Sports Betting at Indian Casinos

State-by-State Updates

States with Sports Betting

Eight states now offer sports betting:

1. Nevada
2. Delaware
3. New Jersey
4. Pennsylvania
5. Mississiippi
6. New Mexico
7. Rhode Island
8. West Virginia

Updated Nov 1, 2018

U.S. Supreme Court Overturns Sports Betting Ban
Declares federal law unconstitutional and best left to the states

May 14, 2018

The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down a 1992 federal law that banned sports betting and returned that gambling authority to the states.

Many American Indian tribes have great interest in providing sports betting on football, baseball, basketball, hockey and other games in their casinos.

There are three factors required to achieve this:

• The Indian casino must be located in a state that authorizes sports betting.

• The National Indian Gaming Commission may decide to amend the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) to include sports betting. Otherwise, tribes could sign state agreements independent of IGRA.

• The gaming compact between the tribe and state must be updated to include sports betting.

NIGC Statement on the Supreme Court ruling on Sports Betting May 15, 2018 - (PRESS RELEASE) The National Indian Gaming Commission of the U.S. Interior Dept issued a statement of support to those tribes seeking to offer sports wagering on their lands. ... Read more National Indian Gaming Association Supports Sports Betting April 25, 2018 - The federal office of the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGC) issued a resolution in support of Sports Betting while protecting American Indian owned casinos. ... Read more

Thirty-two states have taken some steps in legislative action to allow sports betting.

Alaska

May 15, 2018

Sports betting is banned in Alaska, and there is no proposed legislation for legalization.

Alabama

May 15, 2018

Sports betting and all gambling is prohibited by the state constitution.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall confirmed "In Alabama, sports gambling is already against the law and the court ruling does not alter that fact."

Congressman Robert Aderholt added, "I believe that allowing sports betting, especially in college sports, would have a detrimental impact on the games, the institutions, and most importantly, the student-athletes. In addition, being able to rack up gambling debts by placing wagers on your cell phone, is a recipe for financial disaster."

Arizona

May 15, 2018

The gaming compacts between the state and the Arizona tribes will expire in 2022. As a result they are currently in renegotiation.

The court's ruling is a major advantage to Gov. Doug Ducey, who said: "This is positive news. This ruling gives Arizona options that could benefit our citizens and our general fund."

NAVAJO NATION

Arizona's largest tribe, the Navajo Nation, is interested in sports betting. Their attorney Steven Hart said, "I think the Navajo Nation is very interested in sports betting and in finding ways to expand their casino offerings."

Arkansas

May 15, 2018

Sports betting is banned in Arkansas, and there is no proposed legislation for legalization.

May 24, 2018

After the Arkansas Supreme Court ordered Attorney General Leslie Rutledge to either certify ballot proposals or recommend changes to their language, The AG approved four proposed ballot initiatives including two casino amendments. The leading amendment will authorize sports betting. It is supported by the Cherokee and Quapaw tribes of Oklahoma.

California

May 15, 2018

Sports betting in California requires a constitutional amendment. The deadline to qualify for the November ballot is late June, and a two-thirds voter approval is required for passage.

Since the 2018 timeline seems very tight, it is more likely it will take longer to work through the process. Similar efforts to expand gambling in California have not been successful.

PECHANGA BAND OF LUISENO INDIANS

Pechanga Casino is interested in adding sports betting to its venue. Tribal Chairman, Mark Macarro, said sports betting is "a potential amenity that would complement our numerous offerings."

CNIGA

California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) issued a statement asking that all California tribes be involved in state discussions of implementation of sports betting in California.

News Updates

California Sports Betting Initiative Approved for Signature Drive August 23, 2018 - An initiative for the 2020 election ballot has been approved to gather signatures. The minimum number of qualified signatures required is 600,000. ... Read more CNIGA Statement on the U.S. Supreme Court Allowing for Sports Wagering May 14, 2018 - PRESS RELEASE: The California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) has released a policy statement regarding sports wagering in California. ... Read more California tribes say sports betting is their exclusive right under their Gaming Revenue Act of 2004
May 22, 2018 - Several tribes are preparing to sue the State of California to assert the rights on sports betting based on a 2004 vote. ... Read more

Colorado

May 15, 2018

The Colorado constitution specifically ban sports betting. A constitutional amendment is required to change that, but there are currently no ballot initiatives to do that.

