Sports Betting Q&A
Frequently asked questions about sports betting

Who benefits from sports betting?

Last Updated: May 12, 2020
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Fact Checked By: Adam Zdroik

Sports betting not only benefits each state, but it also gives fans another way to enjoy games.

Most people who follow sports are interested in sports betting because it adds another dimension to games and it gives fans something else to cheer for. Legalized sports betting makes things safer for everyone interested.

The States

The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) was struck down because of the money. Nevada makes hundreds of millions of dollars per month from sports betting revenue and it only made sense for other states to join the business. When sports betting was illegal, states weren't making any money from it because it wasn't offered.

Following the repeal of PASPA, each state could pass laws and add legislation to allow sports betting within their borders. Along with sports betting comes money as states are allowed to tax sportsbooks as they see fit. This new form of revenue for states can go to any number of areas from schools and health clinics to construction and road work.

Legalized sports betting also leads to more regulation and the ability for states to offer help to those suffering from addiction. If you're a casual bettor and find no joy in betting on sports, it may be best to stop wagering. If it's become an issue, there are numerous resources that can help across the country. There are online guides, readily available access to addiction centers and a National Problem Gambling Helpline.

The People

While sports betting is fun and profitable for states, legalized action also adds new jobs at casinos and standalone sportsbooks for oddsmakers, analysts, cashiers and security. Everyone likes new jobs, especially ones that require a physical presence.

Instead of fans flocking to offshore betting sites when they can't go to Nevada to bet on sports, legalized sports betting brings wagering to the people. Betting legally at physical locations is more fun than what was possible prior to the repeal of PASPA in 2018. Plus, bettors don't have to worry about receiving winnings because betting is regulated.

Sports betting can turn into a career and be taken seriously or it can be used as something friends do together for a night out or for an NFL Sunday together. Since most bettors aren't professionals, the latter option is the more popular choice. Betting on sports adds a little something else to cheer for when watching games with friends, or even when watching at home.

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Yes. Tennessee sports betting was legalized in 2019 and launched in 2020.
Yes. Sports betting is legal in North Carolina, but it will be fully operational on March 11, 2024, with pre-registration beginning on March 1, 2024.
Pennsylvania passed legislation to allow sports betting in 2017 and sportsbooks began taking bets in 2019.
Yes. Indiana passed a bill to allow sports betting in 2019 and wagering started in October with online betting opening a couple months later.
Yes, sports betting is legal in the state of Ohio.
Yes. Sports betting is legal and regulated in Arizona as of football season in 2021.
Yes. Pennsylvania passed legislation to allow sports betting in 2017 and sportsbooks began taking bets in 2019.
Yes. Michigan passed legislation to allow sports betting in December 2019 and the first physical sportsbooks opened in March 2020.
Yes, sports betting is live in Massachusetts.
Yes, sports betting is legal in Maryland. It launched on November 23, 2022.
Sports betting is legal in Ohio, and takes bets as of January 1, 2023.
Yes. Sports betting is legal in Virginia and residents began betting via FanDuel in January 2021.
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Yes. Colorado legalized in-person and mobile sports betting in November 2019.
Yes. New Jersey was one of the first states to legalize sports betting and online wagering after the 2018 Supreme Court decision.
Yes, FanDuel pays out real money. Whether you use the DFS portion of the website, sportsbook, or online casino, you will be paid out in real money.
Yes. Illinois passed sports betting legislature in 2019 and launched at legal sportsbooks in March 2020.
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