SportsBetting in the US

Key Details

• As of 2023, sports betting is legally offered through retail and/or online sportsbooks in 33 states and Washington DC.
• The legal minimum age for placing sports bets at U.S.-based sportsbooks is usually 21 years.
• Eight states have yet to introduce any legislation for mobile sports betting: North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Alaska, California, Washington, Idaho Montana Utah and Delaware.
• The legality of online horse racing wagering varies by state; over 44 US states allow pari-mutuel wagering on horses either at the track or off the track locations

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in the US?

Online sports betting is technically legal in the US. This is because different states are responsible for enacting their respective sport betting regulations.

This means that sports betting is lawfully offered through retail and/or online sportsbooks in these states. In addition, there are 3 states, comprising Maine, Florida, and Nebraska, where sports betting is legal but not yet functioning; legal sportsbooks have not been established in these jurisdictions.

On the other hand, as of Mar 2023, 8 states have laws to legalize sports betting that have been pre-filed/introduced or slated for a voter referendum. These states include South Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma, Vermont, Hawaii, Missouri, and Kentucky.

Similarly, mobile sportsbooks are active and legal in 32 states and Washington, D.C. These include Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Connecticut, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Tennessee.

In early 2023, states without any mobile sports betting legislation include North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Alaska, California, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Delaware.

What Sportsbooks are legal in the US?

There are more than 40 state-regulated and licensed sportsbooks in the United States. Some of the top legal online sportsbooks in the US.

• DraftKings Sportsbook
• FanDuel Sportsbook
• BetMGM Sportsbook
• Caesars Sportsbook
• BetRivers Sportsbook
• PointsBet Sportsbook
• BetWay Sportsbook
• FoxBet Sportsbook
• Unibet Sportsbook
• Golden Nugget Sportsbook

How Old Do You Have to be to Sports Bet in the US?

Even though each state is allowed to make its own laws on minimum sports betting age requirements, the minimum age limit of 21 years to sports bet is common to most US sportsbooks.

However, there are a few sportsbooks that permit 18+ bettors at their gambling facilities. The table below shows the US states where bettors have to be 21 to place a sports bet and those where the minimum age requirement is 18+.

Some states have imposed a minimum age limit of 21 due to their online sports betting market, whereas others have capped theirs at 18 due to the presence of only land-based sportsbooks.

To make sense of the differing minimum age requirements at US sports betting facilities, the following section breaks down the different types of sports gambling and their age requirements.

Online Sports Betting Age Limit in US States

Besides New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C., and Wyoming, where bettors 18 years and above are permitted to place sports bets online and in retail sportsbooks, all other states have conditions or limitations on their minimum sports betting age limits.

For gamblers above the age of 21, the following states allow online sports betting:

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• West Virginia

Retail Sportsbook Minimum Gambling Age

The minimum age requirement to place sports bets at land-based sportsbooks is 21 years. These gambling facilities typically set the age at 21 to comply with state laws.

Since the national legal minimum drinking age is 21, most states set their minimum age limits to 21 to permit alcoholic beverages at their retail sportsbooks.

Tribal casinos, on the other hand, are not subject to state legislation unless they have signed compacts with the state. The National Indian Gaming Commission, established by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), regulates tribal casinos. As a result, tribal casinos have more leeway when it comes to the legal gambling age.

Tribal-operated casino businesses in several states will set the age slightly lower, usually at 18 or 19 years old. This may imply that the properties will not offer alcohol in some situations. Others use ID checks to prevent 18-to-20-year-old customers from purchasing alcohol.

The following states have some form of land-based gambling for those aged 18 and above:

• Certain cardrooms and tribal casinos in California
• Tribal casinos in Idaho
• Certain tribal casinos in Michigan
• Certain tribal casinos in Minnesota
• Casinos on the ground in Montana
• Certain casinos in Oklahoma

Horse Racing: Online & Live

In general, bettors must be 18 or older to wager on horse races, whether in person, at off-track betting establishments, or online through services like TwinSpires or TVG.

The minimum is slightly higher in a few states. Those who wager on horse races in Arizona, Iowa, Nevada, and Texas must be 21 or older.

Lottery Age Requirements

Only a small number of states do not have any lottery games, and the overwhelming majority of those that do set the minimum age at 18 in their jurisdictions. You must be at least 18 years old in most US states to purchase scratch-off tickets, play Powerball, or take part in other lottery activities.

The minimum age to play lottery games in Nebraska is 19. In Louisiana and Iowa, you have to be 21 or older to play the lotto.

Is it okay to join more than one betting site?

You may open as many betting accounts as you wish, so long as you only open one at each sportsbook.

Even though every sportsbook would prefer that you bet exclusively with them, they can't prevent you from wagering elsewhere. Therefore, there is no limit to the number of online betting services you can use.

However, if you attempt to open multiple accounts with a bookmaker, you are engaging in gnoming. Such action is frowned upon and restricted by sportsbooks.

Creating multiple betting accounts in this manner will place you squarely in a legal gray area that will likely result in a ban from major bookmakers.

Can you bet on Horses Online in the US?

In the United States, the legality of online horse racing wagering differs by state. As of February 2023, the following states that have legalized and regulated online horse racing betting are shown in the table below.

In some states listed above, bettors can use legally licensed and regulated online racebooks. However, in others, they must resort to using advanced deposit wagering (ADW) platforms. These platforms allow bettors to fund their accounts with a licensed and regulated betting operator and then wager on horse races.

Noting that statutes and regulations pertaining to online horse racing betting can change rapidly, it is always advisable to contact your state's gaming commission or attorney general's office to verify the current laws and regulations.

The states primarily regulate gambling in the United States, including wagers on horse racing. As of February 2023, more than 44 states had enacted legislation permitting pari-mutuel wagering on horse races. However, there is considerable variation as far as how residents of these states can wager. Some states only allow wagering at the track. Others provide off-track betting in a variety of areas. Still, others permit horse racing wagering but do not have race tracks.

The same holds true for telephone and internet wagering: Some states permit it, while others do not.

Advance deposit wagering (ADW) companies are licensed – typically in Oregon or North Dakota – to offer online horse racing wagering in states where local legislation authorizes it. Some of these providers conduct business in states that allow pari-mutuel wagering. Still, they do not specifically permit online wagering but do so at their own risk of being sued.

If you reside in a jurisdiction where pari-mutuel betting is illegal, none of the legitimate ADW providers will jeopardize their licenses by accepting you as a customer. In this scenario, only offshore racebooks are available.

The Interstate Horse Racing Act

In 1978, the United States enacted legislation that would eventually pave the way for online horse racing wagering. The law was known as the Interstate Horse Racing Act, and it essentially permitted individual states to form wagering relationships with one another.

This Act ushered in the era of simulcast horse racing betting. It enabled live simulcast feeds of horse racing in other states and allowed states to connect their own parimutuel pools.

Individual states have the discretion to engage in the legalization of online horse betting. Some states choose to prohibit internet betting.

Do you have to live in the US to bet online?

To legally wager online in the United States, you must be physically present in the country. There are essentially two ways to wager online: through state-regulated online betting platforms or through offshore gambling. The legal status of offshore gambling sites that cater to US citizens is uncertain.

Even though offshore betting providers have been in business for over 25 years, since the introduction of the Internet, the legality of US players has become a major legal problem affecting wagering on these sites.

In other words, those who place wagers want to know if doing so can result in imprisonment. The answer is probably no. However, it is illegal to transfer money from offshore sportsbooks to your bank account.

