Online betting refers to placing wagers on sports and other events via the internet. It can be done through a desktop or mobile device in some US states, with the number of options depending on each state’s legal framework. While some US states have a wide variety of options, others are more restrictive in terms of how many sportsbooks can operate within their borders.
The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down PASPA in 2018 gave states the opportunity to legalize online sports gambling, and it’s an area that has seen tremendous growth since then. As more states legalize their markets, it’s important for bettors to understand the rules and regulations in each place.
A few months after PASPA was struck down, Kentucky rolled out its first sportsbooks. The state’s retail offerings launched on Sept. 7, and online sportsbooks followed suit a day later. There are now seven sportsbooks in the state, including Barstool (rebranding to ESPN Bet), Bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel.
West Virginia also jumped on the bandwagon, launching retail and online sportsbooks in September 2018. The state is now home to multiple betting sites, with BetLucky, DraftKings, and FanDuel all going live alongside BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook.