Can you gamble online on College Sports in the US?
As sports betting becomes legalized across the country, many sports bettors wonder if it is legal to bet on college sports.
Since the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, at least 20 states have legalized sports betting, as well as paving the way for sports betting on college sports.
However, while striking down PASPA may have opened the door for college sports betting, not all states allow it. Moreover, the NCAA prohibits its team members, coaches, and other staff from engaging in sports betting. However, college administrators and professors are largely free to bet on college sports.
To put it simply, the laws governing college sports betting varies from state to state, but nearly all states allow betting on NCAA games.
Oregon, No College Sports Betting, with a Catch
The west coast state is the only state with legalized sports betting that prohibits any and all wagers on college sports. However, while college sports bets will not be accepted on the state-run Scoreboard sports betting app, you can place college sports bets at a tribal casino with a sportsbook.
If you want to bet on college sports in Oregon, your best bet is to head over to the sports lounge at the Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City, OR.
Sports Betting Allowed, but not on In-State Teams
More than a dozen states with legal sports betting allow college bets, but not on college teams based in the state. For example, while New Jersey spearheaded the sports betting revolution in the United States, you won't be able to bet on Rutger's or Seton Hall games. That rule reduced NJ gambling fun considerably for college sports fans.
In addition to New Jersey, these states do not allow in-state college sports betting.
· Arkansas
· Connecticut
· Delaware
· Illinois
· Mississippi
· Montana
· New Hampshire
· New Mexico
· New York
· Oregon
· Rhode Island
· Virginia
· Washington, D.C.
These rules apply to both home and away games for home teams. The rationale for this rule is that in-state sports betting could influence the perception of fairness, possibly compromising the games.
These States Allow In-State College Sports Wagers
The following states do allow sports betting on in-state college teams.
· Nevada
· Mississippi
· Pennsylvania
· West Virginia
· Michigan
· Montana
· Colorado
· Tennessee
· Wyoming
· Arizona
· South Dakota
· North Dakota
Mobile Sports Betting vs Retail Sportsbooks
To further complicate things, some states only allow retail sports betting, while others only allow mobile sports betting. Some provide for both, and some only allow sports betting at tribal casinos.
States with Both Mobile and Retail Sportsbooks
These states allow sports bettors to place sports wagers on a mobile app or at a retail sportsbook.
· Nevada
· New Jersey
· West Virginia
· Pennsylvania
· Rhode Island
· New York
· Iowa
· Oregon
· Indiana
· Illinois
· Michigan
· Colorado
· Washington DC
· Arizona
· Connecticut
States with In-Person Sports Betting Only
These states only allow sports betting at a retail sportsbook.
· Arkansas
· Delaware
· Mississippi
· Montana
· New Mexico
· North Carolina
· Washington
· South Dakota
· North Dakota
States with Mobile Sports Betting Only
This handful of states have only legalized mobile and online sports wagers.
· New Hampshire
· Tennessee
· Virginia
· Wyoming
More States Coming Onboard with Sports Betting
It's only been three years since the Supreme Court struck down PASPA, paving the way for nationwide, legal sports betting. So far, around half the states have taken advantage of the opportunity to create a new stream of taxable income. More states have sports betting legislation just waiting to be passed.
However, each state is free to craft its own sports wagering laws. So, while in one state, there are no restrictions on wagers placed on college sports, in other states, there are restrictions. Moreover, the laws are in flux, and some states, such as Illinois and New Jersey, are considering lifting the ban on in-state college sports wagers.
Events like March Madness can be maddening to die-hard college sports fans, eager to bet on their home team. In order to freely bet on their favorite college teams, fans might need to hop a flight to Vegas or cross from New Jersey into Pennsylvania to place their bets. If your state doesn't allow in-state college sports bets, see if a neighboring state does allow it.
It's likely to become even more confusing as the sports betting scene in the United States continues to evolve. But, it's also likely to become easier for sports bettors to play and win in their home state, as more local jurisdictions legalize sports wagers. Keep an eye on your own state legislation, to see where you stand on college sports betting.