When you deposit, wager, and withdraw money from offshore gambling sites, you violate United States law. Individual gamers are not subject to the law unless they are "involved in the business" of gambling. Instead, only individuals who take money in connection with wagers are subject to the law.

In particular, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) makes it illegal to take credit, electronic funds transfers, checks, or any other bank transaction proceeds in connection with an individual's participation in illegal online betting.

In other words, no one may accept or process money destined for illegal offshore gaming platforms. Infringements of the UIGEA are punishable by both imprisonment and monetary fines.

Federal Laws to Limit Offshore Gambling

Sports betting is the only form of gambling covered by the Wire Act; online poker and other forms of gambling are exempted. In an opinion issued in 2011, the Department of Justice elaborated on this point. This position was shared by the Fifth Circuit in a 2002 ruling that narrowed the reach of the Wire Act. Therefore, the existing regulations only partially covered online gambling.

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was passed in 2006 to put restrictions on online casinos. In order to combat the rise of offshore gaming operations, current regulations such as the Wire Act and the Travel Act were found wanting. States, and the federal government, to a lesser extent, could regulate gambling within their own borders, but it was extremely difficult to put an end to when it crossed state lines or, more importantly, international borders. The money flow may be disrupted to some extent by charging offshore activities in absentia, but not much more.

When it comes to combating internet gambling, UIGEA provided law enforcement with a new weapon. To this end, UIGEA's major tool was an effort to "go after the money." Credit cards and wire transfers made it simple to fund accounts.

It is essential to understand what the UIGEA rendered illegal. The legislation did not prohibit the act of placing a wager offshore. Individual gamers are not subject to the law unless they are "involved in the business" of gambling. Instead, only individuals who take money in connection with wagers are subject to the law.

By its terms, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) makes it criminal to knowingly facilitate or engage in financial transactions that facilitate illegal online gambling on the part of another person. Thus, no one may act as a payment processor or bank for offshore gambling sites, as these are illegal in the United States.

Withdrawals and Deposits

U.S. sports bettors can now use a wide variety of payment methods, including wire transfers, e-wallets, and even cash, to deposit and withdraw from accounts at top sportsbook apps. Some of the most common deposit and withdrawal options at US-friendly sportsbooks are as follows:

• PayPal
• (ACH) VIP preferred e-Check
• Visa/MasterCard credit and debit cards
• Online banking transfer
• Play+ Prepaid Cards
• PayNearMe
• Cash at the casino cage
• Bank wire transfer
• Paper checks
• Skrill
• Neteller
• Venmo

What’s the Maximum amount that I can Deposit for sports betting in the US?

The maximum deposit amount that bettors can make at a US-licensed sportsbook varies based on different factors. Deposit amount restrictions may have been established by the state or a regulatory body. For instance, the following state-imposed deposit limits may apply to residents of or visitors to Massachusetts, Maryland, or Tennessee:

• Massachusetts - $1,000
• Tennessee - $2,500
• Maryland - $5,000

Regulatory agencies may also put in place responsible gambling measures which allow bettors to cap their daily, weekly, or monthly deposits into their sportsbook account. However, players may have their deposit limits removed or raised by submitting a relevant application form to their sportsbook.

What’s the maximum amount permitted for a Stake in Sports betting?

The maximum amount allowed for a sports bet by punters depends on a combination of factors: the sportsbook’s discretion, type of sports, type of competition, and odds types, among others.

Sportsbooks typically have the authority to cap or refuse wagers based on their rules. DraftKings, for example, limits the maximum bet amount so that the payout after the wager amount is subtracted on any bet or combination of bets placed by an individual account holder does not exceed $500,000. Similarly, FanDuel Sportsbook has the right to refuse specific Sportsbook bets or to reduce stakes on an individual or group basis at its sole discretion.

The maximum wager will also change according to the sport, type of competition, and odds type. The lowest payout level provided for the sport in the sportsbook's rules will be used to determine the maximum bet amount if a wager combines offers from other sports, categories, games, or offer types.

The two most well-known sportsbooks in the US are FanDuel and DraftKings. You may argue that they don't actually have maximum stake limitations based on how their regulations have worded their maximum bet limits. Instead, they have set a restriction on winnings at certain levels. There is no distinction between the NFL, NBA, and MLB. A single winning wager from either sportsbook will pay out a maximum of $1 million.

But if you take a look at most of the other sports and leagues they cover, you'll observe a diverse range of upper limits. While DraftKings caps payments at $250,000 for all non-NFL football wagers, FanDuel will go up to $1 million on college football and up to $500,000 for other non-NFL and NCAA football bets, such as CFL games.

What’s the minimum amount permitted for a stake in sports betting?

The most popular option at the best legal sportsbook websites is a minimum deposit of $10, as depicted in the table below. Since this is the standard, it unquestionably qualifies as having a modest minimum deposit. A betting site with an even lower minimum amount might be found online. For instance, the minimum deposit amount for DraftKings is $5, which is a great deal considering that it is one of the top platforms accessible.

Even though the industry standard sportsbook minimum deposit is $10, it’s not a bad idea to look around to see if you can find one with a lower minimum deposit requirement.

How long do Withdrawals take for Sports Betting?

It largely depends on the chosen payment method. After your account has been validated, your withdrawal request will normally be executed within 24 hours. This process could take longer, though, if the sportsbook asks you for more documentation.

Following account verification, Caesars Sportsbook withdrawals are typically completed in 24 hours; however, it may occasionally take 48 hours if more documentation is needed. The most popular withdrawal methods at US sportsbooks are included in the table below, along with an expected time for withdrawal completion.

Bettors should note that not all of the above payment methods will be available to them owing to a number of variables, so they should check with their preferred sportsbook to find out their alternatives. Furthermore, the above-mentioned times are the usual processing times; actual withdrawal times may be longer. To learn more about the withdrawal procedure, check out the Help section of your sportsbook.

What is Live Betting?

There are various names for live betting. It may be referred to as in-play or in-game betting, depending on the sportsbook. They all refer to wagering on an ongoing competition, which is what they all mean.

Live bets are processed in the middle of the action, as opposed to pre-game bets, which take place before the game. You should take a lot of things into account while developing your live betting strategy. Understanding the many live betting options offered by the majority of sportsbooks and the sports that lend themselves to in-game betting, in general, is helpful.

Types of Live Bets

During the course of a sporting event, you can make a variety of different live bets. These are some examples of typical live bets:

Moneyline Bets

This is a wager on the eventual winner (team or player) of a game or competition. Betting on the game's outcome in real-time allows you to take advantage of fluctuating moneyline odds and back the team or player you think has the best shot of victory.

Spread Bets

You can bet on the winning margin of a game by placing a spread bet. A point "spread" is the difference between the number of points the favored team is expected to win by and the number of points the underdog is predicted to lose by. It's possible to bet in real-time on which team or person you think will win the game while covering the spread.

Over/Under Bets

Total points, runs, or goals scored in a game are the focus of an over/under wager. It's possible to wager in real time on whether the final score will go over or under a given total.

Prop Bets

Proposition bets, sometimes known as "props," are wagers placed on predetermined outcomes or conditions inside a game. A live bet could be placed on which player will score the first goal in a soccer game or on which team will win the third quarter in a basketball game.

Live Betting vs. Pre-Match Betting

The term "pre-match betting" refers to wagers put on an event before it has actually begun. The odds shift depending on the number of bets placed on either side and the preferences of the sportsbook.

