The impact of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn a federal law that prohibited gambling on sporting events has quickly changed the betting landscape across the country, with many states deciding to open up and accept the revenue to be made in taxes from sports betting.
Here, Gambling Insider looks at the illegal states and the possibilities each has of becoming legal in the future.
Despite the 2018 decision by the Supreme Court to overturn PASPA, some states have taken time in deciding whether or not to legalise sports betting. Some are on the verge of allowing citizens to do it, while others are staunchly against the practice and have stated complete opposition to ever allowing it.
Currently, Maine and Nebraska are on the verge of legalising sports betting, and becoming the 35th and 36th states to do so. However, until that is confirmed, both remain unable to offer citizens sports betting.
The state of play
| Currently Not Legal: | 17 |
|---|---|
| Not Soon: | 6 |
| Possible: | 7 |
| Bill Passed: | 3 |
| Limbo: | 1 |
The unregulated and up-and-coming states
| STATE | NOT SOON | POSSIBLE | BILL PASSED | LIMBO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | YES | NO | NO | NO |
| Alaska | YES | NO | NO | NO |
| California* | NO | YES | NO | NO |
| Florida* | NO | NO | NO | YES |
| Georgia | NO | YES | NO | NO |
| Hawaii | YES | NO | NO | NO |
| Idaho | NO | YES | NO | NO |
| Kentucky | NO | NO | YES | NO |
| Maine | NO | NO | YES | NO |
| Minnesota | NO | YES | NO | NO |
| Missouri | NO | YES | NO | NO |
| Nebraska | NO | NO | YES | NO |
| Oklahoma | YES | NO | NO | NO |
| South Carolina | YES | NO | NO | NO |
| Texas | NO | YES | NO | NO |
| Utah | YES | NO | NO | NO |
| Vermont | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Frequently asked questions
What is the deal with California?
California is a state that many would think had already legalised sports betting; however, it is not so – the Tribes are currently at loggerheads with commercial operators when it comes to the subject of sports betting. Propositions 26 & 27 were pushed by the state to give citizens the choice on legal sports betting but neither succeeded. Due to that failure, sports betting has been estimated to be anywhere from two to four years away – or perhaps further, depending on the source.
Why is Florida in limbo?
Florida is a special case due to the complex issues that surround the legalisation of sports betting there. Currently, the legality of sports betting is making its way through the Florida court system due to a series of legal challenges made by several parties, including the Seminole Tribe – which has tried to claim sole ownership of sports betting in the Sunshine State – and the Department of Justice – which initially approved a compact that would allow online sports betting in Florida, but was later found to be unlawful.
Why are some states not even considering legalising?
Meanwhile, states such as Utah – due to its high proportion of Mormons – have been staunchly opposed to sports betting in all of its forms. Representatives from Utah have repeatedly stated that it will never allow sports betting, leaving even the hardest pushing of sports betting proponents convinced of Utah’s cemented position. The only hope for those that want to bet on sports and live in Utah is to go to Colorado, Arizona or Nevada to place wagers.
