Legal Sports Betting Sites

Posted on by

2 days ago Where is sports betting legal in the US? So far, there are 21 states with active legal sports betting industries, with more on the way. Colorado, Illinois, Tennessee, Montana, Indiana, Iowa, New Hampshire, Michigan, and North Carolina all legalized wagering in 2019. The breakthrough Tennessee Sports Betting Laws have been a raging success, with the state recording the biggest debut sports betting month in U.S. State history through its 4 online sports betting sites. Legal Sports Betting in the District of Columbia (D.C) has been successfully up-and going since June 2020 when the D.C.

Sports betting, and especially legal sports betting, has been a controversial issue over the last two decades. And they continue to spark hot opinions on both sides, especially when it comes to determining which ones are legal betting sites and which ones are not. But the fact of the matter is that online gambling is not explicitly outlawed by the federal government of the United States. Furthermore, many legislators are now opting to license sportsbooks on a state-level. Still, there are plenty of points of information that you need to be aware of when thinking about joining legal sports betting sites. When you start betting online, you will need to make considerations regarding legality, safety, and convenience.

Best legal us sports betting sites

There are a lot of resources that can equip you with the knowledge to go out and bet sports online, but LegalBettingSites.com is dedicated to doing it the right way. When it comes to legal sports betting for USA players, there are plenty of legal ways to bet sports online and we want you to know how. In fact, we are some of those people who are active and avid sports bettors ourselves! As active participants with several of the leading online bookmaking websites around the world, the staff here knows all of the best legal sports betting sites that U.S. players should use. However, if you do have questions, comments, or concerns about specific bans and laws in your state or area, it is best to verify with your local officials or a paid professional.

Is It Legal To Bet On Sports In The U.S.?

Sports betting in the United States is certainly a complex issue. Luckily, it has gotten a lot less complicated with the dismantling of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). New Jersey challenged the federal law which banned sports betting across most of the U.S., and ultimately won their case much to the chagrin of the NCAA and major sports leagues. Up until the 2018 ruling, Nevada, Montana, Oregon, and Delaware were the only states legally able to offer sports betting since 1992.

Now, there is no overarching umbrella that makes sports betting illegal in the United States. Each state can choose whether or not residents will be able to legally wager on sports at local sportsbooks. In addition, states have authority over online and mobile sports wagering as well.

Are Online Sportsbooks Legal?

Again, the answer to this question is complex. There is no federal ban against online gambling, however the federal government has enacted laws that hinder online gambling entities and the way that they are funded. There are two specific pieces of legislation dealing with this. The first is the Federal Wire Act.

The Federal Wire Act of 1961 prohibits businesses from knowingly using wire communication for processing a bet or a wager. These types of operations are prohibited in the United States. However, the law does not specifically pertain to the person making a bet, merely the way that the bet is processed. It's an important distinction.

The next federal law is the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006. This act prohibits the use of credit cards and other forms of electronic funds that aids in financing gambling activity. But again, this doesn't specifically talk about the individual making the bet and therefore they can be considered exempt. But we will get into more about this down the page with deposits and withdrawals.

The important points to remember about both of these laws are that one (1) they do not make online gambling illegal, and two (2) they only apply to unregulated sites within the U.S. To further explain the second point, if your state has legalized online sports betting, casino gaming, or poker then the law does not apply. In addition, these laws are only applicable to shady US-based sites that have not obtained any kind of license. Sites like Bovada, BetOnline, and SportsBetting are based offshore, licensed, and can accept USA residents without issue.

Best Legal Sports Betting Sites

There are a number of quality and trusted sites out there that facilitate legal sports betting for USA players. When looking for the best legal betting sites to open an account with, look at the ones who offer big bonuses for betting sports online, but also plenty of options to withdraw money from your account as well. The quality online sportsbooks will make it very easy to deposit, but also easy to withdraw your money. It's quick (just a few minutes) and simple to sign up, and they don't cost a dime to become a member.

#1 RATED!

BetOnline Sports - No One That Meets Their State's Gambling Age Denied

BetOnline is a quality online sports betting site, and it’s long established itself as one of the very best in the business. They have all the sports you would want to wager on, from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and NCAA action top horse racing betting, soccer betting, and plenty more. Best of all, this legal online sportsbook is legal for players in all 50 states! It only takes a few minutes to get registered at BetOnline, and you will soon be able to place all the bets on sports that you please with ease.

