This article explains which U.S. states prohibit or limit online sports betting and why those limitations exist. It focuses on practical categories such as statewide mobile authorization, retail-only access, lottery-run systems, and tribal compact restrictions. The aim is to give clear verification steps so readers can confirm their local rules before attempting any online wager.

Some states allow statewide mobile sportsbooks, while others limit wagering to in-person venues or tribal lands.

Tribal compacts and lottery-run systems can permit wagering yet still restrict mobile access to specific locations.

Always verify current state status with the AGA map and the NCSL tracker before attempting an online wager.

Quick answer: Which states you cannot bet online

Short summary of common patterns (bet 365 bet)

For a quick read, some U.S. states permit full statewide mobile sports wagering, others allow betting only in person at licensed retail locations, and a few continue to bar online sportsbooks entirely. This patchwork matters because where you can lawfully place a mobile bet depends on the state model and any tribal agreements that apply, so verify local rules before attempting to wager; the American Gaming Association maintains a live map that shows current state status and options for mobile and retail access American Gaming Association interactive map.

The differences are not just technical. Legal frameworks determine whether a resident or a visitor may use a statewide app, must be physically present at a licensed casino or racetrack, or may only use a geofenced lottery kiosk or app. State legislatures update rules frequently and the National Conference of State Legislatures tracks bills and changes people should check before placing any online wager NCSL sports betting tracker.

Learn how FundedPlays organizes challenge options and verification details on the FundedPlays Challenges page

Before you continue, consult the AGA map and the NCSL tracker to confirm your state status and prevent accidental violations.

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Who this applies to and immediate next steps

This overview is for U.S. residents and visitors who want to know whether they can lawfully place an online wager in their state. If you plan to use a mobile sportsbook or a state-operated sports app, pause and check the official resources referenced here rather than relying on an app to determine legality.

If your state appears to restrict online betting, follow the verification steps later in this article to confirm whether retail, tribal, or lottery exceptions apply in your specific county or reservation, and do not attempt to use operators that are not licensed for your jurisdiction.

How state legalization models differ and why it matters

Statewide mobile vs retail-only vs prohibited

Most U.S. legalization frameworks fall into one of three practical categories: fully licensed statewide mobile wagering, retail-only authorization limited to in-person sportsbooks at casinos or racetracks, and statutory prohibition where online sportsbooks are not authorized. Each model results in different user experiences and technical requirements such as geofencing and location verification.

Statewide mobile licensing means the regulator has authorized apps that residents can use from anywhere within the state borders, subject to geolocation checks. Retail-only states allow wagers but require bettors to be physically present at a licensed venue to place a bet, which prevents statewide remote access. Prohibition means the state has not authorized sportsbooks, so online betting services are not legally available within that jurisdiction; because status can change with new laws, checking an up-to-date tracker is essential NCSL sports betting tracker.

Changes often occur through state legislative sessions or negotiated tribal compacts, and timing varies widely. A bill can authorize mobile wagering statewide, modify retail rules, or create lottery-run options that restrict how and where people can place bets. That means a state that is retail-only this year could legalize mobile apps the next session, or a compact renegotiation could expand or limit tribal mobile options.

Because the legal status can shift quickly, rely on the AGA interactive map and your state regulator for the most current reading before attempting to place an online wager American Gaming Association interactive map.

How legislation and timelines vary

Tribal compacts and restrictions on online participation

How tribal-state compacts can limit mobile wagering

Tribal-state compacts are agreements that govern gaming on tribal land and can authorize sports wagering while also restricting how and where online or mobile wagering may occur. These compacts respect tribal sovereignty and often confine certain online offerings to tribal lands or require that on-premises mobile play take place within a casino environment under the tribe's rules.

For residents and visitors, the effect is practical: even if a state has some form of sports wagering, tribal compacts can mean that statewide mobile apps are not available outside tribal property, or that a tribe operates its own limited mobile service only for patrons physically on reservation property; readers should check both state and tribal guidance to understand access.

What states can you not bet online?

States vary: some prohibit online sportsbooks, others allow only retail or tribal-limited betting, and a few use lottery-run models; verify current rules with the AGA map and NCSL tracker.

Example: Washington's approach

Washington is an example where tribal compacts shape the available options and where mobile wagering is handled in a way that limits statewide app access, meaning many online sportsbook features are restricted to tribal casinos or on-premises systems rather than open statewide mobile apps. Review the state gambling commission guidance and tribal policies to see how the compact affects mobile eligibility Washington State Gambling Commission sports wagering page.

If you are in a compact state, contact the tribal casino or the state regulator to confirm whether the tribe allows on-premises mobile betting and what identification or location requirements apply before attempting to use a mobile link or kiosk.

