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.
Affiliate Disclosure: HustlEdge may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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.
How many states have legal sports betting in 2026?
As of 2026, 39 states plus Washington D.C. have legalized some form of sports betting. Of those, 31 states allow online and mobile wagering from your phone or computer, while 8 states are retail-only (in-person at casinos or physical locations).
Which states have the most sportsbooks?
Colorado, New Jersey, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio each have 12–16+ licensed sportsbooks — the highest concentrations in the country. These states offer the most welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions, making them ideal for matched betting and bonus churning strategies.
Can I bet online if I’m in a state where betting isn’t legal?
No. All online sports betting platforms use GPS and IP verification to confirm you’re physically located in a legal state when placing bets. However, if you travel to a legal state, you can sign up and bet there — the key is your physical location at the time of the bet.
What states are closest to legalizing sports betting?
Missouri, Georgia, Texas, California, and Florida are the most-watched states for 2026 legalization. Missouri narrowly missed in 2024, Georgia has growing bipartisan support, and Texas faces strong legislative opposition but massive market pressure.
How much can I earn from sportsbook welcome bonuses?
In a high-sportsbook state like New Jersey, Colorado, or Pennsylvania, total welcome bonus value across all available sportsbooks can exceed $10,000. Most bonuses range from $500–$1,500 per sportsbook. Using matched betting techniques to convert these bonuses into guaranteed cash is a proven way to earn $2,000–$5,000+.
Is sports betting legal in Texas?
No — sports betting is not currently legal in Texas as of 2026. Bills have been introduced but have not passed. Texas is considered one of the biggest potential markets due to its large population, but legislative opposition remains strong.
Which states have retail-only sports betting?
Montana, Nebraska, Nevada (primarily), New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin have retail-only sports betting — meaning you must physically visit a casino or licensed location to place bets. No mobile or online accounts are available.
