Legal sports gambling depends on rules set by local regulators and licensing authorities, and those rules are published in wagering catalogs. This article explains how those catalogs work, which sports are commonly approved, and how to verify permissions so you can understand which sports you can bet on where. It also covers common bet types, how esports and niche sports are treated, practical verification steps, and decision criteria to help you assess whether a sport or market is permitted in your state or province.

Regulator-published wagering catalogs are the authoritative source for what sports and market types are permitted in a jurisdiction.

Mainstream sports are widely covered; niche sports and esports are often allowed only with event sanctioning and integrity safeguards.

Always verify the catalog's update date and operator disclaimers before assuming a sport or market is available.

What legal sports gambling means and how wagering catalogs work

Definition of legal sports gambling in regulated markets

Legal sports gambling refers to regulated wagering on sporting events under rules set by a licensing authority or regulator. In practice, regulated operators rely on official wagering catalogs that enumerate approved sports and bet types, and those catalogs are the authoritative source for what an operator may offer within a jurisdiction. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission and other regulators publish these catalogs as the basis for permitted offerings, so consulting the catalog is the primary step for anyone checking permissions Massachusetts Gaming Commission sports wagering catalog.

In short, a wagering catalog lists which sports, events, and market types a regulator has authorized for commercial operators to offer. It also often includes definitions for market names, any sport or league specific constraints, and update notes that show when the catalog was last changed. Because these catalogs are maintained by the regulator or licensing body, they serve as the single point of truth for legal sports gambling in a given jurisdiction Colorado sports betting catalog.

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Check your state or provincial regulator's official wagering catalog before assuming a sport or market is available; catalogs are the authoritative source and are updated periodically.

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Regulated operators and licensing teams refer to these documents when approving an operator's menu and when enforcing allowed or restricted events. When in doubt, the catalog published by the regulator is the starting point for confirming what sports you can bet on in that market Ohio sports gaming catalog.

Which sports are commonly listed in legal sports gambling catalogs

Mainstream sports typically included

Close up laptop screen showing regulator website listing a sports wagering catalog in a minimal dark Funded Plays styled UI with clear sections and headings legal sports gambling

Most wagering catalogs list mainstream team and individual sports as permitted categories, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, tennis, and golf. These core sports form the backbone of permitted offerings across many regulated markets and typically have multiple market types available. (see the Funded Plays blog)

Some catalogs also enumerate additional, less common sports when there is regulatory or commercial demand. For example, certain state catalogs explicitly include niche sports in their lists, reflecting local appetite and regulatory review Colorado sports betting catalog.

Examples of niche sports that appear in some catalogs

Beyond the mainstream set, a number of jurisdictions approve niche categories such as darts and table tennis, either as separate line items or under a broader "other sports" header. Those approvals are not universal and can depend on how the regulator interprets integrity and event sanctioning for the discipline Arizona event wagering catalog.

Regional popularity and the presence of sanctioned competitions influence whether a niche sport appears in a catalog. That means availability of less common options varies by state or province and can change with catalog updates.

How bet types fit into legal sports gambling: moneyline, spreads, totals and more

Common market types across sports

When regulators authorize a sport, they typically also define the kinds of markets operators may offer, such as moneyline, point spread, totals, futures, and live or in game wagering. Those market names are commonly listed in catalogs alongside the sports they apply to, and the catalog language can clarify any sport-specific limits on a market type Sports wagering catalog examples.

Catalogs often explain market definitions so that operators and customers share a common understanding of terms like "moneyline" and "point spread," and so regulators can enforce consistent rules. In practice, this means a market that is allowed for one sport may be restricted or defined differently for another.

Which sports and markets are legally permitted in different jurisdictions for wagering?

Permitted sports and markets are determined by each regulator's official wagering catalog; mainstream sports are commonly allowed while niche sports and esports often require event sanctioning and integrity checks.

Live and in game betting are frequently treated separately in catalogs; regulators may impose timing limits, prohibited in game props, or extra integrity checks for real-time markets Ohio sports gaming catalog.

Because market availability is catalog-driven, the exact mix of allowed markets at an operator will mirror the regulator's definitions and any additional operator-level restrictions.

Niche categories and esports within legal sports gambling

How esports is treated in catalogs

Esports wagering is increasingly included in some catalogs, but approval is conditional. Regulators that list esports tend to do so with caveats tied to event sanctioning, tournament organizer reputation, and anti cheating protocols Colorado sports betting catalog.

That conditional approach means that even where "esports" appears in a catalog header, individual events may need separate review or meet integrity criteria before wagers are allowed.

Integrity and sanctioning criteria for esports and emerging events

Catalogs that permit esports typically require events to be organized by recognized tournament operators, to follow published rules, and to include anti cheat measures. These integrity indicators help regulators limit wagering to contests where results are reliable and manipulable risks are reduced Arizona event wagering catalog.

