Where Is Betting Legal – US Sports Betting Bill Tracker for Every State
The landscape of legal sports betting in the United States has transformed dramatically since the repeal of PASPA in 2018. Today, players across most of the country can legally place bets online, in person, or both – depending on where they live. This comprehensive tracker breaks down where each state stands on sports betting laws as of June 2025, including current market access, pending legislation, and upcoming launch dates. Whether you’re wondering about your state’s betting status or tracking progress in holdout states, this is your go-to resource for the latest legal updates.
Is Sports Betting Legal In Your State?
Sports betting is legally-licensed in 39 US states along with Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, totaling 41 jurisdictions total where sports betting is legal in some form.
- ✅ Legal Jurisdictions: AZ, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR, RI, SD, TN, VA, VT, WA, WV, and WY.
- ☝️ Upcoming States: MO (Missouri is set to become the 40th state—and 42nd jurisdiction—with legal sports betting by the end of 2025.)
- ❌ States with No Legal Market: AL, AK, CA, GA, HI, ID, OK, SC, TX, and UT.
Use the tracker below to quickly see where your state stands – and how its sports betting laws compare to others across the country.
Legal Betting State-By-State Tracker
See below to find the most comprehensive and up-to-date breakdown of where each state stands on online sports betting, retail betting, and when they launched the legal market (if applicable).
| State | Online Betting | Retail Betting | Date Launched |
| Alabama | ❌ No | ❌ No | N/A |
| Alaska | ❌ No | ❌ No | N/A |
| Arizona | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Sept. 2021 |
| Arkansas | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | July 2019 |
| California | ❌ No | ❌ No | N/A |
| Colorado | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | May 2020 |
| Connecticut | ⚠️ Yes | ✅ Yes | Sept. 2021 |
| D.C. | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 2020 |
| Delaware | ⚠️ Yes | ✅ Yes | Jun. 2018 |
| Florida | ⚠️ Yes | ✅ Yes | Dec. 2023 |
| Georgia | ❌ No | ❌ No | N/A |
| Hawaii | ❌ No | ❌ No | N/A |
| Idaho | ❌ No | ❌ No | N/A |
| Illinois | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Mar. 2020 |
| Indiana | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Sept. 2019 |
| Iowa | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Aug. 2019 |
| Kansas | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Sept. 2022 |
| Kentucky | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Sept. 2023 |
| Louisiana | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Oct. 2021 (Jan. 2022 for online) |
| Maine | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Nov. 2023 |
| Maryland | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Dec. 2021 (Nov. 2022 for online) |
| Massachusetts | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Jan. 2023 (Mar. 2023 for online) |
| Michigan | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Mar. 2020 (Jan. 2021 for online) |
| Minnesota | ❌ No | ❌ No | N/A |
| Mississippi | ❌ No* | ✅ Yes | Aug. 2018 |
| Missouri | ☝️ Not Yet | ☝️ Not Yet | LAUNCHING Dec. 1, 2025 |
| Montana | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Mar. 2020 |
| Nebraska | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | June 2023 |
| Nevada | ⚠️ Yes | ✅ Yes | 1931 |
| New Hampshire | ⚠️ Yes | ✅ Yes | Dec. 2019 |
| New Jersey | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Jun. 2018 |
| New Mexico | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Oct. 2018 |
| New York | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Jul. 2019 (Jan. 2022 for online) |
| North Carolina | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Mar. 2021 (Mar. 2024 for online) |
| North Dakota | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | 2021 |
| Ohio | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Jan. 2023 |
| Oklahoma | ❌ No | ❌ No | N/A |
| Oregon | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Oct. 2019 |
| Pennsylvania | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Nov. 2018 |
| Puerto Rico | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Feb. 2022 |
| Rhode Island | ⚠️ Yes | ✅ Yes | Nov. 2018 (Sep. 2019 for online) |
| South Carolina | ❌ No | ❌ No | N/A |
| South Dakota | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Sept. 2021 |
| Tennessee | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Nov. 2020 |
| Texas | ❌ No | ❌ No | N/A |
| US Virgin Islands | ❌ No | ❌ No | Legalized 2023, Not Launched Yet |
| Utah | ❌ No | ❌ No | N/A |
| Vermont | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Jan. 2024 |
| Virginia | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Jan. 2021 |
| Washington | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Sept. 2021 |
| West Virginia | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Aug. 2018 |
| Wisconsin | ❌ No* | ✅ Yes | Nov. 2021 |
| Wyoming | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Sept. 2021 |
✅ Full Sports Betting Market
These states offer a full, competitive sports betting experience both online and in-person. That means players have access to multiple sportsbooks, strong promotional offers, competitive odds, and the freedom to register and play from anywhere within state lines. This type of market encourages innovation and delivers the best overall experience for bettors. If your state is marked with ✅, you’re in one of the best environments for legal sports betting.
