Since the landmark 2018 repeal of PASPA, the sports betting landscape in the United States has undergone a dramatic transformation. More than 30 states have legalized sports wagering, and the numbers in 2024 alone are nothing short of astonishing: Americans wagered over $140 billion on sports, according to industry trackers. But while the headlines often focus on the biggest states by total dollars, the real story lies in where sports betting has become a true part of daily life—where residents are most likely to place a bet and where the culture of wagering is woven into the local fabric.
Nevada stands tall as the undisputed king of sports betting per capita. With its storied history and the ever-alluring lights of Las Vegas, the Silver State has long been synonymous with sports betting. In 2024, Nevada’s sports betting handle reached $7.9 billion. That’s more than $2,500 per resident, and an average of $1,815 wagered per person annually—nearly three times the national average. Sports betting isn’t just legal in Nevada; it’s a way of life. Locals and tourists alike flock to sportsbooks, casinos, and mobile apps, making every game an event and every wager a shared experience. As OLBG’s analysis confirms, "Nevada is not just leading the sports betting market; it created the blueprint."
But Nevada isn’t the only state where betting fever runs high. New Jersey, a pioneer in legal sports betting, has built a powerhouse online market that’s the envy of the nation. In 2024, the Garden State saw a handle of $12.8 billion—more than $1,300 per resident. Its proximity to New York, robust mobile ecosystem, and passionate fanbase have made betting on football, basketball, and baseball a near-daily ritual. New Jersey bettors are known for their love of parlays and props, always hunting for the next big score. As industry observers note, "New Jersey did not just legalize sports betting early; it perfected the mobile model."
Speaking of New York, the Empire State leads the nation in total betting handle, with a staggering $22.6 billion in 2024. That works out to more than $1,100 wagered per resident. Since the launch of mobile betting in 2022, New Yorkers have embraced the action with gusto. Basketball and baseball, fueled by a deep roster of pro teams—Knicks, Nets, Yankees, Mets, Giants, Jets, and Bills—see non-stop action. New York’s sports scene is relentless, and so is its betting culture. The combination of mobile access and iconic teams ensures that New Yorkers are among the most frequent and knowledgeable bettors in the country.
Illinois isn’t far behind, blending a massive sports market with high per-person betting activity. In 2024, Illinois residents wagered $13.9 billion, or about $1,090 per person. Chicago’s rich mix of teams—across football, basketball, and baseball—gives fans a reason to bet year-round. Whether it’s a Sunday punt on the Bears or a postseason wager on the Cubs, Illinois bettors are among the most engaged. As OLBG puts it, "Illinois is a perfect storm of sports obsession and mobile convenience."
Colorado has emerged as a tech-savvy, high-volume hub for year-round betting. With over 25 sportsbook apps available, Colorado’s $6.2 billion handle in 2024 averages $1,040 per resident. Broncos football, Nuggets basketball, and Avalanche hockey keep bettors engaged throughout the seasons. The state’s innovation and passion have created a market where fans follow every league closely and aren’t afraid to explore new betting opportunities.
Massachusetts may be a newcomer, but it’s wasted no time climbing the ranks. After launching retail sportsbooks in January 2023 and mobile betting in March, the Bay State posted an impressive $7.4 billion handle by the end of 2024—about $1,040 per resident. Legendary teams and fiercely loyal fans have fueled a meteoric rise, with action spanning from Foxborough to Fenway. As OLBG notes, "Massachusetts has some of the most loyal and informed sports fans in the world."
Arizona is another fast riser. Legalized in 2021, the Grand Canyon State reported between $6.9 and $7.7 billion in handle for 2024, just over $1,010 per resident. Phoenix’s teams in all major leagues, plus marquee events like the Super Bowl and Final Four, have made Arizona a desert hotspot for sports betting action. Fans are quick to back their favorites, especially when the Cardinals, Suns, or Diamondbacks are in play. The state’s rapid ascent is a testament to the power of mobile sportsbooks and a rich sports calendar.
Maryland, despite being a newcomer to mobile sports betting, has quickly proven itself. In 2024, the state recorded about $6.0 billion in handle, nearly $990 per resident. The NFL reigns supreme here, with the Ravens drawing massive support. Basketball and baseball also see significant action, and the Preakness Stakes ties the state to horse racing, even if it’s not always tracked in sportsbook figures. Maryland’s embrace of sports betting has been enthusiastic and immediate, with one of the most engaged fanbases among newly launched markets.
Kansas, though small in population, boasts big betting numbers. With around $2.6 billion in handle for 2024 and just under three million residents, Kansans bet an average of $880 to $900 per person last year. The Kansas City Chiefs, despite being based just across the state line in Missouri, are the de facto home team, igniting strong local interest. College basketball, led by the Kansas Jayhawks, is another huge driver. Kansas proves that population size doesn’t dictate betting passion—here, it’s all about loyalty and conviction.
Iowa rounds out the top ten, demonstrating that a state without major pro teams can still thrive in the betting space. With a 2024 handle of around $2.77 billion and just over 3.2 million residents, the average Iowan bet approximately $860 to $870 per year. Early adoption of sports betting in 2019, mobile access, and a love for college football and basketball have kept Iowa among the leaders. Hawkeyes and Cyclones games dominate local interest, and NFL Sundays see heavy action from fans following nearby teams like the Vikings, Chiefs, and Packers.
Across all these states, the rise of mobile betting and the integration of major sports events—such as the Super Bowl, Final Four, and college football’s opening weekend—have played pivotal roles in boosting engagement. Promotions like the Bet365 bonus code SILIVE, which offers new users in Ohio, Illinois, Colorado, and other legal states $200 in bonus bets instantly for placing a $5 wager, further fuel the excitement. With options to bet on everything from NFL and MLB to college football and tennis, sportsbooks are making it easier than ever for fans to get in on the action.
As the legal sports betting market matures, the data reveals that it’s not just about the total dollars wagered—it’s about how deeply betting has become part of the cultural fabric in certain states. Whether it’s the glitz of Las Vegas, the digital prowess of New Jersey, or the passionate fandom in Massachusetts and Arizona, sports betting in America is more than a pastime—it’s a way of life for millions. And as new seasons kick off and more states join the movement, the action shows no signs of slowing down.
