It’s been six years since the Supreme Court opened the door to online sportsbooks in the U.S., unleashing a tidal wave of betting platforms vying for market share.
What was once exclusive to Las Vegas visitors has now become a nationwide industry, generating over $100 billion in annual revenue and spanning coast to coast.
Here are the five biggest sports betting markets in the U.S. right now, where players can legally place bets with licensed online sportsbooks.
1. New York
With Madison Square Garden hailed as one of the world’s most iconic sports arenas, it’s no surprise that New York quickly rose to the top of the betting market. Online sportsbooks became legal in January 2022, and within the first month, the state posted a staggering $1.6 billion in betting handle.
| New York Sports Betting Facts | Stats & Data |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2020 |
| Number of Sportsbooks | 9 |
| Monthly Betting Handle | $1.5B – $1.8B |
| Most Popular Bet Types | Parlays, live betting, spread bets |
| Unexpected Favorite | N/A |
No other state had ever seen that kind of launch success. FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM were among the first licensed sportsbooks to lead the charge.
In that first year alone, tax revenue from online sportsbooks approached $1 billion and has continued to climb. In 2024, New York reached a new record with a total handle of $22.6 billion.
2. New Jersey
Before New York legalized online sports betting and started dominating the market, New Jersey had been carrying the online sportsbook scene for some time.
They took the case to the Supreme Court and won. That decision changed the game. Since then, New Jersey has built a deep, mature market with handles regularly flirting with the billion-dollar mark.
| New Jersey Sports Betting Facts | Stats & Data |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2018 |
| Number of Sportsbooks | 20+ |
| Monthly Betting Handle | $900M – $1.3B |
| Most Popular Bet Types | Futures, prop bets, live betting |
| Unexpected Favorite | NYC college and professional teams |
With fast, user-friendly platforms and powerhouse operators like DraftKings and BetMGM, New Jersey remains a key player. Even after New York’s launch, many bettors still take the PATH train—or use a Jersey address—to place legal wagers.
3. Illinois
Whether winning six NBA titles in eight years or enduring a two-decade drought, Chicago sports fans are passionate—and Illinois has turned that loyalty into serious betting momentum.
| Illinois Sports Betting Facts | Stats & Data |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2020 |
| Number of Sportsbooks | 7 |
| Monthly Betting Handle | $800M – $1.2B |
| Most Popular Bet Types | Parlays, college football, and NBA |
| Unexpected Favorite | N/A |
After shaking off some early impractical rules like the in-person registration, the state got its act together and managed to catch up with other modern US betting markets. The tax rate is at 15%, which is a bit high but not prohibitive. All in all, the Midwest isn’t just a flyover country anymore, at least not when it comes to sports betting.
4. Nevada
Nevada may no longer be the top sports betting market, but it remains one of the industry’s pillars. The impact this state has had on the development of the sports betting culture in the US is unmatched.
| Nevada Sports Betting Facts | Stats & Data |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 1949 (First in the US) |
| Number of Sportsbooks | 13 online + 180 retail locations |
| Monthly Betting Handle | $500M – $600M |
| Most Popular Bet Types | Straight bets, moneylines, futures |
| Unexpected Favorite | Table tennis |
Despite not being the biggest in the online betting space, Las Vegas remains the undisputed capital of retail sportsbooks.
That said, online adoption has been slower. The market is fully legal, but the user experience isn’t as smooth as in states like New York or Colorado. Even so, Nevada consistently hauls in $500+ million per month, revealing that legacy still matters.
5. Colorado
Colorado isn’t the biggest or flashiest market, but it might be the most efficient relative to its size. With fewer than 6 million residents and no major gambling hubs, the Centennial State punches far above its weight.
What makes Colorado special is its regulatory approach. Instead of tight restrictions, lawmakers opened the market wide in 2020, and the results speak for themselves.
| Colorado Sports Betting Facts | Stats & Data |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2020 |
| Number of Sportsbooks | 25+ licensed operators |
| Monthly Betting Handle | $500M – $550M |
| Most Popular Bet Types | Same game parlays, live betting, futures |
| Unexpected Favorite | Table tennis (especially surged during Covid) |
Colorado consistently posts over $500 million in monthly handle thanks to its open, competitive market. If you’re curious about the latest promos or available sportsbooks, coloradobettinghub.com/sportsbook-promos/ is a great place to start.
What Sets These States Apart?
It’s not just about how many bets are placed. The most successful states share a few common threads.
The most successful markets have a few things in common:
- Technology: They offer fast, reliable apps with smooth UX and quick payouts.
- Competition: They’ve embraced multiple operators instead of favoring just one.
- Culture: They tap into local sports identity—be it the Giants in New York or the Bulls in Chicago.