Best Sports Gambling Online

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If you’re a sports aficionado, you must have heard the news that Tennessee sports betting is legal since the bill was passed on April 30th of 2019. Since then, online sportsbooks have been racing to take the lead in offering betting services to residents of the state. As of November 1st 2020, there are four Tennessee betting apps that players can pick from for sports betting : DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and Tennessee Action 247.

Only three of them are recommend for Tennessee online sports betting : BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel. In fact, these online sportsbooks share qualities that make them stand out even on a countrywide scale. Now that residents can partake in sports betting in Tennessee, it’s a good idea for them to investigate a bit and find out which Tennessee betting sites work best.

Online sports betting has taken off like a rocket in Colorado. That may be because it’s the safest betting option in the social distancing age. However, Colorado’s online sportsbooks are competitive choices for bettors’ funds. Here’s everything bettors need to know about them. The Best Colorado Sports Betting Sites & Bonus Offers. MyBookie, whose sportsbook is rated among the best online betting sites in 2019, accept bets on a wide array of U.S. Pro and college sports. Sports they feature include the NFL, MLB, NCAA, NHL, NBA, NASCAR, Golf, and Tennis. Best sports gambling sites. Best sports gambling sites include bwin, bet 365, betfair and many more. They include a variety if sports and are nit restricted to any one sports. An open up any of the legit online gambling sites and find out top online bookies. These top online bookies can also be selected according to their rating s and reviews.

Bettors interested in Tennessee online sports betting also need to abide by specific rules, lest they break the law. In Tennessee, you must be at least 21 years of age to partake in sports betting in Tennessee. Residents can only place wagers on Tennessee sportsbooks within the state. Activity that takes place abroad is against the law.

This article will give you all the insights you need to know about Tennessee sports betting!

Contents

Best Tennessee Betting Sites

Some factors for Sports Betting in Tennessee to consider are whether a sportsbook is licensed, legal, regulated, and secure for Tennessee Sports Betting. Often, when gambling is legalized in a region, false or illegal imitation platforms show up in droves. These illegitimate operators put players and their information and funds at risk, so it is vital you use these legitimate Tennessee Sportsbooks :

Updated on :

RankTN SportsbookWelcome OfferBet Now
1.
FanDuel
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Risk-Free Bet up to $1,000
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BetMGM
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Risk-Free Bet up to $500
T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in CO/TN
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DraftKings
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Get a Sign Up Bonus up to $1000
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Top Online Sportsbooks in Tennessee

As the online Tennessee sports betting market develops, more and more operators will jump into the TN sports betting scene, especially because the legislation is written in such a way that entering the Tennessee sportsbooks market will be quicker than in other states (more on that later).

Competition is fierce whenever gambling is legalized in a region; and this holds true for Sports Betting in Tennessee. Small and large platforms alike fight for a spot at the top. Of course, not every sportsbook can find success in the market. Some operators will always stand out. Three of these currently share the throne for Tennessee sports setting.

Here is our selection of the best online sportsbooks in Tennessee :

BetMGM Tennessee

BetMGM is the online sports betting arm of the famous MGM betting brand (as in MGM Grand, Metro-Goldwyn Mayer, etc.). Now, people looking forward to online Tennessee sports betting can get access to the BetMGM service. Users of the BetMGM service can expect a loaded menu of available sports, straightforward promotions, and extra features.

Additionally, the promotions and extra features of BetMGM make it a competitive choice among the available Tennessee sports betting apps. New users can look forward to an uncomplicated welcome offer to minimize the risk of their first bet in a big way, in addition to modern features like easy parlaying and live betting (more on that later in the article).

The team behind BetMGM wasted no time and immediately signed onto a partnership with the Tennessee Titans. It also promises weekly promotions to retain its growing base of users.

DraftKings Tennessee

DraftKings offered DFS in Tennessee right from the outset, and now they’re bringing their sportsbook to players in the Volunteer state. Tennessee betting sites are growing in number, and so this DFS juggernaut has decided to get involved with the market.

Draftkings has been providing legal, regulated sports betting for some time now, with no signs of scaling back. Offering a sizeable deposit bonus and a well-performing interface, DraftKings is a great option for Tennessee sports betting fans. There’s also a rewards program, which is a way that DK can provide its dedicated users with a whole slew of exclusive promotions.

DraftKings entices bettors with a fast, comfortable, and exciting play experience. While it faces some heavy competition, it holds the belt for the best-rated operator in the country and intends to keep it for Sports Betting in Tennessee.

FanDuel Tennessee

FanDuel is the underdog in the market. It doesn’t have the same renown as other platforms, but it’s set to impress and hit hard with Tennessee sports betting.

FanDuel is another well-rounded addition to Tennessee betting sites, with a great set of promotions and extras that benefit players of all experience levels. Particularly of interest are parlay bonuses, which benefit players who know how to spread their risk across multiple matches using parlay bets.

Sports betting in Tennessee is a relatively new thing, which is what makes FanDuel a great choice for folks just getting into the hobby. Their extensive knowledge base is a good way for new bettors to get acquainted with placing their first bets, how the wagering process works, and more.


Tennessee Online Sports Betting: Events and Betting Markets

With the addition of at least three top-tier providers of sports betting in Tennessee and more on the way, sports bettors will have no shortage of betting markets and options. College sports and professional ball will be available, as addition to some more niche markets like golf, MMA, rugby, and more.

There are, surprisingly, a plethora of available markets and leagues with online Tennessee sports betting sites, in a short period. Take a look at what you can find right now :

  • NFL and Collegiate Football
  • NBA and Collegiate Basketball
  • MMA
  • MLB
  • Formula One
  • NHL
  • PGA
  • World Boxing Association
  • World Boxing Council
  • NASCAR
  • U.S. Open Cup
  • Moto GP
  • Pro Bowling Tour
  • ... and more!

