This guide explains whether it is legal to bet on tennis using online services and gives practical steps to check licences, market permissions, and age rules. It is aimed at sports fans who want a clear, jurisdiction-sensitive picture rather than a one-size-fits-all answer. We cover representative examples from Great Britain, Australia, and U.S. state catalogs, explain how in-play rules and age verification commonly work, and provide a simple decision framework and compliance checklist you can use before placing your first wager.

Legal access to tennis betting sites depends on local licensing, market lists, and age rules.

In-play tennis betting is treated differently by regulators; some allow it online, others restrict it.

Always verify licence details on an official regulator register and keep records of checks and wager receipts.

Are tennis betting sites legal? A quick legal overview

When people ask "Is it legal to bet on tennis?" the short answer is that legality depends on the country or state where you are and on the local regulator that governs online sports wagering. Many places permit online sports betting but set specific rules on licensing, age limits, and which bet types are allowed; the UK is an example of a licensed online market where operators must be authorised to offer sports betting services by the main regulator UK Gambling Commission.

Different jurisdictions take different approaches to the same activity. In some countries online pre-match sports betting is lawful while certain forms of in-play or live betting are restricted or channeled through alternative methods such as phone or in-person bets. Australia is a clear example where online pre-match wagering is permitted but online in-play bets are restricted under national law, and guidance on that approach is maintained by the national regulator ACMA in-play guidance.

In the United States the legal landscape for tennis and other sports wagering is decided at state level, with many states having established regulated markets for online sports betting over the last several years; national summaries of state-by-state legalization provide an overview of where regulated sportsbooks operate NCSL sports betting legalization by state and media guides such as Fox Sports.

The European Union does not operate a single unified gambling licence, so each Member State sets its own licence and market rules; operators need to be authorised where they choose to operate, and the European Commission explains this decentralized legal framework for gambling across Member States European Commission guidance on gambling.

Across jurisdictions regulators commonly control four things that matter to anyone using tennis betting sites: whether the operator holds a valid licence, the minimum age for participation, which markets and bet types are permitted, and whether online in-play betting is allowed. Before placing wagers, it is important to understand the local rules that apply to you and to rely on official regulator information rather than third-party summaries.

What we mean by 'tennis betting sites'

For the purpose of this guide, "tennis betting sites" refers to online operators that accept wagers on tennis matches and related markets, including pre-match bets and, where permitted, in-play or live bets. That definition excludes other ways people engage with tennis predictions, such as skill-based challenges or sweepstakes, which are governed by different rules and platforms.

High-level differences: national vs state regulation

Where a national regulator exists, like the UK's Gambling Commission, it typically sets licensing standards and consumer protections that apply across the country, whereas federated systems such as the United States rely on individual states to permit, license, and regulate sports wagering within their borders. For an accessible state-level summary of recent legalization activity in the United States, official legislative or state regulator compilations offer reliable context NCSL sports betting legalization by state.

How to check whether a tennis betting site is legal in your jurisdiction

Start by identifying the regulator that covers where you live and then use that regulator's public register or licence search to see whether the operator is authorised. Many regulators list licensed operators and provide licence numbers you can confirm against the site's terms and footer; for UK operators you can look up licence status with the national regulator UK Gambling Commission.

Next, consult an official wagering catalog or the regulator's market list to check whether tennis and the specific bet type you want are permitted. Some states publish detailed catalogs of allowed bet types and markets, and these catalogs show whether tennis markets are included; for example, state-level catalogs can be consulted to verify permitted sports and market definitions Colorado wagering catalog.

On the site itself, look for a clearly visible licence number, the name of the issuing regulator, and a link or statement about permitted markets. Good operator pages will also describe age verification measures, identity checks, and the kinds of bets they offer. If an operator's terms are vague or the licence details do not match the regulator's register, treat this as a warning sign and do not deposit funds until clarification is obtained from the regulator.

