This article clarifies where sports betting was not authorized in 2026, explains key terms like online sports betting and on-premises mobile, and shows how to verify local rules safely. It is intended for U.S. sports fans who want a clear, practical state-by-state explanation and steps to confirm legality. The focus is on practical verification and safety. The landscape has changed considerably since 2018, and while many states now permit regulated wagering, others either limit betting to physical venues or have not authorized it at all. Use the checklists and sources in this article to confirm your state before you try to bet.

As of early 2025, 38 states plus Washington, DC had legalized sports betting; a smaller group of states remained without authorization by 2026.

Some states allow betting only at casinos or through geofenced on-site mobile apps, which means remote app use may not be permitted.

Utah maintains a statutory prohibition that broadly bars gambling, including sports wagering, under state law.

What online sports betting by state means and why it matters

Definitions: online, retail, on-premises mobile, and tribal casino wagering, states with online sports betting

When people ask whether a state allows sports betting, they often mean one of several related options. "Online sports betting" refers to statewide mobile and internet apps that accept wagers from users who are physically located inside the state and meet age and identity requirements. "Retail betting" means placing a bet at a physical facility, such as a casino or racetrack. "On-premises mobile" describes geofenced mobile apps that only work while the user is physically inside a licensed venue. Tribal casino wagering refers to betting authorized on tribal lands under tribal-state compacts or federal law.

These distinctions matter because many U.S. jurisdictions make different choices about which of those channels to allow, and state law is the primary authority for whether each channel is permitted. That patchwork approach means a user who can place bets on a mobile app in one state may be restricted to a casino floor in another, and understanding the terminology helps you know where to look for rules.

For a high-level tracker that shows which states have enacted laws or regulatory frameworks, national industry summaries are a useful starting point for updates and context American Gaming Association state of play

Quick verification checklist for state betting status

Check state regulator
Consult NCSL or AGA
Confirm geofence rules
Look for license lists
Review tribal compacts

Start with the regulator site

In practical terms, if you want to know whether you can use a mobile betting app while traveling, first confirm whether the state authorizes statewide online platforms or limits wagering to in-person locations. Geofence rules are a technical and legal control used by regulators and operators to enforce those location limits, and they are an important detail to check before you attempt to place a wager on any platform.

Snapshot: the U.S. sports betting landscape in 2025 6

How many states allow sports betting and the general trend since 2018

Since the Supreme Court cleared the way for state-level decision making in 2018, adoption of regulated sports wagering has been gradual and state led. By early 2025, 38 states plus Washington, DC had legalized sports betting, leaving a smaller group of states without authorization; national trackers provide ongoing updates as legislatures and regulators act NCSL sports betting state activity

The trend since 2018 has been steady growth in legalization, but the path from law to live statewide online apps can take months or longer, because regulators must publish rules, award licenses, and complete technical compliance checks. That means a legislative vote in a state does not always translate immediately into a functioning mobile app for residents.

Reliable sources to monitor include national industry associations and state regulator pages. Those resources list enacted statutes, approved regulations, licensing decisions, and launch notices. Bookmarking a handful of trackers makes it easier to follow changes that affect whether you can place bets from home or only at a venue. USA TODAY maintains an interactive legality map that can be useful for quick checks USA TODAY legality map

Which states do not allow sports betting (the list and what it means)

The 12 states without authorization as of 2026

As of the most recent public trackers, twelve states had not authorized sports wagering: Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. That list reflects the compilation published by legal trackers and state activity summaries in mid 2026 Legal Sports Report state-by-state map

When a tracker reports a state as "not authorized," it can mean different legal situations. In some states the legislature or constitution explicitly prohibits gambling. In others there is no law authorizing sports betting yet, which is functionally equivalent to a lack of a regulated market until lawmakers or voters act. The practical effect for residents is the same: there is no state-approved statewide mobile app or licensed retail market to place regulated wagers.

Check your state before placing bets

Check your state regulator or the national trackers listed in this article before you try to use any betting platform, because state rules and launch dates change.

Verify state rules

For residents of the listed states, the lack of authorization means regulated, licensed sports wagering is not available locally. That does not necessarily describe every informal or offshore option you might see advertised, and using unlicensed services carries legal and financial risk. Confirming status through official sources minimizes that uncertainty.

States and jurisdictions with retail-only or on-premises mobile betting

Examples of on-site mobile models and retail-only markets

Not every state that allows wagering permits statewide online apps. Some jurisdictions allow betting only at licensed retail locations, or they permit mobile betting that is strictly limited to a geofenced footprint inside a casino or racetrack. Those models let regulators retain direct, in-person control over wagering while offering limited mobile convenience for patrons on site.

Several jurisdictions have adopted these on-premises or retail-only approaches. For example, Washington allows sports wagering only at tribal casinos, with mobile apps that are geofenced to on-site use rather than open statewide access Washington State Gambling Commission sports wagering

Mississippi is another case where wagering has been tied to casino floors, with mobile options limited to patrons on site rather than a statewide mobile platform. Travelers should check local rules before assuming that a state with legal wagering allows remote app use from any location inside the state Mississippi Gaming Commission sports wagering

For users, the practical implication is simple: being physically present inside a licensed venue may allow you to use a venue app or place a retail bet, while being elsewhere in the same state may not. If you plan to travel and want to place a wager, verify whether the destination state supports statewide online betting or only venue-based options.