Popular Tennessee Events

Tennessee sports betting takes place in a proud state known for its music, culture, and of course, sports. Tennesseans are some of the most avid and active sports fans in the nation, and love to show up for their teams. Some huge national favorites and local events will be hosted on the majority of Tennessee sports betting sites and apps. Here’s a short list of some of the favorites:

  • The Liberty Bowl hosted by AutoZone has been a staple of TN college football since 1959, making it one of the country’s oldest collegiate sporting events. SEC and Big 12 teams compete for the Liberty Bell trophy and millions in prize winnings in this Memphis-based, cold-weather game.
  • The SEC Championshipis where the best performing collegiate football teams from the South Eastern Conference vie for the top prize in the NCAA.
  • Third Saturday in October is an infamous game in Tennessee and the SEC because it pits the Tennessee Volunteers against rivals the Crimson Tide at the U of Alabama.
  • The SEC Men’s Basketball Championship Finals is where the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team has made their mark in the conference’s last stages before the March Madness. The team made it to the Sweet Sixteen in 2019, and you can bet they will continue to push the envelope in the coming years.

Now, you’ll be able to bet on these events and more with Tennessee sports betting apps like BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Since you’re now acquainted with the kinds of events you might be betting on, let’s go over some common bet types.

Common Types of Bets

When you’re starting out sports betting in Tennessee, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different types of sports bets available and how they work. Most Tennessee sports betting websites will offer a plethora of available bets, including live bets, parlays, and more. You might be a new bettor, so here’s a rundown of some common bets found on Tennessee betting sites.

  • Straight: most common type of Tennessee Sports Betting. Here, you place a wager on who you think might win the match. Putting money on the underdog provides you with points while wagering on the favorite does not. This is the most popular choice for Tennessee Sports Betting Apps.
  • Moneyline bets are perhaps the most straightforward bets you can place with Tennessee sports betting websites and other apps: just bet on the winner.
  • Totals are bets where you wager on the number of combined points scored by both teams. Also known as the “over-under”.
  • Futures are bets you’ll place on events that haven’t happened yet. These bets can be particularly tricky to hit with Tennessee sports betting apps-- the odds are particularly volatile, and one injury can ruin the best of plans.
  • Points Spread: objective is to choose a team that will win or lose within a margin set by the bookmaker. Typically, the gap to fill is adjusted to make it difficult to guess the outcome.
  • Head-to-Head bet is unique. You pick two contestants and determine which will do better or win outright. It’s an available option at most Tennessee Sportsbooks.
  • Parlays and Teasers are bets that consist of multiple “legs” across different matches or sports. This kind of betting is a good way of gaining a bit of control over your risk, but they’re not for beginners.

Live Betting

Users can live bet and stream using their preferred TN sports betting apps or online site. Live betting is a new addition to the world of sports betting. Back in the day, you had to wait on line to place a bet on your preferred sport at a licensed bookmaker. Eager bettors would dash to the cashier, hoping they were in time to place their bets only to find they were one of twenty people who had the same bright idea.

With live betting, you can place bets on-the-fly and as the action happens. This just wasn’t possible before online sports betting apps, and it’s a great thing to see in Tennessee. Live betting is high-pressure and best left to those who have a little bit of experience under their belt, so try out some of the more straightforward bets mentioned above before placing a live bet.

Daily Fantasy Sports in Tennessee

Daily fantasy sports in Tennessee were essentially the first legal venue for people to wager real money on contests since 2016. Those contests were DFS contests offered by sites now offering TN sports betting like DraftKings and FanDuel, and were considered separate from other types of gambling because DFS wagers aren’t technically bets on real-life events.

Rather, a wager on DFS is more like a “game of skill”, because you’re putting together a roster of your own devising.

Today, you can still bet on DFS in Tennessee, and it’s a great way to try your hand at fantasy sports before betting on the actual TN sports betting sites. Put together your dream team and follow along with the action as your players climb the ranks and maybe, just maybe, make you a little money in the process.

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DraftKings DFS
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Betting on Pro Sports Teams in Tennessee

This is what fans really show up for-- betting on their favorite professional teams. Tennessee sports betting allows you to place bets across multiple markets and make all kinds of bets like the ones we’ve described above. National events like the Super Bowl and the Stanley Cup are well represented on Tennessee sports betting apps, as well as in-season games for a good majority of popular sports.

NFL Betting in Tennessee

It doesn’t get more American than football, and sports betting in Tennessee happens on the home turf of some of the most dedicated football fans on the planet. That’s good news, because now that online Tennessee sports betting is legal, fans will have an easy and fun way to add a bit of extra excitement and risk into their experience.

When using Tennessee sports betting apps, there are great ways to add bonuses and try your hand at new, different kinds of bets. Event-specific promotions during the AFC playoffs and more will be available, so keep an eye on your preferred TN sports betting apps to get a little bit of an edge throughout the season.

Tennessee Titans Betting

The Titans have been a fan favorite in the NFL despite relocating and rebranding. Formerly the Oilers, fans of the Titans cross state lines and age groups, and millions of Americans consider the Titans “their team” no matter where they live.

With over 20 playoff appearances and no signs of stopping, fans in Tennessee will be happy to know that betting on the Titans is quick and painless. We look forward to an expert showing from the Titans in coming seasons, and fans can look forward to placing real-money wagers on NFL matchups today.

NBA Sports Betting in Tennessee

Now that NBA betting in Tennessee is above-board and legal, Grizzlies fans and more will have access to all kinds of bets, including live betting and more.

Memphis Grizzlies Betting

The Grizzlies have a respectable record in the NBA, last making it to the playoffs in the 2012-13 season. Still, the team seems to make it to the qualifiers almost every year, so maybe next year is going to be extra special for fans of NBA betting in Tennessee. With Taylor Jenkins at the helm, the Grizzlies have had a stable record, and we expect good things for them in the upcoming season.

