What States Ban Sports Betting? Complete List of Illegal States

Since the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018, sports betting has expanded rapidly across the United States. As of late 2025, 39 states plus Washington DC have legalized some form of sports wagering. However, 11 states still prohibit sports betting entirely, leaving millions of Americans without legal options in their home state.

If you live in or plan to travel to one of these states, it is important to understand where sports betting remains illegal, why these states have resisted legalization, and what alternatives are available. For a full overview of sports betting laws across all 50 states, see our complete guide to US sports betting laws.

The Complete List of States Where Sports Betting Is Illegal

Eleven US states have not legalized sports betting in any form as of late 2025. This means no online sportsbooks, no retail betting locations, and no tribal gaming options for sports wagering.

State	Population (est.)	Primary Reason for Ban	Legalization Outlook
Alabama	5.1 million	Constitutional restrictions, tribal disputes	Possible within 2-3 years
Alaska	733,000	Small market, limited infrastructure	Unlikely near-term
California	39 million	Failed ballot measures, industry infighting	Possible but complicated
Georgia	11 million	Constitutional amendment required	Active legislation pending
Hawaii	1.4 million	Anti-gambling culture	Possible — first bill cleared both chambers 2025
Idaho	1.9 million	Constitutional prohibition	Unlikely
Minnesota	5.7 million	Tribal gaming politics	Possible within 1-2 years
Oklahoma	4 million	Tribal compact disputes	Possible with tribal agreement
South Carolina	5.3 million	Conservative legislature	Unlikely near-term
Texas	30 million	Constitutional restrictions, lobbying	Possible but faces hurdles
Utah	3.4 million	Constitutional ban on all gambling	Extremely unlikely

Combined, these 11 states represent roughly 107 million people, or about one-third of the US population, who cannot legally bet on sports in their home state. California and Texas alone account for nearly 70 million of those residents, making them the two largest untapped sports betting markets in the country.

The economic stakes are significant. In states that have legalized, sports betting generates substantial tax revenue. New York alone produced over $2 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2024 and became the first state to surpass $1 billion in annual sports betting tax collections. New Jersey handled $12.77 billion in total bets that same year. For the 11 states that still prohibit sports betting, these figures represent missed revenue that could fund education, infrastructure, or other state priorities.

Why Each State Bans Sports Betting

Every state that prohibits sports betting has its own unique combination of political, cultural, and legal factors. Here is a breakdown of what is keeping each state from legalizing.

Alabama

Alabama has no state lottery and very limited legal gambling. Multiple attempts to pass a comprehensive gambling bill that includes sports betting have stalled in the legislature. In 2025, Senator Greg Albritton reintroduced a scaled-down gambling package (HB 490) that included a state lottery, six casinos, and statewide mobile sports betting, but Senate leaders acknowledged they were short of the 21 votes needed for a constitutional amendment. The main obstacles remain disagreements between tribal gaming interests (particularly the Poarch Band of Creek Indians) and commercial casino operators over who would control sports betting.

Alaska

Alaska has one of the smallest populations and most remote geographies in the nation. The state has never had a significant gambling industry, and there has been minimal legislative interest in sports betting. In 2025, HB 145 was introduced proposing up to 10 mobile-only licenses with a $100,000 annual fee and 20% tax on adjusted gross revenue, but it did not advance. The small potential market makes it a low priority for sportsbook operators, and there is no strong advocacy group pushing for legalization.

California

California is the most valuable potential sports betting market in the US, which paradoxically makes legalization harder. Two competing ballot measures in November 2022 both failed decisively. Proposition 26 (backed by tribal casinos for retail-only betting) received just 33% approval, while Proposition 27 (backed by commercial operators like DraftKings and FanDuel for online betting) garnered only 17.7% despite a combined $600 million in campaign spending. The core conflict between tribal gaming interests and commercial operators remains unresolved. With 109 federally recognized tribes needing to reach consensus on a framework, most observers view 2026 or 2027 as the earliest realistic window for another ballot attempt.

Georgia

Georgia has come close to legalizing sports betting multiple times. The state constitution prohibits most forms of gambling, so legalization requires a constitutional amendment, which needs a two-thirds vote in both chambers of the legislature followed by voter approval in a general election. In 2025, House Bill 686 and House Resolution 450 aimed to authorize online sports wagering and put the question to voters in 2026, but the measures failed to be called to the House floor before crossover day. The large Atlanta market and significant voter interest suggest legalization could happen, but the constitutional hurdle remains significant.