This type of wager can be placed quickly and easily through a sportsbook or app or in a land-based casino. The lines move about, but not nearly as much as in-game odds. The majority of sports gamblers employ different methods of pre-game wagering and live betting.

In-game wagering occurs once the event has begun. The odds will change depending on the current situation of the game. During a live sporting event, both the lines and the betting options are dynamic and can be adjusted at any time.

Let's pretend that the Bucs are a -10 favorite over the Saints on Monday Night Football. The Saints jumped out to an early 14-0 lead after scoring two quick touchdowns. It is likely that the point spread will move in favor of the Saints as the game progresses.

How Are Live Betting Odds Calculated?

Live betting odds are determined based on the current status of a sports event. The odds are constantly changed to reflect the fluctuating probabilities of various outcomes, depending on variables such as the score, remaining time, and injuries.

As a game unfolds, live betting odds can fluctuate rapidly and may differ from pre-game odds. Because the outcome of a game might vary rapidly and unpredictably, the odds must be changed accordingly.

Live betting odds are calculated by sportsbooks using algorithms and models that take into consideration a variety of data and characteristics. Based on the information available at the time, these algorithms and models are intended to deliver the most precise and current odds possible.

What are the Benefits of Live Betting?

The Odds

You can discover value in live betting if you are a skilled bettor, as odds change rapidly and sportsbooks may make mistakes. There is a possibility that a sportsbook will offer an inaccurate line, allowing you to profit in the middle of the game. These rapid changes in odds may also enable a bettor to hedge their wager for a guaranteed profit.

In addition, an in-play wager may provide you with a line you were hoping for prior to the game; but the sportsbook did not achieve it. At halftime of the Ravens-Bills game, for instance, the Bills are -2.5 favorites.

The Bills were -8.5 before the game, and you didn't want to bet because it was too many points. Live gamblers can sometimes obtain the line they desire during the pre-game in the course of online live wagering.

Entertainment Value

Many sports gamblers enjoy the excitement of a live wager. The excitement of betting on the next goal or choosing a large underdog with a 10-point lead to win.

Getting Paid in Real Time

Live wagers can be won fast, allowing for payouts while the game is still in progress. A pre-game wager on the full game will not be settled until after the conclusion of the game.

The Disadvantages of Live Betting

• Fewer sports and wagering opportunities than pre-game.
• It might be costly because the odds are not always in your favor.
• It requires quick decision-making and may cause gamblers to place wagers without consideration.
• There is little time to shop around and compare lines at several sportsbooks.
• In-game odds are uncertain and can rapidly change.

Which Sports Can I Bet On Live?

You may anticipate a vast selection of live betting possibilities, although this will rely heavily on the sportsbook. Since real-time statistics for the top leagues are readily available, most of the top sports and leagues will provide in-play betting opportunities.

To view your live betting possibilities, navigate to your sportsbook and click the "live" tab. You will be able to observe some scheduled games in addition to a comprehensive list of live events.

When you click on a game, the various betting markets, together with real-time statistics and a game tracker, will be displayed. In some instances, you may even have access to live broadcasts. However, this will depend on your sportsbook.

Usually, most of the top-rated sportsbooks consistently offer in-play markets for the following sports:

• Basketball
• Baseball
• Football
• Hockey
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Boxing
• Mixed Martial Arts

Depending on your geographical location, you might not be able to wager on live college games featuring teams from your state or taking place in your state.

In-Play Betting on Mobile and Desktop

Live betting is available on desktop, iOS, and Android at sportsbooks. The most notable benefit of mobile apps for live bettors is undoubtedly its portability. If you and some buddies are watching the game at a bar, you may use your phone to place a wager quickly and easily.

You can save time and effort by looking for potentially profitable in-game bets on your computer while at home.

Live Betting at Land-Based Sportsbooks

Land-based sportsbooks are available at most retail locations, where you may place live bets. These areas provide special benefits. For instance, you may check the odds for a bunch of different games at once because they're all displayed clearly on different screens.

Queues can form at the counters and kiosks where bets are placed at a sportsbook, however. It's possible you'll have to wait in line before you get to make a wager, and the odds can shift while you do. Bets can also be placed over the phone while visiting the sportsbook if you choose. If you live in a state where internet gambling is permitted, you can have the best of both worlds.

Can an Online Account be Limited, and for what reasons?

An online betting account may be limited if the sportsbooks suspect that the bettor is doing something that is against their rules. Bookmakers typically ban accounts that are winning too frequently or abusing their promos. If a player's account is limited, they can only gamble a certain sum. Bookmakers implement such limits in an effort to safeguard themselves. It's important to remember that if a bookie decides that a customer poses too much of a problem, they can choose to shut the customer's account indefinitely.

Even if it has never occurred to you before, you should learn how to deal with a limited or closed betting account. However, before you can come up with alternatives, you must understand the rationale behind sportsbooks' account limits.

Reasons Why Sportsbooks Limit Accounts

You Win Too Much

There is a good chance that your betting account will be limited or closed if you win too often. This is the most common reason sportsbooks restrict or close betting accounts, even if it may not seem clear at first. Obviously, it's excellent if you're winning a lot, as that indicates you're making money. Yet it's not ideal if it results in your betting account being restricted or closed.

In the end, bookmakers want to make money. Bettors who occasionally come out on top aren't viewed negatively by sportsbooks. However, the sportsbook will not be happy if you wind up winning more often than losing. They are within their rights to limit your account or even close it if you win too much, even if you feel this is unfair.

Misuse of Bonuses and Promotions

Some customers may have their accounts restricted by sportsbooks because they took advantage of bonus and promotion offers repeatedly. It's not uncommon for online sportsbooks to shower you with incentives and promotions, but they don't appreciate it when you take advantage of them repeatedly. These promos are offered by sportsbooks to both attract new clients and retain current ones.

From a sportsbook's perspective, the frequency with which you use a promotional offer is a red flag for possible misuse.

A customer who only bets when a promotion is available is not someone sportsbooks want to keep.

If you just make bets on free rolls and other promotions, the sportsbook is unlikely to make any money off of you. You run the danger of having your account limited or terminated if you don't periodically gamble on things that aren't associated with a bonus offer.

Potential Arbitrage

Bookmakers dislike players that engage in arbitrage. The concept of arbitrage (sometimes known as "arbing") involves taking advantage of a substantial discrepancy in the odds offered by two or more sportsbooks by betting on both possible outcomes of an event. If you can find a big enough spread in the odds, you can profit no matter who wins the game.

Since the point of arbing is to gain money, bookmakers are almost always on the losing end of the deal. As a result, sportsbooks will attempt to detect accounts that may be engaging in arbitrage and take action to limit or close them in order to reduce their risk. Accounts that routinely bet in increments that aren't whole numbers are a red flag for sportsbooks.

Opening Multiple Accounts With a Sportsbook

People who use two accounts to bet on the same bookmaker's platform are the sportsbooks' worst nightmare. This is a common tactic used to take advantage of bonuses or promotional offers. For the purpose of maximizing the value of the initial welcome deposit bonus match, a man who already has an account might create a second account in the name of his wife. However, online sportsbooks don't take kindly to this and will typically deactivate accounts immediately after discovering a copy.

Online sportsbooks have accumulated a variety of technologies over the years to aid in the detection of possible duplicate accounts. They employ IP address tracking first, and then they progress to more sophisticated methods. A sportsbook will terminate a duplicate account if it is discovered, but it may also limit or terminate an account if it suspects that it is actually a duplicate account.