NHL Sports Betting in Tennessee

Tennessee sports betting wouldn’t be complete without the Preds, and that’s why it’s great news that bets are now legal. Watching your favorite teams slug it out on the ice is fun enough, but the little extra risk thrown in when you wager real money from one of many Tennessee betting sites gives your sports-watching experience an added thrill.

Nashville Predators Betting

1997 was a great year for the NHL, as Nashville was able to establish its very own team. Now, the Predators are one of the higher-performing teams in the league, with two division championships and a conference win. Users of apps offering sports betting in Tennessee are likely to see some pretty nice payout for bets on the Predators to win the coveted Stanley Cup-- they’re a bit of an underdog with a steadily improving record.

Tennessee sports betting apps will surely list at least a few Pred games, so check the menu for the match you prefer. Many sports betting sites in Tennessee will be offering live streaming as well, but if not, simply tune in on your preferred provider of NHL games and follow the action.

MLS Betting in Tennessee

Major League Soccer is a relatively new thing in the US, having been established as a league in the 1990’s. Perhaps the most widely played sport in the world, the new world of Tennessee sports betting apps have a home for soccer fans of all kinds, offering bets on everything from local matches to the World Cup.

Nashville Soccer Club Betting

Nashville SC has existed in one form or another since the beginning of the MLS and modern organized soccer in the US, and now Tennessee sports betting apps are going to be able to offer bets on their matches. Finishing 7th in the Eastern Conference in 2020, the Nashville SC is going to be a team to watch for users of Tennessee betting sites in the coming years-- their new stadium home is slated to open in 2022, perfect timing for the growing horde of Tennessee soccer fans.

Betting on Tennessee College Teams

Tennessee College Football Betting

College football has been a part of Tennessee’s rich and storied history for the better part of 70 years, and shows no signs of stopping. From bitter rivalries to historic events, Tennesseans take their football seriously at every level. If you’re in Big Orange Country, you can now bet on your favorite SEC and AAC teams and beyond.

Don’t forget that you can bet on your favorite collegiate events like the Liberty Bowl and the SEC Championship Game, and Tennessee sports betting sites will often provide extra bonuses and incentives that are event-specific. Whether it’s the Third Saturday or the middle of the playoffs, take a look at your preferred Tennessee online betting site for more info on ways to stretch your betting credit and add bonuses.

Here are the ten college football teams you can find inside of the state

  • Austin Peay State University
  • Cumberland University
  • Sewanee - The University of the South
  • Tennessee Tech University
  • Tennessee State University
  • University of Tennessee - Chattanooga
  • Lane College
  • Tusculum University
  • Brentwood Academy
  • Bethel University
  • Rhodes College

Tennessee Volunteers

The Tennessee Volunteers football team haven’t taken home an SEC Championship win since the 90’s, but every year they have a strong showing in their conference, especially when paired against their rivals at Alabama. They’re a great pick for Tennessee online sports betting fans.

Additionally, the Volunteers took home the trophy at the 2020 Gator Bowl, and under leadership of coach Jeremy Pruitt, might have a real chance at the 2021 SEC crown. Bet on the Volunteers using your preferred TN sports betting site and put a little risk and excitement into watching the Vols play.

Here are a few notable teams to keep in mind before you fill out your bet slip:

  • Crown College of the Bible
  • Jackson State Community College
  • Carson-Newman University
  • Martin Methodist College
  • Columbia State Community College
  • Tennessee Wesleyan University
  • East Tennessee State University
  • Cumberland University
  • Walters State Community College
  • Lipscomb University

Tennessee College Basketball Betting

College basketball is alive and well in Tennessee online sports betting, and multiple conferences and their eager teams have a chance at the national title. Tennessee sports betting apps will enable players all across the Volunteer state to bet on their favorite NCAA matches. In addition, most worthwhile sports betting apps will have event-specific promos like March Madness bonuses and more.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

The Blue Raiders took the Sun Belt East in the 2012-2013 season and won a bid for the NCAA championship, only to be knocked out by Saint Mary’s. They took home the Division title in 2018, and fans of Tennessee online sports betting are eager to see them climb the ranks of the C-USA in future years.

TN sports betting fans rooting for Middle Tennessee can look forward to betting on most games throughout the season, but not all games will be hosted on preferred Tennessee sports betting apps due to time restrictions. Still, we expect that users of Tennessee online sports betting apps will be able to bet on the Blue Raiders both before the game and, hopefully, live in play as well.


How to Place a Sports Bet in Tennessee

Placing a sports bet in Tennessee is going to be a relatively stress-free and simple process as compared to other states. For example, Nevada bettors have to physically visit a casino or sportsbook in person to register for a sports betting account. As Tennessee doesn’t have brick-and-mortar sportsbooks or casinos, all registration and play is done from Tennessee sports betting apps or their respective websites accessible from any web browser.

There’s a step-by-step guide to signing up with a online Tennessee sports betting website below, but there are a few things that you should keep in mind before you continue. First and foremost, all legal betting in the US, including TN sports betting, is restricted to people of legal gambling age; in most cases, this means 21 and older.

Also, US law dictates that casinos, sportsbooks, and other gambling sites can only operate in certain states. There may, for example, be a version of BetMGM in several US states, but players physically located in Tennessee must use the Tennessee version of the site or app. You don’t have to be a resident of TN to participate in online Tennessee sports betting, you’ve just got to be there.

In order to verify your age and location, apps and browser versions of Tennessee sports betting sites will require you to enter some or all of your SSN. This is simply to verify your identity, and your information will not be shared.

When playing from a desktop computer, you’ll have to install a browser plugin that shares your location with the Tennessee Education Lottery and the Tennessee sportsbooks of your choice. This plugin must be enabled if you’re going to make any real-money wagers with any Tennessee sportsbooks. For the same reason, users of Tennessee sports betting apps will need to enable location services on their app of choice.