Connecticut

May 15, 2018

A statement issued by Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment, reads: "We have long felt that Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment was in a great position to offer this type of gaming at our properties. We look forward to working with the state governments for each of our properties to offer this form of entertainment in a legalized and regulated fashion."

Gov. Malloy will negotiate sports betting with Pequot and Mohegan tribes May 22, 2018 - Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is interested in forming a new gaming compact with the state's tribes to add revenue sharing and control over sports betting. ... Read more

Delaware

May 15, 2018

Legalized sports betting is currently liimited to NFL multi-game bets. An extension to all sports may be possible very quickly in light of the Supreme Court ruling.

Gov. John Carney released in a statement: "If it is permissible under the (Supreme Court) opinion, full-scale sports gaming could be available at Delaware's casinos before the end of June."

Finance Secretary Rick Geisenberger said sports betting will be allowed at the state's three casinos at first. "Some significant reasons why it's important to begin this at the casinos to look at everything like how the bets work, anti-laundering issues, know your customer issues."

June 2, 2018

Delaware is reportedly ready to allow full-scale betting at three of its casinos: Delaware Park, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino and Harrington Raceway & Casino.

Florida

May 15, 2018

Georgia

May 15, 2018

Sports betting is illegal in Georgia, and there is no proposed legislation for legalization. The next legislative session is not until January 2019.

Hawaii

May 15, 2018

All gambling is illegal in Hawaii, however there is a proposed bill to establish a commission to review and determine the pros and cons of legalized gambling. It would evaluate the types of gambling including sports betting.

Idaho

May 15, 2018

Sports betting in Idaho is illegal and would require an amendment to the state's constitution to legalize it.

Illinois

May 15, 2018

The Illinois legislature has two active bills whose approval would authorize sports betting in the state.

One bill would create a Division of Sports Wagering within the Illinois Gaming Board for the purpose of issuing sports-betting licenses.

The other bill would authorize sports betting at any casino or facility licensed by the Riverboat Gambling Act. The licensee would pay 12.5% tax of its gross sports wagering revenue.

Indiana

May 15, 2018

The Indiana legislature has been unsuccessful in past years to bring a sports betting bill to a vote. As a result of the Supreme Court decision, another legislative attempt will be made next year.

Iowa

May 15, 2018

The office of Gov. Kim Reynolds released a statement today saying "Given the Supreme Court's opinion, the governor will explore options with the legislature next year."

Also, State Rep. Jake Highfill, R-Johnston, said he will introduce a sports-betting bill in January when the legislature reconvenes.

Kansas

May 15, 2018

Kansas has several active bills in its legislature that would authorize sports betting. The common difference between bills is the venue for the licensing.

Kentucky

May 15, 2018

Gov. Matt Bevin, who has opposed gambling in the past, now says he's open to hearing sports betting law proposals from state lawmakers.

The Governor said: "Whether this ultimately results in any change for Kentucky is something that will be determined by our legislature and in a future legislative session. Sports betting has happened since the dawn of time. People have always done it. It's done - heck, we just came off a weekend in which it happened at a pretty prolific rate here in Kentucky. So ultimately, what it means to us as a state policy-wise, it's way too early to tell."

June 26, 2018

Kentucky lawmakers have introduced legislation to legalize betting on professional sports and some college sports. Betting on high school games would be banned. If passed sports betting could start as early as summer 2019.

Louisiana

May 15, 2018

Sports betting is banned in Louisiana. The state legislature failed to bring a legalization bill to a vote in their recent session, and Gov. John Bel Edwards had no plan to include it in the upcoming special session, however he now says "Well certainly we should look at it because we obviously have gaming in Louisiana already, we have establishments that can do this."

Maryland

May 15, 2018

The Maryland legislature voted down bills this year that would have placed sports betting on this year's November ballot. The next opportunity to consider this issue again will be in next year's legislative session.

Massachusetts

May 15, 2018

Massachusetts lawmakers seem ready to debate the issue of sports betting and potential betting scenarios in the state.

State Senator Eric P. Lesser said, "I think Massachusetts needs to be thoughtful about its approach to the issue, but I think a consensus is emerging that the time has come to do something."

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has already reviewed sports betting as a gaming option for the state. Earlier this year the commission requested and reviewed a research paper that included this statement:

"The introduction of a new aspect of the emerging gaming industry in Massachusetts presents an opportunity to bring a significant amount of gaming activity and revenues out of the shadows and into the legal market."

