Is BetMGM Legal in your State
Written by: Filip Gromovic Reviewed by: Nashon Khamala
Read time: 10 minutes · Last verified: August, 2026
Quick answer
BetMGM is legal and operational in 23 US states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico as of August, 2026. The BetMGM online casino operates in a smaller subset of just four states: Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. This guide answers the question of where is BetMGM legal, covers every BetMGM legal state where the sportsbook or casino is available, explains why access varies by state, and breaks down what you need to know about signing up, geolocation requirements and traveling between BetMGM states. Players looking for BetMGM bonus codes and promos should check current offers before registering, as promotions vary by state.
What Does “Legal” Mean for Online Sports Betting in US States?
Before the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018, Nevada was the only state where single-game sports wagering was permitted. Since that ruling, each state sets its own framework for legalisation, licensing and operational rules. The result is a patchwork system where one operator can be fully live in 23 states while being completely absent from the rest. More than 20 states have moved to legalize online sports betting since PASPA was overturned, and the pace of new legislation continues to accelerate.
For players, “legal” means three things at once. First, the state has passed legislation enabling legal online sports betting. Second, the operator holds an active licence issued by that state’s gaming commission or regulatory body. Third, you must be physically located inside the state’s borders when placing a wager – the BetMGM app uses geolocation technology to verify your location each session. Meeting only one or two of those conditions is not enough to bet.
Operators like BetMGM, DraftKings and FanDuel go through individual regulatory review in every new market. A state choosing to legalize sports betting does not guarantee that every operator will launch there. Exclusive licensing deals, tribal gaming compacts, state regulations and market-access partnership requirements all influence which brands enter which states.
Full List of BetMGM Sportsbook Legal States in August, 2026
The table below lists every confirmed jurisdiction where BetMGM accepts online or retail wagers as of the latest verification date. The minimum betting age, online availability and BetMGM retail presence are noted for each location. Players interested in no-deposit casino bonuses should note that sportsbook promos are separate from any BetMGM casino offer in states where both products are live.
| State | Online Sportsbook | Online Casino | Retail | Min. Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Yes | No | Yes | 21 |
| Colorado | Yes | No | No | 21 |
| Illinois | Yes | No | No | 21 |
| Indiana | Yes | No | No | 21 |
| Iowa | Yes | No | No | 21 |
| Kansas | Yes | No | No | 21 |
| Kentucky | Yes | No | Yes | 18 |
| Louisiana | Yes | No | No | 21 |
| Maryland | Yes | No | Yes | 21 |
| Massachusetts | Yes | No | Yes | 21 |
| Michigan | Yes | Yes | Yes | 21 |
| Mississippi | No (retail only) | No | Yes | 21 |
| Missouri | Yes | No | No | 21 |
| Nevada | Yes | No | Yes | 21 |
| New Jersey | Yes | Yes | Yes | 21 |
| New York | Yes | No | No | 21 |
| Ohio | Yes | No | No | 21 |
| Oregon | No (retail only) | No | Yes | 21 |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | Yes | No | 21 |
| Puerto Rico | No (retail only) | No | Yes | 18 |
| Tennessee | Yes | No | No | 21 |
| Virginia | Yes | No | No | 21 |
| Washington D.C. | Yes | No | No | 18 |
| West Virginia | Yes | Yes | No | 21 |
| Wyoming | Yes | No | No | 21 |
Players in the Garden State (New Jersey) and Michigan have access to both the casino and sportsbook, making those two of the most fully featured markets in the network. In Michigan, BetMGM has partnered with MGM Grand Detroit, giving the operator a land-based casino resort presence tied directly to its online platform. The BetMGM sportsbook is also available through Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, which serves as the licence anchor for New Jersey operations. A common question is whether is BetMGM legal in Maryland – yes, the online sportsbook is fully operational there with retail locations also available, though online casino is not offered in that state. Kentucky and Washington D.C. are notable for allowing users aged 18 years of age or older to bet, while most other jurisdictions require bettors to be 21 years of age.
