Where Will Sports Betting be Legalized in 2023? Legislation updates for California, Minnesota, Texas

Is legalized online sports betting making its way to your state? Since the Supreme Court struck down the PASPA law (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) back in 2018, 33 states along with Washington D.C. have enacted some form of legislation that allows in-state sports betting. 24 of those states offer mobile betting.

The sports betting landscape continues to expand and the community along with it. There’s never been a higher volume of sports betting-related content than there is now. Between podcasts, television shows, bet-themed alternate broadcasts and more, everywhere you turn, there’s something to listen to, watch or learn as you delve into the world of legalized gambling. That is, however, unless you’re in one of the 17 states that have yet to make progress toward doing so.

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If sports betting is legal in your state and you haven’t signed up yet or are looking to expand your options, make sure you head over to our Best Sportsbooks page. This gives you insight into every current promotion offered at each book available in your state. If you’re in Ohio or Massachusetts where betting just went live this year, you may not have capitalized on every offer possible, and the promotions won’t stay the same forever.

A growing industry means competition, and the sportsbooks incentivize new users for signing up with them. For example, you can score $150 in bonus bets at DraftKings for placing a single $5 wager, while new users at BetMGM can get their first bet back, up to $1,000, if it loses.

Where is sports betting not allowed?

A total of 17 states have no operational sports betting industry, for a variety of reasons. We’ve organized them into separate categories below.

Legal, but not operational

Three states have passed legislation to allow sports betting but have yet to make things operational: Kentucky, Maine and Nebraska. A fourth, Florida, originally had legislation in place, but a federal judge ordered a cease to all operations in 2021 after just five weeks, with no restart in sight. Maine is still getting the infrastructure in place, Nebraska plans to be operational in May 2023, and Kentucky is expected to be up and running by the end of 2023 or early 2024 at the latest.

Legislation on an active ballot

Minnesota: Minnesota appears to be the frontrunner for the next state to approve legalized wagering. The state’s proposed bill is making its way through the legislature. An issue with horse racing caused a snag in the bill the first time around, and with that now amended, the expectation is that the law will pass.

Missouri: Another state with a strong chance to join the 33, Missouri also has a bill presently being decided on. After failing in its first attempt, bettors are eager for a successful bid, as they’re surrounded by a swath of states where betting is legal.

Vermont: With the exception of South Carolina (which also has legislation in the works), you’d have to go as far south and west as Alabama to find another state that has yet to approve a sports betting measure. Like Minnesota and Missouri, the Vermont bill is in the state senate awaiting approval.

Texas: The juiciest market for sportsbooks, Texas is taking another swing to legalize sports betting after its original proposal was nixed back in 2021.  A massive market, this would be a huge win for the books and the people of Texas.

Others: Hawaii, South Carolina

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No/Failed legislation

Unfortunately, we’d call these the “don’t hold your breath states” if you’re asking when sports betting will make its way over. Whether the proposed laws have been shot down, egregiously opposed or simply non-existent, there’s not much to suggest these states will come around any time soon, so if you’re a resident, it looks like it’s bookies and road trips for the foreseeable future.

California: A little ironic considering California was well ahead of the curve when it comes to other recreational legalization, but it’s not been the same story in regards to gambling. The Golden State’s proposed bill in 2022 was overwhelmingly shut down and a launch isn’t likely before 2025.

Utah: Did not propose a bill in 2022

Idaho: No bill proposed since 2018 PASPA ruling

Alabama: Has attempted to pass four times with no success

Others: Georgia, Oklahoma, Alaska

 

Do you think sports betting should be allowed in your state? Let us know on Twitter! Don’t forget to grab DraftKings’ exclusive promo offer and score your free $150 in bets.

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