May 23, 2018

House Speaker Robert DeLeo ended hopes for fast legislative action this year and stated he needs more time to study the matter.

Maine

May 15, 2018

There is no active legislation to authorize sports betting in Maine. This state may be one of the last to take up the issue.

Michigan

May 15, 2018

GRAND TRAVERSE BAND

Grand Traverse Band Tribal Chairman, Thurlow McClellan, said "It could be huge for a lot of tribes, especially in sports because we know sports is well followed, and it's very well that there's a lot of money involved."

The tribe must get get state approval to offer sports betting and negotiations for their 2020 gaming compact is currently in process.

SAGINAW CHIPPEWA INDIAN TRIBE

The Tribe's interim PR director, Erik Rodriguez, said: "Our next steps are going to be dependent on the state. Obviously, we have a compact agreement with the state on gaming within the state of Michigan. So this may be, obviously, what the state will take the lead on with their legislation."

"It's a different avenue to have a gaming experience, and if there's something where there's a market for it in demand then we could see it nationwide," Rodriguez said. "If it worked well for our organization, it would be something we would consider and look into."

Minnesota

May 15, 2018

The Minnesota legislature will adjourn May 21 without considing a sports-betting bill.

Missouri

May 15, 2018

The Missouri legislature adjourns next week. One sports-betting bill has made it out of committee, but it is uncertain whether it has a chance for a vote on the floor before the adjournment.

The bill's author, Rep. Justin Alferman, said: "Whether we can arrive at a solution within the next week or so, I can't be sure of that. But what I do know is that my phone has been ringing off the hook literally all day."

Mississippi

May 15, 2018

Mississippi casinos are expediting plans to introduce sports betting on the coast.

"Oh, I would say all 28 casinos in our state are raring to go now," said Michael Bruffey, VP of Island View Casino Resort. "It's just very exciting."

MS Choctaw casinos will offer sports betting
June 12, 2018 - Sports betting will soon be offered at Bok Homa Casino, Silver Star Hotel and Casino, Pearl River Resort, and Golden Moon Hotel and Casino. ... Read more Mississippi legalizes sports betting June 22, 2018 - In 2017 Mississippi changed the state law to approve sports betting along with fantasy sports in anticipation of the federal law being changed. ... Read more Choctaw Indians open First Tribal Owned & Operated Sportsbook August 31, 2018 - Sports betting opened August 30 at Timeout Lounge in the Pearl River Resort. The Sportsbook at Timeout Lounge is a smoke free area with 20 TVs ... Read more

September 7, 2018

The Mississippi Gaming Commission said $9.8 million was wagered in casinos on sports bets during August, the first month since sports betting has been licensed in the state.

Sports betting is now offered at all 12 Mississippi Coast casinos November 12, 2018 - When the new sports book opened at the Scarlet Pearl Casino, it became the first time that sports betting is now offered at all coast casinos. ... Read more

Montana

May 15, 2018

Montana has no active legislation to expand sports betting. The state has long permitted sports pools with betting squares contests to operate at licensed bars of similar venues. In 1992 Montana was exempted from the federal sports wagering law and allowed to continue with sports pools.

Nebraska

May 15, 2018

Following the Supreme Court ruling, Gov. Pete Ricketts said "Sports betting is still illegal here in Nebraska and we have no plans to change that."

Nevada

May 15, 2018

Sports betting has been legal in Nevada and is unchanged by the SCOTUS ruling.

New Hampshire

May 15, 2018

Sports betting in New Hampshire remains illegal and there is no active legislation to change it.

New Jersey

May 15, 2018

The Supreme Court ruling on sports wagering was based on the case Christie v. NCAA in which the State of New Jersey sought the overturn of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) to allow state-licensed sports betting.

The Court declared the entire PASPA law was unconstitutional and violated the Tenth Amendment.

Following the decision, Gov. Phil Murphy announced he is expecting an updated version of the New Jersey sports betting law very sooon.

May 29, 2018

Ocean Resort Casino announced it will offer sports betting when it opens June 28. Sports betting will be hosted in a 7,500-square-foot area of the casino's gaming floor and include a bar, video monitors and live betting odds.

June 26, 2018

Sports betting will begin in July at Meadowlands Racetrack, Monmouth Park Racetrack and Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa.

