Sports Betting

Massachusetts Betting Market Explained

February 21, 2024 William Mcmaster

In 2018, the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Act that had been put in place to ban all forms of sports betting. Since then, US states have been free to legalize and regulate sports betting. Several states have moved quickly to enact new laws, and sportsbooks have started to appear across the country, both in-person and online.

While thirty states have already legalized some form of gambling, many more are still in the process of drafting up laws to regulate it. Massachusetts is one of the states that hasn’t quite finalized the process yet, although it is currently moving towards legal online sports betting.

The New Massachusetts Sports Betting Bill

In July 2021, the Massachusetts House of Representatives decisively supported a plan to legalize sports betting in the state. However, the subject of whether to allow wagers on college sports has emerged as a major sticking point between the House and the Senate.

The good news for fans of sports betting living in Massachusetts is that this bill being passed means that legal sports betting is now very much likely on its way to the state. Of course, the bill will still have to pass through the Senate, and at the moment, it’s unclear how long that will take. The current estimation is that the bill will be passed by the end of 2021, allowing the first sports bets to be placed not long after (Patriot Ledger, 2021).

Outside of sports betting, Massachusetts already allows parimutuel betting on horse, and dog races and the state is also home to several Indian casinos, two resort casinos, and a slot parlor where people can place legal real money wagers on casino games and slots. However, online casinos and poker sites are currently not allowed to operate in Massachusetts and there are no plans to change this currently.

Betting Restrictions in Massachusetts

While sports betting isn’t quite legal yet, the details of the bill that recently passed the House are available to see. The bill outlines the restrictions on how and where people can bet, detailing that bettors will need to be at least 21 years old and will only be able to place bets at licensed sportsbooks. Both online and in-person sportsbooks will require a license from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (SBC Americas, 2021).

People from outside the state will be able to place bets at Massachusetts sportsbooks, but only if they’re currently within the state borders. They’ll need to provide their location as well as verify their ID before they can place any real money wagers on sports.

The current proposed bill for Massachusetts sports betting includes college sports, although it’s possible that this will be removed. As it stands, bettors can place wagers on college sports but won’t be able to place proposition bets on college events.

Massachusetts Sports Betting FAQ

Are Online Sportsbooks Legal in Massachusetts?

No, currently the law doesn’t allow online sportsbooks to operate within the state. However, the House recently passed a bill that would allow online sportsbooks to launch in late 2021.

Are Online Casinos Legal in Massachusetts?

Online casinos are unfortunately still banned in MA, despite the new betting laws. This means you won’t be able to play casino games on your computer or mobile but you can still play at land-based casinos.

Is Online Poker Legal in Massachusetts?

No, online poker is currently illegal in the state of MA and you won’t be able to sign up at poker sites licenced in the state. Your only options are sweepstake sites or offshore poker sites that accept MA players.

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Rhode Island Betting Market Explained

February 21, 2024 William Mcmaster

The US has seen rapid growth in legal betting markets thanks to a recent change in federal law. In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was unconstitutional. This act had previously blocked legal sports wagering across the US, with a few exceptions, but now it’s lifted, states are free to regulate sports betting however they see fit.

Rhode Island, among others, has now launched its own legal betting market, although some restrictions still remain in place. Those living in the state, as well as those visiting, can now legally place real money wagers on major sporting events including the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and international leagues. Read on for our full guide to find out more about the kind of wagering allowed in the state and what restrictions are in place.

Which Forms of Betting Are Allowed in Rhode Island?

The Ocean State is the smallest state in the US by surface area and has a very small population but it’s a popular destination for tourists and holidaymakers thanks to its oceanfront beaches and resorts. The state could also become something of a gambling hotspot because it now allows sports betting.

RI has permitted pari-mutuel horse race wagering since 1934 and, in 2012, agreed to allow full-scale casino gaming at two land-based casinos. In 2018, the state also legalized sports betting, becoming one of the first states to do so when Governor Gina Raimondo signed the bill. Online and retail sportsbooks can now operate in RI provided they’re licensed, but the state doesn’t allow online casinos or poker websites at the moment.

Betting Restrictions in Rhode Island

Although most forms of gambling are now allowed in the Ocean State, there are still restrictions on how and where people can wager real money. All gambling in the state is controlled by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, and any casinos or sportsbooks operating here need a license from this organization.