You Bet Strange Amounts

Odd bets, such as those that aren't based on a round number, will raise red flags and cause your account to be suspended immediately. If you often place bets of $1.63 instead of $1.00, for instance, this could put you on their radar. One possible explanation is that betting strange amounts make you look like an arbitrager.

Professional gamblers are often referred to as arbitrageurs or arbers. As a result of using their strategies and techniques, they place wagers that are calculated to the penny. As a result, arbers tend to make very frequent bets at strange amounts. Sportsbooks don't like arbers because they lose money to them in the long run, so if you don't want to risk having your account limited or terminated, you should try to avoid betting in an arbing fashion.

Ignoring Bonuses and Promotional Offers

Ignoring a sportsbook's bonus offers and other promotions is another red flag that could lead to your account being identified as belonging to a possible professional gambler. Let's face it: everybody appreciates a free monetary windfall. Many seasoned gamblers, though, ignore bonuses altogether. They typically come in with a predetermined strategy for their wagers and refuse to tinker with the bonus offerings.

If you don't take advantage of a site's special offers, the site may restrict or even delete your account, even if you didn't mean to. You may avoid appearing as a professional gambler by taking advantage of at least two of the offers available to you.

Your Browsing Behavior

Sportsbooks monitor customer activity as part of their efforts to counteract the presence of professional gamblers. Your time spent on the site is a metric they track. If you're a typical casual sports bettor, you'll probably spend quite a bit of time browsing the site in quest of wagering opportunities. Some bookmakers now allow you to watch live matches on their site, so you may place a wager while watching the action unfold.

The behavior of professional gamblers, however, differs significantly from that of casual players. A professional bettor will make their stake on one sportsbook's website and then immediately move on to another site to make additional wagers. Professionals don't waste time hanging around to see what happens. If your actions on the site look like those of a professional, you risk having your access restricted or even closed.

What are bonus and promo codes and why should I use one?

A bonus promotional code, also known as a coupon code or a discount code, is a special offer code made consisting of numbers and letters. Due to the competitive nature of online sports betting, sportsbooks employ these codes to offer their bettors special incentives in an effort to retain their patronage. Bookmakers recognize that punters have options. Therefore, they offer promotions to attract new bettors and retain existing ones.

Are the winnings from a bet taxable in the US?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers gambling winnings to be taxable income. Consequently, you will be required to pay federal income tax on your winnings if you meet certain conditions. Usually, you'll also be required to pay state taxes on winnings from sports betting.

The following sections analyze how federal and state taxes on sports betting are deducted and paid in the United States.

How the IRS Taxes Winnings from Sports Betting

The IRS taxes earnings differently depending on whether you are a casual gambler or a professional gambler. However, this article focuses on individual taxes on gambling winnings.

According to the IRS, gambling winnings are fully taxable and must be reported on your tax return. Gambling revenue includes earnings from lotteries, raffles, horse races, and casinos, among others. It includes cash rewards and the fair market value of prizes such as automobiles and vacations." This includes winnings from sports betting and fantasy league participation.

You must report any gambling gains, regardless of quantity, to the IRS. It is commonly misreported that earnings under $600 are exempt from taxation. This is not the case. All winnings must be reported to the IRS on the winner's income tax return. In the meanwhile, the gambling site operator must disclose all earnings to the IRS after a player has won over $600 or 300 times their initial wager. (For instance, if you bet $1 and win $400, the player is required to report your win to the IRS, as you would have won 400 times your initial wager.)

Losses can be deducted on Schedule A by taxpayers who itemize deductions. However, gambling losses are only capable of offsetting gambling winnings. They cannot be deducted from other sources of taxable income. (For instance, if you won $1,000 in 2021 and lost $1,500, you can deduct losses up to $1,000.) As with all deductions, you must maintain documentation and invoices for all losses claimed.

When calculating federal income taxes, it does not matter how the wager was placed. For instance, the tax implications for the IRS are identical regardless of whether the wager is placed in person or through an app.

The amount you pay in federal taxes is determined by how much you earn throughout the year. The table below shows the seven federal income tax brackets.

State Taxes on Gambling Winnings

State taxes on gaming earnings are significantly more complex than federal taxes. This is due to the fact that each state has its unique gaming and tax legislation. Consequently, if you reside in a state that taxes gaming earnings, you must pay close attention to the applicable regulations.

Nevada, one of the states where gambling is allowed, taxes gambling gains at the lowest rate in the US, 6.75 percent. In Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and New York, however, the tax rate on gaming gains is 51%.

As a result of the Supreme Court's decision in 2018 to overturn a federal ban against sports gambling, sports wagering is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. This means that come tax season, an increasing number of individuals may be required to pay taxes on their gaming earnings. If you intend to engage in sports betting, it is crucial to understand how to correctly handle your taxes.

What Online Sportsbook offers Risk-Free bets in the US?

These days, it's common for sportsbooks to provide new consumers with some type of risk-free bet. The best risk-free bets at top-rated US sportsbooks are highlighted in the table below.

One of the most popular types of promotions offered by major sportsbooks is risk-free bets. Despite being labeled as a "risk-free bet offer," the vast majority of such promotions have strings attached. One of the best abilities a bettor can acquire is the ability to take advantage of risk-free sports betting.

What Are Risk-Free Bets & How Do They Work?

The signup sportsbook bonus at most online sportsbooks comprises free bets that don't require you to risk any money. Risk-Free bets fall under the standard free bet offer; however, all offers are not the same. For instance, if you use your Barstool Sportsbook promo code when creating a Barstool Sports account, you will receive a free bet right away.

Risk-free bets outshine other types of welcome bonuses, including deposit matches and free spins, in the United States. Basically, they are the first bonus offerings given to new bettors. If you make a wager and it pays out, you can immediately withdraw the funds. Bettors who experience losses receive site credit, "free bets," or "bonus cash" that can be utilized to place additional wagers within the sportsbook. When you make your first wager at the casino, you'll receive free bets equal to the value of that wager.

For example, at BetMGM Sportsbook, you can get a risk-free wager for up to $1,000, while at PointsBet in some states, you can get a risk-free wager worth up to $2,000. Variety and change are hallmarks of risk-free offers, which can take on a wide range of forms and occur at any time of the year. During major events like the Super Bowl, bookmakers frequently increase the size of their risk-free wagers to $500 or more.

For example, let's say you find a sportsbook that provides a $1,000 risk-free first bet to new customers. You click the "Join Now" button, deposit your initial $20, and are free to bet on anything you like, knowing that if you lose, your initial deposit of up to $1,000 will be returned to you in site credit. With free bets offered by online bookmakers, the answer to what to do if you lose a wager is to place another one.

Let’s assume you like the look of the Raiders -6.5 points at home at -110. The $500 bet is made. Final score: Raiders 27, Broncos 10. A total of $954.50, including your initial $500 bet and your win of $454.50, will be credited to your account.

In contrast, you will lose your $500 if the Raiders pull off a narrow victory by kicking a game-winning field goal in the last seconds of the game. The no-risk feature is implemented in the form of site credit, which may be used in the same ways as cash but requires a one-time wager before being converted to cash.

What to Look for in a Risk-Free Bet Offer

In evaluating your risk-free wager, keep an eye out for these important factors.

Maximum potential return: It's no secret that sportsbooks will try to entice you with the promise of a huge return on your risk-free wager. For example, the payouts at Pointsbet and Caesars Sportsbook are among the highest in the industry. Risk-free bets typically even out your initial stake. That means you'll need to make a sizable initial investment to receive the full value of the offer.

