Legal Sports Gambling Expanding in the United States

PASPA Overturned

The US Supreme Court overturned the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in a 6-3 ruling on May 14, 2018. Consequently, several American states have legalized sports gambling and other states are still considering  legalizing sports gambling. The 1992 PASPA Act effectively outlawed sports gambling nationwide, with the exception of a few states.  The Court ruled that PASPA violated the 10th amendment to the U.S. Constitution and as a result, the Act was deemed unconstitutional. The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution reserves to the states all rights not explicitly granted to the federal government – such as gambling regulation. All states across the United States could now legalize or ban sports gambling as they saw fit.

 

The American Gaming Association estimates that there is a $150 billion illegal sports betting and gambling market across the United States. Proponents of legalization point to the enormous illegal market as evidence that sports betting is already occurring. Subsequently, both officials and experts believe that legalization would reduce the illegal market. On the other hand, legislation could well usher in new taxes. This will of course raise tax revenue but can be detrimental to states if they don’t experience a windfall. Certainly, legalization would also protect bettors when disputes arise.

The nature and scope of sports betting in the U. S. today varies widely from state by state. Some lawmakers are exploring mobile gambling, while others are taking a more careful and hesitant approach. Some states have taken no steps at all.

Sports Gambling Taxes

Both Pennsylvania and Rhode Island opted for relatively high taxes. On the other hand, lawmakers in other states are considering “integrity fees”. Integrity fees are meant to fund sports leagues, enabling them to monitor unusual betting activity. However, integrity fees remain controversial.

Associate Director of the International Center for Gaming Regulation Jennifer Roberts, estimates that at least 20 and as much as 30 states may legalize sports betting within the next 5 to 10 years. Sara Slane, the Senior Vice President for Public Affairs for the American Gaming Association, posits that high taxes or other challenges may keep overseas companies from offering better odds or bets. As a result, she proffers that high taxes may cause players to continue to bet illegally.

List of Legal Sports Books by State

Here’s a list of the various sports books listed by state. The list also gives some information on the type of facility and moreover, betting conditions if available. It also illustrates which states have moved quickly to legalize sports betting and which ones are still contemplating the issue. Additionally, some states that have not yet legalized sports gambling are also listed.

States that have Legalized Sports Gambling

The States that have legalized sports gambling are:

1. Delaware
2. Nevada,
3. New Jersey
4. New York (partial)
5. Mississippi,
6. Pennsylvania,
7. Rhode Island and
8. West Virginia

New York has only partially legalized sports gambling and it is not statewide. Full legalization doesn’t seem likely any time soon. The list is alphabetically sorted for our readers’ convenience.

DELAWARE

Delaware is the first state outside of Nevada that legalized single-game wagering. The state’s three racetrack casinos are currently approved for sports gambling. These are Delaware Park, Dover Downs and the Harrington Raceway and Casino. Additionally, the Delaware Lottery (DE Lottery) also runs a sports lottery and it plans to eventually add mobile sports wagering. No one under the age of 21 is permitted on the Slot floor. The legal age to wager on Slots is 21 years of age or older. There are no age restrictions to enter the Race and Sports Book & Grove areas, however all children (under the age of 18) must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The legal age to wager on horse racing is 18 years of age or older. The legal age to place a sports bet is 21 years or older.

The Horsemen’s Association

The Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (DTHA) is set to receive a share of additional revenue from sports gambling and betting. Delaware’s parlay-only bets on NFL games went to full Nevada-style betting in June of 2018. As such, the state also receives a share from all new forms of sports betting.

Unlike Delaware, other states don’t have legislation that requires profits to go to the sport.

Dover Downs Hotel & Casino Race & Sports Book

1131 N Dupont Hwy Dover, DE 19901, USA – The Dover Downs Hotel & Casino Race & Sports Book is reminiscent of an off-strip Las Vegas desert casino. Its classical architecture boasts wide towers, marble floors and vaulted ceilings. It is a multi-faceted gaming facility conveniently located minutes south of Wilmington and the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Along with the excitement of over 2,300 slot machines on two spacious levels and popular table games, we offer live thoroughbred racing, year-round simulcast wagering, an action-packed 25 table Poker room, Keno, delicious dining options, a world-class 18-hole championship public golf course and now full sports betting on all professional and college sports!