Tennessee Sports Betting Laws

Interestingly, Tennessee is the first state in the union to bypass a very specific licensing requirement: namely, no online sportsbooks or casinos in TN have to pair with a land-based or “brick-and-mortar” casino. They can simply meet the licensing fees, get certified to offer regulated sports betting by the lottery division, and open up shop.

It’s the first state to allow Tennessee sportsbooks to jump directly into the market without that extra step of pairing with a physical casino or sportsbook, and it will likely shake up the betting world in a major way. Having an abbreviated and easier path to opening will perhaps even change the paradigm for new Tennessee sportsbooks and others going forward.

However, this is not without cost: new TN sports betting operators need to meet certain “hold” requirements with their finances. TN sports betting providers must hold 10% of wagers at all times to stay in step with regulations set by the Tennessee Education Lottery.

This may mean that odds get worse for players over time, but other industry examples of similar practices haven’t reflected this hit to bettors. Time will tell for Tennessee sports betting, but it’s likely the average bettor won’t notice a difference in their overall experience due to this legislative difference.

Overall, the laws regarding online Tennessee sports betting are pretty straightforward, and this is going to make for a pretty lucrative market in the future. Since Tennessee is the only state offering legal, online sports betting in a wide radius, it is likely that Tennessee sports betting will attract bettors from all across the southeast.

Step-by-Step: How to Sign Up and Bet with Online Tennessee Sports Betting

Registering with Tennessee sportsbooks is a snap, primarily because it’s all done remotely from your mobile app or computer. All you’ve got to do is visit the desktop version of your preferred Tennessee betting sites and download the app of your choice, provide a few key personal details for security, and make your first deposit to get all the features and bonuses of these Tennessee sports betting apps.

Here’s a detailed step-by-step for users of the most common devices and browsers. Desktop users also shouldn’t forget to download and enable the geotagging plugin required to share their location. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Visit the desktop site or download the app of your choice from their respective websites. You can find most of these apps on the App Store for iOS users, while Android users will have to download the APK file and install that way. Note: when you’re downloading the APK for Android devices, your phone will prompt you to “enable the installation from an unknown source” or something similar. Don’t worry-- all of these apps are regulated by the Tennessee Education Lottery.
  2. These Tennessee betting sites or apps will walk you through the personal details section, in which you’ll place your email, preferred username/password, address, mobile number, and the last four digits of your SSN. This is again, all for identity verification purposes, as users must be 21+ to play.
  3. Before you hit “Register” or “Sign Up”, you’ll also have the opportunity to input a promo code. These promo codes are alphanumeric codes that are sometimes shared to incentivize users with extra betting cash, matched deposits, and more. Always be sure you’re using a promo code from a trusted website.
  4. Hit “Sign Up” or “Register” and make your first deposit to have access to all of the features of your preferred Tennessee betting sites! Make sure you enable your Tennessee sports betting apps to access and share their location, or install the required geotagging plugin for desktop. You must physically be in Tennessee when betting using a TN-branded app.

Tennessee Sports Betting FAQ

Tennessee online sports betting just became a reality, so it’s likely that new bettors and experienced bettors alike will have some questions about how the process will work legally in the Volunteer state. As sports betting in Tennessee is still a new issue for legislators, all of this information is, of course, subject to change. Still, this is the most accurate information regarding Tennessee online sports betting that is currently available.

Where can I bet on sports in Tennessee?

You can currently only take part in Tennessee Sports Betting at four operators. These include BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Tennessee Action 24/7. Most players recommend using one or all of the first three mentioned above. Also, you can only do so via Tennessee Sports Betting Apps.

Is sports betting legal in Tennessee?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Tennessee as of November 1st, 2020. The legislation that pushed this change forward only allows for Tennessee Betting Sites to operate with and under strict regulation. There are currently no brick-and-mortar casinos in Tennessee, so you have to use Tennessee Sports Betting Apps.

How can I register and safely deposit into a TN sports betting account?

Registering with Tennessee sportsbooks is easy. You do have to provide a few details like the last four digits of your SSN and your mobile device, but this extra layer of security is to protect users of Tennessee sportsbooks.

What happens if I win when sports betting in Tennessee?

Tennessee betting sites have cashier options that one can use when you’re ready to cash out your winnings. Keep in mind, though-- most Tennessee sportsbooks require you to meet a few wagering requirements before your winnings get released for withdrawal. Still, it’s great news to win, and Tennessee betting sites do a great job of offering users enough options to access their winnings. Don’t forget-- winnings with Tennessee sportsbooks or other sites are taxable.

Are there good teams in Tennessee?

There are some fantastic teams to choose from at Tennessee Betting Sites. Many of them are known across the country as some of the best. While they don't always take first place, other states understand that facing a team from this state will most likely be challenging. You can choose from plenty for your Tennessee Sports Betting.

Can I bet by phone with online Tennessee sports betting sites?

At the moment, phone-based betting with online Tennessee sports betting sites is not outlined in the current legislation. However, you can use your smartphone on Tennessee betting sites or download apps to conduct sports betting in Tennessee legally.


Tennessee Casinos

Sadly, there are no brick-and-mortar casinos available for Tennessee sports betting. But now that TN online sports betting is legal and regulated, only time will tell if online casinos will make similar strides towards legality in the Volunteer State. Tennessee sports betting providers don’t have to pair with a physical casino in the state because there are no casinos in the state.

Perhaps the new opinion towards regulated gambling and sports betting in Tennessee means that Tennessee betting sites will someday soon be able to offer online casino games for real money, but there’s nothing on paper as of yet. However, don't expect in-person gambling houses anytime soon.


Final Thoughts on Tennessee Sports Betting

In many people's opinion, state legislation has made a fantastic decision in legalizing and allowing Tennessee Sportsbooks to operate. Even though only a short time has passed, it's easy to tell that many platforms are making big moves to build a presence inside Tennessee.

The state is a breeding ground for Tennessee Sports Betting and hosts some of the country’s best teams. It's no wonder why fans are so excited and mobilizing so quickly to sign up and start playing at the newly available sportsbooks.

