This guide explains what an online sportsbook is, why state law determines access, and how you can confirm whether mobile wagering is available where you live. It is written for readers who want a clear, practical workflow for checking legality and licensed operators. We focus on the user-facing rules you are likely to encounter: age and identity checks, geolocation requirements, registration norms, and bet-type restrictions. Where appropriate we point to national trackers and state regulator pages so you can confirm current status for your state.

The Supreme Court ruling in 2018 allowed states to decide whether to legalize sports betting.

Most states now permit some form of sports betting, but rules and mobile access vary by state.

Always verify operators on your state regulator's licensed-operator list before creating an account.

What an online sportsbook is and why state law matters

An online sportsbook is a platform that accepts bets on sporting events over the internet, typically through a website or mobile app. The term separates internet-based wagering from in-person betting at a racetrack or a casino and from other gaming products such as fantasy contests or sweepstakes. Early in this section we use the phrase online sportsbook to make the scope clear: we mean licensed, regulated services that let adults place wagers remotely using money-style accounts.

Federal law does not require uniform rules for online sportsbooks in the United States because the Supreme Court returned authority to the states in a landmark ruling. The decision in Murphy v. NCAA overturned the federal prohibition known as PASPA and allowed states to decide whether and how to authorize sports betting, including mobile wagering, which is why each state has its own approach to online sportsbooks Supreme Court opinion in Murphy v. NCAA.

Operationally, online sportsbooks use licensed operators, geolocation services, and identity checks to comply with state rules. They differ from casual prediction games or sweepstakes by their regulatory status and by the fact that licensed books must follow state consumer protections and reporting requirements where those exist. Because laws and regulations are set at the state level, whether you can use a particular app depends on the state code and the regulator that oversees wagering in that state.

For readers new to these distinctions, think of three categories: in-person books you visit at a retail location, licensed online sportsbooks that accept remote wagers when you are physically in an authorized state, and alternative skill-based prediction platforms that operate under different rules. The legal foundation from 2018 means the map of which option is available differs across the country, and that map continues to change as legislatures and regulators act.

Compare national trackers and official regulator pages

American Gaming Association state map
NCSL state overview
Legal Sports Report map

Use regulator pages for final verification

How the national picture looks in practice for online sportsbook access

Since the 2018 ruling, many states have moved to authorize sports betting and allow statewide mobile wagering, so the national picture now includes a majority of U.S. jurisdictions with some form of legal sports betting. Reliable national trackers collect state-by-state status and are helpful starting points when you want a quick overview of which states have mobile authorization and where retail-only regimes remain American Gaming Association state of play, and sports coverage like ESPN's overview.

These trackers show clear trends: rapid initial adoption after 2018 followed by steady refinement of rules, such as licensing requirements and technical controls for mobile apps, but they also underline significant variation in details across states. For example, some states have full statewide mobile wagering while others limit remote play or impose specific restrictions tied to college events or in-state teams. For up-to-date maps and a practical guide to each state, independent trackers maintain interactive resources, including USA TODAY's legality map, summarizing the current status of mobile sportsbooks Legal Sports Report state guide.

Because changes continue at the legislative and regulatory level, treat national summaries as a live starting point rather than the final word. If you need to confirm operator lists or technical rules, the next section explains how to verify legality through your state regulator and the official published lists of licensed operators.

How to check whether an online sportsbook is legal in your state

Start with the regulator that oversees gaming in your state. Search for your state gambling or gaming commission and look for sections titled sports wagering, mobile sports wagering, or licensed operators. State regulators maintain public lists of authorized sportsbooks and they publish consumer guidance that explains sign-up rules and restrictions for residents and visitors, which is the most authoritative source for legality and operator status NCSL state resources.

Next, confirm whether the state allows statewide mobile wagering or only in-person or retail wagering. The regulator page or the operator list usually indicates whether mobile apps are authorized and which licensed operators hold mobile approvals. If a state allows mobile wagering, the regulator list will typically identify apps and operators cleared to accept wagers remotely.

