Which US States can you Gamble on Esports?

Andre Guaraldo

The landscape of online gamble on Esports in the United States is a complex and rapidly evolving one, shaped by state-by-state regulations and federal policies. As of 2024, the legal status of online gambling varies significantly from one state to another, with some fully embracing both online casinos and sports betting, while others maintain restrictions or outright bans.

This article takes a deep dive into the current legal status of online gambling across the US, highlights key states where this phenomon is flourishing, and explores the future of online gambling in the US.

Where there's competition, there's betting - Esports enters the gambling ecosystem (credits: Futsalua)

Popular games for Esports Betting

Esports betting has grown rapidly, with a number of popular games drawing bettors from across the United States. Each game offers its own unique set of betting opportunities, ranging from match outcomes to individual player performances. Below are some of the most popular titles among American esports bettors:

League of Legends (LoL): One of the most widely recognized and followed esports games worldwide. With massive tournaments like the World Championship held annually, it offers numerous betting markets, including match winners, first blood, and objective-based bets (e.g., first dragon or Baron).
Counter-Strike 2 (CS2): A cornerstone of the esports betting world, offers exciting betting options on outcomes such as round winners, total kills, and first blood. Tournaments like the Intel Extreme Masters attract large viewerships, with fans engaging in betting as a way to deepen their connection to the competition.
Dota 2: Known for its record-breaking prize pools, Dota 2 offers some of the largest and most high-stakes esports tournaments, such as The International. Betting markets for Dota 2 include match winners, total kills, and in-game objectives like Roshan kills.
Overwatch: With team-based play and exciting tournament structure, Overwatch is a favorite for esports betting enthusiasts. Bet options cover a range of outcomes, including match winners, player performances, and even the specific hero used by players.
Valorant: Newer titles such as Valorant are expanding the esports betting landscape. Both games bring unique betting markets, particularly focusing on the strategies and skill sets of individual players or teams during competitive events.

Key betting options in Esports

The world of esports betting offers various types of bets that cater to the differing dynamics of each game. Some of the most popular types of bets include:

Match Outcome Bets: Most common form of bet in esports betting, where players wager on the outcome of a match.
Proposition Bets (Props): Focus on specific in-game events, such as the first player to get a kill or the first team to destroy a turret. These bets are especially popular in games like LoL and CS2.
Live Betting: As events unfold, bettors can place wagers on live odds, offering an interactive and engaging experience for fans who follow the match in real time.
Fantasy Esports: As mentioned earlier, fantasy esports platforms allow participants to create teams based on real-life player performances in ongoing tournaments, providing a more strategic and skill-based alternative to traditional betting.

Fantasy mode allows players to engage in a different format of gambling and is more broadly accepted in the US (credits: You Picks)

Legal status of online gamble on Esports in the US

In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) opened the doors for states to regulate sports betting. Since then, many states have moved to legalize online gambling, both in the form of sports betting and online casino games. However, each state has its own approach, creating a patchwork of laws that operators must navigate.

States with fully legalized online gambling

As of 2024, several states have fully embraced both gamble on Esports and casino games. These states offer a robust regulatory framework that allows residents and visitors to engage in various forms of online gambling. Here’s a breakdown of states where online gambling is entirely legal and regulated:

Connecticut: Legalized in 2021, allowing online sports betting, casino games, and poker. The state's forward-thinking approach to this module continues to grow.
Delaware: A pioneer in online gambling, Delaware legalized sports betting, casino games, and poker back in 2012, maintaining a comprehensive regulatory framework.
Michigan: Legalized online sports betting and casino games in 2021. With a modern regulatory approach, Michigan is poised for continued growth in the sector.
New Jersey: One of the first to legalize online gambling in 2013, New Jersey has become a model for other states, offering a full range of online gambling options.
Pennsylvania: Legalized online gambling in 2017, including sports betting, casino games, and poker, with a strong regulatory environment.
Rhode Island: Legalized online sports betting in 2019, and online casinos are expected to follow in 2024.
West Virginia: Embraced online gambling in 2019, allowing for sports betting, casino games, and poker under a supportive regulatory framework.