In conclusion, sports betting in Tennessee is a new thing, but some pretty experienced providers are making strides in the market. All of the apps we’ve mentioned have quick learning curves and worthwhile promotions, so take a look and choose which one is the best for you.

Other states where you can place an online sports bet :

Colorado Illinois Indiana Iowa Michigan Nevada New Jersey Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia

It has been more than two years since the Supreme Court of the United States struck down PASPA. That move opened the door to legal sports betting in the US as the justices effectively handed the legislative decision over to individual states.

Since that point, we have seen a flurry of activity. Many states are now completely up and running with legal sports betting. Other states are still sorting through legalization, and more are expected to follow.

While some states have retail, mobile and online options, others require bets to be placed only in-person. There are also restrictions in place to ensure that users are within state lines while placing bets via mobile devices.

The landscape has changed dramatically in a short period of time.

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Not all states that allow legal sports betting will choose to use online or mobile wagering platforms. Some have rules that allow online and mobile wagering anywhere within state lines, while others require bets to be placed inside a casino.

Just because you download a sports betting app that is legal in one state doesn’t mean it will work in another. Smartphone apps will verify your location within a legal betting area before allowing you to wager. You will be rejected from betting if outside the legal borders.

Where can I place a legal online sports bet?

The list of legal online sports betting states continues to grow. Currently, it’s up to 14 states and Washington, DC, but the official launch is still pending in some spots.

  • Michigan *
  • Virginia *

* Pending launch

Colorado sports betting sites

Legal sports betting was approved by voters in Colorado in 2019. The official online and mobile rollout took place on May 1, 2020, with DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers and BetMGM all going live on the same day. Several other operators have since gone live in the state.

Illinois sports betting sites

Legislation was also passed in Illinois in 2019 with the official launch taking place in March 2020. Initially, only retail betting was allowed, with in-person registration required for online and mobile players. That provision has been suspended for the time being because of the COVID-19 pandemic. DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet and BetRivers are among the available options.

Indiana sports betting sites

Sports betting was legalized in Indiana in 2019. The rollout happened quickly, with retail options opening up in September of that year, followed by online and mobile launch in October. DraftKings and BetRivers were the first sites available, followed by FanDuel a month later. The list of available options continues to grow.

Iowa sports betting sites

Iowa was also among the states that both legalized and went live with sports betting in 2019. Legislation was passed in May, with the retail and mobile launch coming in August. Through the end of 2020, online and mobile users have to register in-person at a casino that offers sports betting. DraftKings, PointsBet and William Hill are among the operators that are live in Iowa.

Nevada sports betting sites

Nevada’s days as the only option for legal US sports betting are over. Not much has changed for the state since the SCOTUS ruling. While more known for in-person wagering at casinos throughout Las Vegas such as Westgate and Caesars, the state also has online and mobile options available from operators like William Hill.

New Hampshire sports betting sites

Sports betting officially debuted in New Hampshire in December 2019 after being approved by the state Legislature earlier in the year. The approval covered both retail and mobile, but the situation is unique in NH. DraftKings is the exclusive provider of online and mobile wagering in the state and also the operator of the lone retail shops.

New Jersey sports betting sites

The Garden State was one of the first to act after the landmark Supreme Court ruling. Retail sports betting rolled out in June 2018. DraftKings was the first online option in August, followed by PlaySugarhouse and FanDuel. There are now more than a dozen options NJ sports betting apps on the market.

Oregon sports betting sites

Oregon legalized sports betting in August 2019. Retail wagering was introduced at one of the state’s tribal casinos the following month. In October, the Scoreboard sports betting app was launched. Run by the state lottery, this is the only mobile option available for sports bettors in Oregon.

Pennsylvania sports betting sites

Pennsylvania was among the states that moved quickly in the wake of the PASPA ruling. Retail sportsbooks opened for business in November 2018. The official online launch took place in May 2019. SugarHouse was the first site to go live, and it was soon joined by sister property BetRivers and others including DraftKings and FanDuel.

Rhode Island sports betting sites

Rhode Island sports betting legislation was approved in 2018, but it was initially for retail only at the state’s two operating casinos. The following year, a new bill was approved that gave the green light to mobile wagering with an in-person registration requirement, which has since been removed. The Rhode Island Lottery oversees things, with William Hill handling operations.

Tennessee sports betting sites

Tennessee approved sports betting in April 2019. It’s a unique situation as there are not expected to be any retail sportsbooks in the state. Sports bettors are now able to place mobile wagers as of November 2020.

Washington, DC, sports betting sites

The city council gave its approval to sports betting in 2018, but the bill wasn’t signed into law until the following January. GambetDC, an offering run by the lottery and powered by Intralot, is the sole online and mobile option for bettors since its launch in 2020. A William Hill retail sportsbook has since opened for business at the Capital One Arena.

West Virginia sports betting sites

West Virginia also sprang into action following the Supreme Court ruling. Retail sportsbooks opened up in September 2018. BetLucky was available for a short time as a mobile option, but it shut down the following year due to a technology dispute. DraftKings and FanDuel went live in WV soon thereafter and have since been joined by other operators.

States pending launch

Michigan sports betting sites

Sports betting was signed into law in December 2019 in Michigan. Retail sportsbooks opened up in March 2020, but the rest of the rollout is still pending. Online sports betting is expected to be live in the state by late 2020 or early 2021.

Virginia sports betting sites

Sports betting was legalized in Virginia in April 2020. According to state law, there will be a minimum of four and as many as 12 mobile options available. The hope is that the official launch will take place before the end of 2020.

To date, there are 13 NJ sports betting apps on the market.

Rhode Island sports betting sites

Rhode Island sports betting went mobile in fall 2019 after Gov. Gina Raimondo signed a bill into law in March.

Rhode Island’s sports betting operation runs through the state lottery in partnership with William Hill, so the well-known bookmaker will provide the state’s app technology. Twin River casinos offer a sports betting app through the state that can be registered for and funded remotely.

