Where in the United States Can You Bet on NFL Games? Jurisdictions to Go Live by September 9

Return of the NFL

It’s been quite a long wait, but America’s favorite sport is almost here. The first game of this NFL season will start on September 9 between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys. As we move closer towards that date, it’s not only US sports fans who are waiting in eager anticipation; sportsbook bookies are also counting down the hours.

“NFL wagering contributed the most significant part of the nation’s record betting deal with”

The NFL is the most popular sports betting league in the US, with the Super Bowl producing wagers of around $4.3 bn last season. In general, NFL wagering contributed the most substantial portion of the country’s record deal with $21.5 bn in 2020.

While last year may have delivered record wagering figures, this year looks set to be the most significant yet for NFL betting. The league has lastly accepted the wagering market. US sportsbooks have more brand name presence than ever before. Multiple new markets have opened throughout the country as states look to capitalize on the fast-growing sector.

Many of those jurisdictions have just recently legalized wagering and have found themselves in a race against time to introduce for the start of the season. Due to this, VegasSlotsOnline News has had a look at which states will go live in time for September 9 and which might lose out.

Which states are on track for launch?

South Dakota

• Legalization date: March 19, 2021
• Anticipated go-live date: September 9, 2021

Citizens in South Dakota authorized the legalization of sports betting in November 2020. The lawmakers have been working to produce a structure to facilitate betting at casinos in the town of Nonessential. The South Dakota Gaming Commission plans to approve licenses at a hearing on September 8 to permit a launch the following day.

Arizona

• Legalization date: April 15, 2021
• Anticipated go-live date: September 9, 2021 (subject to court proceedings).

After Guv Doug Ducey signed Arizona sports wagering into law in April of this year, the Arizona Department of Video gaming announced September 9 as the marketplace’s target launch date. The regulator is still on track to fulfill that deadline. However, a current legal challenge has thrown a wrench into the works.

A tribe and horse racetrack operator are looking for injunctions to block the launch, with two emergency hearings set for this Friday. Betting backers expect to beat the legal obstacle. However, if the complainants prosper in acquiring the injunctions, the launch might have to wait.

Washington.

• Legalization date: March 20, 2020.
• Anticipated go-live date: September 9, 2021.

Homeowners in the state of Washington have been waiting a very long time for sportsbooks to lastly open. Guv Jay Inslee legislated sports wagering in March 2020 but only agreed on tribal video gaming compacts two months ago.

Nine of those deals got federal approval this Wednesday, indicating casinos can start offering sports wagering as soon as it is ready. Stanford Le, current president, and CEO of the Snoqualmie Casino, recently stated the gambling location is “presently on track” for a September 9 launch.

Which states might miss out?

Maryland.

• Legalization date: May 19, 2021.
• Anticipated go-live date: Before the NFL playoffs.

Instantly after Maryland Guv Larry Hogan signed sports betting into law in May, he validated that it was not likely the state would see betting by the beginning of the NFL season. Instead, he stated lawmakers would aim for a launch at some point before the NFL playoffs, with some expect a go-live date early in the season.

This week, the state’s gaming regulator introduced a 30-day public review period for new betting rules.

Florida.

• Legalization date: May 20, 2021.
• Expected go-live date: Unknown.

Florida legislators legislated sports wagering earlier this year by approving a tribal compact between Governor Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The 30-year deal produces a wagering monopoly, in which the tribe has sole rights to offer online and retail wagering.

Two parimutuel operators have submitted suits to obstruct the arrangement, arguing that it contravenes federal law. This has triggered the people to postpone launching its betting offering, with a currently unknown go-live date.

Connecticut.

• Legalization date: May 28, 2021.
• Expected go-live date: After DOI approval.

This year, Connecticut Guv Ned Lamont got his desire when his campaigning eventually led to legislating online and retail sports betting in May. Through HB 6451, the Mohegan People and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation can begin providing sports wagering and iGaming when the marketplace goes live.

A legislative committee authorized a set of emergency policies this week to get up and running in time for the NFL season. The upgraded tribal compacts still require approval from the United States Department of the Interior before the regulator can begin distributing licenses, though time is running out.

Where else can Americans wager?

Americans have many other options if they plan to bet on the opening video games of the NFL. The repeal of the Expert and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 2018 (PASPA) cleared the way for betting markets to open across the nation. More than two dozen states presently provide legal betting, with many houses to mobile and retail markets.

Illinois handle has already reached $5.1 bn since launch.

In simply a year between Super Bowl LIV and the 2021 event, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee, Montana, Virginia, and Washington passed sports-betting legislation. All of these states, excluding the latter, are now using legal betting. Illinois handle has reached $5.1 bn given that launch, while Colorado gamblers have wagered $2.8 bn.

“Wyoming boasts the country’s most just recently introduced market. The state’s very first two online sportsbooks began taking bets on Wednesday– just in time for pre-season wagers on the NFL.”

Naturally, the country also has more recognized markets, namely New Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. The states top the all-time sports wagering rankings, with the handle of $17.3 bn, $16.4 bn, and $8.4 bn, respectively. Last year, Nevada lost the top spot to New Jersey for the first time, as the Garden State created $6.01 bn in the annual manage to Nevada’s $4.3 bn.

Outside of those states already pointed out, United States wagerers can bet in the following jurisdictions as we approach kickoff: Arkansas, Delaware, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York City, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington DC, and West Virginia.