Minimum betting requirements: When placing your first bet, you need to ensure that you are placing an amount that is sufficient to meet any minimum wagering requirements. For example, if the site's terms and conditions stipulate that you must place a bet of at least $10 in order to activate the risk-free bet, then you must place a bet of at least $10. If you don't, you can miss out on the risk-free bet offering.

Turnover requirement: This is the number of times the bonus money must be wagered before it may be withdrawn as cash. Most online sportsbooks have a 1x turnover requirement for risk-free bets. However, this varies depending on the sportsbook.

Flexibility: The ability to adjust the terms of your risk-free wager is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a sportsbook. Instead of giving you a straight free bet for the amount you wagered, many sportsbooks will credit your account with bet tokens. You can spread these out over several bets to reduce the risk of losing your bonus money. You now have a great deal more leeway as to how you place bets across the sportsbook because of this flexibility.

Is PointBet Sportsbook in the US?

As of February 2023, PointsBet Sportsbook is legal and available in Colorado, Illinois, Ohio, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, New Jersey, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Michigan.

The sportsbook is also expected to launch in Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Arizona shortly, with other states very likely to follow.

Here is a summary of these states and the types of wagers that are allowed and banned.

• PointsBet Arizona: Whether or not PointsBet will continue to operate in Arizona is unclear at this time. With the help of the Yavapai-Apache Nation, PointsBet was able to enter the Arizona market. PointsBet, unfortunately, was not granted a license to operate as a sportsbook. As of February 2023, there was no information regarding the Arizona debut of PointsBet Sportsbook.

• PointsBet Colorado: A little over six months after sports betting was legalized in Colorado, PointsBet launched their sports betting app in partnership with the Double Eagle Casino in Cripple Creek in November 2020. The state outlaws wagering on collegiate props. E-sports betting is likewise prohibited.

• PointsBet Illinois: Following a partnership with Hawthorne Race Course in Cicero, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago), PointsBet launched in the Prairie State in September 2020. Although State Representative Michael J. Zalewski (D) has sponsored legislation to amend the law, betting on college sports is now illegal in Illinois. Betting on events that are not sports-related, such as the Academy Awards, is likewise prohibited. In 2020, PointsBet will have exclusive rights to use the Chicago Bears' trademarks, logos, and sports betting sponsorship agreement across all of the sportsbook's assets, thanks to a deal it made with the team in 2019.

PointsBet Indiana: PointsBet began in March 2020, and while it has an online sportsbook (as of 2023), it is in the process of assessing whether to develop a retail sportsbook as well. The only restriction imposed by Indiana law regarding wagering on collegiate athletics is that participants must be 18 or older.

PointsBet Iowa: With the opening of its online and retail sportsbooks in cooperation with Catfish Bend Casino in Burlington in November 2019, PointsBet became the fourth online sportsbook in Iowa. Bets on non-sporting events and props on individual college athletes are prohibited in the state.

PointsBet Kansas: PointsBet officially started on September 1 in conjunction with the Kansas Crossing Casino.

PointsBet Louisiana: In January of 2022, PointsBet launched online sports betting in the Pelican State. The introduction of PointsBet did not occur until September of that year.

PointsBet Maryland: PointsBet was one of the first legal sports betting sites to go live in the state on November 23, 2022. PointsBet also runs a brick-and-mortar sportsbook at Riverboat on the Potomac in Maryland.

PointsBet Michigan: When online sports betting was finally legalized in Michigan on January 22, 2021, PointsBet was there to take advantage of it. Northern Waters Casino in Watersmeet is owned and operated by the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, who are PointsBet's partners. Betting on Michigan college teams is legal, but prop bets on individual college athletes are not.

PointsBet New Jersey: In January of 2018, PointsBet launched in New Jersey thanks to a partnership with Meadowlands Racetrack. If you live in New Jersey, you can't wager on collegiate sports featuring teams from the New Jersey Athletic Conference.

PointsBet New York: On January 8, 2022, PointsBet New York launched online sports betting. It took a little while for PointsBet to go operational, but by the end of the month, it was ready to accept wagers. It's important to be aware of the limitations imposed by New York law on the types of wagers that can be placed. You cannot wager on any NCAA games involving New York teams at PointsBet NY. Betting on the Super Bowl MVP or the NBA or NFL regular season MVP is also illegal because these awards are decided by fan voting.

PointsBet Ohio: The PointsBet Sportsbook was launched in Ohio on January 1, 2023. The Ohio Casino Control Commission is responsible for regulating the sports betting industry in Ohio. PointsBet is happy to announce its partnership with Hollywood Casino Mahoning.

PointsBet Pennsylvania: In January of 2022, PointsBet was awarded a license by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to operate in the state in conjunction with Penn National. PointsBet went online in the state on February 10—likely spurred on by the anticipation of the upcoming Super Bowl.

PointsBet Tennessee: Tennessee's first legal online sportsbook, PointsBet, opened for business on November 1st, 2020. PointsBet's potential launch in the state has not been confirmed, although it seems likely to occur sometime in the first half of 2021. While wagering on Tennessee colleges is legal, wagering on the outcomes of games or on the performances of specific players is not.

PointsBet Virginia: FanDuel Sportsbook went live on January 21, 2021, marking the beginning of legalized online sports betting in the state, while DraftKings Sportsbook followed suit three days later. Later, on December 15, 2021, PointsBet made its debut for sports bettors in Virginia. Live betting on any NCAA game is not permitted, nor is betting on any college located in the state of Virginia.

PointsBet West Virginia: In August of 2021, PointsBet made its debut in the state of West Virginia. Together with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, they have a license from the West Virginia Lottery.

Is Barstool Sportsbook in the US?

As of 2023, Barstool Sportsbook is accessible in 13 states. The Sportsbook made its internet debut in Pennsylvania in September 2020 and has been expanding rapidly ever since then. Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, Colorado, Virginia, New Jersey, Tennessee, Arizona, West Virginia, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Ohio, and Louisiana have legalized online sports betting as of February 2023.

Barstool Sportsbook is rapidly gaining traction in the legal US sports betting industry, aided by an outstanding sportsbook offer and a host of personalities.

The online sportsbook is the product of a partnership between Barstool Sports and Penn National Gaming. The gaming giant acquired a 36% stake in Barstool in 2020, prior to the opening of Barstool Sportsbook in Pennsylvania.

Barstool Sportsbook Pennsylvania: This was the first legal Barstool sportsbook in the United States and the tenth legal sportsbook to launch in Pennsylvania. The business launched its mobile betting app in September 2020 and had processed $71.8 million in wagers by December of that year. The Barstool betting app's introductory bonus attracted considerable interest and continues to do so. PA bettors are eligible for a risk-free wager of up to $1,000.

The casino is also accessible to gamers from Pennsylvania. In addition to a variety of slot machines, table games, and live dealer games, you can wager risk-free for 24 hours with a $1,000 casino bonus.

• Product: Sports Betting & Online Casino
• Licensed by: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
• Retail: Yes/Hollywood Casino Penn National Racing Course

Barstool Sportsbook Michigan: When online gambling in Michigan launched in January 2021, this operator was one of the first to offer its services. In spite of this, the brick-and-mortar sportsbook had already been running since September 2020. Thus, the online skin launched to an already eager fan base. Barstool covers a wide variety of international contests in addition to the top American sports you'd anticipate.

Those located in the Great Lakes State can enjoy online gambling options at Barstool as well. All new customers are eligible for a wonderful $1,000 risk-free bet on sports, and all new players can receive a 100% bonus up to $1,000 risk-free in the casino on their first day.

