Legal sports betting has exploded across America since the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban in 2018. As of March 2026, 39 states plus Washington D.C. have legalized some form of sports betting, with 31 states offering online/mobile wagering.
Here’s where every state stands — and how much you can earn from sportsbook bonuses in each.
States With Legal Online Sports Betting (31 States + D.C.)
These states allow you to sign up for sportsbooks, claim bonuses, and bet from your phone. Listed alphabetically with the number of available sportsbooks and estimated total welcome bonus value.
| State | Online Since | # of Sportsbooks | Est. Total Bonus Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 2021 | 15+ | $8,000+ |
| Colorado | 2020 | 16+ | $9,000+ |
| Connecticut | 2021 | 3 | $3,000+ |
| Delaware | 2023 | 1 | $1,000+ |
| Illinois | 2020 | 10+ | $7,000+ |
| Indiana | 2019 | 10+ | $7,000+ |
| Iowa | 2019 | 10+ | $7,000+ |
| Kansas | 2022 | 6+ | $5,000+ |
| Kentucky | 2023 | 7+ | $6,000+ |
| Louisiana | 2022 | 10+ | $7,000+ |
| Maine | 2024 | 2+ | $2,000+ |
| Maryland | 2023 | 8+ | $6,000+ |
| Massachusetts | 2023 | 8+ | $6,000+ |
| Michigan | 2021 | 12+ | $8,000+ |
| New Hampshire | 2019 | 2+ | $2,000+ |
| New Jersey | 2018 | 15+ | $9,000+ |
| New York | 2022 | 9+ | $7,000+ |
| North Carolina | 2024 | 8+ | $6,000+ |
| Ohio | 2023 | 12+ | $8,000+ |
| Oregon | 2019 | 2+ | $2,000+ |
| Pennsylvania | 2019 | 12+ | $8,000+ |
| Rhode Island | 2019 | 2+ | $2,000+ |
| Tennessee | 2020 | 8+ | $6,000+ |
| Vermont | 2024 | 2+ | $2,000+ |
| Virginia | 2021 | 10+ | $7,000+ |
| Washington D.C. | 2020 | 3+ | $3,000+ |
| West Virginia | 2019 | 5+ | $4,000+ |
| Wyoming | 2021 | 3+ | $3,000+ |
Top states for matched betting potential: Colorado, New Jersey, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio — all have 12+ sportsbooks, meaning the most bonus opportunities.
States With Retail-Only Sports Betting (8 States)
These states have legal sports betting but only at physical locations (casinos, racetracks). No mobile apps or online accounts.
| State | Notes |
|---|---|
| Montana | Through state lottery at retail locations |
| Nebraska | In-person only at casinos |
| Nevada | Online available but primarily casino-based |
| New Mexico | Tribal casinos only |
| North Dakota | Tribal casinos only |
| South Dakota | Deadwood casinos only |
| Washington | Tribal casinos only (must be on tribal land) |
| Wisconsin | Tribal casinos only |
Nevada technically has online betting (through casino apps), but registration must be done in person.
States Where Sports Betting Is NOT Legal (11 States)
| State | Status |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Bills introduced repeatedly; failed |
| Alaska | HB 145 introduced March 2025; no progress |
| California | Two ballot measures failed November 2022 |
| Florida | Legal status in dispute (Seminole Tribe compact under litigation) |
| Georgia | Bills introduced but not passed |
| Hawaii | No active legislation |
| Idaho | No active legislation |
| Minnesota | Bills introduced; stalled |
| Missouri | Legalization vote failed narrowly in 2024 |
| South Carolina | No active legislation |
| Texas | Bills introduced; no progress |
| Utah | Constitutionally prohibits all gambling |
States to Watch in 2026
Several states are actively considering legalization:
- Missouri: Narrowly missed legalization in 2024. New bill expected in 2026 session.
- Georgia: Growing bipartisan support. Could see a vote in 2026.
- Texas: Massive market potential. Legislative opposition remains strong, but pressure is mounting.
- California: The biggest prize. Two failed ballot measures, but operators haven’t given up.
- Florida: Seminole Tribe compact litigation could resolve, reopening online betting.
How to Maximize Your State’s Sportsbook Bonuses
If You Live in a High-Sportsbook State (10+ books)
States like NJ, PA, CO, AZ, MI, and OH are goldmines. With 10–16 sportsbooks each offering $500–$1,500 in welcome bonuses, you’re looking at $7,000–$10,000+ in total bonus value.
Strategy: Sign up for every available sportsbook systematically. Start with the largest bonuses (BetMGM $1,500, DraftKings $1,200) and work your way down. Convert each bonus before moving to the next.
If You Live in a Low-Sportsbook State (2–5 books)
States like CT, DE, NH, OR, and VT have fewer options but still offer $2,000–$4,000 in total bonus value.
Strategy: Maximize every offer thoroughly. Use ongoing weekly promotions (profit boosts, reload offers) since you have fewer welcome bonuses to churn through.
If You Travel Between States
Sportsbook availability is based on your physical location at the time of betting. If you travel to a state with more sportsbooks, you can sign up for additional accounts there. You just need to be physically present in the state when placing bets.
Example: A Vermont resident (2 sportsbooks) visiting New Jersey for the weekend could sign up for 10+ additional sportsbooks and claim all their welcome bonuses.
Premium States for Sportsbook Affiliate Earnings
If you’re interested in affiliate marketing (promoting sportsbooks and earning commissions), the highest-paying states are:
| State | Affiliate CPA Range |
|---|---|
| New York | $200–$400 per referral |
| New Jersey | $200–$400 per referral |
| Pennsylvania | $200–$400 per referral |
| Illinois | $150–$350 per referral |
| Michigan | $150–$350 per referral |
| Average (other states) | $50–$200 per referral |
These “premium” states pay more because sportsbooks value customers in high-population, high-regulation markets.
The Bottom Line
Legal sports betting is available in most of the US, and the combined value of sportsbook welcome bonuses represents a genuine money-making opportunity. Whether you’re extracting bonuses through matched betting or building an affiliate site, understanding your state’s sports betting landscape is the first step.
See all current sportsbook bonuses →
Learn matched betting basics →
This guide is updated monthly as new states legalize and sportsbook offers change. Last update: March 2026.