Confirm licensed operators with your state regulator

Check your state regulator's licensed-operator list before creating an account to confirm mobile authorization and find authorized apps.

Find licensed operators

Third, verify the operator directly on the app store and on the operator website to ensure the app is listed for your state and that the operator displays its license information. Regulators usually publish the criteria used for licensing, and many publish consumer alerts when sites operate without permission. If the regulator offers a search tool for license lookups, use it to confirm the operator name and license number match what the app or website says Legal Sports Report state guide.

Close up phone showing online sportsbook geolocation permission and identity verification step in Funded Plays dark minimalist mobile UI

Finally, review the regulator's consumer guidance for sign-up requirements, including age verification and any unique state conditions such as residency tests or in-person identity checks. Regulators across states emphasize confirming operator license status and using only licensed apps to reduce the risk of fraud or unenforceable account disputes.

Common regulatory requirements for online sportsbooks

Most states require sportsbooks to verify customer age and identity before allowing wagers, and many set the minimum betting age at 21 for sports wagering. These checks protect minors and help meet anti-money-laundering and consumer-protection standards, so expect to provide identity documentation and use an operator that runs verification checks before you can place bets New York State Gaming Commission mobile sports wagering.

Geolocation is another consistent requirement for online sportsbooks: operators must confirm that a wager is placed from within the state or jurisdiction where wagering is authorized. That technical control usually relies on location services in your mobile device or network-based checks to block wagers placed outside state borders. Because geolocation is enforced, apps can stop working when you travel across a border and may require re-verification if your device or network setup changes Massachusetts Gaming Commission consumer information.

Operators also must hold a state license and meet the obligations set by their regulator, which often include consumer protections, dispute-resolution processes, financial safeguards, and reporting requirements. These operator obligations vary by state, so the regulator's published licensing conditions are the best place to see the exact obligations an operator must meet in your jurisdiction.

Funded Plays Challenges

Find licensed operators

Following initial rollouts in some states, mandatory in-person registration for mobile sportsbook accounts has become uncommon, with most states now allowing remote sign-up and identity verification online. The move toward remote onboarding has simplified access for consumers but it remains important to confirm the current rule in your state before you try to create an account American Gaming Association state of play.

A small number of jurisdictions still require in-person registration as a condition of mobile account activation; where that rule remains, the regulator's site will explain the process and list retail locations or casinos that can complete the step. If your state has an in-person requirement, plan for that extra step and verify the approved retail locations on the regulator's licensed-operator or consumer guidance pages.

For most readers in states that permit mobile wagering, the sign-up flow now looks like a typical online account: create a profile, submit identity documentation electronically, and allow the operator to run age and identity checks. If an operator requests unusual payment methods or tries to bypass geolocation, treat that as a red flag and consult your regulator.

State-specific limits and bet-type restrictions to watch for with online sportsbooks

Even where online sportsbooks are authorized, states often place limits on certain bet types. A common example is restrictions on certain college player props or bets involving local college teams, reflecting state policy choices about protecting amateur athletics or reducing perceived conflicts. These state-level bet restrictions are part of why two licensed operators in neighboring states may offer different markets for the same event NCSL state resources.

Beyond bet types, states can differ on tax treatment, reporting thresholds for large winnings, and the consumer protections operators must provide. Dispute processes and how regulators handle consumer complaints are also state-specific, so check the regulator's consumer guidance pages to learn how complaints are filed and what remedies may be available.

How to verify a licensed online sportsbook and avoid illegal operators

Because of these differences, it is important to read both the state rules and the operator's terms of service. The operator must comply with the state regime where it operates, but the operator's terms explain practical details such as settlement rules, voided bets, and how bonuses or promotions are applied under state law.

How to verify a licensed online sportsbook and avoid illegal operators

Start by checking for an explicit license display and license number on the operator website or app. Then confirm that license on the state regulator's official operator list. Regulators publish these lists so consumers can match an operator's public claims to the official record and avoid sites that lack approval. If the regulator offers a searchable database, use the operator name and license number to confirm the match before you provide ID or funds New York State Gaming Commission approved operators.

Be cautious about red flags such as apps that promise to bypass geolocation, websites that ask for payment to unknown third parties, or operator claims that conflict with the regulator's published list. Also verify that the app in the mobile store is the same operator listed by the regulator and that the app's publisher matches the licensed company name.

Common mistakes bettors make with online sportsbooks and how to avoid them

A frequent error is assuming an app will work when you travel across state lines. Because geolocation is commonly required, apps often block wagers when you are outside the authorized state, which can cause frustration if you try to place a live bet from a different state. To avoid this, check location permissions and confirm whether the app supports play in the place you plan to be Massachusetts Gaming Commission consumer information.

Which states allow online sportsbooks and mobile sports wagering?

Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision, most U.S. jurisdictions have authorized sports betting in some form and many permit statewide mobile wagering, but details differ by state so check your state regulator for the current status and licensed operators.

Another common mistake is signing up with a site that is not licensed in your state. That can leave you with little recourse if a dispute arises or if account funds become inaccessible. A simple license check against the regulator's operator list is often enough to avoid this pitfall.

People also sometimes overlook identity-verification steps, which can delay withdrawals or account access. Prepare copies of required documents and be ready to complete the operator's verification process promptly to reduce hold times and verification rejections.

Next steps: practical scenarios and a quick checklist if your state allows online sportsbook betting

Scenario 1, you live in a state with licensed mobile sportsbooks. Action steps: find the regulator's licensed-operator list, confirm which apps are mobile-authorized, review the operator's identity and geolocation requirements, and read the operator's terms about deposits and withdrawals. These steps will help you sign up prepared and avoid delays or service interruptions.

Scenario 2, you live in a state without mobile wagering. Action steps: identify whether the state allows retail or in-person wagering and where those locations are, subscribe to regulator updates or trusted trackers to watch for legislative change, and consider responsible alternatives such as skill-based prediction platforms for practice and strategy development.

Quick checklist before creating an account: 1) Confirm your state allows mobile wagering. 2) Verify the operator on the regulator's licensed-operator list. 3) Read sign-up and withdrawal rules in the operator terms. 4) Prepare identity documents for verification. 5) Enable device location services and review geolocation notes. 6) Use only apps published by the licensed operator in the official app store. These practical checks reduce the risk of problems and help ensure you use licensed services in compliance with state rules American Gaming Association state of play.

Minimal 2D vector desktop mockup of a regulator website listing licensed operators for an online sportsbook in Funded Plays dark palette with accent highlights

How do I know if mobile wagering is legal in my state

Check your state gaming or gambling regulator website for the sports wagering or licensed operator list and review whether mobile or statewide wagering is authorized.

What age do I need to be to use an online sportsbook

Most states require bettors to be at least 21 to place sports wagers, but some states may have different minimums so check your state regulator for the exact age limit.

Can I use my sportsbook app when I travel to another state

Usually no, apps use geolocation and block wagers outside authorized state borders, so confirm rules before attempting to place bets while traveling.

If you plan to use an online sportsbook, the most reliable next step is to consult your state regulator for the official licensed-operator list and consumer guidance. National trackers are useful for quick orientation but regulator pages provide the definitive account of which operators and betting types are allowed. For practice and skill development without real-money wagering, consider participating in skill-based prediction challenges that operate under different rules, and always follow local laws and responsible participation principles.

What an online sportsbook is and why state law matters

How the national picture looks in practice for online sportsbook access

How to check whether an online sportsbook is legal in your state

Confirm licensed operators with your state regulator

Common regulatory requirements for online sportsbooks

Registration rules and the decline of mandatory in-person sign-up for online sportsbook accounts

State-specific limits and bet-type restrictions to watch for with online sportsbooks

How to verify a licensed online sportsbook and avoid illegal operators

How to verify a licensed online sportsbook and avoid illegal operators

Common mistakes bettors make with online sportsbooks and how to avoid them

Next steps: practical scenarios and a quick checklist if your state allows online sportsbook betting

References