Tennessee sports betting sites

Tennessee is unique in that it legalized only online sports betting in the state. The legislature created a wide-open model that should mean a lot of different sports betting sites and apps go live beginning in November 2020. The market launches with four online sports betting operators.

Best sports betting apps in the US

The list of options for users in legal sports betting states continues to grow. Here are some of the top options available in multiple states.

DraftKings app

The daily fantasy sports giant was among the many operators awaiting the Supreme Court ruling in 2018. The company was the first online and mobile option available in NJ. DraftKings has since expanded to a number of other states, with plans for further expansion in the works. It’s known for having a slick platform and live betting feature.

DraftKings Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, IN, IL, WV, NH, IA, CO

FanDuel app

FanDuel was also ready to go soon after the SCOTUS ruling. NJ was the first point of entry for the company in sports betting, but the platform has since been unveiled in several other states. FanDuel is known for being visually appealing and user-friendly, with features like single-game parlay offerings.

FanDuel Sportsbook is legal in: PA, IN, NJ, WV, CO, IL, IA

FOX Bet app

Launched as a tag-team effort from media giant FOX Sports and The Stars Group, the platform receives great visibility throughout FOX Sports programming and has a steady stream of promotions tied in with network personalities. FOX Bet is somewhat geared toward newer bettors and is working toward launching in additional states.

FOX Bet Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, CO

BetMGM app

Originally known as playMGM upon its launch in NJ, the site and app have since been rebranded. BetMGM has been making a lot of headway with its entry into multiple states and various deals with teams and media entities. The company is one of several with designs on becoming one of the top sports betting destinations across the US.

BetMGM Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, WV, CO, IN

PointsBet app

Australia-based PointsBet debuted in NJ in 2019 and has since opened its doors in other states. The site is geared toward sports bettors and features a unique betting option known as PointsBetting. The company captured a good deal of attention with its recent deal with NBC Sports and continues to aggressively pursue market share.

PointsBet Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, IA, IN, IL

William Hill app

The UK bookmaker has had a retail presence in Nevada for some time. It has since expanded into other states both physically and via online and mobile offerings. The platform itself is easy to use and filled with features. William Hill has made some headway in the US in a short period of time and appears poised to continue on that path.

William Hill Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, CO, WV, IL, RI, NV

BetRivers app

BetRivers comes our way from Rush Street Gaming, which is also the parent company of sister site PlaySugarhouse. The company also has a retail casino presence in several states. BetRivers has come to be known for having a solid offering and good loyalty program.

BetRivers Sportsbook is legal in: PA, IN, CO, WV

Other legal sports betting apps

The overall list of legal sports betting sites is a lengthy one. Here’s a look at a few more that have debuted in multiple states to date.

BetAmerica Sportsbook

Horse racing fans are familiar with BetAmerica, an offering from Churchill Downs International. The sportsbook is now up and running in three states, while users in NJ and PA can also access casino games right from the same site.

BetAmerica Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, IN, PA

Caesars Sportsbook

The iconic Caesars name is well-known to both online and brick-and-mortar casino patrons. The sportsbook has launched in a trio of states to date. It’s a basic offering, but all of the bet types and sports you could ask for are available.

Caesars Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, IN

SportsBetting.com

This is a newer offering that has made its debut in the Colorado market. The company also has its sights set on entering the New Jersey, Indiana and Iowa markets as soon as possible. As the name implies, the site is solely focused on sports betting.

SportsBetting.com is legal in: CO

Unibet Sportsbook

Unibet is an international operator that has a big presence on the global scene. It’s now up and running in select states in the US with plans on entering more soon. This is a basic offering without a lot of bells and whistles, but solid for just getting down to business.

Unibet Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, IN

Which states are most likely to launch sports betting sites next?

Michigan and Virginia are next up on the launch watch list. The current timeline calls for MI to be live in late 2020 or early 2021, while VA is expected to be up and running before 2020 is through.

The following states have passed legislation for retail sports betting at tribal casinos, but the official launch hasn’t happened yet.

  • North Carolina
  • Washington

Plans call for retail only in both states, but the fact that sports betting legislation has been passed in at least some form can be seen as a glimmer of hope on the online front.

Three states approved ballot measures in 2020 to make some form of sports betting legal:

  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • South Dakota

A handful of states have opened up sports betting on a retail basis without launching online. Efforts to legalize online betting in these states have stalled to date, but it remains a work in progress.

  • Arkansas
  • Delaware*
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • New Mexico
  • New York

* Online legal but not launched

There are another 20 states that are at least considering some form of sports betting legislation. The list of states in which there has been absolutely no movement stands at eight.

Retail sports betting

For decades, the only state in which you could legally place a sports bet in person was Nevada. It’s a different story in the aftermath of the PASPA ruling. Here are the states (and Washington, DC) in which you’ll find retail sportsbooks.

  • Delaware
  • New Jersey
  • Mississippi
  • West Virginia
  • New Mexico
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Arkansas
  • New York
  • Iowa
  • Oregon
  • Indiana
  • New Hampshire
  • Illinois
  • Montana
  • Michigan
  • Colorado
  • Washington, DC

Washington and North Carolina are expected to be the next states to open brick-and-mortar sportsbooks at tribal casinos.

Which states are most likely to regulate sports betting next?

Sports betting legislation has at least been introduced in 20 states that have yet to act on the matter. While optimism is high that it’ll eventually be passed in each of these states, there’s nothing concrete that says it’s right around the corner for any of them. Here’s the list.

  • Maine
  • Vermont
  • Massachusetts
  • Connecticut
  • South Carolina
  • Georgia
  • Alabama
  • Ohio
  • Kentucky
  • Minnesota
  • North Dakota
  • Missouri
  • Kansas
  • Texas
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Alaska
  • Hawaii

The next legal sports betting states are likely coming from the above list at some point. Meanwhile, these states are still holding out and have yet to introduce legislation to legalize sports betting.

