Online moneyline betting is legal in 38-plus states and Washington D.C. as of 2025, following the Supreme Court's 2018 Murphy v. NCAA decision that cleared the way for states to legalize sports wagering. If you're wondering whether you can legally place a money line bet where you live, this guide breaks it down.
Which States Allow Online Moneyline Betting?
The majority of the US population now has access to at least one licensed online sportsbook. States with active, regulated online markets include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, Illinois, Colorado, and many more. Each state runs its own licensing regime through a dedicated regulator.
A few major markets are still closed. California, Texas, Georgia, and Alabama have not legalized online sports betting. Florida's online market remains legally blocked despite past legislative attempts. That's a huge chunk of the country still on the sidelines.
Who Regulates Moneyline Betting in Each State?
| State | Regulator | Min. Age | Online Betting Legal? |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJ DGE) | 21 | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) | 21 | Yes |
| New York | New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) | 21 | Yes |
| Michigan | Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) | 21 | Yes |
| Illinois | Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) | 21 | Yes |
| Colorado | Colorado Division of Gaming | 21 | Yes |
| Nevada | Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) | 21 | Yes |
| California | N/A | N/A | No |
| Texas | N/A | N/A | No |
| Florida | N/A | N/A | Blocked |
What's the Minimum Age to Bet the Moneyline?
Most legal states set the minimum age at 21. A handful — including Wyoming, New Hampshire, and Montana in certain formats — allow betting at 18. Always verify the age requirement in your specific state before signing up for any sportsbook account.
Must be 21+ (18+ in some states). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Does Legality Affect Which Operators You Can Use?
Yes, and it matters more than most bettors realize. Licensed operators like DraftKings and FanDuel are available across most legal states, but their apps use geolocation to confirm you're physically inside a legal state when you place a bet. Being a resident doesn't count — location at the time of the bet does.
Want to know which platforms are worth using once your state is confirmed legal? Check the guide to best sportsbooks for moneyline betting covering DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and more. Never use an unlicensed or offshore book — there's no consumer protection and it may violate state law.
How Do You Actually Place a Bet Once You're in a Legal State?
The process is straightforward once you're in a legal market. Read the step-by-step walkthrough on how to place a moneyline bet on a legal sportsbook app to avoid common setup mistakes. Knowing your state's rules is step one — knowing how the bet itself works is step two.
Still fuzzy on what the odds mean once you open the app? The guide to reading moneyline odds covers positive numbers, negative numbers, and pick 'em pricing so you're not guessing at the betting slip.