Betting On Sports In The US – FAQ

If you reside in the UK, betting online is as simple and registering with one of the several dozen bookies, making a deposit and placing your bets on the various sporting events taking place around the world. However, things get a little more complicated if you’re in the US as there are a lot more restrictions relating to betting online and to make matters even more complicated, these restrictions can differ depending on which state you are in.

Below, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions regarding betting in the US

Is Betting On Sports Legal in the United States?

In a way, yes. All states have the right to legalize and regulate betting on sports. However, despite states having the permission to legalize sports betting, not all have chosen to do so and some have progressed further than others.

Which States Have Legalized Sports Betting?

A number of US states have legalized sports betting which include Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

When Did Sports Betting Become Legal In The US?

In 2018, the US Supreme Court ruled that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 was unconstitutional and since then, individual states have the right to regulate betting. It was this Act which was previously restricting states from legalizing betting on sports.

Are Winnings From Sports Betting Taxable In The US?

Unlike in the UK, winnings from sports bets are taxable and should be recorded. Along with sports bet winnings, other taxable gambling winnings include lottery winnings, bingo winnings, raffle ticket winnings, winnings from sweepstakes, game show winnings and others.

How Old Do You Need To Be To Place Bets Online In The US?

In Las Vegas, you must be 21 in order to both drink and gamble in the casinos and land-based sportsbooks. However, with the majority of offshore sportsbooks, casinos and poker rooms you only need to be 18.

Which Online Betting Sites Can You Bet With In The US?

Online in the UK where punters have the option of several dozen online bookmakers to place sports bets with, in the US, your options are more limited. However, there are some large and trusted brands which accept US players. Some of these include Bovada, BetOnline, MyBookie, Bet365 with William Hill also expanding in the US.

However, even though a bookmaker may accept players form one state, it doesn’t mean that they accept players from another. Be sure to check the local laws on online betting as well as whether the betting site accepts players from that state before registering. For example, new laws relating to online sports betting Illinois were introduced in 2019 and so we expect there should be a lot more ways to bet online in this state in the near future.

Can You Bet On Your Mobile Phone In The US?

You will need to check to see whether or not the state you are betting in is approved for mobile betting.

Will All States Legalize Sports Betting? 

It’s more than likely that over time, we’ll see more and more US states legalize online betting. It takes time for states to adapt to the new laws and regulations but there is an increasing number of states getting involved.