🗺️ BetMGM Legal States by US Region
How many BetMGM states fall into each geographic region
Northeast (NJ, NY, PA, MA, WV, D.C.) – 6
Midwest (IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MO, OH) – 7
South (AZ, KY, LA, MD, MS, TN, VA) – 7
West (CO, NV, OR, WY) – 4
Territories (Puerto Rico) – 1
BetMGM Sportsbook Legal States vs Other US Operators by Coverage
State count alone does not tell you which operator gives you the widest access. DraftKings and FanDuel currently lead the market on raw availability, while BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook cover slightly fewer jurisdictions where online sports betting is fully legal. The table below compares the four largest operators side by side so players can see their betting options in states where one operator may not be present.
| Operator | Online Sportsbook States | Online Casino States | Retail Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | 23 + D.C. | 4 (MI, NJ, PA, WV) | 25+ venues |
| DraftKings | 25+ | 5 (CT, MI, NJ, PA, WV) | Limited |
| FanDuel | 25+ | 5 (CT, MI, NJ, PA, WV) | Limited |
| Caesars Sportsbook | 22+ | 4 (MI, NJ, PA, WV) | 20+ venues |
📊 Online Sportsbook State Count – Top 4 US Operators
Number of BetMGM states and competitors with active online sportsbook access (August, 2026)
DraftKings – 25+
FanDuel – 25+
BetMGM – 23 + D.C.
Caesars Sportsbook – 22+
Where BetMGM holds an edge over competitors is its BetMGM retail footprint. MGM Resorts International operates iconic Las Vegas Strip properties including Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay. In Detroit, the MGM Grand Detroit hotel and casino serves as the land-based anchor for Michigan operations. In Indiana, Belterra Casino Resort provides a similar partnership structure. The Iowa market runs through Diamond Jo Casino, while Kansas Crossing Casino supports the Kansas launch. Mississippi retail operations are tied to Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica. Combined with partner venues in Arizona, Kentucky, Maryland and beyond, the retail network spans more than 25 locations. Players who prefer placing wagers at a physical counter have more BetMGM options than with most rival operators, and can also access the BetMGM rewards program at participating casino resort properties.
BetMGM Casino vs Sportsbook: Casino Legal States for Online Casino Games
A common source of confusion is assuming that sportsbook access also means BetMGM casino access. It does not. Online casino legislation is far more restrictive than sports betting legislation across the United States. Only eight states have moved to legalize online gambling as of mid-2026, and BetMGM’s online casino product is live in just four of them: Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Players who want to play online casino games – slots, blackjack, roulette and other casino gaming options – can only do so in those four jurisdictions where online casino or sportsbook access includes both products.
If you are in Ohio, Virginia or New York, for example, you can use the BetMGM app for sports wagering but will not find real-money online casino games through the same mobile app. Players in Pennsylvania have access to both products through a single account, with Hollywood Casino at Penn National providing the licensing partnership for casino and sports betting in that state. In West Virginia, The Greenbrier casino resort serves as the land-based partner enabling BetMGM online casino access. Connecticut has legalised online casino but BetMGM does not hold a licence there, so availability depends on both state law and operator licensing. Even in states where the online sportsbook is legal, casino gaming may not be available through the same platform.
Why BetMGM Is Not Legal in Your State
Most competitor guides list BetMGM legal states without explaining why the operator is absent everywhere else. That leaves players in California, Texas or Florida wondering whether their state is simply late to the process or fundamentally opposed to legalisation. The reasons break down into four distinct categories, and roughly 20 states still have no enabling legislation at all.
No enabling legislation: States like California, Texas, Georgia, and Florida have not passed legislation permitting legal betting through online platforms. Until a bill is signed into law, no operator can apply for a licence. In California’s case, two sports-betting ballot measures failed in November 2022, and no new legislation has advanced through the state assembly since. Some of these states have a state lottery but have not extended that framework to include online gambling or casino gaming.