BetOnline also makes it easy to deposit into your account and offers a number of options for making withdrawals, from wire transfers, checks through the mail, or other forms of Internet payment mediums, like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, and DASH. No matter which way you go, each of the different deposit + withdrawal options are solid, work with high success, and are 100% trusted. BetOnline is one of the most legit sports betting sites on the market today, and new members can get a 50% deposit match bonus worth up to $1000!

#2 RATED!

Bovada Sports - New Players Get 50% - $250 Bonus; No MD, DE, NV, NJ Players

Bovada is one of the foremost trusted online sports betting sites out there today. They have been in the business for a generation, and they offer a ton of betting odds for a variety of sports. Bovada frequently offers bonuses when users sign up at this sports betting site, and the service also keeps members up to date with the latest happenings in sports, from both the U.S. and abroad.

Besides being one of the best legal betting sites for players in the U.S., Bovada provides everything you could ever want from an online betting site. Among their specialties are NFL Football, NHL Hockey, and UFC fights, but they are also very popular when it comes to betting on the NBA, NASCAR, Major League Baseball, and all the sports in between. Join Bovada now and secure your $250 Sports Welcome Bonus!

#3 Rated!

SportsBetting - Friendly To All Players In The U.S. / Minimum Age Required: 18+

One of the top online sports betting sites for American customers is SportsBetting. This sportsbook is able to allow many countries, including the United States, the opportunity to place legal real-money wagers. SportsBetting is located in Panama City, Panama, and operates outside the purview of U.S. federal law. SportsBetting is very welcoming of players in the U.S., allowing residents of all 50 states to create an account and place bets.

Deposit options at SportsBetting are extremely varied, as well. Of most noteworthy import is the fact that unlike most other big-time online sportsbooks, SportsBetting actually accepts American Express in addition to the Visa and Mastercard industry standards. Credit cards are very safe and fast ways to make deposits into your SportsBetting account, though the site also accepts extremely popular cryptocurrency options like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, DASH, Ethereum, and Litecoin. New SportsBetting members can get up to $1000 in free-play bonuses just for signing up, and returning members can score perks with every fresh deposit.

#4 Rated!


MyBookie Sports - First Deposit Bonus Up to $1,000

MyBookie is one of the most comprehensive sports betting sites for bettors of all levels of experience to join. This sports betting site gives bettors the chance to bet real money on the latest NFL, MLB, and NBA games. MyBookie is an offshore sportsbook that accepts players from the United States. It’s completely legal to use MyBookie because the company is based outside the jurisdiction of the US government. MyBookie’s easy to use mobile site makes betting from any mobile device seamless. In order to use MyBookie and all its great features, bettors only need to be 18 years old but it is best to check your local laws on the legal gambling age.

There are a plethora of betting lines, game props, and player props to be bet on at MyBookie making this a favorite among offshore sportsbooks. One of the incentives that give MyBookie a slight edge over most sports betting sites is its generous welcome bonus. Currently, MyBookie has a Welcome Bonus promotion where they’ll match worth up to 50% of a user's first deposit in free play up to $1,000. This promotion bonus gives bettors free extra money to and can be redeemed as soon as your account is created and the first deposit is made. All things considered, MyBookie gives legal sports bettors a platform to continue betting on their favorite sports without having to worry about breaking the law.

  • COUNTRY
  • LEGAL SPORTSBOOK
  • PLAYERS ACCEPTED
  • RATING
  • MOBILE?
  • MORE INFO
  • VISIT
  • BetOnline Sportsbook
  • Accepts U.S. Players From All 50 States
  • Bovada Sportsbook
  • No Players In DE, MD, NJ, or NV
SportsLegal Sports Betting Sites
  • SportsBetting Sportsbook
  • Accepts U.S. Players From All 50 States
  • MyBookie Sportsbook
  • Accepts U.S. Players From All 50 States
  • BetDSI Sportsbook
  • Accepts U.S. Players From All 50 States
Online

Latest Legal Betting News

He's Baaack...He won big, betting big on Tiger at the Masters, now he is trying to parlay it to an even bigger payout as William Hill has given him 100-1 odds.
NASCAR is seeking a place in the budding legal sports betting arena. Officials are hoping legal wagering will reverse a decade-long decline in TV verwership.
Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone wins his bout and makes it clear who he wants next...Conor McGregor! See how sportsbboks are reacting to the possible bout.
New Jersey is trying to solve the funding issues at legal betting sites. The EML card will be just like an ATM card for sports betting.
Unauthorized bets on Rutgers and Monmouth University just cost PokerStars 10 grand. NJ law does not allow wagering on college teams from the state, and it apparently means business.

