Which US states have recently legalized online sports betting and who’s next?
Ever since the US Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) back in 2018, the legalization of sports betting has been within the purview of states. Currently, 30 states plus Puerto Rico permit online sports betting via your smartphone or PC. This article will focus on the states that most recently allowed bettors of legal gambling age to place wagers on their favorite sports online, as well as those that are likely to join the ranks in the near future.
Missouri (2025)
Missouri voters passed the legal sports betting Amendment 2 via a statewide referendum in November 2024. This basically legalized both retail and online sports betting. Although the market is not yet live, it’s set to launch by December 1, 2025.
Missouri legislators have tried and failed to pass sports betting bills since 2018. Finally, the Show-Me state will have up to 14 sports betting operators partnered with either casinos or sports franchises. Amendment 2 also provides for two untethered licenses within the state.
North Carolina (2024)
The Tar Heel State began accepting wagers in March 2024 after House Bill 347 was signed into law by Governor Roy Cooper. The response to the legalization of sports betting within North Carolina was deafening. Within the first 10 months of launching, bettors wagered a total of $5.4 billion.
Online sports betting is legal in North Carolina, and the best sportsbooks to bet on are available on SportyTrader with promo codes you can take advantage of. Big brands like BetMGM, FanDuel, bet365, and Caesars Sportsbook are among the licensed operators in the state.
Vermont (2024)
Vermont is another state that legalized online sports betting in mid-2023. This came after Governor Phil Scott approved Bill H127. The state launched its market in January 2024.
Vermont is deemed a trendsetter due to its online-only stance. Vermont only allows online wagers; no retail locations are available. The Bill legalizing sports betting in this state permits up to six sportsbooks offering promotions. Currently, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook are live.
That said, online sports betting within Vermont could soon be a thing of the past. Some of the state’s representatives have put Bill 133 in motion. If it passes, it would repeal online sports betting and the state lottery.
Kentucky (2023)
Kentucky launched its online sports betting market in September 2023. This came after Governor Andy Beshear approved Bill 551, which legalized both retail and online betting.
The online betting market leveraged the state’s horse racing infrastructure and approved revered brands such as FanDuel, BetMGM, DraftKings, and Penn Sports Interactive. Within the first month, gamblers within the states had wagered nearly $250 million across all land-based and online sports betting platforms.
States that might legalize online sports betting in 2025 and beyond
There’s been a lot of movement in several states aimed at legalizing online sports betting. Here are some that are looking most likely to join the bandwagon in 2025 and beyond:
- Alabama – Online sports betting isn’t yet legal in Alabama. Multiple attempts have been made over the years, none of which have succeeded. The most recent was in 2024 as part of a lottery bill that failed.
- Hawaii – Things are looking up regarding the launch of online sports betting in Hawaii. The House Bill 1308, which will authorize online sports betting in the state, has progressed to the Senate. However, it’s been met with strict criticism.
- Oklahoma – Oklahoma sports betting bills HB 1047 and HB 1011 have been put on hold. The House initially passed both bills, but they failed to pass the Senate in time. These sports betting bills are expected to be tweaked and reconsidered in the 2026 legislative session.
- Texas – Back in 2023, a bill supporting the launch of sports betting was backed by the House. However, no cogent conclusion was reached due to overwhelming opposition. Recently, the sports betting amendment bill, HJR 134, was filed and could potentially head to a public vote by November 2025.
There are a few states that are firm on their no-online betting policy, but most have started going with the times. Online sports betting is becoming more and more available, and there is an increasing number of legal places to bet in the USA. You simply have to be located within the state lines and be of the legal gambling age required, which is 18 or 21, depending on where you are.