Features, Sports Games and Giveaways

Dover Downs offers Vegas style betting on all professional and college sports. There are valuable giveaways for bettors who stay through the 3rd quarter of the late games. Sporting events offered are Auto Racing, Baseball, Basketball, Boxing/MMA, Football, Golf, Hockey and Soccer. There’s live thoroughbred racing and year-round simulcast wagering. There’s a prize wheel with drawings every hour. Sports bettors can sign up for a Player Rewards Card for exclusive benefits, special promotions and important updates. There’s also a full-service pub, delicious dining options and a world-class 18-hole championship public golf course.

Wager Types

The Sportsbook accepts single game wagers and parlay wagers on current and future events for all professional and college sports including International and US sports games. Additionally, there are are live harness racing and simulcast races from other tracks. Players must be 21 or older to enter or gamble at the Race & Sports Book.

Other Games

Delaware Park offers live table games and full service Tournament and Cash Poker Rooms. Enjoy all your favorite games including Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Texas Hold ’em, Three and Four Card Poker, Pai Gow Poker, Lucky Ladies, Chase The Flush, Hot Roller Craps, Heads-up Hold’ Em and Mississippi Stud. And if that’s not enough, we feature over 2,300 of the area’s best paying slots machines – all on two spacious non-smoking levels.

Hours:

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Friday: 11:00 AM – Midnight

Saturday: 11:00 AM to Midnight

TVs and self serving betting machines are shut off at 11:00 PM.

Delaware Park Race Track (Delaware Park LLC)

777 Delaware Park Blvd, Wilmington, DE 19804, USA – The Delaware Park Race Track sports book is situated on the 1st and 3rd floors of the clubhouse. The Race Track itself lies along the banks of the Delaware river. The facility is very stately, Las Vegas style.

Delaware Park offers true Vegas style betting on all professional and college sports. In addition, it offers up to the minute odds, large video walls and lots of seating. Sporting events offered at the race track are Auto Racing, Baseball, Basketball, Boxing/MMA, Football, Futures Betting, Golf, and Hockey. Delaware Park should be able to accept on-line sports bets from Delaware residents by late 2018.

Murphy’s Race/Sports Book at the Harrington Raceway & Casino (Harrington Raceway Inc.)

18500 S Dupont Hwy, Harrington, DE 19952, USA – Murphy’s Race/Sports Book & Grill at Harrington Raceway & Casino, (formerly Midway Slots), is a racino located just outside the southern city limits of Harrington, Delaware. Consequently, it lies just 25 minutes south of Dover. It’s a relatively nondescript building and the sports book is not in any way as glittery as Dover Downs.

All major sports betting are offered including Professional and College football, Professional Baseball, Professional and College Basketball, Professional Hockey, Golf, Auto Racing, and Soccer. The Race & Sports Book is open daily from 11:00 AM to Midnight. During the football season, it’s open Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to Midnight.

Sports Tickets can’t be bet or cashed after 11:00 PM. Sporting events offered at the race track include Auto Racing, Baseball, Basketball, Boxing/MMA, Football, Golf, and Hockey.

NEVADA

Casinos in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada continue to offer physical sportsbooks and mobile online and digital betting apps. Moreover, Nevada’s long history in the industry ensures the best sports betting options throughout in the United States.

NEW JERSEY (The Garden State)

New Jersey originally challenged the PASPA federal law on sports wagering. As a result, it formally legalized and regulated wagering relatively early. Subsequently, its first legal wagers were placed just three days after the bill was signed. New Jersey casinos and race tracks took in $40.6 million in the first month after sports betting was made legal. As a result, the estimated future income on sports betting lies around $300 million a year.

Legal sports betting are carded for most professional and collegiate sporting events. However, wagers cannot be placed on any high school sporting events nor collegiate athletic events taking place in New Jersey or involving New Jersey teams.

Online and mobile wagering are legal throughout New Jersey. The racetracks and casinos plan to roll out internet sports gambling by the end of 2018. The minimum age to place a legal bet is 21.

