The landscape of American sports betting has been utterly transformed since a pivotal Supreme Court decision in 2018, creating a multi-billion dollar industry that continues its rapid expansion across the nation.
The Post-2018 Betting Revolution
In a landmark ruling, the Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association case in 2018 struck down a federal ban, empowering individual states to legalise sports wagering. This decision unleashed a wave of legislative changes, leading to a dramatic surge in betting activity. From a modest $400 million in revenue in 2018, the industry has exploded, generating a staggering $11 billion by 2023, according to data from Statista.
The market's growth shows no signs of slowing, with an estimated value of $18.5 billion projected for 2025. This boom is largely fuelled by America's passion for its major sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, and MLB, which have become central to the betting ecosystem.
State-by-State Legalisation Status
As of November 2025, a total of 38 states, alongside Washington D.C., have moved to legalise sports betting in some capacity. The most recent addition is Missouri, which passed its bill in November 2024 and is set to launch both retail and online sportsbooks on December 1, 2025.
However, the legal framework is a complex patchwork. Some states, like Nevada which launched online betting back in 2010, were pioneers. Others offer only retail betting at physical locations or tribal casinos, such as Mississippi, Nebraska, and South Dakota. A common restriction across many jurisdictions is the prohibition of wagering on in-state collegiate games and player-specific props, a measure aimed at protecting the integrity of local university sports.
Notable State Launches and Restrictions
Colorado stands out for its competitive market, hosting 16 different online sportsbooks, the highest number in the country. Conversely, states like California, Texas, and Georgia have seen repeated legislative efforts fail, leaving betting illegal for their residents. In a unique setup, Wyoming offers online-only betting, with no retail sportsbooks available.
The road to legalisation has been varied. Delaware was the first state outside of Nevada to legalise sports betting on July 5, 2018, while Florida's market faced legal challenges, leading to a re-launch in November 2023.
The Future of the US Betting Market
The continued state-by-state legalisation points to an industry still in its growth phase. While the core market is maturing in early-adopting states, new entrants like Missouri provide fresh revenue streams. The evolution of regulations, particularly concerning college sports and the availability of mobile betting, will be key factors shaping the industry's future trajectory across the United States.
Please note: This article contains affiliate links. The Independent's journalism remains independent. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 1-800-522-4700 or visit BeGambleAware.org.
