Sports betting is an increasingly popular way to monetize professional sports and games. It increases audience engagement, viewership, and advertising value. As a result, many sports leagues have struck partnerships with sportsbooks and gaming entities. The NFL, for example, has allowed teams to partner with sportsbooks, and the Denver Broncos recently announced a deal with Betfred and FanDuel that will run through June 2020. Many major leagues are now looking for sports betting deals to attract new fans and increase revenue.
New Jersey
In 2011, the state of New Jersey passed a law that allowed sports betting. The law has gone through a series of appeals and federal lawsuits. In December 2017, the state took its case to the US Supreme Court. The state was previously prohibited from allowing sports betting due to the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which limits sports betting to Nevada. However, that law was recently declared unconstitutional by the court.
Delaware
Delaware sports fans can bet on NFL football games online and are likely to find a number of options. The Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, and Washington DC’s NFL team are all popular choices. In addition to NFL games, Delaware sports fans can also gamble on Daily Fantasy Sports. These sites offer live betting odds and bonuses.
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island has made strides toward legalizing sports betting. In May 2018, the US Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports betting, and Rhode Island lawmakers moved quickly to pass legislation legalizing it. It is now the eighth state to legalize sports betting, joining Delaware, New Jersey, and West Virginia in that effort.
Kentucky
Although there are currently no professional sports teams in the state, Kentucky has two of the most famous college basketball programs in the country, the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. Its proximity to both of these major league teams is likely to make it a popular place to bet on college basketball. Even if the state lacks a pro team, its citizens still enjoy betting on basketball games.
North Carolina
In the state of North Carolina, you can bet on sports, but only at a handful of places. The legislature must pass two bills to allow for sports betting. One, called SB 38, has already passed the Senate, but has yet to be passed by the House. Another bill, SB 688, would legalize sports betting in the state, but would require a majority vote in both houses to pass.
Ohio
Although Ohio sports betting is technically legal, the market is not currently active. However, lawmakers are set to introduce the market next year. Last December, the legislature passed HB 29, which requires the state Casino Control Commission to launch sports betting in January 2021. The bill lays out several requirements for operators who wish to open sports betting operations in the state, including ensuring that the gaming operators are licensed by the Ohio Gaming Control Board.
Minnesota
The state of Minnesota is considering introducing legislation for sports betting. This could be a big step towards legalizing the activity. Industry analysts estimate that sports betting would generate $40 million annually in the state. However, the proposal is not without controversy. There are tribes that are opposed to the idea of legalizing sports betting and have argued that it could harm their casinos.