Sports betting is open in New Jersey June 14, 2016 - Sports betting has begun in New Jersey. The first sports wagering occurred June 14th at Monmouth Park Racetrack. ... Read more New Jersey Legalizes Sports Betting | Opens June June 11, 2018 - New Jersey has legalized sports betting at both casinos and racetracks. It is expected to be implemented quickly throughout the state." ... Read more

New Mexico

May 15, 2018

There are no active bills in the New Mexico legislature to authorize sports betting.

New York

May 15, 2018

SENECA NATION

Although the Seneca Nation of Indians has said little about sports betting, Seneca radio host John Kane said "I think the Seneca Nation not only will do sports betting, I think they have to. They have to because clearly the state is intending on doing it."

ONEIDA NATION

The Oneida Indian Nation plans to add sports betting to their Turning Stone Resort Casino, Point Place Casino and Yellow Brick Road Casino.

Their 1993 gaming compact with the state allows any games that are permitted in New York. The tribe says the Supreme Court's ruling allows them to add sports betting without additional approval from the state.

Turning Stone's "The Lounge with Caesars Sports" January 8, 2019 - The Oneida Nation is preparing to open betting lounges in each of its three casinos and brand them "The Lounge with Caesars Sports" under a license agreement with Caesars Entertainment. ... Read more Turning Stone Casino will add sports betting
May 14, 2018 - The Oneida Indians are preparing to offer sports betting at their Turning Stone Casino and intend to introduce it very soon. ... Read more Oneida Nation Opposes NY Sports Betting Bill
June 14, 2018 - Oneida Nation believes sports betting anywhere other than their Point Place Casino and Turning Stone Resort is a state violation of the tribe's gaming compact ... Read more

SAINT REGIS MOHAWK TRIBE

"The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe is aware of Monday's decision by the Supreme Court," said Brendan White, the communications director of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. "We are currently working in cooperation with Mohawk Gaming Enterprises, the board that oversees the nation's gaming operations, to see if it can potentially be another amenity that customers currently enjoy at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort."

June 16, 2018

The speaker of the NY State Assembly, Carl Heastie, said today that legislation to legalize sports betting will not be addressed this year due to disagreements among lawmakers and from opposition of American Indian tribes in upstate New York who fear legislation will violate their gaming compacts.

June 26, 2018

The New York State Gaming Commission is working on sports betting regulations for four non-Indian casinos that were they were licensed in 2013. These casinos were given future sports betting authorization at that time in their agreements.

• del Lago Resort & Casino
• Tioga Downs Casino
• Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady
• Resorts World Catskills

These four casinos could be the first in the state to offer sports betting. They would precede betting venues at Indian casinos and racetracks.

North Carolina

May 15, 2018

There are no active efforts in the North Carolina legislature to authorize sports betting.

North Dakota

May 15, 2018

Gov. Doug Burgum was one of several state governors who supported New Jersey's case by signing an amicus brief. However, there is no active bills in the legislature to authorize sports betting.

Ohio

May 15, 2018

Gov. John Kasich's office released a statement: "We're aware of the ruling and looking to see what impact it will immediately have on Ohio policies."

August 29, 2018

Two bills have been introduced in the Ohio legislature to legalize sports betting. Senate Bill 316 was introduced July 12, 2018 and House Bill 714 was introduced July 17th. Both bills are placeholders awaiting proposed language, However, as of Aug 31, 2018 nothing has been done to either bill making it unlikely any action to legalize sports betting will be taken this year.

Oklahoma

May 15, 2018

Oklahoma lawmakers will consider legalizing sports betting.

House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City: "I don't think it's a foregone conclusion that this is something Oklahoma will do. But the foregone conclusion is that it is something Oklahoma will analyze."

CHICKASAW NATION

Bill Lance, secretary of commerce for the Chickasaw Nation: "The Chickasaw Nation and tribal nations around the country believe the Supreme Court's decision on the case is a vital first step in creating a safe and well-regulated sports gaming market."

"We look forward to working with the state of Oklahoma on a compacting supplement to address sports pool, which is something that could be easily implemented along the lines of what the Oklahoma Legislature made room for with respect to 'ball and dice' games this past session," he said. "We believe such a step would be critical to protecting and enhancing the tribal gaming market that already provides substantial fiscal benefits to Oklahoma, the gaming tribes, and all Oklahomans."

Oregon

May 15, 2018

There are no active bills supporting sports betting in the Oregon legislature at this time.