Exclusive licensing deals: Connecticut and New Hampshire have legalised sports betting but awarded exclusive or limited licences to specific operators. DraftKings holds exclusive online rights in New Hampshire. Connecticut’s three available licences went to DraftKings, FanDuel and PlaySugarHouse, leaving no opening for BetMGM regardless of legality.
Tribal gaming compacts: In states like Washington, sports betting is legal but restricted to tribal casinos. BetMGM has a retail presence at the Emerald Queen Casino but cannot offer statewide mobile app wagering because Washington’s legal framework limits online betting to tribal sovereign land.
Operator has not yet entered: Vermont and Maine were among the states to legalize online sports betting in recent years, but BetMGM may not find it commercially viable to launch in every small market immediately. BetMGM has not launched in either state as of August, 2026. Regulatory timelines, market-access partnerships and commercial viability all influence when and whether the operator enters a new jurisdiction.
🚫 Why BetMGM Is Absent – Breakdown by Reason
Approximate distribution across remaining US states and territories
No sports betting legislation passed – ~20 states
Legal but exclusive/limited licences – 2 states
Legal but tribal-only or restricted – 3 states
Legal but BetMGM not yet launched – 2 states
How to Sign Up on the BetMGM Website or Mobile App in Legal States
Registration follows the same process in every BetMGM legal state. If you meet the age requirement – 21 years of age or older in most jurisdictions – and are physically inside an eligible state, the steps take under 10 minutes.
First, confirm you are in a state listed in the availability table above. Download the BetMGM app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or visit the BetMGM website to register on desktop. Create an account using your legal name, date of birth, email and the last four digits of your Social Security number. These details are required for identity verification under state gaming regulations, not optional.
After submitting your registration, the platform runs a KYC (Know Your Customer) check. In most cases this clears automatically within minutes. Some players are flagged for manual review, which typically requires uploading a government-issued photo ID and proof of address. Completing verification before your first deposit avoids delays at withdrawal time. Once verified, you can also enrol in the BetMGM rewards program to earn points across both the online casino or sportsbook and at land-based casino resort properties.
Geolocation verification runs every time you open the mobile app. The sportsbook is legally required to confirm you are physically inside a legal state’s borders, and BetMGM uses GeoComply technology for this check. VPN use is a violation of the terms of service and can result in account closure and forfeiture of funds. If you are visiting a legal state temporarily, you can register and bet while physically present. Once you leave, wagering access pauses until you return to an eligible jurisdiction.
What Happens When You Travel Between BetMGM States
This is a scenario most guides ignore, but it matters to anyone who travels frequently. The short version: settled bets pay out regardless of where you are. Pending wagers that resolve while you are outside a legal state are processed normally. You cannot place new bets until geolocation confirms you are back inside jurisdictions where online wagering is permitted.
If you hold an account in New Jersey and travel to Ohio, both are BetMGM legal states. You can use the BetMGM app to bet in either location through the same account. Your balance, bet history and bonus funds carry across state lines. Some state-specific promos may differ based on where you are located at the time of opting in. To check what offers are available in your current state, visit the BetMGM website or use the link on this page to see current promotions.
Traveling to a state where no online betting is legal, like California, locks the app. You can still view your account balance and bet history but cannot place wagers or make deposits. No action is required from you. Access resumes automatically when you re-enter an eligible state.
Which US States Could Legalize Online Sports Betting Next?
Predicting exact timelines is difficult because each state’s legislative calendar moves at its own pace. That said, several markets stand out as likely near-term additions based on current legislative momentum.
Vermont and Maine have already legalised legal online sports betting. BetMGM launched in neither state, but the regulatory path is clear. Market entry depends on licensing applications and partnership arrangements rather than new legislation.
Georgia advanced sports-betting bills in 2024 and 2026 sessions without final passage. The state’s large population makes it commercially significant for every major operator. If enabling legislation clears, BetMGM would likely be among the first wave of applicants given its existing casino resort partnerships and mobile app infrastructure in neighbouring states.