Because rules on in-play betting vary significantly between jurisdictions, check the regulator's guidance on whether online in-play markets are permitted where you are. Where regulators restrict online in-play wagering, an operator may still offer pre-match bets online but channel live betting through phone or in-person services permitted under local rules; Australian guidance provides a clear example of this distinction ACMA in-play guidance.

Use regulator pages as the primary source. Avoid relying only on affiliate or review sites, which may be out of date. When you perform a licence search, record the licence number and the regulator web page you used so you can reference it later if there is a dispute or regulatory query.

Find and record regulator licence details and market permissions

Regulator
Licence number
Market list URL
Date checked

Save a screenshot of the regulator page

When checking a site, confirm the minimum age requirement and how the operator verifies age and identity. Different jurisdictions set different thresholds, and an operator must follow the rules of the jurisdiction that authorises it. If you need certainty about where a platform is licensed, contact the regulator directly using contact details on the official register rather than trusting a site's customer support alone.

Using official regulator registers and catalogs

Official registers typically let you enter an operator name or licence number and will display the licence status, scope, and any public enforcement actions. For users in countries with state-level regulation, consult the relevant state regulator page and, when available, the state's wagering catalog to check permitted markets and bet types; many state pages include catalog PDFs or searchable lists that explicitly mention tennis markets Colorado wagering catalog.

What to look for on a site: licence numbers, terms, and market lists

On the operator site, find the licence number and compare it with the regulator register. Also read the terms and conditions sections that describe accepted bet types, payout policies, and dispute procedures. If the site offers in-play betting, check whether the terms state where and how that market is authorised; ambiguous or missing information about licensing or market permissions is a red flag.

Key rules that affect tennis bets: in-play, age, and market permissions

One of the most important distinctions to understand is whether in-play or live betting is permitted online in your jurisdiction. Australia allows online pre-match sports betting but restricts online in-play wagering under the Interactive Gambling Act, with regulated alternatives such as phone or in-person live bets in some cases, so users in Australia should check official guidance before using live markets online ACMA in-play guidance.

Online operators in Great Britain must be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and follow UK regulations, including enforcing a minimum gambling age of 18 for online sports betting; the national regulator's public materials explain the age limits and verification expectations operators must meet UK Gambling Commission.

In federated systems such as the United States, permission to offer tennis markets depends on state law and state regulatory rules. States often publish wagering catalogs that list approved sports and bet types; those catalogs are the authoritative starting point to confirm that a particular tennis market is permitted in that state Colorado wagering catalog.

Age verification practices and minimum ages vary by regulator. In many jurisdictions the minimum age for sports betting is 18, while some U.S. states set the minimum at 21 for certain forms of wagering; always confirm the applicable age for your location and never try to bypass verification processes.

In-play betting: where it is allowed and where it is restricted

In-play tennis markets can offer attractive betting opportunities but are also subject to tighter rules because of the fast-moving nature of events and potential integrity concerns. Some countries permit live online betting under licence, while others restrict or prohibit it online and allow live bets only by phone or in-person. To avoid regulatory breaches, check your regulator's guidance on live betting and the operator's permissions before placing any in-play wager.

Minimum age and verification practices

Regulators require operators to verify customer age and identity to prevent underage participation and to meet anti-money-laundering obligations. Valid forms of verification and the exact threshold vary by jurisdiction, but credible operators will present clear instructions on what checks they perform and how they safeguard vulnerable customers.

How markets and event catalogs limit available bets

Regulatory catalogs define which sports and which bet types an operator is authorised to offer. That can affect whether specific tennis markets, such as set betting, handicap markets, or proposition bets, are available in your jurisdiction. When a catalog does not list a market, the operator cannot legally offer it in that jurisdiction, so always check the catalog entry that applies to where you are placing the bet.

Practical compliance steps to stay legal when using tennis betting sites

Before you sign up, identify the regulator that covers your jurisdiction and search the regulator's licensed operators register for the site you plan to use. Confirm the licence number matches the operator's site and that the licence scope includes sports betting in your territory; if you are in a federated country, check your state regulator as well as any national registers.