Sportsbooks in the state currently operate out of the two land-based casinos, with kiosks available where bettors can place their wagers. Mobile betting is also allowed, but you have to sign up in person before being able to bet. Anyone who is at least 18 years old will be able to place legal sports bets. For now, the topic of online gambling is still unclear in RI. Although mobile sports wagering is allowed, online casinos and poker are illegal, and there are no current plans to change this.

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Tennessee State Page | A guide to Online Gambling in Tennessee

February 21, 2024 William Mcmaster

Tennessee is a landlocked state in the Southeastern USA, which is best known for being the home of country music and for the high number of volunteers it provided during the War of 1812. One thing it is not known for, however, is its gambling scene, as gambling in Tennessee is practically nonexistent.

Gambling Laws in Tennessee

According to Tennessee’s Code § 39-17-501, “Gambling is contrary to the public policy of this state and means risking anything of value for a profit whose return is to any degree continent on chance”. As one can imagine, that description leaves very little up for interpretation and, indeed, Tennesseans and visitors to the Volunteer State will not come across any racetracks, bingo games (even for charitable purposes), and land-based casinos – not even on Tribe Lands (Case Text, 2021).

But, among this bleak gambling landscape, there is some light. In 2002, a constitutional amendment that would allow Tennessee to have its own State Lottery was voted in. Then, in 2019, the Volunteer State shocked everyone by becoming the first state to approve online-only betting, giving players in the state the opportunity to bet on online sports, horse racing, and take part in ‘daily fantasy sports’ (Tennessee Secretary of State, 2019).

Is Online Gambling Legal In Tennessee?

The 2019 change in law, however, did not make online casinos legal. In fact, it is still illegal for Tennesseans to play any form of online casino game. This is the case even if the casino is licensed in another state or by a foreign jurisdiction given that the player is within the borders of the Volunteer State. This, sadly, includes online poker, blackjack, roulette, video slots, baccarat, and all other games of chance.

As can be imagined, this total ban on Tennessee online casinos has been daunting for players in the state, who would like to play their favorite casino games. And as usually happens, players have managed to find some ways around this. One of these ways is by driving out of the state (usually to Illinois) to play at land-based casinos; while another is to use sweepstakes sites.

Legitimate sweepstakes sites, give you the chance to play online casino games where you can win coins that can be exchanged for prizes. These are legal within Tennessee, though it’s important to note that you should not be required to make a purchase, you will need to pay tax on your winnings, and that winners in Tennessee are not required to sign away publicity rights in perpetuity.

Sportsbooks Are Legal

As of November 1, 2020, online sportsbooks, betting on horse racing, and Daily Fantasy Sports have become legal in the Volunteer State. There are currently seven sportsbooks that cater to Tennesseeans, namely BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, WynnBET, Caesars Sportsbook, TwinsSpires, and Tennessee Action 24/7.

Although each sportsbook offers different services, you can join any of these to bet on baseball, basketball, tennis, golf, soccer (including European soccer), motorsports, and horse racing legally.

Daily Fantasy Sports, where you get to create whole teams and earn points based on the individual’s performance, has also been made legal in the state.

Conclusion

While Tennessee has some of the strictest laws related to gambling, it does seem to be opening up to the idea of allowing its citizens to gamble. In fact, while it’s hard to know what the future will hold for Tennessee’s gambling scene, the state may well end up surprising us like it did in 2019. We’ll obviously keep an eye out on anything related to Tennessee’s gambling laws and update this page regularly!

Tennessee Online Gambling FAQ

Is online gambling in Tennessee Legal?

Practically all forms of gambling are illegal in Tennessee. The only exceptions are the State Lottery, online sports, horse racing, and DFS.

Do I need to pay taxes on my gambling winnings in Tennessee?

Yes, there is a 25% tax on winnings from the State Lottery or from any games legally provided by online sportsbooks. This, however, can go up to 28% if you do not supply your social security number (SSN) to the sportsbook.

Why do I need to give sportsbooks my social security number in Tennessee?

When you join a sportsbook, you will be given the option of submitting your SSN. While this may seem strange, this is used by the sportsbook to report their business to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

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Virginia Online Betting Market Explained

February 21, 2024 William Mcmaster

The US has made a positive step forward in recent years thanks to a change in its stance on sports betting. Many sports fans across the country were already placing real money wagers at off-shore sites, and the Supreme Court found that the ruling against sports wagering was unconstitutional. As a result, the laws have now been changed, and states are free to set their own regulations on this market.