Retail-only states: what retail access means for online bettors

Examples of retail-only frameworks

Retail-only frameworks authorize in-person sportsbooks at licensed casinos or racetracks but do not allow statewide mobile apps. That means bettors can visit a physical sportsbook, use kiosks, or place wagers with a ticket or counter service, but cannot use a mobile app from home or while traveling within the state.

Retail-only systems are common in jurisdictions that want to control the gambling footprint, maintain relationship with land-based gaming operators, or phase in mobile access over time. The practical outcome is straightforward: if your state is retail-only, plan to place any sports bets in person at a licensed venue rather than relying on a mobile app.

How retail-only limits differ from full prohibition

A retail-only model differs from a full prohibition because wagering is allowed, but only in specific physical locations. Full prohibition means no lawful sportsbooks are authorized at all. For example, Mississippi allows in-person betting at licensed venues but historically limits or does not support statewide mobile sportsbook access, so residents and visitors must use retail locations to place bets Mississippi Gaming Commission sports betting.

When planning travel or attending events in retail-only states, identify licensed casinos or racetracks in advance and confirm their sportsbook hours and ticketing process to avoid surprises.

Lottery-run systems, geofencing, and limited mobile apps

How lottery models can restrict true statewide mobile betting

Some states use their lottery agencies to offer sports wagering under models that are technically online but practically restricted. Lottery-run programs often rely on geofenced kiosks, retail-linked apps, or limited geolocation zones that prevent the same freedom and app ecosystem that a fully licensed mobile sportsbook provides.

Those technical limits mean an app that appears to offer mobile play may only permit bets at specific retail locations or inside strict geofenced boundaries, so users should not assume a lottery app equals full statewide mobile access; consult the lottery's guidance to confirm the scope of the service Sports Bet Montana, Montana Lottery.

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Example: Montana's Sports Bet Montana program

Montana's lottery-operated program illustrates how a state-run solution can be real but limited; the program allows wagering through state-managed systems and geofenced kiosks rather than permitting broad mobile app usage from anywhere in the state. That distinction matters if you plan to bet while traveling or away from retail points of sale.

If you are in a lottery-model state, read the lottery's terms and geolocation rules carefully and confirm whether a mobile app supports only on-site play, kiosk-based wagering, or broader mobile access before attempting to place bets from a remote location.

Where online sports betting remains prohibited or effectively unavailable

Types of prohibition and practical unavailability

Prohibition can be explicit in statute or effectively present because no mobile licensing or tribal compact provisions allow statewide online access. Practical unavailability can also arise where the only authorized options are restricted to tribal land, retail-only venues, or lottery kiosks, leaving most residents without a lawful mobile option.

One reason states remain closed is legislative choice: some state lawmakers prefer to limit gambling expansion, negotiate specific tribal terms, or favor retail or lottery models over full mobile licensing. Because this status varies and changes over time, use authoritative trackers to identify which states currently prohibit or limit online betting.

Why some states still ban or restrict online betting

Reasons range from policy preferences and public opinion to concerns about regulation, consumer protection, tax arrangements, and the negotiation of revenue-sharing with tribal governments. Those policy choices produce different outcomes: a complete ban, retail-only services, tribal-only mobile systems, or lottery-run solutions that only approximate mobile betting.

If you need the exact current list for your state, consult the NCSL tracker for recent bills and the state regulator's site for final licensing decisions before assuming an app will work where you are NCSL sports betting tracker.

Daily fantasy sports versus sports betting: legal distinctions that matter

How DFS laws differ from sportsbook laws

Daily fantasy sports are often governed by separate statutes and legal tests that treat DFS as a game of skill in some states, which can allow DFS operations where sportsbooks are not authorized. The legal criteria separating DFS from betting vary by state and may hinge on specific statutory language or case law.

Because DFS can remain lawful where sportsbooks are not, do not assume that an available DFS app means you may also place sports wagers online; check state-specific DFS statutes and regulatory guidance before concluding parity between the two forms of activity NCSL daily fantasy sports overview.

Why DFS may be allowed where betting is not

Many states treat DFS differently because legislators or courts have found a skills component in prize allocation, or they have enacted specific DFS enabling laws. That separation can leave a state with active DFS markets while retaining limits or prohibitions on online sportsbooks.

When evaluating services in a state that lacks sportsbooks, review how the state defines and regulates DFS to understand whether the site you plan to use is lawful where you live or travel.

How to verify your state’s current rules and trustworthy resources

Official sources to check before attempting to wager

Before placing any online wager, consult public trackers and your state regulator. The AGA interactive map provides a clear visual of where mobile sportsbooks operate and where only retail or tribal options exist, and the NCSL tracker lists recent legislative changes and pending bills that could affect access American Gaming Association interactive map.