Next, review the regulator's wagering catalog or market list to confirm that tennis betting is permitted and that the specific bet type you want is allowed. This step prevents surprises where an operator may offer only pre-match betting or may be restricted from offering certain proposition or live markets in your location Colorado wagering catalog.

Explore FundedPlays challenge programs and rules

Please pause and review the official regulator register and any wagering catalog that applies to you before creating an account or making deposits.

View FundedPlays Challenges

On the site, confirm how age verification is implemented and what identity checks are performed. Look for visible responsible gaming features like deposit limits, self-exclusion tools, and links to local problem gambling resources; these measures are indicators that an operator is following regulatory expectations.

Close up of hand holding smartphone showing a tennis betting market in a clean Funded Plays style interface with blurred tennis match action in the background tennis betting sites

If you win, understand your tax reporting obligations. In the United States gambling winnings are considered taxable income and must be reported to the tax authority; familiarise yourself with official guidance on how to report gambling income and any allowable deductions IRS guidance on gambling income.

Keep clear records of your bets, deposits, and communications with the operator. Screenshots of wager receipts, withdrawal requests, and any account correspondence can be helpful if you need to raise a complaint with the operator or with the regulator in the future. For practical examples and commentary see the Funded Plays blog.

Before you sign up: verify licence and permitted markets

Practical verification steps include matching the licence number on the site with the regulator's register, confirming the licence scope covers sports betting in your area, and checking the wagering catalog for permitted tennis markets. If the platform is licensed in a different jurisdiction but not yours, it may still accept sign-ups yet lack legal authority to take bets from residents of your location.

On the site: confirm age checks, deposit rules, and responsible gaming tools

Check that the operator explains how it enforces age and identity verification and offers standard responsible gaming tools. Where verification is weak or missing, proceed with caution and seek clarification from the regulator rather than trusting commercial assurances alone.

If you win: understand tax reporting obligations

Record your winnings and consult official tax guidance for your jurisdiction. In the U.S., for instance, the national tax authority outlines how gambling income and losses must be reported on tax returns, and keeping good records simplifies compliance IRS guidance on gambling income.

Step 1 is jurisdiction and licence. Confirm the operator is authorised to offer sports betting where you live by checking the relevant regulator register and licence details. If you cannot verify the licence, do not proceed with deposits.

Minimal 2D vector desk scene showing a laptop mock regulator website beside a printed wagering catalog and notes illustrating a tennis betting sites compliance comparison

Step 2 is permitted markets and bet types. Consult the wagering catalog or market list for your jurisdiction to confirm that tennis markets and the particular bet type you want are allowed. If the catalog does not list the market you seek, the operator should not be offering it to players in that region Colorado wagering catalog.

Step 3 is consumer protections and dispute routes. Check that the operator publishes a complaint process, has clear responsible gaming measures, and displays contact details for independent dispute resolution where applicable. Those protections matter if a payout or account issue arises.

Step 1: jurisdiction and licence

Licensing determines the legal baseline. Always match the licence number on the operator site with the regulator's public register and verify the licence's scope and status. Regulators typically provide contact details if you need to verify an unusual licence or check whether a foreign authorisation confers rights in your jurisdiction.

Step 2: permitted markets and bet types

Wagering catalogs limit what can be offered. Confirm that the catalog for your jurisdiction includes tennis and the market you want, paying attention to whether live or in-play betting is permitted, and whether certain propositions are excluded.

Step 3: consumer protections and dispute routes

Good operators clearly present complaint procedures, trading limits, and self-exclusion tools. Where possible choose platforms that provide transparent rules and accessible ways to escalate unresolved disputes to the regulator or an independent adjudicator.

Common mistakes and legal risks people make with tennis betting sites

A common mistake is assuming a site is legal simply because it accepts your payment method or displays a flag or localized content. Payment acceptance does not prove licensing in your jurisdiction; the authoritative check is the regulator's register and the licence details published there.