Hawaii

Hawaii is one of only two states (along with Utah) that prohibit virtually all forms of gambling. There are no casinos, no lottery, and no legal sports betting. The state has a deeply rooted cultural opposition to gambling, and tourism leaders have historically argued that gambling would change the character of the islands. However, 2025 marked a turning point: HB 1308 became the first sports betting bill in state history to clear both legislative chambers, though negotiators could not reconcile tax and regulatory language before the session ended. Lawmakers approved a study task force to report back by December 2025, signaling that attitudes may be shifting.

Idaho

Idaho's constitution restricts gambling to the state lottery, pari-mutuel horse racing, and tribal gaming under federal compacts. Legalizing sports betting would require a constitutional amendment. The conservative legislature has shown little appetite for expanding gambling, and no serious sports betting bills have advanced.

Minnesota

Minnesota has been one of the closest calls among non-legal states. Sports betting bills have advanced significantly in recent legislative sessions, but negotiations between the state and tribal nations have repeatedly stalled. In 2025, a bill again failed to advance due to a lack of consensus on tribal exclusivity. Minnesota's 11 tribal nations operate the only casinos in the state, and any sports betting framework must address their role. The question of whether online sports betting would be exclusive to tribes or open to commercial operators remains the central sticking point.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma has a large tribal gaming industry with over 130 tribal casinos. Sports betting would need to be incorporated into the existing tribal-state gaming compacts, and negotiations between the state and tribal nations have been contentious on broader gaming issues. The state House has passed sports betting bills in recent sessions, but legislation has stalled in the Senate over disputes about whether mobile betting rights should be exclusive to tribes. The compact structure makes it difficult to reach an agreement that satisfies both the state government and the tribal nations.

South Carolina

South Carolina has minimal legal gambling and a politically conservative legislature. There is no state lottery operated by a gaming commission (though the Education Lottery exists), and efforts to expand gambling in any form have historically faced strong opposition. Governor Henry McMaster has publicly vowed to veto any gambling expansion, adding an additional barrier beyond the legislature itself. Sports betting legislation has been introduced but sponsors are focused on building long-term momentum rather than expecting near-term passage.

Texas

Texas is the largest state by population without legal sports betting, making it the single most valuable untapped market. However, the Texas Constitution prohibits most gambling, and the legislature meets only every two years. The key bottleneck is Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, who controls the Senate calendar and has signaled that sports betting bills "will not pass" under his watch. Pro-gambling legislation has faced opposition from a coalition that includes religious groups, existing gambling interests (horse racing and tribal gaming), and conservative lawmakers. Despite the enormous potential tax revenue and lobbying from major sports franchise owners, the political dynamics in Austin have prevented legalization from advancing past the committee stage.

Utah

Utah has the strictest anti-gambling laws in the nation. The state constitution explicitly prohibits all forms of gambling, and this prohibition enjoys broad public support. There is no lottery, no casinos, no horse racing, and no sports betting. Utah is widely considered the least likely state to ever legalize sports betting.

Common Reasons States Resist Legalization

While each state has its own specific circumstances, several common themes explain why these 11 states have not yet legalized sports betting. Notably, opposition to gambling is a minority position nationally. An American Gaming Association survey found that 55% of Americans participated in some form of gambling within the prior year, and 88% considered casino gambling acceptable. Yet concentrated opposition in specific states continues to block legalization.

Religious and cultural opposition plays a significant role in states like Utah, South Carolina, and Texas, where organized religious groups actively lobby against gambling expansion.

Tribal gaming politics are the primary barrier in Minnesota, Oklahoma, and to some extent Alabama and California. When tribal nations hold exclusive or near-exclusive gambling rights, introducing sports betting requires complex negotiations over revenue sharing, exclusivity, and operational control.

Constitutional restrictions in states like Georgia, Idaho, Texas, and Utah require supermajority votes or ballot measures to change gambling laws. This sets a much higher bar than states where the legislature can simply pass a bill.

Industry infighting was most visible in California, where competing gambling interests spent hundreds of millions of dollars fighting each other rather than building consensus for legalization.

Small market concerns affect states like Alaska and Hawaii, where the potential tax revenue may not justify the regulatory infrastructure needed to oversee sports betting.

What to Do if You Live in a State Where Sports Betting Is Illegal

If your state prohibits sports betting, you have several legal options to consider.

Travel to a neighboring legal state. Sports betting legality is determined by your physical location when you place the bet, not your home address. If you live near a state border, you can legally bet when visiting a state that allows it. For example, Texas residents can bet when visiting Louisiana, Colorado, or New Mexico. Check our state-specific legal guides to see what is available nearby.

Use daily fantasy sports where available. Daily fantasy sports (DFS) platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel are legal in most states, even some that ban traditional sports betting. DFS operates under different legal frameworks in most jurisdictions. However, DFS is not available everywhere, so check your state's specific rules.