June 19, 2018

The Oregon lottery will introduce a mobile app this summer and hopes to eventually add sports betting to it.

Pennsylvania

May 15, 2018

In October 2017 Pennsylvania recognized the possibility the Supreme Court would overturn the federal sports betting law and took initiative to pass a state law ahead of the ruling. That law is now in effect in Pennsylvania. Sports betting operators must pay a $10 million licensing fee and 34% revenue tax rate.

November 17, 2018

The first legal sports-betting operation in Pennsylvania opened Nov. 17, 2018 when sports bets were accepted at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course.

Rhode Island

November 26, 2018

Sports Betting began officially today in Rhode Island when the Twin River Casino opened its sportsbook operation. The state's other casino, Tiverton Casino and Hotel, is expected to offer sports betting in December.

Under current law online or mobile sports betting is not authorized, but legislation in the near future is expected to change that.

May 15, 2018

Rhode Island has been proactive in anticipation of the Supreme Court ruling. Legislation is ready to give the state lottery authority to regulate sports betting at state-licensed casinos. Betting will be excluded from in-state college games and out-of-state game involving Rhode Island college teams.

June 16, 2018

Rhode Island's General Assembly voted 66-7 to pass an appropriations bill that includes the legalization of sports betting within the state. Next week the state senate will vote on the bill.

June 26, 2018

Governor Raimondo signed the state's FY2019 budget which includes the legalization of sports betting in Rhode Island. The state will receive 51% of all betting revenues. Bettings venues will include the Twin River Casino and the pending Twin River Tiverton Casino Hotel.

Rhode Island Legalizes Sports Betting June 22, 2018 - Gov. Gina Raimondo has signed her approval to legalize sports betting in Rhode Island. Sports wagering could begin operation of the game within three months. ... Read more

South Carolina

May 15, 2018

The South Carolina legislature had a bill in this year's session to amend the state constitution and give authority to the legislature to authorize and regulate sports betting. That bill did not come to the floor. The next opportunity for legislation will be in the 2019 session.

South Dakota

May 15, 2018

Sports betting in South Dakota will require an amendment to the state's constitution. The Deadwood Gaming Association has indicated that Sout Dakota casinos will pursue a signature drive to place the issue on the state's 2020 ballot.

South Dakota voters approved lottery games in 1986 and Deadwood gambling in 1988.

Tennessee

May 15, 2018

The Tennessee General Assembly has adjourned for the year, so any new legislation to aurthorize sports betting will waith until the 2019 session.

Texas

May 15, 2018

Texas has had no recent legislative bills supporting sports betting, and no Texas politicians have announce plans to introduce a bill in the next legislative session.

Utah

May 15, 2018

All gambling is prohibited in Utah.

Vermont

May 15, 2018

Vermont has no active legislative bills authorizing sports betting nor has there been any bills in recent years.

Virginia

May 15, 2018

Virginia has no active sports betting legislation at this time.

Washington

May 15, 2018

Ilani is interested in sports betting. A statement issued by ts operator, Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment, reads: "We look forward to working with the state governments for each of our properties to offer this form of entertainment in a legalized and regulated fashion."

West Virginia

May 15, 2018

West Virginia was proactive in anticipating the Supreme Court ruling. It passed a sports betting law in March 2018 to establish a wagering framework for West Virginia casinos.

June 16, 2018

The West Virginia Lottery is currently developing the rules and regulations for sports betting at the states five casinos. The goal is to introduce live betting in the next few months.

September 1, 2018

Legal sports betting in West Virginia began this date at the Hollywood Casino in Charles Town. This is the first of the five WV casinos to host this type of wagering. Washington Redskins quarterback and NFL broadcaster Joe Theismann was there to headline the event.

Wisconsin

May 15, 2018

Gov. Scott Walker said nothing will immediately change in Wisconsin regarding sports betting. "It's in the constitution. It doesn't matter what I think on that. It's in the constitution. We've pointed that out before. That's not going to change. It would take a change by the voters."

ONEIDA TRIBE

The Oneida Tribe will evaluate their potential opportunities with sports betting. Tribe spokesman, Phil Wisneski, said: "The decision just came down, and we're trying to wrap our minds around it. Leadership has been talking about it, trying to figure out the potential impacts."

Wyoming

May 15, 2018

Wyoming has no sports betting bills before its legislature.