U.S. Sports Betting Laws: Where All 50 States Stand in 2026
Sports betting has become a widespread form of entertainment across the United States, but its legality varies significantly from state to state. Following the 2018 Supreme Court decision in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association, which struck down a federal ban on sports gambling, individual states have been empowered to legalize and regulate sports betting within their borders. As of April 2026, the landscape continues to evolve, with more states embracing legal wagering while others maintain restrictions.
As of early 2026, 39 states and Washington D.C. Have some form of legalized sports betting, whether through in-person retail locations, online platforms, or both. Of these, 30 states permit sports betting via smartphone apps or websites, reflecting the growing preference for digital access among consumers. The remaining nine states allow only in-person betting at licensed casinos or racetracks.
Several states have recently expanded their sports betting offerings. Arizona, which legalized sports betting in April 2021 and launched operations in September 2021, now hosts 14 active sportsbooks for both retail and online betting. Arkansas launched retail sports betting in July 2019 and introduced online wagering in March 2022. Other states, including Connecticut, Louisiana and Maryland, have also moved to authorize online sports betting in recent years.
Conversely, a number of states have not legalized sports betting in any form. As of April 2026, Alabama, Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Vermont remain without legal sports betting. In Alabama, lawmakers have renewed efforts to legalize sports betting through a proposed constitutional amendment (SB 257) that would allow voters to decide on authorizing sports betting, along with a state lottery and casinos. However, the measure has not yet gained sufficient legislative support to advance. In Alaska, a sports betting bill (HB 145) introduced in March 2025 has seen no further action as of December 2025.
Texas continues to be one of the most prominent states without legal sports betting, despite repeated legislative attempts. While neighboring states such as Louisiana and New Mexico have embraced legal wagering, Texas lawmakers have not passed legislation to permit sports betting, leaving residents to either travel to neighboring states or use offshore platforms, which operate outside state regulatory oversight.
The American Gaming Association reported that the commercial gaming industry generated $66.6 billion in revenue and contributed $14 billion in state and local taxes in 2023. Native American gaming operations added an additional $41 billion in revenue during the same year. These figures underscore the significant economic impact of legalized gambling, including sports betting, on state economies.
As the sports betting market matures, states are increasingly focused on consumer protection, responsible gaming initiatives, and ensuring that tax revenue from legal wagering supports public services such as education and infrastructure. Regulatory frameworks continue to be refined to address emerging concerns, including the rise of unregulated prediction markets that offer sports event contracts without state oversight.
For individuals interested in sports betting, it is essential to verify the current laws in their specific state, as regulations are subject to change. Legal sports betting operators are licensed and monitored by state gaming commissions, providing safeguards not available through unregulated offshore sites. Responsible gambling practices, including setting limits and recognizing signs of problem gambling, remain critical components of a safe betting experience.
With ongoing legislative activity in multiple states, the number of jurisdictions offering legal sports betting is expected to grow in the coming years. However, until federal legislation establishes a uniform framework, the legality of sports betting will continue to be determined on a state-by-state basis.