Utah and complete prohibitions: when all wagering is unlawful

Why Utah stands apart in state law

Some states go further than simply lacking an authorization by maintaining explicit statutory prohibitions on gambling. Utah is the clearest example of a state that prohibits gambling broadly under state law; the statute sets a strong bar against wagering activities, which has been a consistent policy position for the state Utah Code gambling statute

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Verify state rules

When a state has an explicit prohibition, that statutory language typically blocks both retail and online betting until the legislature or voters change the law. For residents in those states, the lawful options for regulated wagering are effectively unavailable until the legal framework is amended.

How to verify whether sports betting is legal where you are

Practical steps: state regulator sites, official maps, and trusted trackers

Before attempting to place a wager, start with your state gaming commission or regulator. State regulator pages publish licensing decisions, lists of authorized operators, official launch notices, and technical guidance on geofencing. If a state has not posted licenses or launch notices, that is a clear sign that statewide online platforms are not yet live.

Minimal 2D vector of a casino entrance with an on site betting chip icon and phone icon no people states with online sports betting

National trackers maintained by reliable organizations are a second check. The National Conference of State Legislatures and industry associations keep up to date maps and summaries that show which states have enacted laws and which jurisdictions are still in a preauthorization state NCSL sports betting activity. DraftKings also maintains a list of states and availability that can be useful for consumers DraftKings "Where is sports betting legal"

When you check, confirm three items: whether the state has authorized mobile apps statewide, whether any mobile apps are geofenced to on-premises use only, and whether tribal compacts or local ordinances create additional limitations. Those details determine whether you can legally place a bet from where you are standing.

Common mistakes, legal risks, and practical pitfalls to avoid

Traveling and accidental violations

A frequent mistake is assuming retail availability means you can use a mobile app anywhere in the state. Geofence enforcement and license conditions mean an app may work only when you are inside a licensed venue. Confirming your physical location against the regulator guidance prevents accidental violations.

What states don't allow sport betting?

As of the latest trackers in 2026, twelve states had not authorized sports wagering; residents should consult state regulators and national trackers for updates and details.

Other common errors include attempting to use out-of-state apps or employing VPNs and other tools to mask location. Operators and regulators use multiple technical controls to verify where a user is located. Using tools to evade those restrictions can create legal exposure and may violate platform terms of service, which can lead to account suspension or other consequences.

Simple precautions reduce risk: check the license list on the regulator site, confirm an app's geofence rules before entering bets, and avoid third-party tools that claim to circumvent location controls. Those steps protect both your legal position and your ability to withdraw funds if you use a licensed service.

Practical scenarios: what readers should do in common situations

You live in a state that does not allow betting

If you live in a state without authorization, watch for legislative activity and regulator announcements. Lawmakers may propose bills or voters may consider measures, but until a state authorizes wagering there will be no state-licensed online apps or regulated retail markets for residents to use. National trackers and state regulator pages are the best places to monitor change Legal Sports Report state-by-state. FanDuel also provides a state-by-state map of availability FanDuel state map. Also see the Funded Plays blog for related posts Funded Plays blog

Residents can also consider legal, skill-based alternatives that comply with state law, and platforms that operate as sweepstakes or skill contests can offer a way to practice forecasting without using regulated sportsbooks. If you follow alternatives, read the terms carefully and do not assume they are equivalent to a licensed sportsbook.

You are visiting a state with on-premises only rules

If you visit a state that limits wagering to licensed venues, plan ahead. Identify a licensed casino or racetrack, confirm whether the venue offers an on-site mobile app or a retail window, and carry required identification for age verification. Being physically present at the licensed site is usually the legal prerequisite for using on-premises mobile betting.

Do not assume that an app you use at home will work in the travel destination. Even a small difference in geofence coverage can block an app if you are not inside the licensed footprint. When in doubt, ask the venue or consult the state regulator's license list.

You want to track legal changes in your state

For ongoing monitoring, bookmark a regulator page for your state and at least one national tracker. The American Gaming Association and the National Conference of State Legislatures publish updates that summarize enacted laws, while legal trackers provide maps and launch updates for consumers. Our homepage collects resources and updates for readers Funded Plays

Set a reminder to check those sources when a legislative session ends or when the regulator posts new licensing decisions. That practice helps you know in advance whether a statewide online option is moving from law to active availability.

Conclusion: responsible next steps and where to stay informed

Quick checklist before you try to wager

Before placing any wager, confirm three things: the state authorizes the channel you want to use, a licensed operator is available and listed by the regulator, and any mobile app is permitted in your exact physical location. Those checks reduce legal risk and help you avoid surprises when you try to withdraw funds or resolve disputes.

Reliable sources to monitor are the American Gaming Association, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and reputable legal trackers for state-by-state updates. For further context on how we review changes, see our post on how we evaluate updates how we evaluate changes

In short, the U.S. market is mixed: many states permit statewide online sports betting, several limit wagering to retail or on-premises mobile models, and a number of states had not authorized sports betting as of the latest public trackers. Confirm your local rules before you participate.

Which states did not authorize sports betting as of 2026?

As of the latest public trackers, the states without authorization included Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. Verify with state regulators for changes.

Can I use my home betting app while traveling to another state?

Not always. Some states restrict mobile betting to venue geofences or retail locations, so confirm the destination state's rules before using an app.

How can I confirm whether online sports betting is legal where I am?

Check your state gaming regulator for license lists and launch notices, and consult national trackers such as the NCSL or industry summaries for updates.

If you are unsure about your state, prioritize official regulator pages and national trackers for the latest launch notices and license lists. Legal changes can happen during legislative sessions or through negotiated compacts, so check periodically. Responsible participation means confirming the legal channel available where you are and avoiding tools or services that try to mask location or bypass licensing rules.