While the outcome of the 2018 NFL season was mostly disappointing for football fans alike, there was one important development that occurred during the year: gambling on sports went mainstream. Thanks to the introduction of fantasy sports and the ever-popular online betting, more and more people are getting into the action. Is online sports betting legal in the US? Where can you bet your favorite sports? Let’s dive into the legality of online sports betting and fantasy sports in the United States.
Legal In Most States
It’s important to note that, generally speaking, all states in the US allow for some form of legal online sports gambling. This is typically limited to only wagering on sports with live odds (i.e. sports betting), but it can also include fantasy sports leagues. There are several exemptions, however, including:
- Ohio – only horseracing can be gambled on there
- Nebraska – the state prohibits all forms of online gambling
- Indiana – the state prohibits wagering except on certain horseraces
- West Virginia – online gambling is illegal, except for certain forms of fantasy sports
What About Fantasy Sports?
Fantasy sports are a whole other can of worms when it comes to sports betting legality. While there are several states where fantasy sports are outright illegal, in most places you have to be over the age of 18 and reside in certain states to legally engage in fantasy sports wagering. The age restriction is in place due to security concerns regarding online gambling, and most states’ laws prohibit residents from participating in fantasy sports if they are located outside of the state. The upside is that you don’t need to be located in one of these states to enjoy the benefits of fantasy sports betting. As long as you are physically located in a state that allows for legal online sports betting and you are over the age of 18, you can register for a fantasy sports account and place bets on the NFL, the NBA, and a variety of other major sports leagues. Just remember, always use a reputable site when registering for an account so you don’t end up on some suspicious-looking spam email list. In some places, you can also bet on college sports with online horse betting operators, so there’s plenty of opportunity for fans of all ages to get involved in the action.
Where Can I Bet My Favorite Sports?
Now that you know where you can’t go to enjoy sports betting, let’s discuss where you can. For the most part, states have enacted laws that specifically allow for legal online sports gambling, so the opportunities for wagering are wide open. In most places, you’ll find all major sports including the NFL, the NBA, the MLB, and more. If you’re looking for NCAA football wagering, you’ll have to go to one of the few states where the sport is legal, but there are options for those as well. Thanks to the increasing acceptance of internet connection speeds, online sportsbooks have become a common sight, and they provide fans anywhere in the country with the opportunity to place bets on their favorite teams. What are the odds of my favorite team winning? Are there any specials today? You can even read the news online or check out popular sports blogs to get the latest information on the game.
With the right tools and resources, anyone can enjoy sports betting. From checking sports scores to analyzing player statistics to finding the best bookies to maximize your return on investment, the information is all online and readily accessible. If you’re looking to get into the action, whether you want to bet on the games or simply like to follow sports, chances are you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for on the internet. And since most states have legalized some form of online gambling, you don’t have to worry about finding an illegal spot to place your bets.
In case you missed it, here are the top 5 fantasy football blogs for newcomers. Make sure you check them out if you’re looking for advice on how to start a fantasy football team. With the right tools and resources, you can easily get into the action and start making money. What are your thoughts on online sports betting? Let us know in the comments below!