Taking a Look at Legalization of Sports Betting in the United States

With 2024 at an end, looking back on it, many would consider it an epic failure based on the legalization around sports betting. None of the states expanded gambling of any kind. This lack of enthusiasm for the year marks the first time of this happening since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act fell in 2018.

11 States Have Not Legalized Sports Betting

Sports betting became a states' rights issue several years ago, but despite that problem, 11 states continue to hold out against legalization. Some passed legislation at various levels to legalize it at some point. Still, one state—Utah—continues to hold out against legalizing online gambling of any kind. Let's take a look at the other 10 states that might pass bills at some point.

Alabama

Alabama legislators tried in 2024 to pass everything from lottery to sports betting. Unfortunately, the effort was gutted with nothing passed this year. Alabama is one of five states without even a lottery.

Alaska

Alaska has never seriously considered passing legislation for sports betting. They introduced a house bill in 2022 for digital wagering, but it died in committee.

California

Few believe California will legalize anything in 2025, but they could have the initiative to vote in 2026 or 2028. One of the difficulties lies in the diversity of California's Indian tribes where they struggle to find a middle ground.

Georgia

Politics have played the biggest role in the delay of the legalization of sports betting in Georgia. In 2021, Senate Democrats withheld votes over redistricting and since that time, no deal has received a vote from both chambers. As of 2025, no bills are in the works for legalizing online gambling.

Hawaii

While lawmakers in the Aloha State have played with the idea, nothing serious has ever materialized. In 2024, Hawaii did have a legal sports betting bill that reached committee discussion, but lawmakers never reached a resolution.

Idaho

Idaho prohibits almost all forms of gambling in the state, so it should come as no surprise that they haven't warmed much to the topic of sports betting. Only some gambling is allowed on tribal land. Charitable organizations can also offer bingo and other raffles under special circumstances.

Minnesota

Traditionally, Minnesota tribes have opposed sports betting, and while there was a deal in 2024, no one voted on it. Getting to legalization depends on the tribes.

Oklahoma

Like in California and Minnesota, reaching legalization in Oklahoma depends on the tribes. They have a fractured relationship with the government, which could hinder progress. It seems unlikely this will change in 2025.

South Carolina

North Carolina has made tens of millions of dollars per month on sports betting, but South Carolina continues to prohibit sports betting. South Carolina has two bills that could pass including HB 3625 and HJR 3353.

Texas

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick remains staunchly opposed despite some support and even money being funneled into legalization. He says he won't call a vote without heavy Republican support.

Conclusion

This hopefully shows you the landscape and legal climate in the states that have yet to legalize sports betting. With 39 states legalizing it, some look more promising than others.