Is Sports Betting Legal in All 50 States? (2026 Guide)
Sports betting is legal in 16 states and restricted in 22 as of 2026. Since the Supreme Court overturned PASPA in 2018, states have rapidly moved to legalize and regulate sports betting. This guide covers every state's current law, online betting status, and key restrictions.
Murphy v. NCAA (2018) — The Ruling That Changed Everything
The Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018, giving each state the right to legalize sports betting. Since then, the majority of states have passed legislation to allow it.
16
Legal
22
Restricted
12
Illegal
0
Unverified
Sports Betting Legal Status by State (2026)
| State | Status |
|---|---|
| Alabama | ILLEGAL |
| Alaska | ILLEGAL |
| Arizona | RESTRICTED |
| Arkansas | RESTRICTED |
| California | ILLEGAL |
| Colorado | RESTRICTED |
| Connecticut | RESTRICTED |
| Delaware | LEGAL |
| Florida | RESTRICTED |
| Georgia | ILLEGAL |
| Hawaii | ILLEGAL |
| Idaho | ILLEGAL |
| Illinois | RESTRICTED |
| Indiana | RESTRICTED |
| Iowa | LEGAL |
| Kansas | LEGAL |
| Kentucky | RESTRICTED |
| Louisiana | LEGAL |
| Maine | RESTRICTED |
| Maryland | LEGAL |
| Massachusetts | RESTRICTED |
| Michigan | RESTRICTED |
| Minnesota | ILLEGAL |
| Mississippi | LEGAL |
| Missouri | LEGAL |
| Montana | LEGAL |
| Nebraska | RESTRICTED |
| Nevada | RESTRICTED |
| New Hampshire | RESTRICTED |
| New Jersey | LEGAL |
| New Mexico | RESTRICTED |
| New York | RESTRICTED |
| North Carolina | LEGAL |
| North Dakota | ILLEGAL |
| Ohio | LEGAL |
| Oklahoma | ILLEGAL |
| Oregon | RESTRICTED |
| Pennsylvania | LEGAL |
| Rhode Island | LEGAL |
| South Carolina | ILLEGAL |
| South Dakota | RESTRICTED |
| Tennessee | LEGAL |
| Texas | ILLEGAL |
| Utah | ILLEGAL |
| Vermont | RESTRICTED |
| Virginia | RESTRICTED |
| Washington | RESTRICTED |
| West Virginia | LEGAL |
| Wisconsin | RESTRICTED |
| Wyoming | LEGAL |
States Where Sports Betting Is Legal (16)
States With Sports Betting Restrictions (22)
States Where Sports Betting Is Illegal (12)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sports betting legal in the United States?
Yes, sports betting is legal at the federal level since the Supreme Court overturned PASPA in 2018 (Murphy v. NCAA). As of 2026, sports betting is legal in 16 states and restricted in 22. Each state sets its own rules.
Which states have legalized sports betting?
Sports betting is legal in: Delaware, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wyoming.
Which states still ban sports betting?
Sports betting remains illegal in: Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah.
What did the Supreme Court ruling on sports betting mean?
In Murphy v. NCAA (2018), the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which had prohibited states from authorizing sports betting. The ruling gave each state the right to legalize and regulate sports betting independently.
Can I bet on sports online in my state?
Online sports betting is available in most states that have legalized sports betting. However, some states only allow in-person betting at licensed casinos or sportsbooks. Check your state's specific rules for online betting.
Do I have to pay taxes on sports betting winnings?
Yes. Sports betting winnings are taxable income at the federal level. States also impose their own taxes on gambling winnings. Sportsbooks are required to report winnings above certain thresholds to the IRS.
Related Legal Guides
Last updated: March 2026. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Laws change — verify current law before acting. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.