The Borgata’s Race & Sports Book at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (MGM Resorts)

1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, USA – Borgata’s Race & Sports Book has years of expertise in Las Vegas sports gambling. It offers betting lines and odds directly from MGM Resorts on four major sports events – football, basketball, hockey and baseball. There’s also NASCAR, boxing, MMA, soccer, championship golf, championship tennis and more.

The William Hill Sports Book at the New Ocean Resort Casino (AC Oceanwalk)

500 Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ 08401, USA – The William Hill Sports Book, is located dead center in the 7,500 square foot of casino floor space in the newly renovated Ocean Resort Casino. The renovated facility boasts 16 eateries so there’s more than enough to satisfy casual and very fine dining enthusiasts. Famous brands like Villain and Saint, American Cut steakhouse, Royal Jelly burlesque club, Amada (Tapas), Dolce Mare and Cafe 500 should convince customers that they ought to arrive very hungry.

The Sports Book is open 24 hours and there’s state-of-the-art video wall technology placed right in the heart of the gaming floor. Players can bet on all their favorite sporting events.

Caesar’s ‘The Book’ at Harrah’s Resort, Atlantic City (Caesar’s Entertainment)

777 Harrah’s Blvd, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, USA – Harrah’s Resort Casino ‘The Book’ is the new sports book at Harrah’s in Atlantic City. It’s consequently equipped with 32 stadium lounge chairs, 6 high top tables, 18 high top chairs, and 5 large screen TVs displaying live game action. The Book offers bets which include pro and college football and basketball, baseball, hockey and more.

Caesar’s ‘The Book’ at Bally’s Casinos, Atlantic City (Caesar’s Entertainment)

1900 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, USA – Also managed by Caesar’s, ‘The Book’ Sportsbook at Bally’s Casino in Atlantic City offers bets including pro and college football and basketball, baseball, hockey and more. The Book at Bally’s Casinos is equipped with 30 stadium lounge chairs, 27 high top chairs and tables, and 8 large screen TVs displaying live game action.

The William Hill Sports Book at the Monmouth Park Racetrack Sports Book (NJSEA)

175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport, NJ 07757, USA – The Monmouth Park Racetrack Sports Book is managed by William Hill and offers a 75-foot video wall capable of displaying over 45 games at once. There’s a sports wagering App (William Hill N.J.) for both Android and iPhone mobile devices. There are great special promotions for first-time  players. Admission and parking at Monmouth Park are free during the racing off-season.

The FanDuel Sportsbook at the Meadowlands Racetrack (New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC)

1 Racetrack Dr. East Rutherford, NJ 07073, USA – FanDuel Sportsbook, Meadowlands Racetrack is the newest sports wagering venue in the state of New Jersey. It’s also the first sports wagering venue where two NFL franchises play. This unique placement allows betting on all major U.S. sports.

Meadowlands Racetrack offers a large sports bar with 10 large display screens. Players can sign up at sportsbook.fanduel.com or can download the FanDuel Sportsbook app on iOS or Android.

The Sportsbook at the Golden Nugget Casino, Atlantic City (Landry’s, Inc.)

600 Huron Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, USA – The Sportsbook at the Golden Nugget Casino is located off the Main Atrium of the casino and has seating for over 100 persons. There are more than 50 TVs, 5 video walls and self-service betting kiosks. Atlantic City’s Golden Nugget Casino became the sixth casino in New Jersey to offer sports betting. The Sportsbook is home of the boosted parlays, true odds across your parlays, early cash out & bet in-play. Guests must show valid ID and the club card to participate in all promotions. Must be 21 years of age or older.

NEW YORK

New York state’s existing laws allow for wagering at all four of the state’s commercial casinos except sports gambling. Large industry players have held talks however there has been no developments past this. Sports gambling and betting  will be offered at any one or all of the following four casinos, if implemented.

The state’s four commercial casinos are:-

1. the Tioga Downs,
2. the del Lago Resort & Casino,
3. the Rivers Casino and Resort and
4. the Resorts World Catskill.

All four of these casinos haven’t launched any sports book to date. As such, there’s currently no in-person sports wagering at any of the four commercial casinos.

