The legalization of online sports betting in the United States has transformed the sports industry, creating new revenue streams, increasing fan engagement, and changing the way people interact with their favorite sports. Since the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, states have been free to legalize sports betting as they see fit. This has led to a rapid expansion of online sportsbooks across the country.
Which states allow online sports betting?
As of 2024, online sports betting is legal in multiple states, but each state has its own regulations regarding operators, licensing, and restrictions. Some of the major states that have fully legalized online sports betting include:
- New Jersey – One of the pioneers of legal sports betting, offering a highly competitive market with multiple sportsbooks.
- Pennsylvania – Legalized online betting with a strong regulatory framework and high tax rates.
- Michigan – Offers both online and in-person sports betting with many sportsbook operators.
- Illinois – Legalized online betting but initially required bettors to register in person.
- New York – Launched online sports betting in 2022 and quickly became one of the largest markets in the country.
- Arizona – Fully legalized online betting, allowing wagers on professional and college sports.
- Colorado – A highly open market with low entry barriers for operators.
Other states, such as California, Texas, and Florida, have debated legalizing online sports betting but have yet to fully implement it due to legislative challenges.
The impact on different sports
Legalized sports betting has had a profound impact on various sports leagues in the US. The NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL have all adapted to the changing landscape, forming partnerships with betting operators, integrating odds into broadcasts, and even launching their own betting-related content.
- Football (NFL & College Football) – The NFL was initially resistant to sports betting but has since embraced partnerships with sportsbooks. Betting on the NFL generates the most wagering volume in the US, especially during the Super Bowl and playoffs.
- Basketball (NBA & NCAA) – The NBA was one of the first leagues to support legalized sports betting and has capitalized on live betting and player prop bets.
- Baseball (MLB) – While MLB has had historical issues with gambling (e.g., the Pete Rose scandal), the league has fully integrated sports betting into its operations. In-play betting on baseball is particularly popular due to the slow pace of the game.
- Hockey (NHL) – The NHL has seen a significant increase in fan engagement and revenue due to legalized sports betting, with many teams partnering with sportsbooks.
The impact on hockey and the NHL
Hockey has traditionally not been the most popular sport for sports betting in the US, but legalization has changed that. Several factors have contributed to the increasing role of betting in the NHL:
- Increased betting opportunities – Online sportsbooks now offer more NHL-specific bets, including moneyline, puck line, total goals (over/under), and player props. Live betting has also grown significantly, allowing fans to place wagers in real-time based on in-game events.
- Team and league partnerships – The NHL has embraced sports betting by forming official partnerships with sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM. Many individual teams have also partnered with betting companies, incorporating betting odds into broadcasts and in-arena experiences.
- Growth of hockey betting markets – While hockey betting traditionally lagged behind football and basketball, sportsbooks have expanded offerings to cater to NHL fans. The Stanley Cup Playoffs, in particular, generate significant betting activity.
- Expansion into Canada – With Ontario legalizing online sports betting, NHL teams in Canada have also benefited from increased fan engagement and revenue. Given hockey’s popularity in Canada, this has been a major development.
The future of online sports betting in the US
The sports betting industry in the US is still evolving, with more states expected to legalize online wagering in the coming years. The rapid expansion of mobile betting apps, improved data analytics, and deeper integration with sports leagues will continue shaping the market.
For hockey, the future looks promising. With younger audiences engaging with betting apps and more NHL-focused wagers being offered, the league is likely to see continued revenue growth and increased viewership. The challenge will be maintaining the integrity of the game while capitalizing on the growing interest in sports betting.
As more states move toward legalization, online sports betting is set to become an even bigger part of the American sports experience.