• Product: Sports Betting & Casino Services
• License granted by: Michigan Gaming Control Board
• Retail Services: Yes/Greektown Casino

Barstool Sportsbook Illinois: In March of 2021, Barstool Sports launched in its third state, Illinois. This company, therefore, became the sixth sports-betting establishment to open its doors in the Prairie State. You may get your $1,000 free bet just like you would at any other Barstool Sportsbook in the state by using their website or mobile app. In Illinois, bettors no longer need to visit a physical sportsbook to sign up for an account as of March 5, 2022.

• Product: Sports Betting
• License granted by: Illinois Gaming Board
• Retail Services: Yes/(Hollywood Casino Aurora, Hollywood Casino Joliet, and Argosy Casino Alton)

Barstool Sportsbook Indiana: When Penn National Gaming teamed up with Barstool, it was able to debut in Indiana at the Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg. It became operational in May of 2021, making it the fourth state in which Barstool was widely available. New bettors can sign up quickly and easily using the website or mobile app and then wager on professional and collegiate sports. Bettors in Indiana can choose from a wide variety of sporting events and take advantage of promotions like the $1,000 no-risk wager. Barstool Sports also has a number of retail stores throughout the state.

• Product: Sports Betting
• Licensed granted by: Indiana Gaming Commission
• Retail Services: Yes/Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg

Barstool Sportsbook Colorado: The Ameristar Casino in Black Hawk, Colorado, is operated by Penn National Gaming, and it features a Barstool Sports retail location as well as an online betting partnership. In August of 2021, Colorado entered the online sportsbook market, offering patrons attractive odds and a wide variety of promotions. It arrived at the perfect time for the opening game of the National Football League season, which featured the Denver Broncos. Bettors in the Mile High State may take advantage of the great $1,000 risk-free bet by signing up for a Barstool sportsbook account right now.

• Product: Sports Betting
• License granted by: Illinois Gaming Board
• Retail Services: Yes/Ameristar Black Hawk

Barstool Sportsbook Virginia: Penn National Gaming does not have any brick-and-mortar locations in Virginia; therefore, the debut of Barstool Sportsbook in that state was conducted entirely online. After gaining entry to the Virginia market via the Virginia Lottery, Barstool Sportsbook Virginia went live in August of that year. And gamers in Virginia can take advantage of the thrilling operator's risk-free bet of up to $1,000.

• Product: Sports Betting
• License granted by: Virginia Lottery
• Retail location: N/A

Barstool Sportsbook New Jersey: Penn National Gaming's August 2021 releases, including Barstool New Jersey, was timed to coincide with the start of the NFL season. The first 500 customers were given an early start in a "soft launch," with the rest of the public getting access a week later.

It marked the launch of the 19th sports betting app in New Jersey. Unfortunately, there are no brick-and-mortar sportsbooks available at this time; however, new customers who sign up on the website can receive a $1,000 free wager with no strings attached. You can also play at the Barstool New Jersey casino.

• Product: Sports Betting & Casino
• License granted by: New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE)
• Retail Service Location: N/A

Barstool Sportsbook Tennessee: In its push into the regulated market, Barstool added Tennessee as the ninth state it had already conquered. A number of exciting new features, sports, and promotions, such as a risk-free wager of up to $1,000 for new customers, were introduced simultaneously. Legalized gambling in Tennessee does not mandate offline affiliations for internet businesses.

• Product: Sports Betting
• License granted by: Tennessee Education Lottery
• Retail Service location: N/A

Barstool Sportsbook Arizona: In September 2021, the market for Barstool Arizona officially opened for business in the Grand Canyon State. With plenty of time to place bets on other state teams like the NBA's Phoenix Suns, MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks, and NHL's Arizona Coyotes, the Barstool Sports launch was timed to coincide with the beginning of the football season.

Gambling at a bar at Phoenix Raceway in Arizona was chosen as the site of the state's debut under an exclusive relationship with NASCAR. Those who are stooges in Arizona can take advantage of promotions and improved odds on NASCAR races. Additionally, you can take advantage of the no-risk $1,000 welcome bonus.

• Product: Sports Betting
• License granted by: Arizona Department of Gaming
• Retail Service Location: TBD

Barstool Sportsbook Iowa: Iowans can legally gamble on sports at establishments like Barstool. There was a lot of buzz leading up to the release of the Barstool Iowa sports betting app in November 2021. The app offers extensive sports coverage for which Barstool Sports is recognized, as well as access to the operator's numerous discounts and special offers. With the $1,000 free bet offered to first-time users of Barstool Sports, Iowans are off to a great start.

• Product: Sports Betting
• License granted by: Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC)
• Retail Service Location: N/A

Barstool Sportsbook West Virginia: Barstool officially entered the West Virginia gambling market in November 2021. It has quickly risen to prominence as one of the leading sports-betting options in West Virginia thanks to its user-friendly software, extensive betting markets, and plenty of odds increases. In addition to being one of the few locations where Barstool sportsbook is permitted, West Virginia also allows its residents to access the casino section of the website. Penn National Gaming's Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is a retail partner.

• Product: Sports Betting & Casino
• License granted by: West Virginia Lottery
• Retail location: N/A

Barstool Sportsbook Louisiana: Penn National Gaming has a strong footprint in the state of Louisiana, where the Barstool sportsbook first made its debut thanks to the company's many brick-and-mortar retail stores. To be one of the first in the state to offer online gambling, it went live in January 2022. Bettors can access the sportsbook's extensive game markets from their Android and iOS smartphones with the help of the sportsbook's mobile betting app. All new players are eligible for a risk-free bet of up to $1,000 as part of the welcome bonus.

• Product: Sports Betting
• License granted by: Louisiana Gaming Control Board
• Retail Service Location: Yes/L’Auberge Hotel and Casino, Baton Rouge

Barstool Sportsbook Kansas: The state of Kansas has just become the newest member of the barstool fan club. New customers in the Sunflower State can open an account with the barstool sportsbook and receive the $1,000 free wager after the brand's September 2022 launch in Stoolies. This operator has spiced up its Kansas rollout by offering special promotions just for new customers.

• Product: Sports Betting
• License granted by: Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission
• Retail location: N/A

Is FanDuel Legal in the US?

FanDuel is legal and regulated across the United States, mostly functioning through licensing arrangements with physical casinos and gaming businesses in the states where the brand operates.

FanDuel Sportsbook debuted in the United States for the first time in New Jersey on September 1, 2018, and has since gone live in a number of other states, including Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Virginia, Michigan, Arizona, Connecticut, New York, Louisiana, Wyoming, Kansas, Maryland, and most recently, Ohio to begin the year 2023.

Online sports betting is available in 18 states. As additional states legalize sports betting, it is anticipated that the number of legal FanDuel sports in the United States will also increase.

FanDuel Sportsbook is accessible via mobile apps for iOS (Apple) and Android devices, as well as a desktop web platform. However, players must be 21 or older to utilize its services.

Major Differences Between State Markets for FanDuel Sportsbook

Bettors using FanDuel in any given state will notice that the platform's interface and lines are uniformly comparable. However, there are some distinctions between the markets in the various states that you should be aware of:

• Betting on college sports involving in-state teams is now illegal in New Jersey and Virginia, with the latter also prohibiting live betting.
• Betting on college football games is illegal in New York except for games in bowl tournaments (provided no teams from NY are playing).
• Future bets featuring local colleges (such as UConn winning the NCAA Tournament) are legal in Connecticut, but wagering on specific games is banned.
• While Illinois residents can't place wagers on local colleges through an online sportsbook, they can do so at a land-based sportsbook. Bettors in Illinois are out of luck because no Illinois retail book has yet submitted the required paperwork to begin betting action on local schools.
• The states of Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia ban all forms of college player memorabilia.
• Bets on the Academy Awards are legal in the states of Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, and Indiana but not in others, such as Pennsylvania, Illinois, or West Virginia.