MISSISSIPPI (The Magnolia State / The Hospitality State)

In 2017, Mississippi passed a law which permitted sports betting to take place inside casinos. Subsequently, there is no off-site wagering via the internet. Sports gambling and betting in Mississippi is permitted at brick and mortar sports book locations. Mobile smartphone apps are permitted only within the confines of an approved casino. The Gold Strike Casino, along with its sister casinos in Biloxi and Tunica, were among the first Mississippi casinos to open sports books since the ruling. 18 more casinos have also opened sports books. Here are just a few:

Gold Strike Casino (MGM Resorts)

1010 Casino Center Dr, Robinsonville, MS 38664, USA – The Sports Book at Gold Strike Casino is located next to the lobby of the casino. There are several screens up front with betting odds and 20 flat screen TVs surrounding a room of booths. Tables are provided for visitors to watch the games. Only persons may place bets. Gold Strike Casino is planning to introduce new mobile betting capabilities, subsequently enabling bettors to place bets on their cell phone.

The Beau Rivage Race & Sports Book (MGM Resorts)

875 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, MI, USA – The Beau Rivage Race & Sports Book, located at Biloxi’s most prestigious casino resort, is the largest and most lavish sportsbook in Mississippi offering full-service betting. Bet on all major professional and collegiate sports. The MGM Resorts brand offers lots of new player promotions and player bonus offers for return customers. All the sports bar essentials are available including large screen TVs, draft beer and a great menu.

The Beau Rivage sports book is a favorite of millions of dedicated sports enthusiasts. It’s Sports Book & Bar offers multiple HD flat screen TVs and a central bar area. The sports book location is close to the main gaming floor and to the central bar area. There are plans for a brand new sportsbook facility in 2019.

The Beau Rivage sports book permits mobile devices only within the confines of the casino’s main facility.

Sportsbook at Timeout Lounge at the Pearl River Resorts (Choctaw Indians)

The Timeout Lounge Sportsbook at the Pearl River Resort is tucked away among the towering pines and oak forests of Choctaw, Mississippi. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians owns and operates all Timeout Lounge sportsbooks as well as their casinos. The Choctaw Indians is a federally recognized, self-governing tribe with approximately 10,000 members living on or near reservation land. The Pearl River Resort group of casinos include the Silver Star Hotel & Casino, the Golden Moon Hotel & Casino and the new Bok Homa Casino.

Sportsbook at Timeout Lounge at Bok Homa Casino (Choctaw Indians)

1 Choctaw Rd, Heidelberg, MS 39439, USA – The Sportsbook at Timeout Lounge at The Bok Homa Casino is central to the Pearl River Resort. It offers traditional sports wagering and guests bet on all professional league sports and major collegiate sporting events. There are 13 TVs that combine the odds/wager board and game content, access to most of the major sports networks and feeds, including NFL game broadcasts and a wager station to place in-person bets.

Sportsbook at Timeout Lounge at Golden Moon Casino (Choctaw Indians)

The Sportsbook at Timeout Lounge at the Golden Moon Hotel & Casino in the Pearl River Resort offers traditional sports wagering. Guests bet on all professional league sports and major collegiate sporting events. Sportsbook at Timeout Lounge has 20 TVs with feeds to all the major sports networks including all NFL Sunday Ticket games, 12 state-of-the-art odds/wager boards listing all the games and scores. There are 3 wager stations to place in-person bets, a full bar, charging stations for all your devices and a traditional sports bar with food and drinks. The Timeout Lounge at the Golden Moon Casino also serves the Silverstar Hotel and Casino.

 

PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania passed a law in 2017 that included the legalization of sports betting, in the event that federal law changed. Now that it has, Pennsylvania is moving quickly with new regulations, although it’s not clear if sportsbooks and online sports betting will go live before 2019.

Parx Casino & Racing Sportsbetting (Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, Inc.)

2999 Street Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020, USA – Parx Casino and Racing (formerly Philadelphia Park Racetrack and Casino) is a horse racing venue and the largest casino gaming and sports gambling complex in Pennsylvania. Owned and operated by Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, Inc., Parx features 24-hour gaming. There are 3,500 slot machines, 140 live table games, a poker room with 60 poker tables, live racing and simulcast action. In addition to all this, there are several dining options and bars.