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  • Florida
  • Wisconsin
  • Nebraska
  • Oklahoma
  • Wyoming
  • Idaho
  • Utah

Legal vs. offshore betting

The best options available for US sports bettors come via the sites that have been approved for operations in the respective states. Gaining acceptance and approval is not easy, and those who have joined the list of approved operators have invested heavily to do so.

While there remains an active black market for sports betting via illegal offshore sites, there’s no reason to take the risk. Here are some of the main points to understand.

  • The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed in 2006 to crack down on offshore operators. The law is aimed at the companies to prevent them from doing business in the US, but many still operate due to what they claim is a legal gray area.
  • Offshore operators are not operating under the same rules and regulations that legal US betting sites are. There is no guarantee that your funds, data or information will be safely kept.
  • Legal sports betting sites have clear terms and conditions, house rules for players to follow, a wide range of normal funding options and customer service options that can be reached easily. That’s not the case with the offshore sites.

There are a few easy ways to spot which sites are on the up and up versus those that are not. For starters, the majority of legal states maintain a running list of approved operators on their websites under the division of gambling section or its equivalent.

There’s also the eye test. When an operator is legit, it will point users to the right places for information on things such as legality and responsible gambling. That’s not something that’s high on the priority list for less-than-reputable operators.

Things you can’t legally bet on in the US

Each of the individual states is responsible for setting its own rules and regulations for sports betting. As a result, not every piece of legislation that has been passed to date reads in the exact same fashion.

The standard stuff, such as team-based professional sports and major individual competitions, are good to go at all legal and regulated sportsbooks. Each of the operators will also offer various niche sports, but the list of options may vary.

One of the biggest points of difference has been on college sports. While you can bet on college football and basketball in several states, some have expressly prohibited wagering on in-state teams or on amateur events that take place in the state.

In general, the legal sportsbooks stay away from non-sports events. That means no wagering on the weather, reality television outcomes or on elections. However, wagering on the Oscars has been allowed here and there.

Why can’t you bet on the election or weather?

While there is often chatter about the betting odds for major political events such as the US presidential election, it remains illegal to bet on the outcome of that. There may be plenty of history attached to betting on who will be the next president, but that doesn’t mean it’s legal.

Legal and regulated operators offer odds and markets on sporting events. You won’t find options to bet on the weather or reality TV at the big shops, and there’s a simple reason for that: They’re not allowed to.

Sports leagues’ stance on legal sports betting

NBA

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver took a front-facing role in advocating for legal sports betting in the US. His op-ed embracing sports betting spurred discussion on the topic long before the fall of PASPA.

Before and after the Supreme Court decision, NBA officials spent most of 2018 trying to get a cut of sports betting money from various state legislatures. They helped introduce the concept of an integrity fee in state-level legislation, claiming the league would face increased monitoring and enforcement costs in a national sports betting environment.

Silver recently added to that argument by calling NBA games the league’s “intellectual property” for which it deserves compensation.

The NBA does not permit wagering on its games through the Ontario Lottery, where the Toronto Raptors play. The same policy existed when an NBA team played in Vancouver. Provinces that do not host NBA teams offer parlay cards on games for the sport.

NHL

The NHL largely let other leagues take the lead on sports betting issues prior to signing a data and marketing agreement with MGM Resorts in November 2018. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also weighed in during the Stanley Cup Final in Las Vegas: the league wants federal legislation (or state-level equivalents) and a slice of sports betting money.

The NHL launched a new franchise in Las Vegas in 2017, which is the first major professional sports team for the country’s gambling hub. The Vegas Golden Knightsdrew heavy betting interest through their inaugural season.

It has no issues with the activity in Canada. Some teams participate with lotteries that sell NHL parlay cards. The NHL also opposed new sports betting legislation in Canada.

MLB

Major League Baseball is sensitive to betting on its games. In the post-PASPA world, though, MLB advocates for sports betting legislation that includes integrity fees paid to the league.

The league also signed a data and marketing deal with MGM Resorts in November 2018. It will provide the company with exclusive rights to advanced data for in-play betting.

With regard to integrity fees, MLB went as far as having top executive Joe Torrelobby Governor Andrew Cuomo directly on New York sports betting legislation. This represents a major shift from the league’s historical attitude toward gambling.

The 1919 Chicago White Sox threw a World Series, a scandal the league wants everybody to forget. Pete Rose betting on his games and the aftermath involved in that scandal is another black eye MLB never wants to see again.

While MLB joined the New Jersey lawsuit, it has no issues with betting on Toronto Blue Jays games in Ontario. The Montreal Expos were also on parlay cards when that team existed.

NFL

America’s most powerful sports league remains largely opposed to legal sports betting. The NFL publicly fought sports betting for decades and now wants federal legislation addressing it after PASPA. Interestingly, the NFL is not advocating for integrity fees.

Despite its stance on US sports betting, the NFL allowed the move of the Raiders to Las Vegas from Oakland beginning in 2020.

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The NFL is the only major professional sports league with no direct investment into daily fantasy sports, although 28 of its 32 teams are involved in sponsorships.

NFL games are by far the most popular sports betting events in the US, with the Super Bowl generating close to $150 million in bets in Nevada by itself. The NFL plays games in London, where betting shops are on every corner, and the league seems to have no issues with that.

NCAA

Long the staunchest opponent of legal sports betting, the NCAA finds itself in a tricky position after the repeal of PASPA.

The organization detests sports betting despite the fact that college football and March Madness college betting are two of the largest drivers of handle. The NCAA instituted a de facto ban on national championship contests being held in states with legal sports betting, namely Nevada. But it reversed course after the Supreme Court decision, at least temporarily. That is in part because it already awarded future championships to states that will have sports betting.

The NCAA similarly does not like fantasy sports. It does not permit student-athletes to enter contests. Many conferences do not accept advertising from daily fantasy sites. The NCAA has attempted to convince sites to stop college fantasy sports contests, but DraftKings and FanDuel restarted their college contests post-PASPA.

