Sports betting is legal in 39 states and Washington DC as of April 2026, with 30 states offering legal online sports betting through licensed apps. The remaining states either limit betting to retail sportsbooks, operate under tribal-only markets, or do not allow sports betting at all. The landscape changed after the Supreme Court overturned PASPA in 2018, allowing each state to legalize and regulate sports betting independently.

Since then, new states have launched nearly every year, with more expected to consider legalization in 2026. This page breaks down every sports betting state, including where online betting is available and which states still restrict or prohibit wagering. Below is a complete guide to sports betting legality in all 50 states, including online availability, launch dates, college betting restrictions, and licensed sportsbooks.

Sports Betting Legal States: 2026 Quick Reference The table below shows the current status of sports betting in all 50 states and Washington DC. How Sports Betting Became Legal Across the US Sports betting was effectively illegal at the federal level under the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) from 1992 until 2018. The law barred states from authorizing sports gambling, with limited exceptions for Nevada and a few other jurisdictions with existing frameworks.

In May 2018, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association that PASPA was unconstitutional, returning the decision to individual states. New Jersey launched the first legal online sportsbook outside Nevada that August.

More than 30 states have since followed. For the latest welcome offers in legal states, visit our sportsbook promos page. Sports Betting by State: Current Status, History, and Available Sportsbooks The sections below cover every US state alphabetically.

Each entry includes current legal status, online and retail availability, college betting restrictions, and licensed sportsbooks where available. Is Sports Betting Legal in Alabama? Multiple sports betting bills have failed in Alabama over the past several years.

A 2026 constitutional amendment proposal (SB 257) would let voters decide whether to authorize sports betting alongside a state lottery and casinos. It has not yet gathered enough legislative support to advance. Is Sports Betting Legal in Alaska?

The most recent legalization bill (HB 145) was introduced in March 2025 but has not advanced. There is no clear timeline for Alaska sports betting. Is Sports Betting Legal in Arizona?

Arizona is one of the most competitive markets in the country with 14 licensed online operators. Both professional and college games are available to bet on, but college player props are prohibited. See our full Arizona sports betting guide for current promos and apps.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Arkansas? Arkansas launched retail betting in July 2019 and added online wagering in March 2022. In March 2026, DraftKings and FanDuel entered as technology vendors through local partnerships, bringing major national operators to the state for the first time.

Is Sports Betting Legal in California? Two California ballot measures in November 2022 each received less than 20% voter support. No new legislation was introduced in 2025.

Tribal gaming interests hold significant influence over California's path to legalization, and no near-term launch appears likely. See our California sports betting page for the latest legislative updates. Is Sports Betting Legal in Colorado?

Colorado has the most licensed online sportsbooks of any state at 16. Both professional and college games are available, but college player props are banned. Full operator list and current offers on our Colorado sports betting page.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Connecticut? Connecticut operates under tribal gaming agreements and is one of the more restricted markets, with only three licensed online operators. Bettors cannot wager on in-state schools like UConn except during multi-team tournaments.

See our Connecticut sports betting guide for current offers. Is Sports Betting Legal in Delaware? Delaware was the first state outside Nevada to launch sports betting following the 2018 Supreme Court ruling.

Online wagering launched in December 2023 with BetRivers as the sole online operator. The market is small but fully regulated. Is Sports Betting Legal in Florida?

Florida sports betting has a complicated history. It briefly launched in November 2021 under a compact with the Seminole Tribe, was shut down three weeks later amid legal challenges, and relaunched in November 2023. Hard Rock Bet is the only licensed online sportsbook available statewide.

Find out more on our Florida sports betting page. Is Sports Betting Legal in Georgia? Two Georgia House measures reached the floor for debate in 2025 before missing the legislative deadline. A 2026 bill (HB 910) would legalize mobile betting under the Georgia Lottery without requiring a constitutional amendment,