Other emerging categories follow a similar pattern: approval often depends on whether an event is sanctioned and whether the regulator can reasonably define markets and settlement rules.

Other niche categories like darts and table tennis

Some jurisdictions explicitly list sports such as darts and table tennis, reflecting a willingness to permit betting on well organized, sanctionable niche competitions. The presence of these sports in a catalog is evidence that a regulator has evaluated their integrity and market clarity Colorado sports betting catalog.

Still, niche approvals vary and may be added or removed as regulators review new evidence or respond to market developments.

Jurisdiction differences: comparing U.S. state catalogs and provincial regulators for legal sports gambling

Why permitted sports differ between jurisdictions

Individual jurisdictions set their own permissions, so the list of permitted sports and markets can differ significantly from one state or province to another. Regulators examine local interests, integrity systems, and legal frameworks when drafting catalogs, which produces variation in permitted offerings AGA State of the States 2025 overview. See Louisiana's sports wagering catalog here.

To illustrate, Massachusetts, Colorado, and Ohio each publish catalogs that list approved sports and market types, and those catalogs demonstrate how granular approvals can be when regulators specify sport-level or market-level conditions Massachusetts Gaming Commission catalog.

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How provincial regulators like Ontario's AGCO differ

Outside the U.S., provincial or national regulators may take a different approach. For example, Ontario's AGCO provides standards for internet gaming and explicitly sets rules for sport and event betting, including prohibited categories and registrar guidance that operators must follow AGCO registrar standards. Learn more at Funded Plays.

These differences mean that a sport allowed in one country or province may be restricted elsewhere; always check the local catalog rather than assuming uniform availability.

How to check whether a sport or market is allowed in your jurisdiction

Step by step: find and read your regulator's catalog

Start at the regulator or licensing authority website and look for a "sports wagering" or "sports gaming" catalog. Many regulators place a searchable document or web page that lists permitted sports, event categories, and market definitions; these are the primary source for what sports you can bet on in that jurisdiction Ohio sports gaming catalog. For an example of a Massachusetts approved events listing, see Massachusetts approved events and wagers.

When reading the catalog, note the exact language used to describe market types, any sport-specific constraints, and the catalog's last update date. That last date tells you whether the catalog is current or may have changed since publication.

What to look for in catalog language and market definitions

Look for explicit sport entries, market lists, and definitions that explain how results are settled. Pay attention to conditional language such as "subject to event sanctioning" or "requires regulator approval," which indicates extra steps before an event can be offered.

If the catalog entry for a sport is brief, search for related guidance documents or regulatory notices that expand on settlement rules or integrity requirements.

When to contact support or the regulator for clarification

If catalog language is ambiguous about an event or market, contact the regulator's compliance or licensing office for clarification. Operators also publish disclaimers and market limitations; comparing an operator's menu to the catalog can reveal discrepancies that are worth confirming with the regulator.

Decision criteria: choosing markets and recognizing restricted events under legal sports gambling

Key criteria for selecting a sport or market

When deciding whether a sport or market is appropriate to offer or to use for prediction, apply a short checklist: is the sport listed in the regulator catalog, is the specific event sanctioned, and does the market type appear in the catalog's market definitions. These checks help ensure an offering aligns with legal permissions and settlement rules Colorado sports betting catalog.

Also verify operator-level rules. Even when a catalog permits a market, an operator may restrict specifics for commercial or risk reasons; check operator disclosures and disclaimers for those limits.

quick regulator lookup and event verification

Regulator catalog page
Event sanctioning
Market type

Use this to confirm permission before offering or acting on a market

Red flags that indicate restricted or prohibited events

Common red flags include absence of a sport in the latest catalog, explicit exclusions for certain event types, or a statement that events require separate approval. Other warnings are leagues or tournaments without a recognized organizer or events flagged for integrity concerns.

When you see those red flags, pause and seek regulator guidance rather than assuming permission.

How calendar events and league rules can affect availability

Some annual tournaments or international fixtures may be handled differently from regular-season contests. Catalogs may restrict certain international competitions or require additional documentation for cross border events.

Because calendar timing can affect market availability, verify both the event's sanctioning status and the catalog language before relying on a market for predictions or operator offerings.

Common mistakes and pitfalls when interpreting legal sports gambling permissions

Assuming national uniformity within federations

A frequent error is assuming that a sport authorized in one state automatically has the same status elsewhere. Availability depends on each jurisdiction's catalog, so do not expect national uniformity within federations or across provinces AGA review.

Relying on outdated catalog versions

Another common pitfall is using an older version of a catalog. Always check the catalog's update date and any related regulatory notices to ensure you are working from current rules Massachusetts Gaming Commission catalog.

Misreading market definitions

Market terminology can differ slightly between catalogs and operators. Words like "in game" or "prop" can be defined narrowly; misreading definitions may lead to offering or using markets that are not permitted in practice.

