Legal US Online Sports Betting 2024
The allowable forms of legal online sports betting may vary drastically from one state or country to another, and wagering on the Internet has become a popular, multi-billion-dollar industry.
The most commonly wagered-on events include football, basketball, and baseball. The comprehensive sportsbook sites that we feature also offer a wide range of game lines and props that cover both popular niches as well as some of the more refined, less popular types of events.
You may even find yourself interested in a category you really never knew much about until now. Below, you will find information about the most popular options that are available to wager on right now, where to do it legally online, and what kind of sportsbook bonus offers are available. Everything we mention here is available to American players through online gambling sites operating legally outside of the United States.
What Can I bet On In December 2024?
Is Online Sports Betting Legal In The United States?
Offshore: Yes. There are no federal laws prohibiting US-based gamblers from betting on pro and college games using online sportsbooks that are legitimately operational outside the country.
Domestic: Thanks to the 2018 repeal of PASPA, individual states may now determine the legal status of both online and offline gambling within their borders. Most states have already passed legislation authorizing state-regulated sportsbooks. We expect to see the expansion of the domestic market continue until the entire nation is covered, with the one exception of Utah.
Best Online Sportsbook For 2024
Bovada Sportsbook
#1 Rated Legal Online Sportsbook For 2024
Bovada Sportsbook is one of the best legal online gambling sites in the industry, featuring lines for all types of USA and international leagues. Not only does Bovada LV boast a ton of odds and a custom prop builder tool, but you'll also get access to entertainment odds, political odds, and more.
Site Rating
Compability
Pros
US Friendly - Most US States Accepted
Most reputable name in online sports betting
Licensed by Curacao - Operates within Costa Rica
Generous 50% bonus up to $1,000 for new members
Easy deposits using credit cards or Bitcoin/crypto
Fast and reliable payouts guaranteed
Cons
Only US, Mexico and Brazil players accepted
Excluded States: CO, CT, DC, DE, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, WV
Limited deposit options compared to other sites
Top Legal Online Sportsbooks Open To All USA Players
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A Video Tutorial For How To Bet On Sports
Is It Illegal To Bet On Sports In The United States?
No, online sports betting is not illegal in the United States. Reputable offshore sites have never been prohibited at the federal level. The US-friendly offshore sportsbooks you see on this page are all operating legitimately within the industry. They have lines on everything from football and US politics to eSports and entertainment.
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was a federal law that prevented domestic books in most of the USA for 25 years, but in May of 2018, the Supreme Court voted in favor 6-3 when they ruled that PASPA was unconstitutional.
This decision made it legal for states that were not previously exempted from the law to pass legislation to allow state-regulated bookies to operate inside the USA. Now that there is no federal ban, multiple states have already passed sports gambling laws, and many more have legislation in the works.
Where Is Sports Betting Legal In The USA?
Sports betting has the potential to be legal in all 50 states given the 2018 SCOTUS decision that repealed PASPA. Just like online casino and poker gambling, states must vote to legalize it within their borders.
Several states have already passed legislation on legal brick-and-mortar venues and have launched their domestic operations. It is possible that some states will choose not to legalize sports gambling options, with Utah and Hawaii being historical gambling holdouts.
Legitimate, authorized options will still be legal regardless of whether or not your state has legal, regulated options available (unless a state passes legislation explicitly mentioning offshore brands as being illegal). Mobile sportsbook apps are available in many states that have domestic books, as well as others that don't have state-based options.
States Offering Domestic Sports Betting Options In 2024
Several US states have enacted legal sports gambling legislation, which has allowed these states to regulate and tax local operations. Nevada has long had the capability to offer gambling, even during PASPA's rule over the US, but now they're no longer the only game in town.
For a comprehensive list of where each state stands regarding legal domestic sports gambling, the following drop-down menus have all the up-to-date information you need to make an informed decision.
States Where You Can Bet Sports Online In December 2024 Without The Fear Of Breaking Any Laws
While the following states haven't all passed laws to legalize sports betting, they also don't have any laws that specifically ban it.
As we explain throughout this site, players residing in any of the following states can legally bet on sports via an offshore site with the proper credentials.
* Click on the states below to see their laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are pleased to say that the 2018 repeal of PASPA has minimized the federal government's hold on domestic sports betting.
The Federal Wire Act does prevent any state-regulated venue from accepting any bets across state lines, but this is now the extent to which federal law places restrictions on the industry.
Individual states now have the authority to dictate their regulations, restrictions, and prohibitions. We have seen multiple states embrace this new freedom by passing legislation to authorize state-licensed venues, including online.
Sportsbook Bonuses
Online gambling sites employ at least one incentive to attract customers whose history can be traced back to the "house comps," or complimentary bonuses, that started in Las Vegas at traditional brick-and-mortar casinos. They will often offer online sportsbook bonuses matching a percentage of your initial deposit when you open an account.