These states are paving the way for the continued expansion of gamble on Esports in the U.S., offering operators a clear path to market entry with well-defined licensing requirements and a growing base of consumers eager to engage with legal platforms.

States where only Esports betting is legal

In addition to states that have fully legalized online gambling, there are also states that have legalized online sports betting but have yet to expand that legality to online casino games. These states recognize the revenue potential of sports betting but have been more cautious when it comes to online casinos. Here’s a list of states where only online sports betting is legal:

Arizona
Colorado
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Nevada
New York
Tennessee
Virginia
Wyoming

These states offer an opportunity for operators focusing exclusively on sports betting. While many of these states are likely to expand their offerings in the future, for now, they represent a large and growing market for online sports betting operators.

The future of online gamble in the U.S.

While gamble on Esports has seen rapid expansion following the 2018 Supreme Court ruling, online casino games remain restricted in many states. This is largely due to the broader range of games offered by online casinos, which are more challenging to regulate. Additionally, cultural perceptions of casino games as games of chance, rather than skill-based activities like sports betting, contribute to the resistance in some states.

However, there are states that are showing strong signs of progress toward legalizing online casino gambling. Notably, states such as New York, Iowa, and Maryland have seen ongoing legislative efforts, and many believe that by 2030, these states could follow the lead of others in offering legalized online casino games.

States legalizing online gambling until 2030

Looking ahead, several states are likely to embrace online gambling in the coming decade, driven by a combination of legislative support and the potential for significant tax revenue. Key states to watch include:

Georgia: Pro-sports teams and lawmakers are backing sports betting legalization, with momentum building for a potential vote soon.
Minnesota: A growing appetite for both sports betting and casino games could see Minnesota follow other states in expanding opportunities.
Missouri: Despite past setbacks, Missouri continues to file bills that would legalize sports betting, with the possibility of expanding to online casinos.
Oklahoma: While the legal path remains complicated by local community interests, Oklahoma’s strong desire for additional revenue could push legislation forward.

As these states move closer to legalization, the market for online gambling in the U.S. is expected to grow substantially, with new opportunities for operators looking to expand.

USA Odds x UK Odds - Understanding their differences

Understanding betting odds is essential for making informed wagers, especially when dealing with international platforms that use different formats. US odds and UK odds are two common formats, each presenting betting potential in its own way. Converting between these systems ensures you can accurately assess the value of your bets, no matter where you're placing them.

US Odds

US odds are presented with "+" or "-" signs:

Positive US Odds (+) show the profit from a $100 bet. For example, +200 means a $100 bet could win $200, yielding a total payout of $300.
Negative US Odds (-) show how much you need to stake to win $100. For example, -150 means you need to bet $150 to win $100, with a total payout of $250.

UK Odds

UK odds, often presented as fractions (e.g., 3/1), show the potential profit relative to the stake. A bet at 3/1 means for every £1 you wager, you could win £3 in profit. These odds can also be presented in decimal form, where 3/1 equals 4.00, indicating a £4 return for every £1 wagered, including the stake.

Converting US Odds to UK Odds

To convert US odds to UK odds, use the following formulas:

Positive US Odds to UK Odds: Divide the odds by 100 and add 1. Example: +200 becomes 3/1 (200 ÷ 100 + 1).
Negative US Odds to UK Odds: Divide 100 by the absolute value of the odds. Example: -150 becomes 2/3 (100 ÷ 150).

Gamble on Esports will continue growing a lot in the US

The U.S. online gambling market is poised for significant growth, with estimates predicting a rise from $5.12 billion in 2024 to $10.98 billion by 2029. As states continue to legalize both gamble on Esports and casino games, opportunities abound for operators to enter a burgeoning market.

However, the U.S. landscape remains complicated, with each state having its own set of regulations. Operators looking to enter the market must be prepared to navigate this patchwork of rules and requirements, ensuring compliance with both state and federal laws. In addition, securing licensing in established markets with clear frameworks can ease entry into new states.

For those looking to capitalize on the U.S. betting boom, the key to success lies in understanding the regulatory landscape, investing in robust security measures, and forming partnerships with local entities to leverage regional expertise. As the U.S. market expands and evolves, operators who remain agile and informed will be best positioned to succeed in this dynamic industry.

Feature image credits: Usability Digital