Legal states in the United States have made sports betting legal, though markets are still not uniform across the country. The safety of sports betting is an ongoing concern, and the activities of illegal operators still have some advantages in the age of legalization. However, legal sports betting through state-licensed operators is generally safe. This is due in large part to technological advances and intense competition.
Basics of sports betting
If you are new to sports betting, you may not be sure what to expect. The sport betting industry is filled with different types of bets, and it can seem very complex to a beginner. Betting on sports involves making a prediction based on the odds, or chances, that the event will happen. If you are successful, you can receive a certain amount of money based on the amount of money you bet.
Sports betting is becoming more popular. In the United States, the anti-gambling stigma has faded quickly, and many states have passed laws making it legal for people to bet on sports. As a result, there are now millions of sports fans looking to enter the betting market for the first time.
Common bets
The common sports betting bets involve placing wagers on the outcome of sporting events. You can make your bets on any type of event as long as you have live scores. Some of the most common bets involve over/under, moneyline, and prop bets. Over/under betting involves predicting the outcome of a game, while moneyline betting is focused on the players’ performances. Prop bets are bets on the potential outcome of a particular player or team.
The moneyline is a popular bet in golf. You win if your favorite golfer wins the tournament. Other common golf betting bets include player props and head-to-head bets. Tennis, on the other hand, is all about individual players. You can place a wager on the winning team, but you may also want to consider betting on tennis futures. Soccer is similar to hockey in that both games have low-scoring contests, but more ties.
Legal states with legal sports betting
While nearly every state has considered legalizing sports betting, a number of obstacles have prevented them from getting online. These barriers include deep-seated political opposition and complicated tribal relationships. To see where sports betting is legal and when it is expected to become available, check out the interactive map below. Currently, Maine and Kansas are legal sports betting states, and Massachusetts is a signature away from legalizing the industry. Two more measures are scheduled to be put on the November ballot.
Ohio, for example, has long asserted that sports betting is inevitable. The state’s HB 29 legislation enables up to 25 online licenses and up to 42 retail licenses. In Oklahoma, Governor Kevin Stitt recently agreed to gaming compacts with two federally recognized tribes. These agreements are expected to become effective June 8, 2020, and pave the way for legal sports betting in the state. However, there is still some uncertainty surrounding these efforts, and despite the looming implementation date, it will be a while before sports betting becomes legal in Oklahoma.
Regulation
Regulations for sports betting are an important component of a gambling law and should be carefully crafted to protect the interests of all parties. While many states have adopted legislation to protect the interests of sports bettors, other states have opted to take a different approach. One option is to develop a voluntary code of conduct or to create a private association to oversee the industry. In both cases, the purpose of such an organization is to prevent problem gambling by promoting compliance.
Although sports betting is prohibited by federal law, 15 states have passed legislation allowing for legal sports betting. Recent lawsuits in the U.S. Supreme Court will likely invalidate the federal law, but in the meantime, the state-level legislation will help regulate the industry.