DraftKings has rapidly become a household name in the world of online sports betting, casino gaming, and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). For enthusiasts eager to engage with these platforms, a crucial question arises: Where Is Draftkings Legal? This article serves as your comprehensive guide, providing up-to-date information on the legal status of DraftKings across the United States.
Whether you’re interested in placing bets on your favorite sports teams, trying your luck at online casino games, or diving into the world of DFS, understanding the legal landscape is paramount. DraftKings offers different services with varying legal availability depending on state regulations. Let’s break down where you can legally access each of these exciting platforms.
DraftKings Sportsbook Legal States
DraftKings Sportsbook, renowned for its extensive betting markets and user-friendly interface, is currently legal and operational in 25 US states for online sports betting. This number is continually growing as more states legalize online sports wagering. Below is a detailed list of states where you can legally place bets online with DraftKings Sportsbook:
Online DraftKings Sportsbook States
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
DraftKings brand logo representing their legal sports betting and fantasy sports platform.
Retail DraftKings Sportsbook Locations
Beyond online access, DraftKings also extends its presence through retail sportsbook locations in 13 states. For those who prefer the in-person betting experience, or are located in states where only retail betting is permitted, DraftKings offers physical locations to place your wagers. Here’s where you can find DraftKings retail sportsbooks:
- Arizona – TPC Scottsdale
- Colorado – Bally’s Black Hawk
- Connecticut – Foxwoods Resort Casino
- Illinois – Wrigley Field & Casino Queen Sportsbook
- Iowa – Wild Rose Casino & Resorts (Clinton, Emmetsburg, Jefferson)
- Kansas – Boot Hill Casino & Resort
- Kentucky – The Mint Cumberland (Williamsburg & Corbin)
- Louisiana – Golden Nugget Lake Charles & The Queen Baton Rouge
- Michigan – Bay Mills Resort & Casino
- Mississippi – Golden Nugget Biloxi & Gold Strike Casino
- New Hampshire – Revo Casino & Social House (Dover & Manchester), The Brook, Gate City Casino
- New Jersey – Resorts Casino & Hotel
- Washington – Tulalip Resort Casino & Quil Ceda Creek Casino
DraftKings Casino Legal States
For those interested in online casino games, DraftKings Casino offers a wide array of options, from slots to table games. However, the legal landscape for online casinos is more restricted than sports betting. Currently, DraftKings Casino is legal in only five US states:
Online DraftKings Casino States
- Connecticut
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
It’s worth noting that in each of these states where DraftKings operates a legal online casino, online sports betting is also legal.
DraftKings DFS Legal States
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) operates under different legal frameworks compared to sports betting and online casinos. This has resulted in broader availability across the US. DraftKings DFS is legally accessible in most states, offering a wide range of fantasy sports contests.
DraftKings DFS Availability Across the US
You can legally play DraftKings DFS in almost every US state. The exceptions are:
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Montana
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Washington
Interestingly, states like Texas, California, and Florida, which do not have legal online sports betting with DraftKings, do permit DFS. This makes DraftKings DFS a widely available option for fans in these states.
Understanding DraftKings Legal Landscape and Alternatives
The legality of online gambling is a dynamic and evolving issue in the United States. While DraftKings is making significant strides in expanding its legal footprint, it’s not yet available everywhere. For states where DraftKings Sportsbook or Casino is not legal, social sportsbooks present an alternative.
DraftKings Legal Map
Social sportsbooks operate under sweepstakes laws, allowing them to offer their services in more states, often including those where traditional sports betting is restricted. These platforms often use virtual tokens instead of real money for wagering, and in some cases, offer the opportunity to redeem tokens for cash prizes. Options like SportsMillions and Fliff provide a similar experience to traditional sportsbooks and are available in approximately 45 US states, including major markets like Texas, Florida, and California. They also generally allow participation for those 18 and older.
