People are realizing the many benefits that online sports betting can provide. In addition to the fact that it’s now possible to place sports wagers from the comfort of your home, there are also benefits to be found in the jurisdiction in which you live. Here’s a quick overview of which states allow online sports betting, and which ones don’t:
New Jersey Allows It
If you’re from New Jersey and you’ve been waiting for the day when you can legally place bets on sports events, that day has finally arrived. With the publication of the state’s sports wagering law in April 2018, it’s now legal to engage in wagering on sporting events in NJ as long as you’re physically located within the state and the wagering is performed online. Moreover, betting on sporting events is now officially allowed in all US states, provided that the league and the event conform to the law. That means that your beloved New Jerseyans are now able to wager on their favorite sporting events, including the Major League Baseball, the National Football League, and the National Basketball Association. It looks like Governor Phil Murphy is truly making his mark by signing bills that will benefit the citizens of New Jersey. Most notably, Murphy approved a constitutional amendment that will allow for online betting in the state. The state’s new sports wagering law also includes provisions that will allow for online poker and casino games. The law will take effect on July 1, 2021, but it’s already legal to place bets in NJ as of May 1, 2021.
Pennsylvania Allows It
Pennsylvania passed a law that will regulate and tax sports wagering in April 2019. The tax rate for wagering on sports events, including the MLB, NBA, and NFL, will be 10%. Bookmakers will have to register with the state before they can legally operate in the state, and they must also comply with all other local, state, and federal laws when placed betting activities. Like New Jersey, Pennsylvania also allows for online sports betting and has officially approved online poker and casino games. However, unlike New Jersey, sports wagering is still frowned upon in Pennsylvania. It is currently legal to place bets in the state, but doing so will put you at risk of prosecution. You may also have to register with the state and pay a gambling tax if you win more than $600 in a year.
Michigan Allows It
Michigan is another state that has approved internet-based sports betting, and it did so nearly two years before the other northeastern states. In May 2018, Michigan passed a law that will establish a regulatory system for online gaming and wagering, including sports wagering. One of the main differences between Michigan’s plan and the rest of the country’s is that the state’s plan includes a three-part approach that will regulate, license, and tax online gambling and wagering. In Michigan, wagering on sports is now accepted in much the same way that wagering on other games is, as long as the activity is performed online. It’s also possible to place bets on real-life sporting events through an online sportsbook. Unfortunately, the state’s plans to regulate and tax wagering still isn’t in effect, and it’s currently illegal to place bets in the state, other than on sports events.
Connecticut Allows It
In April 2019, Connecticut passed a law that will establish a regulatory framework for online sports gambling and allow for online sports betting. Similar to Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, it also looks like Connecticut is aiming to become a hub for the tech and gaming industries. The law will treat all wagering activities, including sports wagering, as a legal activity and won’t impose any sort of restrictions on gamblers in terms of where they can or can’t wager. Like many of the other states mentioned here, it’s also now legal to place bets in the state, but you need to register with the state’s gaming commission and pay a 10% tax on all winning wagers.
Vermont Allows It
Vermont is yet another state that has approved online sports betting, and it did so back in 2016. One of the primary reasons why Vermont approved online sports betting is because of the ability to collect data and manage accounts from the comforts of home. Like many of the other jurisdictions mentioned here, it’s also now possible to place bets in the state, as long as you’re physically located there. However, unlike the other states, Vermonters can only wager on college and pro football and college basketball once the activity is approved. The state also has a strict limit on the number of bet combinations that can be made per day. The limit is 5% of the total wagered amount, and it’s only doubled since 2016. If you’re looking to place a wager in Vermont, you’ll have to do so online or through an approved agent. It’s currently not legal for any form of live sports betting to take place in the state.
California Allows It
California is, without a doubt, one of the most important states when it comes to sports wagering. It’s the third-largest economy in the world, and it’s also home to some of the most popular sports teams and athletes. It’s officially allowed to bet on sports in California as long as the activity is performed online. It’s also one of the few states that have allowed online poker and casino games, which can now be found on thousands of websites and platforms. Moreover, online sportsbooks and betting agencies must comply with all federal, state, and local laws regarding financial transactions and reporting requirements. It’s important to note that while it’s legal to engage in wagering in California, it’s still a taboo and there’s a high chance that you may face prosecution and/or penalties if you are found to be involved in illegal activities related to betting or gaming. Because of that, it’s still important to play by the rules and obey all regulations, even if that means limiting yourself to online sports betting and avoiding in-person sports wagering altogether.
Maine Allows It
Maine is yet another state that has legalized online sports betting and has allowed for it to be conducted in the same manner as regular sports betting. One of the primary reasons why Maine has legalized online sports betting is because the activity can be easily monitored and regulated through the use of technology. Like California, Maine is also one of the few states that have approved online poker and casino games. It’s currently not restricted to only online betting and there aren’t any rules or regulations that prevent you from going to a physical bookmaker to make a wager. Just make sure that you’re physically present when the transaction happens. If you’re looking to place a wager in Maine, you’ll have to do so online or through an approved agent. You’ll also need to register with the state before you can legally operate in the state.
Oregon Allows It
Oregon has also legalized online sports betting and it looks like they may have opened the floodgates for this type of activity in the state. Similar to other states that have legalized online betting, Oregon’s plan is quite simple and it doesn’t include any sort of restrictions or limitations on where or how the activity can be engaged in. For example, it’s now legal to wager on sports in Oregon regardless of where you physically reside in the state. Moreover, it’s also possible to engage in bookmaking or parimutuel wagering through an online sportsbook, as long as it’s done through an Oregon-licensed business.
Hawaii Allows It
Hawaii is yet another state that has legalized online sports betting and has opened the door for this type of activity in the state. In fact, they’ve made it possible for anyone to open a sports wagering account and place bets on team and player matchups. Even better, if you use the right tools and platforms, it’s possible to keep track of all your activities online, including those that are completely legal. It’s also important to note that while it’s legal to wager on sports in Hawaii, it’s still a taboo and there’s a high chance that you may face prosecution and/or penalties if you are found to be involved in illegal activities related to betting or gaming. Because of that, it’s still important to play by the rules and obey all regulations, even if that means limiting yourself to online betting and avoiding in-person sports wagering altogether.