Texas remains the biggest untapped US market by population, but legal online sports betting faces significant legislative resistance. Multiple bills have been introduced and stalled, and constitutional amendment requirements make passage more complex than in most states. Players in Texas looking for regulated alternatives can explore the options currently available in that market.
Florida is legally complicated. A 2021 tribal gaming compact included online sports betting through the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Bet platform, but federal court challenges invalidated that arrangement. Until new legislation or a revised compact takes effect, no external operators are likely to gain access. Colorado, the nearest BetMGM state with a casino in Cripple Creek providing the licensing tie, remains an option for visitors to the region.
⏳ BetMGM Expansion Timeline – Key Launch Milestones
Selected launch dates showing the pace of sportsbook expansion since PASPA repeal
2018 – Nevada (original market, rebranded)
2019-2020 – NJ, CO, IN, WV, TN, VA added
2021-2022 – AZ, IL, IA, KS, LA, MI, MS, NY, WY, D.C. added
2023-2024 – KY, MA, MD, OH, PA added
2026-2026 – MO, OR (retail) added
BetMGM Responsible Gaming Tools That Vary by State
Every state regulator requires licensed operators to provide self-exclusion and responsible gambling features. The BetMGM app offers deposit limits (daily, weekly and monthly), session time limits, cooling-off periods, and full self-exclusion through your account settings. Self-exclusion durations range from six months to permanent depending on the state.
Players who exclude themselves through the operator’s internal tools restrict their own account. State-level self-exclusion programmes, which are separate, ban you from every licensed operator in that jurisdiction simultaneously. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline (1-800-522-4700) and state-specific resources are available 24/7. Support is also accessible through Borgata’s responsible gambling page for New Jersey players.
Frequently asked questions
Final Verdict: Is BetMGM Legal and Available Where You Are?
With 23 BetMGM states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico covered, the sportsbook reaches a significant share of the US betting population. The BetMGM retail network adds further reach through MGM Resorts’ Las Vegas Strip properties, MGM Grand Detroit, Borgata in Atlantic City, The Greenbrier in West Virginia and partner venues in states where the online sportsbook is legally limited to retail only. For players in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, the combined BetMGM casino and sportsbook product – including the ability to play online casino games through a single account – makes it one of the most complete regulated online gambling platforms in the country.
The gaps are real too. Florida, Texas, California and Georgia, four of the five most populous US states, remain without access. Exclusive licensing deals in Connecticut and New Hampshire block entry regardless of the operator’s interest. Until state legislatures act to legalize online sports betting in those markets, they stay closed.
If you are in a BetMGM legal state and ready to start, registration takes under 10 minutes. You can use the BetMGM mobile app or desktop site to sign up. Complete KYC verification early, understand that geolocation checks run every session, and set responsible gambling limits before placing your first wager. Players must be 21 years of age in most states – or 18 in Kentucky, D.C. and Puerto Rico – to create an account. Those in Louisiana and other sportsbook-only states who also want casino options can check which platforms operate in their market.
Responsible gambling note: Sports betting involves real financial risk. Set a session budget before you wager, stop when you reach your loss limit, and treat it as entertainment, not income. If gambling stops being enjoyable or you suspect a gambling problem, the National Council on Problem Gambling (1-800-522-4700) offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day.
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Filip Gromovic is a senior slots reviewer here at FreeSlots99 with over five years of experience evaluating the latest drops in the world of iGaming.
Being a slot fan himself, Filip approaches slot ratings just the way we like it – professionally, but also from a player’s standpoint.
That enables him to give his unbiased take on the slot’s features, gameplay and design, while only recommending top-tier releases to our readers.
More info on Filip Gromovic
Having served FreeSlots99 for more than 5 years as a senior content editor and reviewer, Nashon Khamala has extensive knowledge in game slots and iGaming.
His membership in the Editorial Freelancers Association helps him deliver content that reaches both editorial excellence standards and an engaging information level.
By using his expertise in slots games combined with player-focused analysis, Nashon delivers a professional evaluation of slot features and player experiences in his reviews.
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