⚠️ Limited Online Sports Betting
We decided to add a warning (⚠️) to mark states with notable online betting restrictions. While bettors in those states have access to state-licensed betting platforms, there are some things to be especially aware of:
- ⚠️ Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island – These states only have one or two sports betting apps, which eliminates competition. That means worse odds, lower bonuses, and (usually) fewer features.
- ⚠️ Nevada – Nevada has a somewhat robust online sports betting market. However, bettors must physically visit one of the sportsbook’s partnering casinos to register an account. So if you want to join Caesars, BetMGM, and Circa, you have to visit three different locations.
- ⚠️ Wisconsin – Online sports betting is only available on tribal lands through apps operated by specific tribal casinos. This means players must be physically located at one of these properties to place a mobile bet, with no statewide online access or competitive sportsbook options.
While online sports betting is technically available in all the states listed above, heavy restrictions and limited operator access can severely impact the overall experience. Fewer choices often mean less competitive odds, smaller bonuses, and outdated tech.
In Nevada, added in-person registration requirements can turn a quick sign-up into a logistical hassle. States like Illinois have removed this requirement; perhaps Nevada will as well at some point.
☝️ Launching Soon
State lawmakers across the country are still fighting to get state-licensed online sports betting legalized. Right now, that applies only to Missouri, which plans to launch its online sports betting market on December 1, 2025. We will update this page if more legislative movement occurs in states without a local betting industry.
❌ No In-State Betting Industry
These jurisdictions have no state-licensed sports betting, whether online, retail, or both. However, bettors in these states still have options. Many choose to place wagers with offshore sportsbooks, which are internationally-licensed and accept players from anywhere in the US.
These platforms operate outside of state regulations, offering access to competitive odds, welcome bonuses, and a full range of sports markets. While they aren’t regulated at the state level, the top offshore sites have long-standing reputations and provide a legal alternative for residents in states without a formal in-state betting industry.
Read More: US Online Casino Laws: Where does your State stand?
State Bill Tracker – Where States Without Legal Sports Betting Stand in June 2025
As of June 2025, several US states remain without legalized sports betting, though legislative efforts continue in many. Below is an overview of the current status in all states without an online sports betting market.
Alabama – No Legalization Expected in 2025
Alabama’s comprehensive gambling bill, which included provisions for sports betting, failed to advance in the 2025 legislative session. Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger cited insufficient support and time constraints as primary reasons for the bill’s demise. Despite efforts by Senator Greg Albritton to introduce a scaled-down version, the proposal lacked the necessary votes in the Senate.
Alaska – HB 145 Pending, Potential Launch in 2026
In March 2025, Representative David Nelson introduced House Bill 145, aiming to legalize and regulate online sports betting in Alaska. The bill proposes an effective date of January 1, 2026. But, as of now, it remains pending in the legislature. Alaska’s previous attempts at similar legislation have stalled, and the current bill’s progress is uncertain.
California – Potential Ballot Initiative in 2026
California continues to grapple with the complexities of legalizing sports betting. After the failure of Propositions 26 and 27 in 2022, discussions have resumed between major sportsbooks and tribal entities. While no formal agreement has been reached, there is speculation about a new ballot initiative possibly emerging in 2026. The success of such an initiative would depend on a consensus between stakeholders.
Georgia – Legislative Efforts Stalled, Possible Reintroduction in 2026
Georgia’s attempts to legalize sports betting in 2025 were unsuccessful. House Bill 686 and House Resolution 450, which aimed to put the issue to a public vote, failed to advance before the legislative deadline. Despite support from professional sports teams and business groups, political divisions hindered progress. Lawmakers may revisit the issue in the 2026 session.
Hawaii – Legalization Efforts Failed in 2025
Hawaii’s House Bill 1308, which sought to legalize online sports betting, passed both legislative chambers but ultimately failed in conference committee due to disagreements over tax rates and licensing fees. As a result, state-licensed sports betting remains nonexistent in Hawaii, one of the few states with no forms of legal gambling.
Idaho – No Legalization Efforts Underway
Idaho maintains a firm stance against legalizing sports betting. There are currently no active bills or discussions in the state legislature regarding the authorization of sports wagering in any format. This position has remained unchanged since the repeal of PASPA in 2018.
Minnesota – Legislative Efforts Stalled in 2025
In Minnesota, efforts to legalize sports betting have once again stalled. Despite the introduction of bills such as SF 757, which aimed to authorize sports betting and fantasy contests, the legislature adjourned without advancing these proposals. Key stakeholders, including state legislators and tribal entities, remain divided on the issue.
Mississippi – Online Sports Betting Legislation Fails Again
Mississippi continues to permit in-person sports betting at licensed casinos, a practice in place since 2018. However, attempts to legalize online sports betting have repeatedly failed. In 2025, efforts to expand sports betting to online platforms were unsuccessful, with proposed legislation dying in conference committee due to lack of consensus among lawmakers.
Missouri – Sports Betting Launching December 2025
Missouri voters approved a constitutional amendment in November 2024 to legalize both retail and online sports betting. The Missouri Gaming Commission is tasked with implementing the necessary regulations, with a target launch date set for December 1, 2025. This development follows years of legislative attempts that failed to pass.
Montana – Online Sports Betting Remains Limited
Montana legalized sports betting in 2019, with operations commencing in 2020 through the state lottery’s Sports Bet Montana platform. While mobile betting is technically available, online wagers must be placed within authorized retail locations. Efforts to expand online sports betting have not advanced, and in 2025, Montana became the first US state to explicitly ban online sweepstakes casinos, further limiting online gambling options.
Nebraska – Online Sports Betting Proposal Withdrawn
Nebraska currently allows in-person sports betting at licensed casinos. In 2025, a proposal to legalize online sports betting was introduced but ultimately withdrawn due to insufficient legislative support. As a result, online sports betting remains illegal in the state, with no immediate plans for reconsideration.
New Mexico – Retail-Only Betting via Tribal Compacts
Since 2018, several tribal casinos in New Mexico have offered in-person sports betting under existing gaming compacts. However, the state has not passed any legislation to legalize or regulate sports betting, and online wagering remains unavailable. There are currently no active efforts in the legislature to expand or formalize the market.
North Dakota – Ballot Measure Rejected, No Legalization Expected in 2025
In January 2025, the North Dakota House of Representatives overwhelmingly rejected House Concurrent Resolution 3002, which aimed to place a sports betting legalization measure on the 2026 ballot. The resolution failed with a 70-24 vote, citing concerns over gambling addiction and the potential impact on student-athletes. As a result, there are no current plans to legalize sports betting in the state.
Oklahoma – Legislative Efforts Stalled, Potential Reintroduction in 2026
Oklahoma’s attempts to legalize sports betting in 2025 were unsuccessful. House Bills 1047 and 1101, which sought to authorize sports wagering, passed the House but failed to receive a vote in the Senate before the session adjourned. Governor Kevin Stitt expressed opposition to the bills, favoring a more open market approach. Lawmakers may revisit the issue in the 2026 legislative session.
South Carolina – Legislative Efforts Stalled, No Legalization Expected in 2025
South Carolina has some of the strictest gambling laws in the US, and efforts to legalize sports betting have repeatedly failed. In 2025, House Bill 3625, known as the South Carolina Sports Wagering Act, was introduced but has stalled in the legislature. Governor Henry McMaster remains staunchly opposed to gambling expansion, making legalization unlikely in the near future.
South Dakota – Potential Ballot Initiative for Online Betting in 2026
South Dakota currently allows in-person sports betting exclusively in Deadwood casinos. In 2025, Senate Joint Resolution 507 was introduced to propose a constitutional amendment permitting statewide online sports betting. If approved by the legislature, the measure would be placed on the 2026 general election ballot for voter consideration.
Texas – Ballot Initiative Possible in November 2025
Texas remains without legalized sports betting, but recent legislative efforts suggest potential changes. House Joint Resolution 134 (HJR 134) has been filed, proposing a constitutional amendment to legalize retail sports betting. If passed by the legislature, this measure would go to a public vote in November 2025. However, opposition from key political figures, including Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, poses significant challenges to its advancement.
US Virgin Islands – No Legalization Yet, Online Access Unregulated
The US Virgin Islands (USVI) has not yet legalized sports betting. There are no physical sportsbooks or territorial regulations governing sports wagering. However, residents can access online sports betting platforms based overseas, as there are no local laws explicitly prohibiting such activity.
While some lawmakers in the USVI have shown interest in legalizing sports betting to boost tourism and generate revenue, no concrete legislative actions have been taken. Consequently, the territory remains without a regulated sports betting framework.
Utah – No Legalization Efforts, Status Unchanged
Utah maintains its strict prohibition on all forms of gambling, including sports betting. The state’s laws explicitly ban online gambling, even if legalized federally. There have been no legislative efforts to introduce sports betting, and this stance is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.
Washington – No Expansion Expected in 2025
Washington legalized sports betting in 2020, but it is limited to in-person wagering at tribal casinos. Online betting is only permitted within these tribal lands. Efforts to expand sports betting beyond tribal casinos have stalled, and no active legislation is currently in progress. Any future expansion would require renegotiating tribal compacts, a complex and politically sensitive process.
Wisconsin – Limited Tribal Sports Betting, No Statewide Expansion in 2025
Wisconsin permits sports betting exclusively through tribal gaming compacts. As of early 2025, nine of the state’s eleven federally recognized tribes have amended their compacts to allow sports wagering, primarily offering retail betting at their casino locations. The Oneida Nation was the first to launch such operations in 2021 and has since expanded its offerings to include a mobile app usable only within its properties.
Despite these developments, there have been no legislative efforts in 2025 to legalize or regulate sports betting beyond tribal lands. The Wisconsin Constitution prohibits most forms of non-tribal gambling, and any attempt to broaden access would require a constitutional amendment – a process that has not been initiated. Consequently, statewide online sports betting remains unavailable, and the market is limited to in-person wagering at participating tribal casinos.
Timeline of US Betting Laws – 1931 to 2025
Sports betting was illegal in most of the US for much of the 20th century, with a few key exceptions. This timeline highlights the major legal milestones—from Nevada’s 1931 gambling law to modern state-by-state legalization—that have shaped the landscape of US sports betting today.
1931 – Nevada Legalizes Gambling
- Enacted: March 19, 1931
- Status: Still in effect (with regulatory evolution over time)
Amid the Great Depression, Nevada became the first US state to legalize most forms of gambling—including sports betting—as a way to boost the local economy. The legislation allowed for state-regulated casinos and race & sports books, laying the groundwork for Nevada’s eventual dominance in the gambling industry. Over the following decades, Las Vegas became the epicenter of legal sports wagering in the United States, operating largely without federal interference until the Wire Act of 1961 and, later, PASPA in 1992.
Nevada’s early legalization granted it a unique exemption under PASPA decades later, allowing it to maintain full-scale sports betting while most other states were banned from authorizing it.
1961 – Interstate Wire Act of 1961
- Enacted: September 13, 1961
- Status: Still in effect (with interpretations and updates)
The Wire Act makes it illegal to use wire communications (which now includes the internet) to transmit bets or gambling-related information across state lines.
Originally intended to target organized crime’s involvement in sports betting, the Wire Act’s scope has been debated in modern contexts, particularly regarding online gambling. In 2011, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued an opinion stating that the Wire Act only applies to sports betting, but this has been contested in subsequent legal discussions and DOJ memos.
1961 – Travel Act of 1961
- Enacted: September 13, 1961
- Status: Still in effect
The Travel Act makes it a federal crime to use interstate or foreign travel—or any facility in interstate commerce, such as mail or telecommunications—to promote, manage, or carry on illegal activities, including gambling.
Originally passed to combat organized crime, it extends federal enforcement to illegal gambling operations that cross state lines, even if the activity itself violates only state law. It is still used today in cases involving unlawful online gambling operations.
1962 – Gambling Devices Act of 1962
- Enacted: 1962
- Status: Still in effect
This law restricts the interstate transportation of gambling devices, such as slot machines and roulette wheels.
Operators must register with the Department of Justice and maintain records of any shipments. Violations can result in seizure of equipment and criminal penalties.
1970 – Illegal Gambling Business Act
- Enacted: October 15, 1970
- Status: Still in effect
Part of the Organized Crime Control Act, this law targets large-scale illegal gambling operations.
It applies to businesses that (1) violate state law, (2) involve five or more people, and (3) operate continuously for at least 30 days or generate $2,000 in a single day.
Designed to fight organized crime, the Act makes it a federal offense to operate such enterprises and provides a basis for prosecution alongside racketeering charges.
1970 – Bank Secrecy Act
- Enacted: October 26, 1970
- Status: Still in effect
This anti-money laundering law requires financial institutions to keep records and file reports on large currency transactions. It was designed to detect and prevent the laundering of illicit funds, including those tied to illegal gambling.
Today, it underpins compliance programs for casinos and is enforced by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
1976 – Delaware Introduces NFL Parlay Betting
Delaware launches a state-run lottery offering parlay bets on NFL games, marking one of the earliest forms of state-sponsored sports betting outside Nevada.
1978 – Interstate Horseracing Act
- Name: Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978
- Enacted: October 25, 1978
- Status: Still in effect
This law permits interstate wagering on horseracing, allowing states to offer pari-mutuel betting on races across state lines, provided both states allow it and the race takes place in a state where such betting is legal.
The Interstate Horseracing Act enabled widespread betting on horseraces, bolstering the horseracing industry in the US It also laid the foundation for legal online betting on horseracing, as long as the transactions comply with state laws.
1988 – Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA)
- Enacted: October 17, 1988
- Status: Still in effect
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) establishes the framework for the regulation of gaming on Native American lands. It sets out three categories of gaming (Class I, II, and III) and governs the relationship between the tribes, federal government, and states.
IGRA empowered Native American tribes to operate gaming facilities, helping to promote tribal economic development. Class III gaming, which includes casino-style games, requires a tribal-state compact, enabling significant expansion of gaming in states like California and Florida.
1989 – Oregon Launches ‘Sports Action’ Lottery
- Enacted: 1989
- Status: Discontinued (2007)
Oregon became one of the few states to offer legal sports betting prior to PASPA by launching Sports Action, a state-run lottery game that allowed parlay bets on NFL games.
The program was protected under PASPA’s grandfather clause in 1992 but was discontinued in 2007 following pressure from professional sports leagues and in order to secure NCAA hosting privileges.
Though no longer active, Sports Action helped Oregon retain limited sports betting rights under federal law, paving the way for later legalization efforts.
1990 – Montana Authorizes Sports Pool Betting
- Enacted: 1990
- Status: Still in effect
Montana legalized limited forms of sports wagering by allowing sports pool betting and fantasy sports leagues under state law. This includes paper-based squares and other pool-style games, typically managed by licensed taverns and bars.
Montana’s early legalization allowed it to be grandfathered in under PASPA in 1992, although full-scale sportsbooks remain prohibited.
Sports betting in Montana is still limited compared to other states, with wagers required to be placed in person via terminals operated by the state lottery.
1992 – Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA
- Name: Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992
- Enacted: October 28, 1992
- Status: Repealed in 2018 by the Supreme Court decision in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) is signed into law, effectively banning state-authorized sports betting nationwide. However, it includes exemptions for:
- Nevada: Allowed to continue full-scale sports betting operations.
- Delaware: Permitted to continue offering NFL parlay bets through its lottery.
- Oregon: Allowed to maintain its ‘Sports Action’ lottery games.
- Montana: Permitted to continue its sports pool betting games.
Additionally, PASPA provided a one-year window for states with existing licensed casino gaming to legalize sports betting. New Jersey was the only state that qualified but failed to pass legislation within the allotted time, missing the opportunity to be grandfathered in.
These exemptions allowed the four states to continue their specific forms of sports betting, while the rest of the country was prohibited from authorizing new sports wagering activities until PASPA was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2018.