PGA Tour

Professional golf jumped into the sports betting fray by supporting the integrity fee concept along with MLB and the NBA. The tour also wants sports betting operators to pay for official data from its ShotLink system.

The data question also comes up with other leagues, but the PGA Tour claims to have a different case with proprietary data. In-play betting that relies on data can easily be gleaned from TV broadcasts in many sports. The same can be said for golf with scoring, but anything more in-depth (driving distance, length of putts, etc.) could require official data.

How online sports betting in USA became legal

Challenge in New Jersey

New Jersey voters passed a non-binding referendum in November 2011 that instructed the state legislature to legalize sports betting. The legislature quickly passed a bill that would have regulated sports betting at New Jersey racetracks and Atlantic City casinos. Governor Chris Christie signed the bill into law.

The major sports leagues challenged New Jersey in court, claiming that the state was not exempted by PASPA; therefore it could not legalize sports betting. A lower court ruling sided with the leagues, and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed it. The US Supreme Court at that time refused to hear the case.

New Jersey tried another angle. The state attempted to deregulate and decriminalize sports betting in the same venues as before. The sports leagues returned to court and challenged the new approach to sports betting. The sports leagues prevailed in the lower court and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

New Jersey was able to appeal and receive a rehearing in the Third Circuit, which it also lost. The Supreme Court then agreed to hear it and New Jersey won its case in May 2018.

American Gaming Association’s stance

The American Gaming Association is the gaming industry’s lobbying group. It maintains the black market of illegal gambling is too lucrative and thrives in the unregulated environment. The AGA supported the repeal of PASPA and strongly advocates for states to be able to write their own sports betting laws.

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How is daily fantasy sports different from sports betting?

Daily fantasy sports is believed to be legal in at least 40 states, according to the companies that promote the product.

There are big differences between daily fantasy sports and sports betting.

In sports betting, a bettor picks a team or multiple teams to win or cover a point spread. In daily fantasy sports, a user chooses athletes and enters a competition that computes a winner based on the statistics accumulated by the players in a sport.

Current status of daily fantasy sports

Daily fantasy sports is generally considered to be legal in about 40 states, with laws on the books in about half of those.

States that restrict DFS

Daily fantasy sports are illegal in Iowa, Montana, Louisiana, Arizona and Washington. Nevada requires a gaming license to operate a daily fantasy sports site.

Opinions from attorneys general have emphasized the legal gray area for DFS in many states. DraftKings, FanDuel and others pulled out of Idaho, Hawaii and Alabama. FanDuel does not serve Texas, but DraftKings does.

FAQ for betting sites

Is it legal to bet on sports online?

Yes, but it depends on where you are located. Legal sports betting can be done online in many of the states mentioned above. You do not have to be a resident of a state to bet there, but you do need to be physically located within the state to place a legal online sports bet.

What is the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act?

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act passed Congress in September 2006. It made payment processing of illegal gambling transactions a federal crime. It exempted gaming specifically legalized at the state level, horse racing and some forms of fantasy sports.

Is sports betting legal in Europe?

Online sports betting is legal throughout most of Europe including the UK. This includes betting shops, mobile apps and over the Internet. Some of the best online betting sites in Europe are now operating in the US.

Is online sports betting legal in Canada?

Canada lotteries offer parlay cards on a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball and hockey. There is a push to expand betting to straight wagers. Online betting sites operate in a legal gray area.

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Is online sports betting legal in the US?

Yes, in some places. Sports betting has been legalized in a number of states to date, and the list is expected to continue growing in the coming years. In 2018, the Supreme Court placed the matter of legalizing sports betting into the hands of the individual states to decide on. While sports betting has since been legalized in a number of states, legislation hasn’t been passed on a federal level.

What is the safest betting site?

The safest options for sports betting online come via the legal and regulated operators. DraftKings and FanDuel are two examples of operators that have received approval to open for business in a number of states. Legal and regulated sites have to go through a lengthy application process, follow specific rules and regulations, and verify that customer funds are safe. That’s not the case with the unregulated options that may be available.

Why do some sports betting sites accept cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, are not available as funding options at legal and regulated sportsbooks. If you see these options available, then there’s a good chance that you have stumbled upon a black-market operator that claims it can operate safely under some kind of legal gray area. A fully legal site will provide its users with standard funding options such as credit cards, PayPal and wire transfers, and you won’t have to jump through any unnecessary hoops to deposit or withdraw.

Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?

Yes, profits obtained from sports betting or any other type of gambling are considered taxable income in the US. If you win above a certain level, operators may even provide you with a 1099-G that states your level of winnings, and the form will be filed with the IRS, as well. A complete tracking of the deposits and withdrawals you have made for gambling purposes is a good habit to get into. For specific questions in regard to your personal situation, we encourage you to consult with a tax advisor.

What legal online and mobile sports betting is available in Nevada?

Sports Connection / Station Casinos, NV Sports Books / South Point, William Hill, CG Technology, Aliante Casino, Treasure Island and Boyd Gaming all operate mobile betting apps in Nevada. Sports Connection/Station Casinos also offers a website.

Can you deposit with PayPal at legal Nevada sports betting apps?

No, at this time you cannot deposit using PayPal for any Nevada sports betting apps. You will need to deposit in person or using a pre-paid card. There are options to top off your account at some convenience stores with certain Nevada apps.

PayPal is likely to be an option for payment in other states, however.

Is it legal to play on Bovada?

No. Bovada is an unlicensed sports betting site. It is illegal for the company to operate in the US but players likely face no legal consequences.

Are there risks to betting on sports at unlicensed sites?

Offshore sportsbooks may not pay players. If a bettor gets stiffed by an unlicensed betting site, then he or she has no recourse. That does not happen at licensed sites.

Sports Betting in other countries: Australia, New Zealand