Online sports betting has become a widespread fixture in the United States, and while some states still haven’t legalized it just yet, you might be traveling to one that has during the Thanksgiving holiday.
In this case, there are some aspects of the legalities of online sports betting that you must know. The entire process is straightforward if you’re not a resident of a legal betting state where you’re spending the weekend.
It can be daunting, and you likely want some questions answered. So, we have compiled this guide to help you make informed decisions about your betting experience wherever you are.
Can I register for an online sportsbook as a non-resident?
The short answer is yes. You can sign up for a new account at an online sports betting site if you’re 21 years old and physically located in a state with legal sports betting.
A hypothetical would be if you’re a Florida resident, a state that has no legal online sports betting, and decide to head over to Tennessee for Thanksgiving, a state that does.
You can register in Tennessee, even as a Florida resident. To ensure your process goes smoothly, you must use your actual address. If you use a TN address to sign up in this example, you might be unable to deposit due to verification issues.
What states have legalized online sports betting?
Every U.S. state has different legislation in place regarding online sports betting. Some states have complete online and in-person betting, while others have neither, and some have one or the other. Here is a chart below to show where you can wager.
State | Legal Status |
Alabama | No Betting |
Alaska | No Betting |
Arizona | Fully Legal |
Arkansas | Fully Legal |
California | No Betting |
Colorado | Fully Legal |
Connecticut | Fully Legal |
Delaware | Legal In-Person |
District of Columbia | Limited Online |
Florida | Limited Online and In-Person |
Georgia | No Betting |
Hawaii | No Betting |
Idaho | No Betting |
Illinois | Fully Legal |
Indiana | Fully Legal |
Iowa | Fully Legal |
Kansas | Fully Legal |
Kentucky | Fully Legal |
Louisiana | Fully Legal |
Maine | Fully Legal |
Maryland | Fully Legal |
Massachusetts | Fully Legal |
Michigan | Fully Legal |
Minnesota | No Betting |
Mississippi | Legal In-Person |
Missouri | No Betting |
Montana | Legal In-Person |
Nebraska | No Betting |
Nevada | Fully Legal |
New Hampshire | Fully Legal |
New Jersey | Fully Legal |
New Mexico | Legal In-Person |
New York | Fully Legal |
North Carolina | Legal In-Person |
North Dakota | Legal In-Person |
Ohio | Fully Legal |
Oklahoma | No Betting |
Oregon | Fully Legal |
Pennsylvania | Fully Legal |
Rhode Island | Fully Legal |
South Carolina | No Betting |
South Dakota | Legal In-Person |
Tennessee | Legal Online |
Texas | No Betting |
Utah | No Betting |
Vermont | No Betting |
Virginia | Fully Legal |
Washington | Legal In-Person |
West Virginia | Fully Legal |
Wisconsin | Legal In-Person |
Wyoming | Legal Online |
As you can see, there are many different statuses of states regarding the legalization of online sports betting.
Can I withdraw money even if I’m not in a legal sports betting state?
Yes! Suppose you’re in Arizona for Thanksgiving, a state with legal sports betting, and place a few bets over the weekend. You go back home to Utah, where online and in-person sports betting is illegal.
You can still withdraw any of your funds, whether from winning bets or from when you deposited in Arizona.
Top online sports betting sites like bet365 and BetMGM understand that people are constantly on the move, so they make the whole process easy. The only thing you can’t do in a state without legal sports betting is place bets. However, you can continue to access mobile apps and websites, check odds, and everything else.
How do sportsbooks know my location?
While sharing your location with anyone might seem unnerving, sportsbooks are reputable online spaces, and you can rest assured knowing your information is safe. The reason why these online sports betting sites require your location is so they can ensure that you’re in a legal state for sports betting.
All sportsbooks use geo-location software, which can often be downloaded on your desktop. If you’re using a mobile device, chances are you already have this built-in and need to provide the sportsbook with permission.
Can I claim a sports betting promo code as a non-resident?
You can take advantage of the best sportsbook promo codes in the industry if you’re physically present in a legal sports betting state. It’s beneficial to begin placing your initial wagers if you are, though, because you might be out of luck once you leave.
What sportsbooks are available in each state?
Every state has different online sports betting sites available to bettors. Check the table in the middle of this page and click the link for your state. You’ll see the top sportsbooks operating in your state or temporary home for the Thanksgiving holiday.
The online sports betting sites with the broadest U.S. reach include DraftKings, FanDuel, and ESPN BET.