News & Analysis
US Sports Betting: State of the Market in 2026
Where regulated sports betting stands eight years after PASPA, and what is changing next.
Direct Answer
Regulated sports betting is live in 38 US states and Washington DC, with handle exceeding $120 billion in 2025. Mobile wagering accounts for over 90% of activity in mature markets. The next frontier is online casino and tax structure reform.
Key Takeaways
- 01Mobile sports betting is the dominant channel in mature markets.
- 02Tax rates and license structures vary widely across states.
- 03Online casino (iGaming) is the next major legalization debate.
- 04Responsible gambling investment is increasing across operators and regulators.
From PASPA to today
The 2018 Supreme Court ruling in Murphy v. NCAA struck down the federal sports betting prohibition. Within eight years, a majority of states have authorized regulated wagering.
The mature markets
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Illinois lead by handle. Each runs deep multi-operator markets with established responsible-gambling frameworks. Mobile wagering accounts for the vast majority of handle.
What remains contested
California and Texas remain the largest unregulated markets. Online casino legalization is the next major battleground in states like New York, Illinois, and Maryland.
Frequently asked questions
How many US states have legal sports betting?+
As of 2026, 38 states plus Washington DC have authorized some form of regulated sports betting, with most offering statewide mobile wagering.
This article is educational only. It is not wagering, financial, or legal advice. See our editorial policy.