Many U.S. states have legalized sports betting. It seems like every year, there is at least one state that pushes the envelope and passes legislation to allow sports betting. One can only assume that it comes with the excitement of the next big game. While some states might still have a long way to go to catch up to the rest of the country, they have made huge strides in recent years.
Where Can I Bet?
With the 2019 NCAA basketball season set to tip off, fans across the country are excited to get their fix of NBA basketball. However, those in Indiana, Michigan, and West Virginia can now place bets on their favorite team at the same time. If you live in one of these states, you no longer have to worry about whether or not you can place a bet on your favorite team – you can!
The great thing about these laws is that they make it easier for sports fans to follow their favorite teams no matter where they might reside. In most cases, it is now permissible to bet on sports in any state that has passed legislation to allow it. The legality of online sports betting still varies from state to state, so be sure to check the laws in your area before doing any betting.
Which States Have The Most To Gain?
Whether or not you agree with the legalization of sports betting, it’s undeniable that it has tremendously benefitted the states that passed legislation to permit it. Between 2007 and 2019, the amount of money wagered on sports increased from $150 million to $16 billion annually. If one thing is for sure, the popularity of sports betting will continue to rise as the 2019 season tips off.
Nevada sportsbooks alone handled over $16 million in bets during the 2018 NCAA football season, and that number is expected to double by the end of the 2019 season. It’s no secret that Las Vegas is the hub of the online sports betting world, and with the NBA returning to the city next season, there will certainly be a lot more action to handle.
What About The Other States?
While the majority of states have enacted legislation to permit sports betting, it hasn’t always been easy for sports betting enthusiasts in other parts of the country. In the past, one had to search for a bookmaker that would accept bets from outside their state. Today, it’s possible to find online brokers that cater to the demand and make sports betting available to anyone in the country.
However, for the time being, it’s still illegal to place bets in most states that haven’t passed legislation to allow it. The situation is similar for horse racing in some states. It’s also worth keeping in mind that the legality of online sports betting varies from state to state, so please check with the attorneys general in your area before doing any betting.