In what states is online betting on college sports legal?

May 2, 2023

Betting on college sports is widely popular in the US, with plenty of sports betting action going on from the start to the end of the year. Some of the most highly anticipated and wagered college sports events are March Madness - NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament and College Football Playoff - with the pinnacle being the Rose Bowl.

In this article, we will guide you through what college sports you can bet on, where you can bet on college sports, which the best sportsbooks are, and if any local-state restrictions apply when betting online on college sports.

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 

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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.

In which states can I bet on College 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. 

StateRestrictions
ArizonaNo prop bets
ColoradoNo prop bets
ConnecticutNo Props on Connecticut Teams
IllinoisNo Props or in-state college teams
IndianaOnly pre-game prop bets
IowaNo prop bets
KansasNone
LouisianaNone
MarylandNone
MassachusettsNo prop bets
MichiganNone
New JerseyNo Props on New Jersey Teams
New YorkNo prop bets
OhioProps Allowed
OregonNo prop bets
PennsylvaniaNo prop bets
TennesseeNo
VirginiaNo prop bets
Washington D.CNone
West VirginiaNo prop bets
WyomingNone

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.

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2024 College World Series Outright Winner
Florida Gators
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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.

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5:00 PM ET Apr 8
NCAA Hockey Champions
Minnesota Golden Gophers
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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 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.

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.

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.

Jake
Jake Williams
Jake Williams is a sports gambling expert. He's been writing in the sports betting and DFS industry for over a decade. He specializes in MLB and NBA, along with College Basketball and College Football.