Legal online spread betting is available in more than 30 US states as of 2024. Where you live — and where you're physically located when you log in — determines everything about what you can do and who regulates it. Start with How to Bet the Spread: The Complete US Bettor's Guide if you need the basics first, then use the guides below to zero in on your state.

Which States Actually Allow Online Spread Betting Right Now?

The short list includes New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Colorado, Illinois, New York, Arizona, and Tennessee, among others. Each state has its own regulator and its own licensed operators. Minimum age is 21 in most states; a small number permit betting at 18. See the full breakdown at Which US States Have Live Regulated Spread Betting Right Now?

Where Is Spread Betting Still Off the Table?

California, Texas, Utah, and Hawaii are the biggest holdouts. Utah bans it outright by state law. California's Propositions 26 and 27 both failed at the November 2022 ballot. Texas hasn't moved a bill through the legislature. Details and what's next for each market are covered at Where Spread Betting Is Still Illegal: CA, TX, UT, HI and More.

Northeast Focus: New York and New Jersey

New York launched mobile betting in January 2022 and is regulated by the New York State Gaming Commission. New Jersey's market is regulated by the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement and is one of the longest-running online betting markets in the country. Both states require bettors to be 21+. The full guide on regulators, apps, and local rules is at Betting the Spread in NY and NJ: Regulators, Age and Apps.

What Else to Know Before You Bet

Once you know your state is legal, the next steps are picking a sportsbook and understanding the lines. Top-Rated Sportsbooks for Betting the Spread in 2026 compares operators side by side. For the mechanics of reading a spread and what -110 costs you, check How -110 Odds Work: The Vig Behind Every Spread Bet. And remember: all spread bet winnings are federally taxable — see Do You Pay Taxes on Spread Bet Winnings? for the IRS rules.

Must be 21+ in most states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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