2006 – Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA)
- Enacted: October 13, 2006
- Status: Still in effect
UIGEA prohibits businesses from knowingly accepting payments related to illegal online gambling. The law does not define illegal gambling itself but focuses on restricting financial transactions tied to online gambling operations deemed unlawful under existing state or federal laws.
UIGEA’s primary effect was on financial institutions, making it illegal to process payments related to online gambling activities. This law contributed to the shutdown of various online poker platforms in the US, such as during the infamous “Black Friday” event in 2011 when several major online poker sites were indicted and domains seized including domains owned by PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, and Absolute Poker.
2018 – Supreme Court Overturns PASPA
- Name: Murphy v. NCAA (Supreme Court Decision)
- Decided: May 14, 2018
- Status: Landmark ruling (PASPA overturned)
The US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) as unconstitutional, ruling that the federal government could not prevent states from legalizing sports betting.
This decision gave individual states the authority to regulate and authorize sports betting as they saw fit, opening the door for rapid legalization across the country.
The case was brought by New Jersey after years of legal battles aimed at overturning the federal prohibition.
2018 – New Jersey Becomes First State to Legalize Sports Betting Post-PASPA
- Name: New Jersey Sports Wagering Law
- Enacted: June 11, 2018
- Status: In effect
New Jersey moved quickly following the PASPA ruling, becoming the first state to legalize and launch sports betting under its own regulatory framework. The state allowed both online and retail sports betting, establishing itself as a national leader in the post-PASPA era.
This success helped set the template for other states and contributed to the normalization of legal sports betting in the US.
2018-2025 – States Legalize & Launch Online & Retail Sports Betting
- Enacted: 2018–2025
- Status: In effect
Following the fall of PASPA, dozens of states began passing legislation to legalize sports betting in either retail, online, or both formats.
By the end of 2024, over 35 states and Washington, D.C. had launched legal sports betting markets, with others debating legislation.
This period has seen an explosive growth in sportsbook technology, mobile app adoption, and tax revenue generation, solidifying legal betting as a mainstream US industry.
2025 – SAFE Bet Act (Pending)
- Name: Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet (SAFE Bet) Act
- Introduced: March 11, 2025 (House); March 13, 2025 (Senate)
- Status: Introduced; pending in committee
- House Bill: H.R. 2087
- Senate Bill: S. 1033
The SAFE Bet Act (originally introduced in 2024) was reintroduced in March 2025 by Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) to establish federal standards for the rapidly expanding US sports betting industry. The legislation aims to address public health concerns related to gambling addiction and to implement nationwide consumer protections.
Key provisions of the SAFE Bet Act include:
- Marketing Restrictions: Prohibits sportsbook advertising during live sporting events and between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m., and bans promotional terms like “bonus,” “no sweat,” and “odds boosts.”
- Affordability Checks: Limits customers to five deposits per 24-hour period, requires affordability assessments for bettors exceeding $1,000 in daily wagers or $10,000 in monthly wagers, and bans the use of credit cards for funding betting accounts.
- Artificial Intelligence Limitations: Bans the use of AI to track betting behaviors or to create personalized promotions and microbetting products.
- Additional Measures: Establishes a national self-exclusion list, bans proposition bets on college and amateur athletes, mandates a Surgeon General’s report on the public health impacts of sports betting, and authorizes the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to collect data on gambling-related harms.
The bill has garnered support from public health advocates, including the Public Health Advocacy Institute, which views it as a necessary step toward mitigating gambling-related harms. However, it faces opposition from industry groups like the American Gaming Association, which argue that the proposed federal regulations could undermine state-level regulatory frameworks and inadvertently push bettors toward unregulated markets.
As of June 2025, the SAFE Bet Act remains under consideration in congressional committees.
Conclusion: The Future of US Sports Betting Laws
With over two-thirds of states having legalized some form of sports betting, momentum continues to build nationwide. However, the picture remains fragmented: some states still ban betting entirely, while others are debating how to regulate it effectively. And now, with the SAFE Bet Act reintroduced at the federal level, national oversight may be on the horizon for the first time since PASPA’s repeal.
Whether you’re in a fully legal state or waiting on legislative progress, it’s more important than ever to stay informed. This tracker will be updated regularly to reflect new laws, state launches, and changes in federal policy that affect how—and where—you can bet legally in the US.
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