Is TwinSpires Legal in the US?

Yes, TwinSpires is a legitimate business for legal online gambling in the United States. Churchill Downs Inc. owns and operates the operator, which provides a national online racebook service.

As of 2023, TwinSpires no longer offers online sports betting in the United States. Early in 2022, the operator stated that it would shut down all of its online sportsbooks and casinos. The company, however, continues to offer online racebooks.

Is Caesars Sportsbook Legal in the US?

Caesars Sportsbook is a legal mobile sportsbook that is available in the following states: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wyoming.

After the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was repealed in 2018, Caesars started to provide sports betting at two of its casinos in New Jersey. Shortly after, the company launched its online sports betting service in The Garden State.

For over $4 billion in 2020, Caesars purchased William Hill, a bookmaker in the UK, rebranding the existing William Hill US online products as Caesars Sportsbook once the transaction was finalized in mid-2021.

Caesars Sportsbook Louisiana: In January 2022, the Caesars online sportsbook launched in the Pelican State. The corporation has a significant presence in the city, as it owns the only brick-and-mortar casino, Harrah's New Orleans.

Caesars Sportsbook Arizona: Caesars was one of Arizona's first mobile sportsbooks to open in September 2021. The firm, which is licensed by the Arizona Department of Gaming, entered the Arizona sports gambling market through a collaboration with the Diamondbacks.

Caesars Sportsbook Illinois: Caesars partnered with Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin to join the Illinois sports betting market in September 2020. The Illinois Gaming Board licenses and regulates the operator.

Caesars Sportsbook Michigan: After collaborating with Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, Caesars opened in Michigan in August 2021. Caesars Michigan, which began as William Hill, has grown to become one of the state's leading names in online sports betting.

Caesars Sportsbook Tennessee: In Tennessee, one of the few US states that have accepted the online-only betting policy, Caesars is a well-known brand. Using a site or smartphone app, you can sign up from anywhere in the state.

Caesars Sportsbook Indiana: After a number of land-based organizations, Indiana was added to the list of legal Caesars sportsbook app states in May 2020. If you like to wager on the go, make sure to get the Caesars sportsbook's Android and iOS apps.

Caesars Sportsbook Pennsylvania: Caesars was granted permission to operate in Pennsylvania in March 2020. The sportsbook is available both online and in person at Harrah's Casino in Philadelphia.

Caesars Sportsbook Iowa: This sportsbook provider had the first sports betting app to launch in Iowa. The bookmaker is affiliated with Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino and is registered with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

Caesars Sportsbook New Jersey: In September 2018, Caesars entered the New Jersey sports betting industry. The operator operates many retail locations, two distinct mobile apps, and a desktop platform in New Jersey.

Caesars Sportsbook New York: The New York State Gaming Commission issued nine licenses, although only four businesses began operations on January 8, 2022. One of those who went live was Caesars, which collaborated with the Oneida Indian Nation.

Caesars Sportsbook West Virginia: In October 2021, Caesars introduced its renamed native app, becoming the fifth mobile sportsbook app in West Virginia. It has a partnership with Mountaineer Casino, where it runs a retail betting kiosk.

Caesars Sportsbook Nevada: Following its agreement with Caesars Las Vegas, Caesars entered the Nevada sports betting industry in August 2021. Because Nevada still requires in-person registration, you must sign up with Caesars at one of its retail locations.

Caesars Sportsbook Virginia: Caesars Sportsbook entered the thriving Virginia sports gambling industry in February 2021 and has since dominated the market.

Caesars Sportsbook Washington DC: In August 2021, Caesars acquired the previous William Hill platform and released a mobile app with a new name. Players must physically enroll at one of the two retail kiosks operated by Caesars Sportsbook in the state (Washington Capitals, Baltimore Ravens). However, they can bet online.

Caesars Sportsbook Ohio: Caesars has created partnerships with a diverse range of American sports teams. For the state of Ohio, the Cleveland Cavaliers are a part of this. The retail sportsbook that was announced earlier this year by Caesars and the Cleveland Cavaliers will be located at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Because of Eldorado Gaming at Scioto Downs, Caesars Sportsbook Ohio already has a presence in the state. This is evidence that they were ready to launch the Caesars Sportsbook Promo code Ohio on January 1st, 2023.

Caesars Sportsbook Maryland: Now that you can wager on sports in Maryland online with Caesars, it's time to get your game on! The Horseshoe Baltimore Casino was the only brick-and-mortar facility of Caesars Sportsbook Maryland prior to the launch of its online sportsbook on November 23, 2022. Caesars Sportsbook Maryland will give you up to $1500 in bet credits to try again if your initial sports wager is unsuccessful.

Benefits of Joining Multiple Sportsbooks

It's in your best interest to split your betting bankroll amongst multiple different bookmakers. Besides being risk-free and lawful, it will also help bettors reap financial benefits. Some of the benefits of signing up with multiple sportsbooks are highlighted below.

More Welcome Bonuses

One compelling argument for signing up with more than one sportsbook is as follows: When you sign up for a new service, you automatically qualify for the best deals and discounts available at that time—the much-desired welcome bonus.

The enticing and generous nature of welcome gifts is a common occurrence. Intentionally attracting a slew of brand-new user signups is the goal. This is a one-time promotion from the sportsbook; thus, it is only available to new customers. Daily giveaways of this type of campaign for already-satisfied clients would be unsustainable.

There may be limits to how far you may go on each site, but this is a perfectly legal way to get past them. It ensures the formation and growth of a larger bankroll.

Better Selection of Odds

Aggressive punters will always look for the best odds and offers. They won't find them using just one betting site for sports. Just picture yourself going to the same grocery store every week and never looking for a better price elsewhere. If you don't try new things, you'd never know about the amazing possibilities that lie before you. Online sportsbooks are exactly the same way.

You can better notice possibilities and variances in the betting lines if you compare odds across multiple sites. Once gamblers have a better grasp of the wider picture, they are better able to place wagers accordingly. Just a few inconsequential percentage points could make or ruin a solid wager.

Depositing Bonuses for Your Idle Account

Customer accounts that have been dormant for a while will be rewarded with a small bonus from the site in addition to the amazing bonuses sportsbooks already give.

This inducement can take the form of a deposit bonus to ensure that players return to the game. You may consider ignoring one or two sportsbooks in order to draw out this bonus, given that your interest is already divided across numerous sportsbooks. Why not? This is extra money to grow your bankroll.

More Options for Playing Games

There is a wide range of benefits available to those who sign up with several different sportsbooks. There are a lot more games available to you now. You can experiment to find the best gambling sites for the games you enjoy playing. Sticking to just one site would not have allowed you to accomplish this.

The Trial Run

Spend an afternoon looking at what each sportsbook has to offer and how they stack up against one another. Several options exist for accomplishing this. Compare the bonuses, game selection, banking choices, and quality of service provided by each site. You can get a feel for your options by trying out a few different games. Compare the many perks to choose the one that best suits your needs. Try calling different companies to determine which ones have the most helpful customer service reps.

