Sports betting has become a major part of American culture since the Supreme Court overturned the federal ban in 2018. While legal sports betting has rapidly expanded across the United States, the legal status still varies by state. For those in states where traditional sports betting is unavailable, social sportsbooks have emerged as an engaging alternative.
Where Every State Stands on Real-Money & Social Sportsbooks
We’ve compiled a complete list of what you can use in every US state for online sports picks, whether it’s real-money sportsbooks or social sportsbooks.
US State | Type of Sportsbook | Notes |
Alabama | Social Sportsbooks | Players can use social sportsbooks to make picks and win cash prizes. |
Alaska | Social Sportsbooks | Players can use social sportsbooks to make picks and win cash prizes. |
Arizona | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
Arkansas | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
California | Not Legal | Voters rejected sports betting legalization in 2022. Wikipedia |
Colorado | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
Connecticut | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
Delaware | Social Sportsbooks | Retail sports betting available. For online, social sportsbooks are the only option. |
District of Columbia | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
Florida | Social Sportsbooks | Legal challenges have delayed the launch of real-money sports betting, making social sportsbooks the best option. |
Georgia | Social Sportsbooks | Players can use social sportsbooks to make picks and win cash prizes. |
Hawaii | Social Sportsbooks | Players can use social sportsbooks to make picks and win cash prizes. |
Idaho | Not Legal | Both social sportsbooks and real-money sportsbooks are illegal in Idaho. |
Illinois | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
Indiana | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
Iowa | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
Kansas | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
Kentucky | Social Sportsbooks | Players can use social sportsbooks to make picks and win cash prizes. |
Louisiana | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
Maine | Social Sportsbooks | Players can use social sportsbooks to make picks and win cash prizes. |
Maryland | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
Massachusetts | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
Michigan | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
Minnesota | Social Sportsbooks | Players can use social sportsbooks to make picks and win cash prizes. |
Mississippi | Real-Money Sportsbooks & Social Sportsbooks | Retail sports betting available; online sports betting limited to on-premises only. Players can also use social sportsbooks anywhere in the state. |
Missouri | Social Sportsbooks | Players can use social sportsbooks to make picks and win cash prizes. |
Montana | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
Nebraska | Social Sportsbooks | Players can use social sportsbooks to make picks and win cash prizes. |
Nevada | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
New Hampshire | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
New Jersey | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
New Mexico | Social Sportsbooks | Retail sports betting available at tribal casinos. For online, social sportsbooks are the only option. |
New York | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
North Carolina | Social Sportsbooks | Retail sports betting available. For online, social sportsbooks are the only option. |
North Dakota | Social Sportsbooks | Retail sports betting available at tribal casinos. For online, social sportsbooks are the only option. |
Ohio | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
Oklahoma | Social Sportsbooks | Players can use social sportsbooks to make picks and win cash prizes. |
Oregon | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
Pennsylvania | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
Rhode Island | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
South Carolina | Social Sportsbooks | Players can use social sportsbooks to make picks and win cash prizes. |
South Dakota | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Retail sports betting available. For online, social sportsbooks are the only option. |
Tennessee | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Online-only sports betting is available. No retail sports betting. |
Texas | Social Sportsbooks | Players can use social sportsbooks to make picks and win cash prizes. |
Utah | Social Sportsbooks | Players can use social sportsbooks to make picks and win cash prizes. |
Vermont | Social Sportsbooks | Players can use social sportsbooks to make picks and win cash prizes. |
Virginia | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
Washington | Retail Only | Retail sports betting available at tribal casinos. Both real-money and social sportsbooks illegal. |
West Virginia | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Both retail and online sports betting are available. |
Wisconsin | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Retail sports betting available at tribal casinos. For online, social sportsbooks are the only option. |
Wyoming | Real-Money Sportsbooks | Online-only sports betting is available. No retail sports betting. |
Legal Sports Betting: The Current Landscape
As of 2025, over 30 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized sports betting in some form. These jurisdictions offer either retail sportsbooks, online platforms, or a combination of both. States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Arizona are leading the way with robust markets, allowing residents to place wagers through popular platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel.
However, many states, including Texas, California, and Georgia, have yet to legalize sports betting. Residents in these states often find themselves without traditional betting options. If you’re in one of these states, you may wonder: What are the alternatives for engaging with sports betting?
The Social Sportsbook Alternative
Social sportsbooks have become a popular solution in states where traditional betting is not yet legal. These platforms mimic the experience of sports betting but operate within the bounds of state gambling laws by removing real-money wagering. Instead of betting with money, players use virtual tokens or points to make predictions on games for the chance to win cash prizes.
Read our guide to find out more about how sweepstakes currencies work.
How Social Sportsbooks Work
- Virtual Tokens: Players use tokens or credits to place their “bets.” These tokens are often provided for free or can be earned through gameplay.
- Prizes and Rewards: Instead of winning cash, successful bets may earn additional tokens, leaderboard rankings, or real-world prizes like cash prizes and gift cards.
- Few Legal Barriers: Because no real money is at stake, social sportsbooks are typically classified as entertainment platforms rather than gambling, making them accessible in all but two US states (Idaho and Washington).
The Appeal of Social Sportsbooks
Social sportsbooks provide a way for fans to participate in the excitement of sports betting without the financial risk. They are particularly attractive in states where traditional sportsbooks are unavailable, as they offer:
- A Legal and Accessible Option: Players can legally enjoy the betting experience without worrying about state restrictions.
- A Social Experience: Many platforms incorporate social features, such as leaderboards and competitions with friends.
- Cash Prizes: At some social sportsbooks, players can redeem winning coins for cash prizes.
Will Your State Legalize Sports Betting?
If your state hasn’t legalized sports betting yet, change could be on the horizon. Many states are actively debating legislation, driven by the promise of tax revenue and the popularity of sports wagering. In the meantime, social sportsbooks offer a safe and fun way to experience the thrill of sports betting.
Final Thoughts About Social & Real-Money Sportsbooks
Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just curious about the world of sports wagering, social sportsbooks provide an exciting and legal option in states where traditional sports betting is not available. These platforms allow fans to engage with their favorite teams and games in a community-focused environment while also providing the chance to win cash prizes.
So, while you wait for legislation to catch up, consider joining the millions of sports fans enjoying social sportsbooks—and experience the game in a whole new way.