though your account is portable, the betting experience is not identical in every state. Each state's gaming commission sets its own rules, which means you may encounter differences as you move between states.

College sports restrictions. Some states restrict or prohibit betting on in-state college teams. For example, New Jersey does not allow bets on college events involving New Jersey-based schools. New York prohibits all college sports prop bets. These restrictions apply based on where you are located, not where the game is played.

Available bet types. Not all bet types are approved in every state. Some states may not allow certain prop bets, live betting options, or specific wagering formats. The selection you see in the app adjusts based on your current state.

Minimum betting age. Most states set the legal betting age at 21, but a few states allow sports betting at 18. Always verify the age requirement in the state where you plan to bet.

Promotions and bonuses. Sportsbook promotions are almost always state-specific. A welcome bonus you received in Illinois may not apply in Michigan. Each state has its own promotional rules, and sportsbooks tailor offers to each market. Do not assume a promotion follows you across state lines.

Registration requirements. States handle sportsbook registration differently. Most states allow you to register and bet entirely online, but some require in-person registration at a licensed casino before you can use the mobile app. If you plan to bet in a new state during a short trip, check whether that state requires an in-person sign-up step. States with in-person requirements will prevent you from creating an account remotely.

Tax implications. Sports betting winnings are taxable at the federal level regardless of where you bet. However, state tax treatment varies significantly. Some states have their own income tax on gambling winnings, while others do not have a state income tax at all. If you bet in multiple states during a year, you may have tax obligations in more than one state. Consult a tax professional if you bet significant amounts across multiple states. For state-specific rules and regulations, check the applicable state guide.

Common Situations for Multi-State Bettors

Understanding how multi-state betting works in theory is helpful, but here are the practical scenarios most bettors encounter:

Business travel. If you regularly travel to other states for work, check whether your sportsbook operates in those states. You can place bets during your trip as long as you are in a legal state. Your pending bets from home continue to run normally.

Living near a state border. Border residents often find themselves moving between states during normal daily activities. Your betting access can change depending on which side of the border you are on. If you work in one state and live in another, your available markets will shift based on your physical location.

College students. If you attend college in a different state from where you grew up, your sportsbook access depends on where you physically are, not where your permanent address is listed. Register your account in the state where you spend the most time, but know that you can bet in either state if both are legal.

Snowbirds and seasonal residents. People who split the year between two states can maintain a single sportsbook account that works in both locations. Just ensure your sportsbook is licensed in both states.

Airport betting. Airports can be unpredictable for sports betting. Some airports straddle state borders or sit close enough to a line that geolocation results vary depending on which terminal you are in. If you want to place a bet at an airport, be aware that geolocation may not work reliably.

For general guidance on getting set up in any state, see our guide to betting on sports legally.

Tips for Betting While Traveling

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth betting experience when you travel:

Check sportsbook availability in advance. Before your trip, confirm that your sportsbook holds a license in the state you are visiting. If it does not, consider whether any of your other sportsbook accounts are available there.

Enable location services. Make sure location services are turned on for your sportsbook app before you need to place a bet. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Location Services. On Android, go to Settings, then Location.

Disable any VPN software. VPNs interfere with geolocation verification and will prevent you from placing bets. Turn off any VPN before opening your sportsbook app.

Download state-specific apps if needed. A few sportsbooks require separate app versions for different states. Check your sportsbook's website to confirm whether you need to download anything additional.

Be aware of time zone differences. If you travel between time zones, game start times and live betting windows may display differently. Make sure you are aware of local time when placing time-sensitive wagers.

Keep Wi-Fi enabled. Even if you are using cellular data, having Wi-Fi turned on improves geolocation accuracy. This is especially helpful in buildings or urban areas where GPS signals can be weak.

Use your real home address when signing up. If you are creating a new sportsbook account while traveling, always register with your actual home address rather than the address of a hotel or a friend's house. Sportsbooks verify your identity against public records and government-issued ID. Using a temporary address will cause verification to fail and may lock you out of the account until customer support resolves the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my sportsbook account in a different state?

Yes, if your sportsbook is licensed in the state you are visiting. Most major operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars are available in 20 or more states. Your account balance and information carry over. You just need to pass a geolocation check confirming you are physically in that state.

Do I need to create a new account in each state?

It depends on the sportsbook. DraftKings and FanDuel use a single account with a shared wallet across all states where they operate, so no new account is needed. BetMGM uses one app but maintains separate state-level accounts, meaning you may need to register again and your funds will not transfer between states. BetRivers requires a completely separate app and account per state. Check your sportsbook's multi-state policy before traveling.

What happens to my pending bets when I leave a state?

Pending bets remain active regardless of where you travel. If you placed a bet in Colorado and then fly to a state without legal betting, your bet still settles normally. Winnings are credited to your account balance, which you can access from any state.

Can I deposit money from a state where sports betting is not legal?

Generally, yes. Depositing funds is considered an account management function, not a wagering activity. Most sportsbooks allow deposits from any location. However, you will not be able to place bets until you are physically in a state where online betting is legal.

Why does my sportsbook block me when I travel?

Your sportsbook uses geolocation to verify your physical location before each session. If you travel to a state where your sportsbook is not licensed or where online betting is not legal, the geolocation check will fail and you will be blocked from wagering. Your account remains active, and you can bet again once you return to an eligible state.

Do I have to pay taxes in every state where I place bets?

Federal taxes on gambling winnings apply regardless of where you bet. State tax obligations depend on the specific states involved. Some states tax gambling winnings for nonresidents, while others do not. If you bet in multiple states, you may need to file returns in more than one state. Consulting a tax professional is recommended for bettors active in many states.

Can I bet at an airport?

It depends on the airport's location. If the airport is in a state with legal online betting and your sportsbook is licensed there, you can bet after passing a geolocation check. However, airports near state borders may produce inconsistent geolocation results. There is no guarantee it will work reliably in every terminal.

Can I create a sportsbook account if my home state does not have legal betting?

Yes. You can sign up for a sportsbook account even if you live in a state without legal online sports betting, as long as you meet the age requirement and provide valid identification. Use your real home address during registration. You will be able to browse odds and manage your account from anywhere, but you can only place bets when you are physically located in a state where online betting is legal and your sportsbook is licensed.

What if my sportsbook is not available in the state I am visiting?

You will not be able to place bets through that sportsbook during your visit. You can still access your account to view balances and bet history, but wagering will be blocked. If you want to bet while traveling, consider signing up with an additional sportsbook that operates in more states before your trip.