When definitions are unclear, consult the regulator's guidance or seek clarification from the operator's compliance team.

Practical examples and scenarios: reading catalog excerpts and typical permitted sports

Short annotated excerpt examples from state catalogs

Catalog excerpts typically show a sport name followed by allowed market types. For example, a sample entry might present football and then list moneyline, point spread, totals, and live wagering as permitted markets, with settlement rules defined in a companion section Colorado sports betting catalog examples. See examples in the Colorado catalog here.

Another excerpt might place esports under a conditional heading, noting that individual events must be sanctioned and meet integrity criteria before betting is allowed.

Typical permitted sports and a sample market mapping

As a practical mapping, mainstream sports often map to a full range of markets: moneyline, spreads, totals, and futures. Niche sports that are approved may have a narrower set of markets, sometimes limited to moneyline and totals until regulators are satisfied with event integrity.

Use this mapping to anticipate what markets you will usually find for a sport listed in a catalog, but always confirm specifics in the regulator's document.

Scenario: verifying an esports event

To verify whether an esports event is permissible, first look up the catalog entry for esports or event based wagering. If the catalog lists esports conditionally, confirm that the tournament organizer is recognized and that anti cheat and sanctioning documentation are available. If that documentation is absent, the event may not be eligible for wagering under the catalog criteria Arizona event wagering catalog. See how Funded Plays evaluates events here.

When in doubt, contact the regulator or the operator's compliance team to confirm the event's eligibility before placing or offering markets.

How operators and platforms present permitted sports in their menus

Common ways operators mirror regulator catalogs

Operators commonly mirror the regulator's catalog but format the list differently for usability. They often group sports, provide search filters, and label markets with consumer friendly names while keeping settlement rules aligned to the catalog.

Look for disclaimers or "terms" links on operator menus that explain any operator-specific limits or market definitions. If an operator's list differs materially from the regulator's catalog, contact the operator for an explanation and, if necessary, the regulator for clarification Colorado sports betting catalog.

Special case: horse racing and separate regulatory frameworks within legal sports gambling

Why horse racing can be regulated differently

Horse and greyhound racing are often governed by dedicated racing commissions and pari mutuel systems that operate under separate rules from standard sports wagering catalogs. Racing authorities publish their own guidance and settlements for race markets.

Because racing can fall under different statutes and operational models, check the racing commission or dedicated racing section for authoritative permissions rather than relying solely on general sports catalogs.

Where to check racing authorities versus sports catalogs

Consult the state racing commission's website or the national racing authority for race-specific rules and market lists. These sources are authoritative for racing markets and often include details on pari mutuel pools and exotic wagers.

How race betting markets typically differ from standard sports markets

Race betting commonly includes pari mutuel pools and exotic bet types such as exactas and trifectas, which differ from fixed-odds markets typical in mainstream sports. The settlement and pooling models are a practical reason regulators keep racing under separate frameworks.

Quick guide to verifying esports and other emerging events for legal sports gambling

Integrity checks and sanctioning status to verify

Check whether the tournament organizer is recognized, whether published rules and anti cheat measures exist, and whether the event appears on lists of sanctioned competitions. Those integrity indicators are central to many catalogs' conditional approvals for emerging events Colorado sports betting catalog.

If those checks are positive, the event is more likely to be eligible for permitted markets. If not, it may be excluded or require separate regulator review.

Common documentation or league lists to consult

Consult the event or league website for official schedules and rules, and compare those to the regulator's catalog. Tournament organizer pages and public sanctioning lists are common sources for the documentation regulators expect.

What to do when an event is not listed

If an event is not listed or lacks clear sanctioning, contact the regulator or the operator's compliance team. Operators may have internal review processes, but only the regulator can confirm legal permission under the catalog.

Conclusion: staying current and responsible with legal sports gambling

Recap of key takeaways

Permitted sports and markets are defined by regulator catalogs, and those catalogs vary across jurisdictions. Mainstream sports are widely permitted while niche categories and esports are often conditional on event sanctioning and integrity measures AGA State of the States 2025.

Make catalog checks a routine step before relying on an operator's menu or planning trading and prediction activity, and remember that approvals do not imply guaranteed outcomes; participate responsibly.

How do I know if a specific sport is legal to bet on where I live?

Check the official wagering catalog on your local regulator's website and confirm the sport and market type are listed; contact the regulator if the catalog language is unclear.

Is esports betting treated the same as traditional sports?

Not always. Esports are often listed conditionally and typically require recognized sanctioning and integrity measures before wagers are allowed.

Where should I look for rules on horse race betting?

Consult your state's racing commission or dedicated racing authority, since horse racing is commonly governed by separate rules and pari mutuel systems.

Regularly checking your regulator's catalog and an operator's disclosures helps you stay informed as permissions evolve. Use the checks and decision criteria in this guide to verify events and markets, and remember to participate responsibly.