Nevada is America's original sports betting capital, with legal wagering dating back to 1949. Online sports betting launched in Nevada in 2010, making the Silver State the first jurisdiction in the world to offer mobile sports betting. Despite nationwide competition from 38+ states now offering sports betting, Nevada remains the gold standard for odds-setting, sharp money activity, and professional-grade betting operations. If you're watching games in Vegas or betting from Reno, Nevada's got the most sophisticated NBA betting infrastructure in the nation.

Missouri legalized sports betting when voters approved Amendment 2 in November 2024, and the Show-Me State launched on December 1, 2025. That makes Missouri the nation's 39th jurisdiction to legalize sports wagering, with 9 licensed sportsbooks launching. Pre-registration opened November 17-30, which means you can set up accounts now and be ready to bet the second the clock strikes midnight on December 1st. The launch timing during the NBA's holiday season and heading into January playoff races is perfect for basketball bettors.

Michigan legalized online sports betting on January 22, 2021, and the Great Lake State built one of the country's most competitive markets. With 12 licensed sportsbooks, an 8.4% tax rate (one of the lowest nationally), and unlimited licensing, Michigan created a premium NBA betting environment. Home to the Detroit Pistons and passionate college basketball fans (Wolverines, Spartans), Michigan has generated over $3 billion in cumulative handle since launch. If you're watching the Pistons or building parlays on national TV games, Michigan's got you covered.

Massachusetts legalized online sports betting on March 10, 2023, and the Bay State built one of the country's most competitive markets. With 7 licensed sportsbooks, a 20% tax rate (higher than most states), and robust regulatory oversight, Massachusetts created a premium NBA betting environment. The state set a monthly handle record at $748.1 million in October 2024. If you're watching the Celtics at TD Garden or building parlays on national TV games, Massachusetts has you covered.

Maryland legalized online sports betting on November 23, 2022, and the Old Line State built one of the most competitive markets in the country. With 12 licensed sportsbooks, a moderate 15% tax rate (though 20% has been proposed), and permissive college basketball betting regulations, Maryland created a premium NBA betting environment. If you're watching the Washington Wizards from nearby or building parlays on national TV games, Maryland's got you covered with serious line shopping opportunities.

Maine legalized online sports betting on November 3, 2023, through a unique tribal partnership model. The Pine Tree State has just 2 licensed sportsbooks, operating under partnerships with Maine's four federally recognized Indian tribes. If you're watching national TV matchups or following the Boston Celtics (Maine's regional favorite), Maine's got you covered with two quality platforms.

Louisiana legalized online sports betting on January 28, 2022, and the Pelican State built a competitive market fast. With 8 licensed sportsbooks, a 15% online tax rate, and unrestricted college basketball betting (though player props are banned), Louisiana created a solid NBA betting environment. Home to the New Orleans Pelicans and rising star Zion Williamson, Louisiana generates over $40 million in sports betting taxes annually, exceeding projections by $10+ million. If you're watching the Pelicans at Smoothie King Center or building parlays on national TV games, Louisiana's got you covered.

Kentucky legalized online sports betting on September 28, 2023, and the Bluegrass State built something special. With 8 licensed sportsbooks, an 18+ betting age (one of the lowest nationally), and unrestricted college basketball betting including player props, Kentucky created one of the best NBA betting markets in the country. If you're watching national TV matchups or following former Wildcats and Cardinals in the pros, Kentucky's got you covered.

Kansas legalized online sports betting on September 8, 2022, and the Sunflower State launched one of the fastest rollouts from legalization to live betting of any U.S. state. With 7 licensed sportsbooks (and potential for 12 at full maturity), a moderate 10% tax rate, and permissive college betting rules, Kansas built a competitive NBA betting market. If you're watching national TV matchups or following former Jayhawks and Wildcats in the pros, Kansas has you covered.