DraftKings Launch Dates in Legal States
To further understand the growth of DraftKings, examining their launch dates in various states provides valuable context. Below is a table outlining the online launch dates and regulatory bodies for DraftKings Sportsbook in each legal state:
| State | Online Launch Date | Licensing Partner | Regulated By |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | August 2018 | Resorts Atlantic City | New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) |
| West Virginia | August 2019 | Penn National Gaming | West Virginia Lottery Commission |
| Indiana | October 2019 | Ameristar Casino | Indiana Gaming Commission |
| Pennsylvania | November 2019 | Penn National Gaming | Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) |
| New Hampshire | December 2019 | New Hampshire Lottery | New Hampshire Lottery Commission |
| Iowa | February 2020 | Wild Rose Casino | Iowa Gaming Commission |
| Colorado | May 2020 | Bally’s Corporation | Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission |
| Illinois | August 2020 | DraftKings at Casino Queen | Illinois Gaming Board |
| Tennessee | November 2020 | Tennessee Lottery | Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation |
| Michigan | January 2021 | Bay Mills Resort Casino | Michigan Gaming Control Board |
| Virginia | January 2021 | Virginia Lottery | Virginia Lottery |
| Wyoming | September 2021 | N/A | Wyoming Gaming Commission (WGC) |
| Arizona | September 2021 | TPC Scottsdale | Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) |
| Connecticut | October 2021 | Foxwoods Resort Casino | Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) |
| Louisiana | January 2022 | Golden Nugget Casino Lake Charles | Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) |
| New York | January 2022 | del Lago Resort & Casino | New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) |
| Oregon | January 2022 | Oregon Lottery | Oregon Lottery Commission (OLC) |
| Kansas | September 2022 | Live at Boot Hill Casino & Resort | Kansas Lottery and State Gaming Commission (KLSGC) |
| Maryland | November 2022 | Baltimore Ravens (NFL) | Maryland State Lottery & Gaming Control Agency (MSLGCA) |
| Ohio | January 2023 | Hollywood Casino Toledo | Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) |
| Maine | May 2024 | N/A | Maine Gambling Control Unit |
| Kentucky | September 2023 | N/A | Kentucky Horse Racing Commission |
| Massachusetts | March 2023 | Plainridge Park Casino | Massachusetts Gaming Commission |
| North Carolina | March 2024 | Quail Hollow Club | North Carolina State Lottery Commission |
| Vermont | January 2024 | N/A | Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery |
Note: Launch dates and regulatory information are subject to change.
About DraftKings – Company Overview
DraftKings Inc. has grown from a Daily Fantasy Sports platform to a comprehensive online gaming and entertainment company. Here are some key facts about DraftKings:
- Founded: 2012 by Jason Robins, Matthew Kalish, and Paul Liberman
- Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts
- Offices: New York, New Jersey, California, London, Dublin, Malta
- Services: Daily Fantasy Sports, Online Sports Betting & Online Casino Games
- Partnerships: DraftKings has established partnerships with numerous casinos and sports organizations across the US to facilitate its market access and operations.
Where Is DraftKings Legal FAQ
To address some common questions:
Is DraftKings Legal in California?
No, DraftKings is not legal for online sports betting or casino games in California. However, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is legal and available in California through DraftKings.
Is Sports Betting on DraftKings Legal in Texas?
No, sports betting and online casino games are not legal via DraftKings in Texas. DraftKings DFS, however, is legal and operational in Texas.
Is DraftKings Legal in Nevada?
DraftKings, including both sports betting and DFS, is currently not accessible in Nevada. This is primarily due to Nevada’s specific gaming license requirements for DFS, which DraftKings does not currently hold.
Conclusion
Understanding where DraftKings is legal is essential for anyone looking to engage in online sports betting, casino games, or DFS. DraftKings Sportsbook and Casino are legally available in a growing number of states, while DraftKings DFS boasts even wider accessibility across the US. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, it’s crucial to stay informed about the regulations in your specific state and always gamble responsibly. For areas where DraftKings is not yet fully legal for sports betting and casino, exploring social sportsbook alternatives can provide a similar gaming experience. Always ensure you are of legal gambling age and aware of the specific rules and regulations in your jurisdiction.