Another risk is using in-play services when they are restricted in your area. In jurisdictions that ban or restrict online live betting, using an unlicensed in-play service can expose you to regulatory enforcement or blocked transactions, so confirm live market permissions in your jurisdiction before placing such bets ACMA in-play guidance.

Some users prefer skill-based sports prediction platforms such as FundedPlays, a funded sports simulation platform, to practice forecasting in structured challenges rather than betting with licensed sportsbooks. Funded Plays Challenges

View FundedPlays Challenges

Ignoring tax and reporting obligations is another frequent error. In jurisdictions like the United States, gambling winnings are taxable and must be reported to the tax authority; failing to declare taxable winnings can create liabilities and penalties, so keep records and consult official tax guidance when needed IRS guidance on gambling income.

Finally, some bettors use offshore or unlicensed platforms that claim to serve their country but are not authorised there. That exposes bettors to higher fraud risk and limited recourse if disputes arise, and reporting has highlighted how offshore gambling operators target major events such as the Australian Open The Guardian. If you prefer a practice environment, consider Funded Plays as a simulation option.

Real examples: Great Britain, Australia, and a US state catalog example

Great Britain allows online sports betting through operators licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, and the minimum age for participation online is 18; the national regulator provides public materials on age verification and licence obligations that operators must follow UK Gambling Commission.

Australia permits online pre-match sports betting but restricts online in-play betting under the Interactive Gambling Act, while regulated providers may offer live betting via phone or in person in certain scenarios. The national regulator publishes guidance describing those distinctions and how they apply to online operators ACMA in-play guidance.

In the United States, regulation is state-specific. Many states now have regulated markets for online sports wagering, and states that publish wagering catalogs provide the authoritative list of permitted sports and markets. As an example of how a state catalog treats tennis, consult the official state catalog to see which tennis markets are listed and any conditions that apply Colorado wagering catalog and media summaries such as CBS Sports.

These examples illustrate the core point: the legal status of betting on tennis is set by local rules and licensing, not by a single global standard. Always verify the regulator position for your specific place of residence before acting.

Conclusion: how to stay on the right side of the law when using tennis betting sites

Key takeaways: legality depends on your jurisdiction and on the operator's licence; check regulator registers and wagering catalogs to confirm that tennis and your preferred bet type are allowed; confirm the operator's licence matches the regulator's records and that the site follows age verification and responsible gaming rules.

Is it legal to bet on tennis in my location?

It depends on where you are. Legality is determined by national or state regulators, so confirm whether licensed operators may offer tennis markets in your jurisdiction and follow local age, in-play, and tax rules.

Next steps: identify your regulator, search the licence register for the operator you plan to use, and consult the applicable wagering catalog if one exists. Keep records of licence checks, account communications, and wager receipts. If you need tax clarity, consult official tax guidance for your jurisdiction and keep careful records of winnings and losses for reporting purposes. For a practical outline of how Funded Plays evaluations work, see Funded Plays evaluations.

Staying informed and using regulator resources is the most reliable way to ensure you are using tennis betting sites legally and with appropriate consumer protections.

Are online live tennis bets allowed everywhere?

No. Some jurisdictions permit online in-play betting while others restrict it; check your national or state regulator's guidance to be sure.

How can I verify a tennis betting site is licensed?

Use the relevant regulator's public register to match the licence number and confirm the licence scope, and consult any wagering catalog for permitted markets.

Do I need to report my tennis betting winnings for tax purposes?

In many countries, gambling winnings are taxable and must be reported according to local tax authority guidance; keep records and consult official tax resources.

Use regulator registers and wagering catalogs as your primary sources of truth. If anything about an operator is unclear, contact the regulator listed on the public register before depositing funds. Keep records of licence checks, wager receipts, and correspondence with operators to preserve your rights and make any necessary reports to tax authorities or regulators.