Since the Supreme Court ruling in 2018, many states across the country have now changed their position on sports betting. As the revenue rolls in, many more are following the trend. Although it wasn’t part of the early wave of states to legalize the betting market, VA has recently agreed to legislation regulating sports wagering in the state. You can find out more about the betting laws in Virginia as well as the types of gambling and restrictions in our guide below

Which Forms of Betting Are Allowed in Virginia?

The Old Dominion has strict rules on gambling that casinos, both in-person and online, are banned. Similarly, poker isn’t permitted in the state, and there are currently no plans to change this. However, the state does allow daily fantasy sports and recently voted to legalize sportsbooks too.

Governor Ralph Northam and state delegates agree to a bill that proposed sports betting in July 2020, and since then, residents and visitors to VA have been able to place real money wagers in-person and through an app or website. It wasn’t long before people all over the state were placing bets, and although it was late to the party, Virginia became the first state to exceed $1 billion in bets. Mobile wagering launched in January 2021, and many big-name sportsbooks have already opened up to bettors.

Betting Restrictions in Virginia

The biggest restriction in the Old Dominion is that all forms of casino gambling are banned. This includes poker and slots both online and in-person. The Virginia Lottery controls the gambling market in the state, and all sites must obtain a license from this organization to operate here. Initially, the sports wagering bill passed by state legislators permitted up to 12 licenses, but this was soon extended further to 18.

To place a legal real money wager on sports in VA, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old. If you’re betting through the internet, you’ll need to show a copy of your ID to verify your account as well as prove that you’re currently inside state lines. VA sportsbooks offer a wide range of events but won’t allow bets on any college game involving a VA college team. Live bets on any college game are also prohibited in the state.

Virginia Online Betting FAQ

Are Online Sportsbooks Legal In Virginia?

Yes, VA has now approved a law to allow online sportsbooks, and already, multiple sites have launched. If you’re betting in VA, you have a great range of options to choose from, including DraftKings, BetMGM, UniBet, and more.

Are Online Casinos Legal in Virginia?

No, online casinos and casino gaming, in general, aren’t allowed in the state. VA has fairly strict laws against gambling, and it doesn’t look like this will change anytime soon

Is Online Poker Legal in Virginia?

No, you can’t currently play poker online at a legal, licensed poker site while in VA. If you’re looking to play at a poker site, you’ll have to play at a sweepstake or offshore site.

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Montana Online Betting Market Explained

February 21, 2024 William Mcmaster

In recent years, the US has changed its stance towards sports betting as well as other forms of gambling. Since the Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018, the floodgates have opened. Many states across the country have started to introduce their own laws and regulations governing gambling and mobile wagering. Montana is one of the many states that has now legalized real money gambling, with in-person, online, and mobile betting all now permitted within the state.

Although Montana has legalized sports wagering, there are still a lot of rules regarding gambling, and residents of the state don’t have access to the same online sportsbooks that have been launched in other states. However, fans of sports won’t mind too much as there are still lots of different events and markets to bet on at licensed locations. Read on to find out the full details on betting in MT state.

Which Forms of Betting Are Allowed in Montana?

The Treasure State joined a slew of other US states in legalizing sports betting in May 2019. Governor Steve Bullock signed the new law into action, and in 2020, the first retail sportsbook locations started taking bets. However, unlike a lot of other states to have legalized sports wagering, the law in the Treasure State is very restrictive towards internet gambling operators. In fact, for the next seven years, at least, no other operator is allowed to hold a betting license other than the Montana state lottery company Intralot.

These rules mean that residents of MT will only be allowed to bet at Sports Bet Montana, and the monopoly means that bonuses and odds won’t be as competitive as those found in other states. Despite the change in law towards betting, the state legislators don’t have any plans towards making online casinos or online poker legal. However, bars and taverns throughout the state are able to apply for a license to offer various games, including slots, keno, live poker, and more.