More Legal Betting FAQs

Is Online Sports Betting Safe?

In today's online community, it's hard to guarantee the complete safety of anything that you do online. But these online sports betting sites who deal with a ton of money would not be in operation if they were insecure. In fact, they would have no customers at all. The best legal betting sites, who we have mentioned on this site, have a reputation of protecting personal and financial information for their account holders, so that you can feel confident in depositing and withdrawing money from your account. These online sports betting sites keep your information as private as possible and all steps are taken to prevent it from being revealed to unauthorized users.

Will I Go To Jail For Betting On Sports?

The short answer is no, but we can further explain. From a legal perspective, there are laws in place that specifically deal with operators of online gaming and betting sites in the United States. Though we mention numerous legal betting sites and some places that have legalized wagering, there are still some states who ban all online sports betting at their state level. As we told you before about the two federal acts, and some of the laws at the state level, online sports betting is a complex issue.

But, will you go to jail?

Unless you own and operate an illegal sports betting site, you will not go to jail for betting on sports online. You may also live in a state where sports betting is legal, in which case you certainly have nothing to worry about. Those legal sports betting sites that we detailed do not operate in the United States, and are outside of the U.S jurisdiction. Most operate in Panama or Costa Rica (close to the U.S) and cater to legal sports betting for USA players.

How Old Do I have To Be To Bet Sports Legally Online?

If you were to ask everyone you meet, the general consensus would be that Americans need to be at least 18, but it is important to consult and view the rules and regulations of the specific sportsbook that you are looking to bet at. Also remember to check the local gambling age for your state or area. Even if these legal sports betting sites accept U.S.A players, you don't want to violate the laws of the gambling age. The same can be said about any legal betting site whether it be a legal online casino or poker room.

How Do I Deposit Into Legal Online Sportsbook?

When it comes to legal sports betting for USA players, sites are aware of the unique banking restrictions that are in place. That is why there are a variety of ways in which you can deposit into your online sportsbook account. A Credit Card is one way, but there are also other forms of electronic transactions like a wire transfer. Western Union is a good example of a wire transfer. Other ways include the use of e-wallets (similar to PayPal), bank wires, sending a check through the mail, or using a prepaid card; it all depends on what is available at the particular legal sports betting site you're interested in using. Lately, the most popular way of funding online sportsbook accounts has been to use Bitcoin or another accepted cryptocurrency, like Litecoin, Ethereum, DASH, or Bitcoin Cash.

How Do I Withdraw Money From Legal Sports Betting Sites?

Just like depositing, there are a number of ways in which you can withdrawal money from online sportsbook account. Internet payment mediums like the ones we mentioned, such as an electronic wallet (similar services to PayPal), cash wire transfers, bank transfers etc. However, one option that is almost always on the table is a check sent through the mail from the sportsbook. This typically takes the longest, but you would avoid some of the small fees associated with using these electronic transfers of funds. Of course, Bitcoin and the other supported cryptocurrencies that are great for deposits are also excellent for withdrawals, as they have same-day transfers, high limits, and no added processing fees.

Which States Have Legal Sports Betting

Currently, the states that have legalized sports betting and have active sportsbooks are Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Mississippi, New Mexico, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Arkansas, New York, Iowa, Oregon, and Indiana. Other states have legalized the industry but are in the process of creating regulations, receiving approval from the voters in a referendum, or are testing their platforms. The states that have not launched but are working toward it are Montana, Washington DC, Illinois, Tennessee, Colorado, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Virginia. A few have interesting situations to their name, such as Tennessee, who only approved mobile betting without having the need to associate with a casino; meanwhile, Colorado and Virginia must receive voter approval from the upcoming November 2019 ballot before the legalization process even begins.

The Future Of Legal Sports Betting In 2020 And Beyond

Now that the United States Supreme Court has ruled that PASPA is unconstitutional, expect widespread sports betting regulation across the nation. Even before the 6-3 vote was noted, more than 12 states had already started writing preemptive sports betting legislation. Sports fans across the USA can expect to be able to wager on sports at casinos, off-track betting venues, sports lounges, and other state-licensed locations. A trip to Nevada is no longer necessary to bet on NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, or NCAA sporting events. Since Delaware launched on June 5, 2018, and became the second state to have an operating sportsbook, we’re sitting with two-dozen ready for operation. The total money wagered by Americans at every legal sportsbook in the country has surpassed the $11 billion mark, and that was mainly without mobile betting established.