Top 10 US States For Sports Betting

The American sports betting scene has exploded since 2018. What started as a few states taking bets has turned into a nationwide phenomenon where fans can bet on their favorite teams through their phones or at local sportsbooks. Let’s look at the states that stand out from the pack.

New Jersey

The Garden State blazed the trail for legal sports betting in America after winning its Supreme Court case in 2018. New Jersey’s market brings in billions in annual handle through its mix of retail sportsbooks and mobile apps. 

Atlantic City casinos offer premium in-person betting experiences, while top operators like FanDuel and DraftKings compete for mobile customers. The state’s proximity to New York City helped it build a massive customer base before New York legalized betting.

California

The biggest prize in American sports betting sits untapped. For the latest legalization updates on this sleeping giant, industry watchers point to ongoing talks between tribes, card rooms, and state officials. With 40 million people and teams like the Lakers, Dodgers, 49ers, and Raiders, California could blow other states out of the water. 

The tribal casinos stand ready to open sportsbooks, while pro teams want their slice of the mobile betting pie. Money talks and California’s potential betting dollars speak volumes.

Nevada 

Las Vegas remains the spiritual home of American sports betting. Nevada’s decades of experience shows in its sophisticated market. The Strip’s sportsbooks offer an unmatched atmosphere during major events like March Madness and the Super Bowl. Mobile betting adds convenience, though Nevada still requires in-person registration. The state’s long history brings deep expertise in odds-making and risk management. 

Iconic venues like Westgate SuperBook and Caesars Palace attract serious bettors, while casino apps let tourists keep betting after they leave the Strip. Nevada sportsbooks write billions in tickets annually across everything from major pro sports to niche events.

Illinois 

The Prairie State quickly grew into one of the largest sports betting markets after launching in 2020. Illinois dropped its in-person registration requirement for mobile apps, which sparked massive growth. The state attracts major operators with its large population and rabid sports fans. Both Chicago retail sportsbooks and statewide mobile apps see strong action on local teams across all major sports. 

Rivers Casino Des Plaines runs the top retail book, while Cubs and White Sox games drive huge mobile betting volume. The state’s college sports restrictions do little to slow overall market growth.

New York 

New York stormed onto the scene as a sports betting powerhouse, setting handle records in its first year. The state’s massive population and passionate fan bases fuel unprecedented betting activity. New York takes a high tax rate from operators but still attracts all the top brands. 

Madison Square Garden and other venues feature retail sportsbooks, while mobile apps dominate the overall market. Rangers, Knicks, Yankees and Bills games generate massive betting interest. New York shows how big sports betting can get with the right ingredients and market conditions.

Michigan

Michigan built a strong sports betting framework that serves both commercial and tribal gaming interests. The state’s online and retail markets launched smoothly and keep growing steadily. Detroit casinos run retail sportsbooks while partnering with online brands statewide. Michigan strikes a good balance between revenue generation and responsible gaming measures. 

Strong partnerships between operators and professional teams like the Lions and Red Wings boost engagement. The state’s college sports scene adds another popular betting market.

Colorado 

The Centennial State surprised many by quickly becoming a sports betting success story. Colorado attracts numerous operators with its reasonable tax rate and straightforward regulations. The state’s sports fans embrace both retail and mobile betting options. 

Denver’s cluster of pro teams provides year-round betting opportunities. Mountain casinos give tourists unique retail sportsbook experiences while mobile apps serve the whole state.

Virginia 

Virginia took a mobile-first approach to sports betting that paid off nicely. The state’s online-only market launched with multiple top-tier operators ready to compete. Virginia puts extra focus on responsible gaming and consumer protection in its regulations. The lack of retail sportsbooks takes nothing away from the robust betting options available to residents.

Washington Commanders games attract heavy betting action, while college sports restrictions protect student-athletes. The state’s central location helps it draw customers from neighboring markets.

Indiana 

The Hoosier State built its sports betting market through smart policies and strong oversight. Indiana benefits from attracting customers from several neighboring states with limited or no legal betting. The state’s major sports venues partner with sportsbooks to create branded betting lounges.

Mobile apps serve customers statewide while retail books anchor casinos and racetracks. Indianapolis 500 and other racing events create unique betting opportunities. Basketball-mad residents bet heavily on Pacers games and college hoops.

Tennessee 

Tennessee broke new ground as the first online-only sports betting state. This unique approach works well thanks to partnerships with professional teams and a competitive operator landscape. The state takes full advantage of its position in the sports-loving Southeast. Tennessee proves that retail sportsbooks need not be required for a healthy market to thrive.

Nashville Predators and Memphis Grizzlies games drive significant betting volume. College football season brings massive action on Tennessee and Vanderbilt games despite some restrictions.

The sports betting industry keeps evolving as more states join the legal marketplace. These ten states lead the way through their commitment to building sustainable, customer-focused betting markets. Their success offers lessons for other states considering or implementing sports betting legislation. The focus on mobile access, responsible gaming measures, and competitive marketplaces drives innovation across the industry.