Sports betting has been legalized and implemented in eight states.
Super Bowl week is upon us, and for the novice bettor, that means they need to get their wagers in. Early money last week pushed the Patriots from one-point underdogs to 2.5-point favorites against the Rams, but this week is when the weekend warriors will start to get their wagers in.
Most people who bet on Super Bowl 53 will do so through online offshore sportsbooks, with their local bookie, or more casually amongst friends. However, this year marks the first time legal sports betting has grown widely in America. Last May, the United States Supreme Court struck down as unconstitutional the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), a law that prohibited sports betting.
PASPA had allowed only Nevada full sports betting, and Oregon, Delaware, and Montana limited sports lotteries. The Supreme Court decision opened the door for Congress to create a regulatory framework, and in the absence of congressional action, states were allowed to institute their own frameworks.
Since the Supreme Court decision, seven states have legalized and implemented sports betting. That brings us to eight states, including Nevada that allow some form of sports betting. Here are the states where you can legally place a wager on Super Bowl 53.
Nevada
Legalized sports betting in 1949. When Congress passed PASPA in 1992 to prohibit future expansion of sports betting, Nevada was grandfathered in and has maintained sports betting throughout the state ever since. Mobile betting is available individually at the different sportsbook operators.
New Jersey
New Jersey’s attempt to implement sports betting led to the lawsuit that ultimately overturned PASPA. On June 11, 2018, the governor signed a bill that had been passed the previous week to implement sports betting regulation. You can currently bet at 12 casinos throughout the state both at brick-and-mortar locations and their mobile apps. Additionally, eight online or mobile only sportsbooks are licensed in the state.
Delaware
On June 5, 2018, Delaware became the first state to offer single-game betting following the Supreme Court decision overturning PASPA. The expanded sports betting is available at the state’s three casinos, which includes Delaware Park Casino, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, and Harrington Raceway & Casino. Parlay betting on NFL and college games is available at various retailers throughout the state. Mobile betting is currently not offered.
Mississippi
In 2017, Mississippi removed language from the Mississippi Gaming Control Act that prohibited sports betting, in anticipation of a favorable ruling from the Supreme Court in Murphy v. NCAA. Following the 2018 Supreme Court decision, the state Gaming Commission adopted regulations for sports betting. In-person sports betting launched on August 1, and over 20 casinos provide sports betting. Mobile wagering is only allowed on casino property.
West Virginia
Passed the West Virginia Sports Lottery Wagering Act on March 10, 2018, in anticipation of a favorable ruling from the Supreme Court. Five West Virginia traditional and racetrack casinos allow sports betting. They include Hollywood Casino, Mardi Gras Casino, Mountaineer Casino, Wheeling Island Casino, and The Casino Club at The Greenbrier. Mobile gaming is available in the state.
Rhode Island
On June 22, 2018, Governor Gina Raimondo signed the state budget, which included a provision authorizing sports betting. Two Twin River casinos, in Lincoln and Riverton, launched sports betting to close 2018. Mobile betting is currently not authorized.
Pennsylvania
The state approved an application from Penn National to open sports betting at Hollywood Casino in Grantville. It became the first casino to offer sports betting in Pennsylvania after the state passed legislation in 2017 to create a sports betting framework once a favorable Supreme Court decision was reached. The state also approved Parx Casino in Bucks County, Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, and Sugarhouse Casino in Philadelphia. Mobile betting is not yet available.
New Mexico
The Santa Ana Star Casino & Hotel (Bernalillo, NM) formed a partnership with USBookmaking. The state has not legalized gambling, but the partnership was created under the state’s gaming pact with the tribe. The compact allows all forms of Class III gambling, which includes sports betting. This is the only New Mexico casino with sports betting.