Have you ever thought about going to the track, watching races, and making some money off of it? You might be able to do this in some states legally. There are numerous US states that have passed legislation that allows for sports betting. If you’re looking to make the move and take advantage of this newfound freedom, you need to understand which states will accept your wagers and which ones you should avoid like the plague.
Will My State Be One Of The List?
It’s a common question, especially if you’re new to this concept. You want to know if your state will allow you to legally bet on sporting events. If you’re looking to place a wager on the Kentucky Derby or the Super Bowl, you should ask this question and get an answer before making a purchase. There are some states, such as Delaware, that don’t require you to register as a bookmaker in order to engage in sports wagering. You can also choose to work with an experienced bookmaker who understands your needs.
However, not all states are created equal. Some states don’t allow for legal bets of any kind while others permit it for certain events and venues. You need to do some research before you commit to placing a wager in a state where the law doesn’t allow it. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The key is to know which states are safe for you to gamble in and which ones you should avoid like the plague. Here’s a list of the states that permit sports betting and which ones you should avoid like the plague:
The List Of The Legal States
Here’s a short list of the states that allow for sports betting:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
As you can see, this is a fairly short list. There are many more states where betting on sports is legal but the venue and the amount of money that you can wager are limited. In addition, some states only allow for fantasy sports wagering or daily NFL wagers while others don’t even permit bets to be placed within the state. You need to understand what kind of sports betting you will be permitted to engage in before you make a purchase.
Which States Should You Avoid?
On the flip side, there are some states that you should avoid if you want to engage in sports betting. In most cases, you won’t find legal bookmakers who understand your needs. Below, we identify some of the states that you should avoid like the plague:
- Arizona
- Florida
- New York
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
As you can see, these are all states where betting on sports is illegal. Do you live in one of these states? If so, you will most likely have a hard time finding a bookmaker who understands your needs. You should avoid these states like the plague. If you’re looking for a place to engage in fantasy sports or NFL wagering, you should look to states that aren’t on this list.
Hopefully, you now have a good idea of which states allow for sports betting. You can register with the governing body in your state of residence as a bookmaker or as an athlete. It’s up to you which one you will register under. While registration as a bookmaker is quite flexible, having an athletic affiliation can be of great advantage. Many states have strict guidelines when it comes to who can register as an athletic trainer, team manager, or statistician. This can make it easier for you to find a bookmaker who understands your needs. If you live in a state where you can’t find a legal bookmaker, then it might be time to relocate. Many bookmakers only operate in specific states so if you can’t find one that suits you, then you might have to consider the option of starting your own bookmaker account. This can be a tough road, but it’s worth it in the end. You can’t beat the feeling of coming home from a hard day of work and being able to log on and place a bet without fear of prosecution.