Latest State Updates on All 2021 Sports Betting Launch Hopefuls
10 states are expected to take their first legal sports bets before the end of 2021. Here’s the latest update on each (note: New York approved online sports betting in April but won’t take its first bet until 2022).
Sports Betting Legalization Tracker: Florida Awaits Next Steps Read now
Arizona
Projected Launch: Sept. 9
Statewide Mobile: Yes
Note: Arizona officials are poised to approve the state’s first legal sportsbooks ahead of the 2021 NFL season opener, laying out a timeline that should allow legal sports betting and daily fantasy sports options for every pro football game this fall. Among the sportsbooks expected to launch on or shortly after the Sept. 9 go-live date include FanDuel, DraftKings, PointsBet, Barstool Sportsbook and WynnBet.
Connecticut
Projected Launch: September
Statewide Mobile: Yes (only three mobile sportsbooks permitted)
Note: DraftKings and FanDuel will likely be delayed from launching their retail and online sportsbooks until at least the second half of September. The third legal sportsbook, a soon-to-be announced partner with the state lottery, may have a chance to launch before the NFL opener.
Florida
Projected Launch: Oct. 15
Statewide Mobile: To be determined
Note: Federal officials are expected to rule on the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s new compact, which would allow the state’s lone legal sports betting avenue, in the next few weeks. The feds are expected to approve retail sportsbooks at the tribe’s seven casinos, but statewide mobile betting may not be permitted. In any scenario, neither online nor retail betting can begin before Oct. 15.
Louisiana
Projected Launch: September
Statewide Mobile: Yes (certain parishes excluded)
Note: Louisiana regulators are working on sports betting rules that, when approved, would allow operators to accept bets for most if not all of the upcoming football season, though no timeline has been announced publicly. Bettors in certain parishes will not be able to place bets, but that does not include any of the state’s largest population centers such as Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport. Bettors should expect many industry-leading books to go live this fall, including Caesars, which is investing millions in an updated New Orleans casino and naming rights for the Super Dome.
Maryland
Projected Launch: September
Statewide Mobile: Yes
Note: Maryland sportsbooks must go through a two-step licensing and approval process that could delay the first launch. No official timeline has been given, but state officials have said they expect an early fall launch. It’s unclear how many of the 60 potential online sportsbooks permitted by law will launch this fall (or ever), but Maryland bettors are well positioned for plenty of betting options after the go-live date.
Nebraska
Projected Launch: Fall
Statewide Mobile: No
Note: Several Nebraska pari-mutuel horse tracks are expected to open their first casino games this year, including retail sportsbooks. It remains to be seen when Nebraska bettors can place a legal bet as regulators are still working through final approvals. Only retail sportsbooks will be available and bettors cannot wager on in-state college programs when they play games in the state.
South Dakota
Projected Launch: September
Statewide Mobile: No
Note: South Dakota regulators have cleared many of the steps needed for the state’s first legal sportsbooks to open ahead of the 2021 NFL season opener. Bettors will only be able to wager in-person at certain Deadwood and tribal casinos.
Washington
Projected Launch: September
Statewide Mobile: No
Note: Washington regulators approved rules that will allow the state’s first tribal sportsbooks to open in early September. Assuming approval from the federal government, which is likewise expected in September, as many as 15 tribal sportsbooks could open before the first game of the 2021 NFL season, though statewide mobile wagering will not be permited.
Wisconsin
Projected Launch: September
Statewide Mobile: No
Note: The state’s first (and potentially only) retail sportsbook is expected to open at the Oneida Casino in Green Bay this fall, possibly before the Packers regular-season opener. A full range of professional leagues are expected to be offered, but bettors won’t be able to wager on in-state college programs.
Wyoming
Projected Launch: September
Statewide Mobile: Yes
Note: The nation’s second market that won’t require mobile sportsbooks to partner with an existing land-based facility, Wyoming has no cap on the number of online sports betting operators able to launch in the state. However, Wyoming’s small population may dissuade some smaller sportsbooks, and it remains to be seen how many will pursue licenses at the projected September go-live date.