Betting Restrictions in Montana

Obviously, the most obvious gambling restriction in MT is that players can only sign up to bet at Sports Bet Montana. In addition to this, although mobile betting is allowed, it may only be done at a retail sportsbook location which is a bit of an inconvenience. The licensed site uses geolocation software to confirm your location before you can place a real money wager. All betting, as well as daily fantasy sports, is controlled by the state lottery.

Unlike in some other states, which require you to be 21, the minimum age to bet in Montana is 18. When you sign up to the sportsbook site, you’ll need to verify your age within 30 days by submitting a copy of your ID. Deposits can only be made using a debit card or ACH transfer, and withdrawals must be made using the same method.

The state-owned sportsbook offers a good selection of odds on major sports, including the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and more. In addition, it’s possible to bet on college sports, including those involving Big Sky Country teams. A wide range of wagering markets are also available, but maximum bets do apply on some options.

Montana Online Gambling FAQ

Are Online Sportsbooks Legal in Montana?

Yes, online sports betting is legal in the state. However, those in the state only have access to one sportsbook and can only bet at a terminal or using the app while inside one of the licensed locations.

Are Online Casinos Legal in Montana?

No, online casinos aren’t legal in the state, and there aren’t currently plans to change that. Tribal casinos are available, however, and many bars also have a license to offer casino games.

Sources:

https://www.intralot.com/newsroom/intralot-congratulates-montana-lottery-for-the-launch-of-sports-bet-montana/
https://www.ktvh.com/news/sports-betting-gains-forward-momentum-with-kickoff-of-nfl-season

Iowa Betting Market Explained

February 21, 2024 William Mcmaster

Over the last few years, the US has overturned several laws that were preventing states from legalizing gambling. Since then, a growing number of state governors have signed new laws that regulate and control the gambling industry, allowing people to finally bet legally across the United States of America. Among those states that have legalized gambling is Iowa, which now offers legal sports betting both online and in-person as well as providing a range of land-based casinos.

Iowa actually has some complicated rules on gambling. Although it forbids placing a bet on a game for anything of value, the state has long offered land-based casinos as well as betting on horse and dog racing. However, betting on sports such as the NFL, NBA and MLB was banned until recently. Luckily, the state now allows anyone above the minimum age to bet on a wide range of sports, although there are still restrictions in place. Take a look at our full guide on Iowa betting below for all the details.

Which Forms of Betting Are Allowed in Iowa?

Land-based casinos are allowed to operate on tribal land in Iowa and since 2019, sports betting has also been permitted. Sportsbooks quickly emerged not long after the law was changed, and Iowans soon had multiple online and in-person sportsbooks to choose from. This same law also included new regulations on daily fantasy sports, which had previously been banned (Des Moines Register, 2019).

While the laws in Iowa are fairly relaxed towards gambling now, there are still lots of restrictions. These prevent online casinos and poker sites from operating within the state. For now, this doesn’t seem likely to change, but given the success of the online sports betting industry and the fact that the state already has plenty of land-based casinos, it doesn’t seem far-fetched that it could be changed in the future.

Betting Restriction in Iowa

Despite the fact that the state of Iowa has a long history with gambling and the fact that sports betting is now legal, there are rules and regulations that players and operators must follow. To begin with, any online sportsbook accepting bets from people in Iowa must be licensed by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (The Gazette, 2021).

In addition, anyone looking to place a bet on sports or at any of the casinos in the state must be at least 21 years old. If you’re signing up to an online sportsbook, you’ll be expected to upload a copy of your ID in order to register and bet. When online betting first launched in the state, you had to visit one of the land-based casinos to register for an online sportsbook, but it’s now possible to register online.

Mobile betting is permitted in the state, giving you freedom over where you bet, but you’ll still have to be within the state borders, and sites will check your location. You can still sign up to an Iowa online sportsbook if you’re not from the state, but you won’t be able to place any bets unless you’re within the state lines.

Iowa Online Gambling FAQ

Are Online Sportsbooks Legal in Iowa?

Yes, online sports betting is legal both on desktop and on mobile, and there’s a range of legal sportsbooks available. Sites such as BetRivers, DraftKings, and Betfred are all up and running, along with many more.

Are Online Casinos Legal in Iowa?

No, presently online casinos aren’t legal in the state, although there are over 20 land-based casinos that offer a full range of casino games to wager real money on.

Are Online Poker Sites Legal in Iowa?

No, online poker is currently illegal in Iowa.

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