Extra Futures and Prop Bets

If you use several different betting sites, you'll have easier access to futures and props bets. Prop bets are great fun because they allow you to zero in on a game's most minute details. If you look around at other sportsbooks, you'll see that the selection of proposition bets is practically limitless. If you use four or five different sites, just think of how many you will find!

You will have more to work with now that you can access more potential outcomes when placing bets in the future. This provides a wonderful opportunity for players to fine-tune and improve their wagers. Gamblers' biggest advantage comes from being able to take advantage of variable odds.

Striking at the Right Time

If you only use a single sportsbook, you might never realize that your website is a latecomer when it comes to posting odds. You're falling behind the competition because rival sportsbooks are quicker to react to breaking news, providing their customers an advantage.

Bettors can learn which gambling sites are the quickest to post new odds and betting lines by using multiple sites.

Professional gamblers take the initiative to seize possibilities before the public at large. Bettors who use multiple sportsbooks can better identify and capitalize on variations in betting lines.

Gambling on a Unlicensed Site

If you physically place a wager on a betting website in a state where online gambling is prohibited, you are engaging in illegal gambling. The same rule applies to both interstate and international online wagering.

Consider Delaware, where online gambling is permitted, to Montana, where it is illegal. If you are able to circumvent the geolocation software that prevents you from betting online from a state other than the one you are betting in, it would be illegal for you to place an online wager on a Delaware site from Montana.

This is due to the fact that the site (or account you're using to place the bet) may be located in another state, but you are not. As a result, you are subject to the jurisdiction (legal authority) and laws of the state where you are physically present.

Legal betting requires that both the location of the bettor or gambler and the location of the casino or sportsbook permit it.

If it is illegal to put a wager from Montana on a Delaware website, given that both states are in the United States, it would likewise be illegal to place a wager from Montana on a UK sports book or a Maltese online casino.

Even if the majority of US states have authorized internet gambling or sports betting, it is still unlawful to place a wager on an offshore sportsbook from these states. States that have legalized internet gambling or sports betting have already given expensive licenses to recognized online betting companies.

It would be irrational to allow unlicensed offshore operators access to gamers in their states. This action would undoubtedly result in a deluge of litigation from locally regulated internet gambling firms.

The odds of a gambler getting into significant problems or being punished for unauthorized gambling are quite low. However, the word "rarely" does not equal "never," and some persons have faced charges for making unlawful wagers in other countries.

Fortunately, no state deems unlawful betting a felony, and the maximum possible sentence is usually just a few days in jail at most. Instead, the "worst" you might get for simply trying to place a bet is up to a year in jail, while placing an unlawful bet is a disorderly person crime or misdemeanor at worst.

What Gambling is Illegal in the US?

The following actions and activities are considered illegal gambling under US law:

• According to Title 18 U.S.C. 1301, importing lottery tickets into the United States or across state borders that the federal or state government has not authorized is a federal offense.
• The Interstate Wire Act of 1961 makes it illegal to utilize electronic wires to send gambling information and instructions across state lines. Unlawful acts under the law include utilizing a wire communication facility to host a betting service, acting as a tout for sports betting or placing a bet, or sending a tip about a betting opportunity using a wire communication transmission (such as a phone). In 2011, the US Department of Justice opined that the Wire Act only applies to sports betting across state lines and not other types of betting.
• The Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act, approved by the US Congress in 2006, made it illegal for betting companies to knowingly accept payment in connection with illicit Internet gambling (though it does not itself make Internet gambling illegal).
• Private animal fights or attempts to stage social events that resemble casino activities and similar circumstances are examples of illegal gambling. If the host charges for admission and then has a gambling event with larger groups, this may be considered an amateur event comparable to a casino, even if the only game is poker.

According to the US Department of Justice, the five principal types of unlawful gambling include sports betting with unlicensed bookmakers, horse betting with unlicensed bookmakers, sports parlay cards, numbers, and illegal casinos.

Risks of Gambling on an Unlicensed Site

Here are some of the reasons why it is riskier for players to gamble on unregulated sites.

Fair Gameplay is not Certain

Most licensed US gaming sites use independent auditors to ensure the integrity of their games, which is a condition for licensing from gaming regulators. These independent auditors routinely examine the software powering gambling websites and evaluate the fairness of the games offered at any given time. This ensures that all games played at the online casino are fair for all players at all times.

Unlicensed casinos, on the other hand, will not submit to such auditing. Since unregulated sites can change the rules to favor themselves, playing at them is risky. It's possible, for instance, to play a game whose rules guarantee that you'll keep losing over and over again, with no chance of ever winning.

The Security of Your Personal and Financial Data Is Not Guaranteed

Cyberattacks are on the rise in today's dynamic digital landscape, with cybercriminals specifically targeting individuals. Unlicensed sites are less likely to have top-notch security since they have not been subjected to rigorous scrutiny by the relevant gaming authorities. As a result, the site will be vulnerable to hackers, which could compromise the safety of players' personal and financial data.

In addition, the questionable character of the people who run these sites means that they might put your information to bad use.

Potential Threat to Financial Security

If you choose to play at an unregulated gambling site, you risk losing both your personal information and your money. Each bet you lose while playing such fixed games for real money goes directly into the pockets of the shady operators. Moreover, many unregulated sites have a history of making players' funds vanish or coming up with bogus reasons like "technical difficulties" when they refuse to pay out.

Even if you do manage to win money on such sites, you'll have no way of getting your money out once you do. They'll make it difficult or impossible for you to get your hands on any of your earnings.

Absence of Protection for Responsible Gambling

Online gaming sites licensed and regulated in the United States are required to provide information on how gamblers with problem gambling symptoms can obtain assistance. In addition to verifying a customer's age and location, they are required to monitor the source of funds and consumer behavior for indications of potential danger. This procedure of responsible gambling allows you to seek assistance and offers the required knowledge to do so. This offers connections to numerous responsible gaming organizations, such as the National Council on Problem Gambling, the International Center for Responsible Gaming, and the American Gaming Association.

However, if a website is not licensed, it is not compelled to provide these details or conduct a check, and in the overwhelming majority of situations, it will not. If you find yourself depositing more and more money, gaming more frequently, becoming irritated when you lose, and exhibiting other indicators of gambling addiction, there is no viable path for you to get help on these platforms. Essentially, you are left to your own devices. And while there have been cases of legal gaming sites failing their consumers in this sense, it is far more typical with unregistered sites.

Therefore, if you join and play at an unauthorized gambling site, you run the risk of developing a gambling addiction. When a site is legitimate, they are required to provide a page on responsible gambling, as well as connections to the many charities and organizations that encourage responsible gambling.

How do I identify if a Site is Licensed or unlicensed?

Here are some easy ways to determine whether or not a given online gambling site is legitimate:

• The logo of the state regulatory agency should be visible at the bottom of the website's homepage. Avoid any online gambling site that doesn't have the appropriate licensing logo.

• If there is a logo, you can make sure it's legit by clicking on it. The logo should take you straight to the licensing commission's website if you click on it. There is a strong probability the logo is fake, and the casino does not have a license if clicking on it does not take you to the website.

• Once you've found the official website of the licensing authority, it's a good idea to double-check the license's current status while you're there. Check to determine if the online betting site of your choice is on the list of licensees (online gambling sites that have earned licenses from the organization) maintained by a state gaming regulatory body. But keep in mind that some licenses are awarded in the name of the operator firm rather than the online betting site itself. That is to say, the business operating the online gambling site may have a name other than the one under which it is legally required to provide its services.