Almost half of the US states allow legal gambling in some form. However, there are five that still don’t offer regulated betting options.
In-person sports betting has launched in Pennsylvania since the Supreme Court’s May 2018 ruling that overturned a federal ban. However, online wagering has yet to launch in the state.
1. Utah
The Beehive State has a long history of opposing gambling in all forms. The state constitution is quite restrictive in this regard, and legislators are not likely to budge from their anti-gambling stance anytime soon.
It is illegal for anyone to engage in RTP live online gambling within Utah, and first-time offenders can be charged with a class B misdemeanor. Repeat offenders could be hit with a third-degree felony charge.
This means that there are no legal casinos in Utah, and residents have no choice but to visit neighboring states like Idaho or Wyoming to gamble. This stance on gambling is also rooted in the state’s conservative religious values and political stance. It will probably take a major shift in values before the state ever regulates land-based or online gambling.
2. Georgia
Historically Georgia politicians have been wary of expanding gambling. Proponents of gambling have tried to dazzle local and state government officials with big-ticket casino developments, promising robust tax revenue that could be used for important needs like education. Opponents argue that gambling is immoral and will lead to societal problems.
In 2021, Georgia lawmakers got close to passing sports betting bills – but SR 135 was stripped and SB 142 never made it to the House floor before the legislative session ended. The next year they seemed ready to push forward, but the focus of the session switched to voting issues, and legal gambling efforts was pushed back to 2025. The effort has been backed by Atlanta professional sports teams who believe it will help them engage fans during a difficult time in the industry.
3. Tennessee
Tennessee’s gambling laws are so restrictive that they make even fishing tournaments where participants pay entry fees for the chance to win cash prizes illegal. While the state does have an official lottery and allows charitable organizations to hold bingo games for fundraising purposes, casino gambling isn’t permitted.
Despite the lack of any forms of legal casino gambling within its borders, Tennessee was one of the first states to legalize sports betting in 2019. Gov. Bill Lee let HB 0001 become law without his signature, and the Volunteer State currently offers online/mobile-only sports wagering through its state lottery.
The absence of land-based retail sportsbooks shouldn’t impede the industry, as New Jersey and Pennsylvania, both with retail options, regularly accept more than 80% of all sports wagers. Additionally, if the Tennessee legislature ever decides to permit casino gambling, the country’s top operators will likely want to operate there.
4. Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a state where sports betting has been illegal for years. The Badger State is surrounded by states that offer legal gambling like Illinois and Iowa but it hasn’t made the move to allow sports wagering at its RTP slot casinos.
While the Packers are a huge part of life for many Wisconsin residents, they can’t place a bet on their favorite team. Instead, they must make their betting decisions on an emotional level and watch their teams perform on the field.
However, it appears that sports betting may be coming to the state soon as it’s Native American tribal casinos have been able to negotiate gaming compacts with the governor. These deals will change the current law to allow sports betting at these locations.
5. Colorado
The Centennial State kicked off sports betting on May 1, 2020, with DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and a handful of other digital platforms opening their doors. Colorado’s retail sportsbooks have already taken in over $5 billion in wagers.
The state’s gambling laws allow players to pari-mutuel bet on horse races, and the state lottery, while social gaming, bingo, and charitable games are legal. But other forms of gambling remain illegal, which include wagers on outcomes that rely at least partially upon chance.
For those looking to try their luck at online casinos and sportsbooks, Colorado offers an ever-increasing number of options and a wide range of bonuses and promotions. These can help you get started and boost your bankroll. The key is to find the right one for you.