Having a sportsbook account is a good way to make some extra money from home, but you need to be sure you’re doing it legally. Here are some of the things you should know about the legality of sports betting in the U.S.
Overview of sports betting in the U.S.
Currently, sports betting is legal in 26 states. These states include: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
Initially, Congress and the federal government considered sports betting as a menace. They feared that sports gambling would fuel delinquency and organized crime. They also feared that sports gambling would impair the integrity of sports events. However, sports gambling has become a huge industry in the U.S. It’s estimated that sports betting will generate over $1.55 billion in revenue for the United States by 2020.
Legality of sports betting in the U.S.
Until recently, sports betting was only legal in a few states. However, after the US Supreme Court’s decision in 2018 to allow states to legalize sports betting, nearly every state in the US has introduced a sports betting bill. New Jersey is the top state for legal sports betting in the US, followed by New York. There are also two states that have yet to put sports betting on the books.
Maryland voters approved online betting in November of 2020. In December of 2021, in-person sports betting was approved. This means that in-person sports betting will be legal in Maryland in early 2023.
Regulation of sports betting in the U.S.
Traditionally, sports wagering has been regulated at the state level. But states are lining up legislation in anticipation of the eventual thaw. Those states also want to keep the federal government out of the industry.
States are looking at sports betting as a source of supplemental revenue. They are also examining whether to include esports as a sport. However, online wagering may not provide proper protections and may create negative externalities. In addition, states must consider how to police the illegal market.
Despite some early setbacks, states are exploring ways to get sports betting off the ground. The state of Nevada has been the leading state example for regulation since the 1950s. This model of regulation has worked, because the state kept its fees low. However, a focus on revenue could threaten the autonomy of states.
Top sportsbooks in the U.S.
Several online sportsbooks are available in the U.S. But which are the best? There are many factors that must be considered. These include the range of markets, reliability of the platform, and promotions offered.
Legal sportsbooks are licensed by the state authorities. They are also held to a high standard for money handling procedures and network security. They also risk being fined if they are found to be breaking the law. However, legitimate sportsbooks will offer certain levels of protection to their players.
One of the top sportsbooks in the US is FanDuel. FanDuel offers a vast array of sports and markets, as well as competitive odds. They also offer a solid mobile app. Several reliable payment methods are available.