For instance, one of the most popular Bovada deposit bonus codes awards a 50% match on deposits of up to $2,000 for a maximum prize of $1,000. Welcome bonuses are a standard offer at most online books, and is basically a thank them for favoring their company over another.
When coupled with the 24/7 access and worldwide reach of the World Wide Web, a generous welcome bonus offers an attractive advantage over what state-regulated sportsbooks promote.
Betting Types
There are several common sports bet-type options for most games, and they're fairly universal. The most common type is the moneyline, where you simply pick a winner. Spread wagering is also popular, most notably for football and basketball. In baseball, spreads are called run lines, and in hockey, they're called puck lines. Finally, over/unders rounds out what is offered in game lines.
Other popular options are parlays, teasers, propositions, and futures, the latter of which are generally available all year long, regardless of whether your particular sport is in season. The best online sportsbooks also now include custom prop builder tools, so you can create tens of thousands of different wagers for every single game.
A Video Guide To In-Play Betting On Live Game Lines
Additional Sports Betting Guides Included In Our Series:
Gambling online has truly become one of the most popular venues of online entertainment. Following are some of the niches that make up the most popular categories found at gambling sites that accept USA players. You can check for up to date player and team stats, game schedules, latest news, and more.
All this information will assist you in making informed wagering decisions. The recommended sites you see above also provide great statistical information and the latest news on the players and teams to help you in your wagering options.
Popular Football Options
Who doesn't want to enjoy legal football wagering action on America's favorite pastime? Our football betting guides discuss the differences in gambling in college, pro, and other football leagues worldwide.
The National Football League is the most covered of any major sports at online gambling sites, so sign up with one of our recommended books to risk money on the NFL this year.
The Super Bowl is the culmination of the entire NFL season's activity and is one of the most-watched events on television each year. We'll provide you with access to current odds and legitimate, trusted options.
College football fans are some of the most serious who participate in online gambling. Our guide will provide you with helpful information to make informed wagers.
Basketball
Millions of die-hard basketball fans eat, live, and breathe NBA and NCAAM action. Our guide offers some great content and recommendations on where to bet on basketball legally.
Our NBA betting guides is packed full of features from explaining the odds to who the hot shooters are this season. We also discuss the top-rated basketball wagering sites for 2024 and how to gamble online.
Check out our NCAA college basketball betting guide. Risking money on college basketball games doesn't just occur during March; our guide dives into the regular season and March Madness.
Baseball
Bet on the MLB, NCAA, Japanese, and Korean baseball odds at the top-rated online sportsbooks for 2024. Our experts detail the differences among each league while discussing how to lay some money on the action.
Check out which sportsbooks offer legal MLB betting and the best lines in baseball. America's favorite pastime is now accepting legal online wagers.
Other Popular Sports
Soccer is the biggest spectator sport on the planet, but it's not as popular in the United States as it is abroad. Soccer fans will appreciate our guide to the best soccer betting sites online.
Golf enthusiasts can legally wager on golf matches with online sports betting sites. Learn tips and more in our informative golf wagering guide, which discusses the leagues and major PGA & LIV events.
The MMA has grown to be one of the most popular attractions in recent times with the expansion of the UFC. As a result, odds for the entire card are offered for each UFC pay-per-view or televised event at our favorite books.
Boxing has long been one of the most popular sports, and today, that statement still stands true. The sport has produced some of the world's most recognizable names, including Muhammad Ali, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquaio, and many more.
NASCAR racing is a very popular sport in the US, hosting multiple events yearly. Learn which sportsbooks are the safest venues that offer specific league odds and our professional knowledge to assist you to the finish line.
The Olympics is just around the corner, and we've updated our guide to include the most reputable USA-friendly sportsbooks that offer odds for the Summer and Winter Games.
Learn how to bet on tennis matches and the various options available to fans, including head-to-head matches, props, live match wagering, and more. We also discuss the Olympic events and other table tennis leagues that produce lines.
Tackle the rugby betting odds with our in-depth guide to the world's most popular leagues. From Germany to New Zealand, rugby is played worldwide and is still enjoyed by many.
Take a swing at cricket betting with legal online sportsbooks that offer odds on popular leagues from around the world. Defend the wicket and wager from the comfort of home.
With virtual games, wagers can be made on computer vs. computer contests. This guide discusses how virtual sports are bet on with odds produced from the best online wagering sites and displayed with third-party streaming services.
Learn how to use Bitcoin and other popular cryptocurrencies to get the most bang for your (digital) buck at accepted sportsbook sites. This guide covers everything from downloading a digital wallet to sending coins online.