Betting on sports is one of the most entertaining things you can do. It turns a boring game into one filled with interest and excitement, gives you a little extra juice to cheer for your guys and of course, offers you the opportunity to make a few Benjamin's.
Do states set the legal gambling age?
The legal gaming age is left to individual states, although the minimum age for gambling is 18 years and above. In spite of the federal legal age being set at 18, 35 states have set their gaming age above the age of 18.
This may be confusing but it works like most other aspects of law within America. There are federal laws, which are a general blanket rule enforced across the United States. Then there are state laws, which govern all citizens within the area and those who visit.
If I can legally gamble in one state, can I gamble in another?
The individual state has been given discretion to make laws and govern at their own discretion. For example, Minnesota allows gambling of all forms — except sports betting — from 18, but if a 20-year-old Minnesotan were to travel to Arizona — where all things, bingo aside, aren’t legal until 21 — they would be quickly sunburnt, but secondly and most importantly, unable to gamble in any capacity.
Similarly, your home state may not legally allow you to gamble, if you were to travel to a state where your age is above the legal limit, you can do that.
Will my sportsbook app work in another state?
If sports betting is legal within the state you are in, then yes, your sports betting app would work as normal and you could place a bet as if you were sitting on your couch watching your team play. Of course, you’ll be able to continue sports betting if you prefer that way over the iPhone or Android betting apps.
However, if you travel for a weekend away to a state where online sports betting isn’t legalized — let’s say Alabama, long known as the Cabo of America’s south — then your app will not work, nor will you be able to bet on sports. Think of it like your phone in the Montana wilderness — there’s no reception. If you’re not in one of the 14 states with legalized online sports betting, you may as well put them into hibernation, hopefully like the Grizzlies if you are in said wilderness. Otherwise this may be the last article you read…as they say, end on a high note and all!
Which states allow legal sports betting?
|
State |
Online |
Retail |
Legal Age |
|
Arkansas |
No |
Yes |
21 |
|
Colorado |
Yes |
Yes |
21 |
|
Delaware |
No |
No |
21 |
|
Illinois |
Yes |
Yes |
21 |
|
Indiana |
Yes |
Yes |
21 |
|
Iowa |
Yes |
Yes |
21 |
|
Louisiana |
Pending |
Pending |
Pending |
|
Maryland |
Pending |
Pending |
Pending |
|
Michigan |
Yes |
Yes |
21 |
|
Mississippi |
*In-person only |
Yes |
21 |
|
Montana |
*In-person only |
Yes |
18 |
|
Nevada |
Yes |
Yes |
21 |
|
New Hampshire |
Yes |
Yes |
18 |
|
New Jersey |
Yes |
Yes |
21 |
|
New Mexico |
No |
Yes |
21 |
|
New York |
No |
Yes |
21 |
|
North Carolina |
Pending |
Pending |
Pending |
|
Oregon |
Yes |
Yes |
21 |
|
Pennsylvania |
Yes |
Yes |
21 |
|
Rhode Island |
Yes |
Yes |
18 |
|
South Dakota |
Pending |
Pending |
Pending |
|
Tennessee |
Yes |
No |
21 |
|
Virginia |
Pending |
Pending |
Pending |
|
Washington |
Pending |
Pending |
Pending |
|
Washington D.C. |
Yes |
Yes |
21 |
|
West Virginia |
Yes |
Yes |
21 |
* In-person online betting means you must wager from inside a casino and other licensed locations.
All pending states above have legalized sports gambling as a whole but have yet to finalize the process. Logistical hurdles need to be overcome, but stay tuned to Dimers for the latest updates and best sportsbooks in your state.
My state doesn’t allow sports betting, can I join an offshore sportsbook?
If you don’t live in the state of Washington or Connecticut, then yes you can bet with an international sportsbook.
It is illegal to use offshore books in Washington and Connecticut, but every other state — which hasn’t legalized sports betting themselves — like California, Florida and Texas amongst others, allow it.
There are risks to doing so, as many of the sportsbooks don’t have the same reputation of those available in the United States. If you think it’s worth the risk, make sure you do your research.
Now that you know what age and where you can bet within the United States. For the best odds, sportsbooks and exclusive promotional offers for sports betting make Dimers part of your daily routine.
