In the United States, more states have made sports betting legal. There are many sports to choose from, and it can be confusing to know where to place your bets. Luckily, it’s not illegal to place sports bets online. In fact, it’s legal to place wagers on almost every sport.
Legality of sports betting in all 50 states
With the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, sports gambling can now be legally offered in all 50 states. However, only a few states have taken advantage of the newfound legality of online sports gambling. Several others are considering legislation to legalize various forms of gambling online.
Legal sports betting is already legal in Canada. Every province has its own rules and regulations when it comes to sports betting in its territories. Ontario, for instance, recently made it possible to legally offer sports betting on individual games starting in August 2021. This is similar to what is allowed in Las Vegas and in many US states. In addition, Canada is expanding its sports betting footprint. It recently amended its Criminal Code to allow single-game sports betting by the end of 2021.
While the Constitution of North Dakota prohibits betting on collegiate games and player props, it allows in-person sports wagering. In Ohio, sports wagering became legal in December 2021, but residents will not be able to place a bet until Jan. 1, 2023. Unlike North Dakota, Oklahoma has not yet legalized sports betting. However, the state does allow mobile wagering.
Legality of sports betting in New Jersey
The legality of online sports gambling in New Jersey was a contentious issue for some time. The state was initially opposed to the move, and the NBA and the other major sports leagues came out against it. However, the NBA has now come around to the idea of legalized betting, and most other major sports leagues are likely to follow suit. Regardless, the move will have an impact on the New Jersey sports fan experience.
In June of 2018, the state of New Jersey legalized sports betting, which allowed New Jersey residents to wager on games online. Since then, the state has seen more than $1 billion in total betting handle. As of September 2021, New Jersey is on track to surpass $10 billion in sports betting handle. Currently, there are 20 online sportsbooks and companion apps, and 11 retail sportsbooks in New Jersey.
Legality of sports betting in Michigan
While Michigan does not have a rich sports betting history, it did legalize sports betting in early March 2020. This coincided with the closure of casinos in the city of Detroit due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. However, this shortened the launch of sports betting in the state, and the legislature delayed the legalization of online sports gambling until late November 2020. The first online sports betting sites were available in the state on January 22, 2021.
Michigan sports betting laws allow sports wagering on both pro and college contests. The state’s famous teams, Michigan State, are a popular choice for Michigan sports fans. Sports gambling is regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, which has a website and a list of licensed internet sports betting providers. The state’s sports betting law was signed by the Governor in December 2019. The Michigan Free Press and MLive both have extensive sports coverage and are great resources to check out.
Legality of sports betting in Missouri
The Missouri legislature has long debated the legality of sports betting. Several bills have been introduced, but none has been passed into law. The momentum for legalizing sports betting in Missouri has slowed in the last few years, and the state is currently evaluating how to deal with such a controversial issue.
The most prominent measures under consideration include retail and online sports betting. If passed, Missourians will be able to place bets online without ever having to leave the comfort of their homes. Many lawmakers have noted that restrictions like in-person registration are a waste of time and revenue and that sports betting online will be more convenient.
Two bills have been introduced by the Missouri legislature that aim to make sports betting legal. One, introduced by state senator Denny Hoskins, requires sports betting operators to abide by integrity fees and taxes, while the other requires remote registration. The bills also differ in the specifics of tax rates, application fees, royalties, and official league data.
Legality of sports betting in Oregon
Oregon has recently approved sports betting for its lottery, which will be available to gamblers over 21. However, there are some limitations. Gamblers may be limited to betting on their own teams or on a favorite team. Gamblers may be prohibited from betting on college sports. Despite the limitations, there is room for the Oregon lottery to change their plans once the integrity of the games is established.
Sports betting in Oregon was previously prohibited in the state. In 1992, the US Congress passed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which prohibited states from introducing sports gambling legislation. However, the act included four exceptions, including Oregon. Previously, only Nevada, Delaware, Montana, and Delaware permitted sports betting, which was illegal in Oregon.