Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Your State?
While it is legal to bet on sports in some states, not in all of them, online betting is still a very
popular pastime in the US. Fortunately, 19 states have legalized online sports betting walimanis, including
Ohio, Illinois, and Maryland. Below is a guide to legal sports betting in those states. Read on to
learn more about the legality of online betting in your state. And, don’t forget to check your local
sports betting laws, too.
Legal sports betting in 19 states
A lot of states are contemplating legalizing sports betting online. While some have already
passed legislation, others remain mired in disputes with various stakeholder groups. Ohio, for
example, has passed a sports betting law that will go into effect on December 22, 2021. The
state will be able to offer sports betting through mobile devices starting in 2022. But not
everyone is so happy about the move. Here are some key facts to know.
Legal sports betting in Ohio
It’s possible that legal sports betting in Ohio will be introduced as early as this spring, and the
timing could not be more perfect. The state already has the legislature and other institutions
needed for sports wagering, so the Legislature will only have to agree on a few basic issues,
such as tax rates and license fees and renewals. But with a favorable covid-19 pandemic and
other political factors, legal sports betting in Ohio may come sooner than later.
Legal sports betting in Maryland
Whether or not Maryland will legalize online sports betting remains to be seen, but the state has
made a positive move in the past several years. Its HB940 bill lays out the framework for both
retail and online sportsbooks. Moreover, a mobile license is also available to qualified applicants.
While almost any business can apply, Maryland law only allows one brand per mobile license.
Therefore, it would be prudent to learn about Maryland laws and regulations before betting on
sports events.
Legal sports betting in Illinois
In July, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed legislation legalizing sports betting in Illinois. The law sets
certain requirements for sports betting in the state, including that all wagers be made in person,
be placed on an outcome of a game, and not just a winner or loser. If the new law passes,
Illinois would become the fourth state to hit $500 million in sports betting handle, nine months
after it was passed.
Legal sports betting in New York
Sports betting in New York was once prohibited by state law, but in 2018, the Supreme Court
overturned PASPA. In July of that year, the New York Gaming Commission approved in-person
wagering at four locations, and the first bets were placed on July 16. Mobile betting is not
permitted in the state, although regulators were considering this option in 2020. The legislation
would have legalized sports betting in the state because many New Yorkers live in or near the
city of NYC and do not have access to land-based casinos.