Bet on all your favorite sports including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, College Football, College Basketball and more. The sports book plans to introduce an online sports gambling and betting app complete with live in-game betting. Straight bets and props, spreads, moneyline, Total (Over/Under), Props, Parlay, Teaser.

 

TENNESSEE

Tennessee hasn’t legalized sports gambling aside from its statewide lottery and fantasy sports. As a consequence of its harsh anti-gambling laws, it doesn’t appear to be on the verge of doing so anytime soon. The state doesn’t permit social gambling nor many charity events.

WEST VIRGINIA

Online sports betting is the second approved form of internet gambling in West Virginia. Lawmakers have considered broader legalization that would include online casino and online poker. Operators may not book action on high school sporting events. E-sports betting is permitted for players 18 years and over.

Regulations do not impose any prohibitions on college sports betting, including on teams and events within the state. Only people 21 and older can bet on sports and the age restriction is 21 and older.

FanDuel Sportsbook at The Greenbrier (Greenbrier Hotel Corp.)

101 Main Street, West, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986 – The FanDuel Sportsbook at The Greenbrier Resort and Casino, is one of two of West Virginia’s legal sports books. FanDuel opened its doors in September of 2018 and it is the only private and exclusive sports book in the United States. The sportsbook’s lounge is located right in The Casino Club. Guests can place wagers on their favorite sporting events all around the world.

Setting & General Description

Located amid the breathtaking Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, The Greenbrier is a National Historic Landmark and world-class resort that has been welcoming international guests since 1778. The natural mineral springs (White Sulphur Springs) drew its first guests to the 11,000 acre luxury retreat. Furthermore, Greenbrier formerly served as a military hospital during WWII. Its iconic 103,000 square-foot facilities house a luxury resort hotel with casino and sports book, several integrated estate home and cottages, golf courses and a health clinic.

It’s setting is reminiscent of both the great Monte Carlo and the iconic film, Gone with the Wind. Greenbrier epitomizes high-class southern elegance, live entertainment, fine international cuisine and boutique shopping, above all, in a beautiful and peaceful setting.

History

Throughout its history, the Greenbrier has hosted over 27 U. S. Presidents as well as foreign dignitaries. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Princess Grace of Monaco, Bing Crosby and the Kennedy family were all famous celebrities who walked Greenbrier’s halls. Furthermore, the hotel grounds also housed a covert underground bunker expressly built to house the US government in the event of a nuclear disaster. In 1946, Dorothy Draper was hired to re-designed the interiors.

Style

Period furnishings decorate the Greenbrier’s facilities. Dorothy Draper’s signature vivid colors, large floral motifs, and black-and-white checkerboard-patterned floors create a grand and welcoming atmosphere. The resort is one of Dorothy Draper’s most famous designs.

Gaming

The Greenbrier offers world-class gaming and sports gambling at its finest with high-class style and high-roller thrills.

Conditions

Only members and resort guests may enter and play the casino. Bet on all major U.S. sports including baseball, soccer, football, basketball, golf and more. Guests can watch the games on any one of 21 televisions in the Sportsbook lounge. There is a formal dress code requiring all male patrons to wear coats and female patrons to wear dresses in the casino after 7 p.m.

Membership

Membership is open to:

• registered hotel guests
• some convention attendees.
• members of The Greenbrier Golf and Tennis Club (costs $1,590 annually) or
• homeowners in The Greenbrier Sporting Club.

The Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races (Gaming & Leisure Properties)

580 E 5th Ave, Ranson, WV 25438, USA – The Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races opened Aug. 30 2018. Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is a 50-yard-line ticket to odds, point spreads and over/unders.

Features

The Sports book features high-top table seating with individual viewing stations. There are 24 odds-display monitors, and 50 feet of wall space dedicated to 80-inch TVs for viewing the best games. The Sportsbook area is located just off the casino floor near the high limit slots area, close to Skybox Sports Bar.

Wagers

Wager on football, basketball, hockey, soccer, baseball, golf, tennis, auto racing, rugby, cycling, boxing/MMA, cricket, and professional and collegiate betting options. Types of wagers include straight bets, parlays, match-ups, futures, props and in-play betting.