Avoid offshore sportsbooks. While offshore betting sites accept US customers, using them comes with serious risks. These unregulated platforms offer no consumer protections, can freeze your funds at any time, and may expose you to legal issues. Read our detailed comparison of offshore sportsbooks vs legal US sportsbooks to understand why licensed operators are always the safer choice.

Learn how to bet legally before you start. If you plan to travel to bet or your state eventually legalizes, prepare by understanding how to bet on sports legally, including age requirements, identity verification, and geolocation rules.

Stay informed about your state's legislation. Many of these 11 states have active or proposed legislation. Following your state legislature's progress can help you know when legal options become available. Check our guide to online vs retail betting availability by state for the latest updates on which states offer which types of legal wagering.

States Most Likely to Legalize Next

Among the 11 states that still ban sports betting, several are closer to legalization than others.

Minnesota has had the most legislative momentum. Bills have advanced through committee and floor votes in recent sessions, and both parties have expressed general support. The tribal negotiation process remains the key variable, but many observers expect Minnesota to legalize within the next one to two legislative sessions.

Georgia has a large, engaged sports fan base and significant potential tax revenue. The constitutional amendment requirement is a high bar, but the state has come close multiple times. If both legislative chambers align in the same session, voters would likely approve a ballot measure.

Texas is the biggest prize in terms of market size. While the political obstacles are real, the sheer amount of tax revenue at stake (potentially hundreds of millions annually) creates ongoing pressure for legalization. The biennial legislative schedule means progress is slower, but major sports franchise owners and business interests continue to push for it.

Alabama has seen increased legislative activity around a broader gambling package that could include sports betting alongside a state lottery and casinos.

Oklahoma could move if tribal compact negotiations produce an agreement that includes sports betting.

Hawaii surprised observers in 2025 when HB 1308 became the first sports betting bill to clear both legislative chambers. While the bill ultimately stalled on tax and regulatory details, the state appointed a study task force, suggesting the conversation has shifted from "if" to "how."

On the other end of the spectrum, Utah is considered the least likely to legalize, given its constitutional prohibition and broad public support for maintaining the ban on all forms of gambling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What states do not allow sports betting?

As of late 2025, 11 states prohibit sports betting entirely: Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. These states have no legal online or retail sportsbooks.

Is it illegal to use offshore sportsbooks in states that ban sports betting?

Offshore sportsbooks operate without US licenses and exist in a legal gray area. While individual bettors are rarely prosecuted, using offshore sites carries significant risks including no consumer protections, potential account freezes, and difficulty withdrawing winnings. Licensed, legal sportsbooks in states where betting is permitted are always the safer option.

Why is sports betting illegal in California?

California's legalization efforts have been blocked primarily by conflicts between tribal casino operators and commercial sportsbook companies. Two competing ballot measures in 2022 spent over $600 million combined but both failed. The tribal nations want to control sports betting, while commercial operators want direct online access to consumers. Until these interests find common ground, legalization remains stalled.

Why is sports betting illegal in Texas?

Texas requires a constitutional amendment to legalize most forms of gambling, including sports betting. The legislature meets only every two years, and a coalition of religious groups, existing gambling interests, and conservative lawmakers has consistently blocked legalization efforts despite the enormous potential market.

Which states are most likely to legalize sports betting next?

Minnesota, Georgia, and Texas are generally considered the most likely among the remaining holdout states. Minnesota has had the most legislative progress, Georgia has strong public support despite constitutional hurdles, and Texas faces ongoing pressure due to its massive market size.

Can I bet on sports if I travel to a legal state?

Yes. Sports betting legality is based on your physical location at the time you place the bet, not your home address or residency. If you visit a state where sports betting is legal, you can create an account, deposit funds, and place bets while physically within that state's borders. Geolocation technology verifies your location.

Is daily fantasy sports legal in states that ban sports betting?

In most cases, yes. Daily fantasy sports (DFS) operates under different legal frameworks than traditional sports betting in most states. DFS is available in the majority of states that ban sports betting, though there are exceptions. Check your specific state's laws before signing up.

Is it illegal to use a VPN to bet on sports from a state where it is banned?

Using a VPN does not change the legal status of sports betting in your state. Licensed sportsbooks use geolocation technology to verify your physical location, and attempting to circumvent geolocation with a VPN violates the terms of service of every major sportsbook. If caught, your account can be suspended and any winnings forfeited. Beyond the sportsbook rules, placing bets in a state where sports betting is prohibited may violate state law regardless of the technology used.

Will all 50 states eventually legalize sports betting?

It is unlikely that all 50 states will legalize sports betting. Utah has a constitutional prohibition on all gambling that enjoys broad public support, and Hawaii has a deeply rooted anti-gambling culture. However, most analysts expect the majority of the remaining holdout states to legalize within the next five to ten years as the potential tax revenue becomes harder to ignore.