Also check your state regulator website for licensing updates and guidance on geolocation, ID requirements, and operator lists. If tribal compacts are relevant, review tribal casino policies or contact the tribe's gaming office directly for on-premises mobile rules.

Step-by-step: checking map, regulator, and recent bills

1. Check the AGA interactive map to see whether your state lists statewide mobile, retail-only, or no authorization. 2. Consult the NCSL tracker for recent legislation and proposed changes that may alter access during the current session. 3. Visit the state regulator website to confirm licensed operators, geolocation rules, and operator terms. 4. If tribal compacts affect your area, contact the tribal gaming authority or review the tribe's published guidance before attempting on-premises mobile play.

Quick verification checklist for state betting status

AGA map
NCSL tracker
State regulator website

Use these steps in order

These steps form a practical path to confirm whether online sports betting is lawful where you are; following all four reduces the chance of relying on an app that is not permitted in your jurisdiction.

Common mistakes, legal risks, and compliance pitfalls

Typical errors residents make

Common mistakes include assuming an app will work across state lines, confusing DFS availability with sportsbook legality, and failing to confirm whether a tribal compact limits access to on-premises only. These errors can lead users to try to place wagers where operators are not licensed or where state rules forbid remote play.

Technical pitfalls such as geolocation mismatches can also cause trouble; a bettor may be physically inside the state yet outside an approved geofence or register a location error that blocks a legitimate transaction.

Consequences and how to avoid them

The consequences of using an unlicensed operator or violating a state's betting rules range from blocked transactions to legal or account sanctions depending on the jurisdiction. To avoid these outcomes, stop if you are unsure, consult the AGA and NCSL public resources, and only use operators that list a valid license from your state regulator.

Avoid technical circumvention such as VPNs to spoof location; using such tools can breach terms of service and may expose you to additional legal or account risks. Confirm licensed status and geolocation rules before depositing funds or attempting to wager.

Practical scenarios and what residents should do next

If you live in a prohibited state

If your state does not authorize online sportsbooks, do not attempt to access out-of-state apps and avoid depositing money into services that are not licensed for your state. Instead, monitor legislative updates via the NCSL tracker and the state regulator to see if rules change in upcoming sessions.

Consider whether legal alternatives like DFS or regulated sweepstakes platforms exist in your jurisdiction, but verify those services against state statutes before participating.

If you live in a retail-only or lottery-model state

In a retail-only state, plan to place wagers in person at licensed casinos or racetracks and confirm their sportsbook procedures. In a lottery-model state, read geofencing and kiosk rules carefully to determine whether a mobile or on-site app will meet your needs; lottery-run apps may only permit wagers at specific locations rather than across the whole state Sports Bet Montana, Montana Lottery.

When traveling within these states, map out licensed venues in advance and contact customer service at the venue or the lottery office if you need clarification about permitted betting channels.

If you live in a tribal-compact state

If tribal compacts govern gaming where you live, check tribal casino policies for on-premises mobile rules and contact the tribal gaming office for confirmation. Compacts can allow betting but restrict where and how mobile services operate, so direct verification is the safest course.

When visiting a tribal casino, ask staff about any mobile play options allowed on-site, what ID is required, and whether the tribe operates its own app or requires in-person ticketing for wagers.

Conclusion: Safe next steps before attempting any online wager

Key takeaways

State approaches to online sports betting vary between statewide mobile licenses, retail-only access, lottery-run limited systems, and full prohibition. Because status changes, always confirm your state's current rules using trusted public trackers and regulator guidance before attempting to wager NCSL sports betting tracker.

Final verification checklist

Before you place any online wager: check the AGA interactive map for current status, consult the NCSL bill tracker for recent or pending changes, visit your state regulator for licensed operators and geolocation rules, and confirm tribal casino policies where compacts apply. When in doubt, pause and verify rather than risking noncompliance.

Can I use a mobile sportsbook app anywhere in the United States?

No. Mobile sportsbook access is state-dependent; some states allow statewide mobile apps, others permit only in-person betting, and a few prohibit online sportsbooks entirely.

Are daily fantasy sports the same as online sports betting?

No. DFS is often governed by separate statutes and may be allowed in states that do not authorize sportsbooks, but rules vary by state.

How can I confirm whether online betting is legal in my state?

Check the AGA interactive map, consult the NCSL tracker for recent bills, and review your state regulator's website for licensing and geolocation rules.

Before placing any online bet, take a moment to verify your state's current legal framework and any tribal or lottery-specific rules. Prioritize licensed operators and official resources to avoid accidental violations.