In what states is online betting on college sports legal?
Last updated March 31, 2025
Betting on college sports is a huge pastime in the United States, with action running all year long. Some of the most eagerly anticipated and heavily wagered events include March Madness - the famous NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament - and the College Football Playoff, capped off by the iconic Rose Bowl.
In this article, we’ll cover which college sports you can bet on, the top sportsbooks for college betting, where you can place your wagers, and the local or state restrictions you need to know about before you start betting online.
Which States Allow Online Betting on Sports?
In almost all states where online sports betting is legal, you can bet on college sports, but some states have restrictions. See the list below for a complete overview.
| State | Restrictions on College Sports Betting |
| Arizona | No college prop bets |
| Arkansas | None |
| Colorado | No college prop bets |
| Connecticut | No college prop bets on in-state teams |
| Illinois | No bets or props on in-state college teams |
| Indiana | Only pre-game college prop bets |
| Iowa | No college prop bets |
| Kansas | None |
| Kentucky | None |
| Louisiana | None |
| Maine | No bets on in-state college teams; no college prop bets |
| Maryland | None |
| Massachusetts | No college prop bets; no betting on in-state college teams unless they’re in a tournament |
| Michigan | None |
| Nevada | None |
| New Hampshire | No betting on in-state college teams |
| New Jersey | No betting or props on in-state college teams or events within the state |
| New York | No college prop bets; no betting on in-state college teams |
| North Carolina | None |
| Ohio | College prop bets allowed |
| Oregon | No college prop bets |
| Pennsylvania | No college prop bets |
| Rhode Island | No betting on in-state college teams |
| Tennessee | None |
| Virginia | No college prop bets; no betting on in-state college teams |
| Washington D.C. | None |
| West Virginia | No college prop bets |
| Wyoming | None |
| Vermont | No betting on in-state college teams; no college prop bets |
Which are the best sportsbooks when betting on college sports?
Why are these the best sportsbooks for college betting? The main reasons are they are available in all or at least close to all states where you can bet online, and they offer a fantastic range of odds for all the big college sports. Combined with great welcome promos, you cannot go wrong when choosing one of the following sportsbooks
What kinds of restrictions can apply?
In-State Teams - Some states may prohibit betting on college teams located within or on college games played within the state.
Prop Bets - Some states may prohibit prop bets, which are bets on specific outcomes within a game, such as which player will score the first touchdown or which team will score first.
Player Performance Bets - Some states may prohibit bets on individual player performance, such as how many points a player will score in a game.
Amateurism Rules - The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has rules regarding student-athlete compensation and betting on college sports. Some states may have additional rules or regulations in place to comply with NCAA rules.
Social Sportsbooks
Can I bet on college sports in states where traditional online sports betting is not yet legal? Yes, in most other states you can bet on college sports at social and sweepstake sportsbooks, but the way it's done is a bit different compared to traditional sportsbooks.
Sweepstake Sportsbooks operates as a social gaming site with a sweepstakes component, allowing users to make sports predictions and play casino games for free. These platform offers two types of virtual currencies::
Gold Coins: Strictly for entertainment purposes and cannot be redeemed for prizes.
Sweeps Coins: More valuable as they can be exchanged for real prizes upon meeting eligibility criteria.
Key Points to Consider
No Real Money Wagering: Social and sweepstake sportsbooks use virtual currency (Gold Coins, Sweep Coins, etc.) instead of real money.
Legality: Since they operate under sweepstakes laws, the restrictions that apply to traditional sportsbooks (like bans on betting on in-state college teams) usually don’t apply.
Prizes Instead of Cash: You can potentially redeem winnings for cash or gift cards depending on the platform.
Best Social Sportsbooks for College Sports Betting
Current College Sports Picks and Popular Events
College Football Playoff: The College Football Playoff (CFP) is a four-team tournament that determines the national champion in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) football. The games are held in December and January.
Rose Bowl: The Rose Bowl is one of the oldest and most prestigious bowl games in college football. It is played annually on January 1st at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California.
NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament (March Madness): This is perhaps the most popular college sports event of the year. The tournament features 68 teams competing in a single-elimination format over three weeks to determine the national champion.
NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament: The women's basketball tournament is similar to the men's tournament, with 64 teams competing in a single-elimination format to determine the national champion.
College World Series: The College World Series is the NCAA's championship tournament in baseball. The series features the top eight teams in the country competing in a double-elimination format in Omaha, Nebraska.
NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship: The NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship is held annually in April and features the top college hockey teams in the country competing in a single-elimination format.
NCAA Wrestling Championships: The NCAA Wrestling Championships is the premier wrestling tournament in college sports. The event features the top wrestlers from across the country competing in a single-elimination format to determine the national champion.
NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship: The NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship is held annually in May and features the top college lacrosse teams in the country competing in a single-elimination format.
What bets can you make on college sports?
Moneyline Bets: These are bets on which team will win the game outright.
Point Spread Bets: These are bets on whether a team will win by a certain margin of points, or if they will lose by less than a certain number of points.
Totals (Over/Under) Bets: These are bets on whether the total number of points scored in a game will be over or under a specific number.
Futures Bets: These are bets placed on the outcome of a future event, such as which team will win the championship or conference.
Proposition (Prop) Bets: These are bets on specific outcomes within a game, such as which player will score the first touchdown or which team will score first.
FAQ
Is it legal to bet on college sports?
It depends on the state you live in. Some states have legalized sports betting on college sports, while others have not. It is important to check the laws in your state before engaging in any online sports betting activity.
What are the restrictions on college sports betting?
The restrictions on college sports betting can vary depending on the state and the sportsbook. Some common restrictions include prohibitions on betting on in-state teams, prop bets, or bets on individual player performance. It is important to check the laws in your state before placing any bets.
What types of college sports can you bet on?
The types of college sports available for betting can vary depending on the sportsbook. Some sportsbooks allow betting on all types of college sports, while others may restrict certain sports or events.
What types of bets can you place on college sports?
The types of bets available for college sports betting can vary depending on the sportsbook. Some common types of bets include moneyline bets, point spread bets, totals (over/under) bets, futures bets, and prop bets.
Can you bet on college sports teams in other states?
Yes, you can bet on college sports teams in other states, but it depends on the laws in your state and the state where the team is located. Some states may restrict betting on teams within their state or prohibit betting on certain college sports events.
What is the NCAA's position on sports betting?
The NCAA has traditionally been opposed to sports betting and has rules regarding student-athlete compensation and betting on college sports. However, the organization has also acknowledged the changing landscape of sports betting and has worked to educate student-athletes, coaches, and administrators about the risks associated with gambling.
