The United States Supreme Court overturned a sports gambling prohibition in May 2018. It opened the door for states to pass legislation allowing for sports betting. We are tracking the states as news develops.
Sports betting has long been illegal in the United States, with Nevada, Montana, Delaware, and Oregon receiving exceptions under the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992. On May 14, 2018, that all changed. The Supreme Court overturned PASPA in Murphy v. NCAA, ruling that the provisions within the act violate the Constitution’s anti-commandeering rule.
The ruling did not legalize sports gambling, but instead opened the door for the states or federal government to create a regulatory framework. The Court stated that Congress could develop regulations for legalized sports betting, and in the absence of congressional action, state governments are allowed to pursue legalized sports betting.
Numerous states have begun the process of legalization. Four have implemented legalized sports betting since the Supreme Court decision: Delaware, New Jersey, Mississippi, and West Virginia. Pennsylvania and Rhode Island have passed legislation and are in the process of implementation. 19 other states, and counting, have introduced some form of legislation since the decision was handed down.
Legalization will continue as legislatures return from summer recesses. We will be using this map to track the status of state legislation on sports betting moving forward.