Since 2018 we have seen a shift in the thinking and laws regarding sports betting in the United States. After generations of laws and rules banning gambling, officials in the White House finally lifted restrictions on the business of legal and licensed sportsbook gambling, allowing each state to set their rules and regulations. We have seen an explosion of bookies and betting across the US.
What are the rules in your area? Gambling laws aren’t national, meaning the Ohio sports betting rules may be different from the party line in New York or California. You may find yourself residing in a state where betting is illegal, but you can legally wager in the next state or region you intend to visit for business or pleasure. A lot is going on, and you must stay up to speed with the rules if you plan on betting.
This article contains all the information you need to check the gambling laws in your state, the equipment you need to begin betting and any offers you should be aware of. We have organised the page into a frequently asked questions style which we hope makes the page easier to read and understand while helping you quickly locate the question and answer that best suits your needs. Let’s get started.
Pages of Contents
Is betting legal in the US?
Betting is legal in some parts of the United States but don’t be fooled into thinking that gambling is accepted and welcomed from coast to coast. A growing number of states have jumped to accepting sports bets, such as New Jersey, Ohio and, of course, Nevada. Some areas have put the topic to a vote, with New York and California preparing to go to the polls later this year.
Then there are the states who remain dead against betting and won’t even entertain the idea of legalising betting. Many experts have predicted that the number of states where gambling is legal will one day outweigh the states where betting is illegal, but that’s not the case today. Always check the rules before you attempt to place a bet.
How do I check if I can gamble?
The quickest way to check if betting is legal in your zone or an area you visit on business or vacation is to enable the geo-location settings on your smartphone, then visit an online bookmaker’s app and sign-up.
You will be permitted to visit an app and create an account but will be advised of the latest gambling laws in your area. If gambling is permitted, you can register an account, deposit funds and place bets. If gambling isn’t allowed in that state, you can register your betting account, but any attempts to bet will be blocked. This will change when you move to a state or country where bets are accepted.
What do I need to get started?
If betting is legal in your region, you should join a bookmaker through their website or mobile app. Click the Join Us or Register tab at the top of the page, then fill in the registration form, providing all the necessary information. You can then create a username and password, deposit funds and place bets on sports.
Will I receive a free bet?
The best online bookmakers offer all new players a welcome bonus free bet which is a reward for choosing one sportsbook over the competition. The online gambling industry has become fiercely competitive since the US changed its laws, with the world’s biggest and best sportsbooks vying for your attention. Most sites will award you a free bet that is equal in value to your first deposit.
Which sports can I gamble on?
When you have registered an account that is legal and licensed in your region, made a deposit and qualified for the free bet, you will have access to dozens of sports, hundreds of competitions and thousands of betting markets—Gamble on the NFL, NHL or UFC. Have your say pre-match or in-play on a fixture from the English Premier League. Play one of the betting specials, such as enhanced odds, on this weekend’s live boxing bout.
