As of 2025, eleven U.S. states remain without legal domestic sports betting, primarily due to political, regulatory, and cultural challenges. Here is a detailed update on each, highlighting recent legislative activity and outlooks.
Alabama – In 2025, Senator Greg Albritton reintroduced a scaled-down gambling package, including mobile sports betting, which passed committee but lacked the necessary votes in the Senate for a constitutional amendment requiring super-majority approval. Opposition from longstanding moral perspectives poses a significant barrier. If enough lawmakers flip their stance, Alabama voters might see this issue on the ballot in November 2026; otherwise, legalization is unlikely before then.
Alaska – Representative David Nelson filed legislation authorizing mobile sportsbook licenses and setting tax and licensing fees. The bill is pending committee hearings, with debate over whether the state’s population justifies the establishment of a regulatory agency. If passed this session, Alaska sports betting could become legal by January 2026.
California – Following a failed $450 million ballot initiative in 2022, key industry operators and tribes have initiated informal discussions about a tribal-owned mobile betting framework. However, unanimity among 109 federally recognized tribes on revenue sharing and control remains elusive, and voter skepticism is high. There is no active legislation for 2025, and the earliest statewide vote is projected for 2027.
Georgia – Despite past legislative attempts and a relative political consensus, legalization efforts for sports betting in Georgia have stalled again in 2025. Senate bills failed to progress in the House due to disagreements over tax revenue allocation between HOPE scholarships and broader education programs. Supporters plan to revive measures in 2026, but success depends on passing a statewide referendum.
Hawaii – A first-of-its-kind sports betting bill cleared both chambers in 2025 but ultimately stalled over regulatory and tax disagreements. A legislative task force was established to investigate the issue further, with a report anticipated by December 2025. Strong cultural resistance and regulatory uncertainty hinder progress. Future legislation may follow in 2026, guided by the task force’s findings.
Idaho – No sports betting legislation was introduced in 2025, and constitutional prohibitions against casino gaming remain in place. Amending this would require a super-majority in the legislature plus a statewide referendum. Analysts consider Idaho the least likely state (outside Utah) to legalize sports betting this decade.
Minnesota – Multiple competing bills surfaced in 2025, including tribal-exclusive tax frameworks and proposals to ban certain betting notifications. A bill failed a Senate committee vote after partisan boycotts and resistance from horse-track owners and tribes. The legislature remains divided, and no legislation is expected to pass until at least 2026.
Oklahoma – In 2025, some progress was made in Senate committee hearings, with tribal-exclusive betting bills and voter referendum backups passing through committees. However, Governor Kevin Stitt opposes bills that reduce his role in compact negotiations. If vetoed, lawmakers must either override the veto or seek voter approval for Oklahoma sportsbooks in the November 2026 election.
South Carolina – A bipartisan bill pre-filed for 2025 proposes eight licenses and a 12.5% tax rate with the inclusion of daily fantasy sports. The bill faces a veto threat from Governor Henry McMaster. Sponsors are building momentum for 2026, but achieving a veto-proof majority remains unlikely this cycle.
Texas – One of the largest states without legal betting, Texas, has seen bills filed in 2025 proposing constitutional amendments. However, legislative leaders and many conservatives oppose legalization, forecasting a rejection this session. Advocates aim for opportunities in the 2026 or 2027 regular session.
Utah – Utah remains the most resistant with a constitutional gambling ban and strong public opposition. In 2025, legislation only advanced to legalize parimutuel horse racing, with no sports betting bills introduced. It is expected to be the last state to legalize sports wagering, if ever.
Sources: American Gaming Association
