November 21, 2025
Since the landmark Murphy v. NCAA decision in 2018 that struck down the federal ban on state-authorized sports wagering, the landscape of legal sports betting in the United States has undergone dramatic change.
As of late 2025, nearly 39 states plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico allow sports betting in some form.
Yet several major markets remain untapped or in transition, and these holdouts offer both opportunity and risk for bettors, regulators and industry watchers alike. In this article, On The Dot Media Ltd takes a close look at which states are next for legal sports betting, what factors are driving—or delaying—their progress, and what this means for active markets like Maryland and Ohio.
Live & Licensed Markets – our established hubs
Before exploring the next states, it’s important to acknowledge the jurisdictions where legal sports betting is fully operational and where our state-specific hubs already provide coverage and insight:
Our Maryland Betting Hub covers the state of Maryland, where online and retail wagering are active and regulated.
Our Ohio Betting Hub serves bettors in Ohio, a state that launched mobile and retail sports betting effectively.
Additional hubs launched: Colorado, Arizona (Arizona Betting Hub and Arizona.bet), Kansas (Kansas Betting Hub and Kansas.bet), Kentucky (Kentucky Betting Hub), Louisiana (Louisiana Betting Hub), North Carolina (North Carolina Betting Hub), Illinois (Illinois Betting Hub), Tennessee (Tennessee.bet), and more.
These markets provide the baseline of what a live, regulated sports betting market looks like—licensing, state oversight, user protections, and published operator options.
States expected to be legalized
Missouri
Missouri secured voter approval for sports betting via a constitutional amendment in November 2024, with a target launch by December 1, 2025.
Why important: A Midwestern market adjacent to established states will introduce new competition, regulatory precedent, and market dynamics.
What to watch: Licensing details, operator list, mobile vs retail rollout timeline.
On The Dot Media’s plan: Add Missouri to our upcoming-state coverage, so when the market goes live our audience is informed.
Texas
Texas remains the largest U.S. state without full sports betting legalization. Legislative efforts continue, with renewed focus for 2025–2026.
Why important: Entry here would reshape the national landscape due to population size and major pro sports franchises.
What to watch: Political consensus, constitutional/gaming commission reforms, tribal/lottery arrangements.
California
California failed to legalize online sports betting via ballot measures in 2022; the next major push may come in 2026-28.
Why important: With nearly 40 million residents, California is a prize market for operators and bettors alike.
What to watch: Tribal-commercial compacts, regulatory design, state referendum strategy.
Georgia
Georgia has introduced bills in 2025 aimed at mobile sports betting without constitutional amendment.
Why important: A Southeastern launch would add to the regional footprint of legal wagering and highlight how middle-tier states evolve.
What to watch: Bill momentum, tax structure, operator caps.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is navigating tribal gaming compacts and online sports betting frameworks. While progress is uneven, the groundwork is being laid.
Why important: The model of mobile + tribal operations may signal what other similar states could adopt.
What to watch: Tribal negotiations, online operator eligibility, regulatory timelines.
Driving forces behind legalization
Several key dynamics influence the likelihood and timing of sports betting legalization:
Tax revenue potential: States see regulated wagering as a boost to public coffers, especially when budget shortfalls appear.
Consumer demand / competitive pressure: Many residents in hold-out states live near legalized markets and may pressure lawmakers to act.
Professional sports influence: Major leagues and franchises increasingly back regulated betting to increase fan engagement and monetization.
Operational viability & infrastructure: States must establish licensure, geolocation, mobile tech, responsible gaming tools—all prerequisites for launch.
Major barriers to legalization
Not all states move smoothly; here are common obstacles:
Tribal / gaming-compact conflicts: Particularly relevant in states like California and Oklahoma.
Constitutional or legislative requirements: Some states require voter referenda or major regulatory overhauls.
Responsible-gambling and consumer protection concerns: Legislators increasingly demand robust safeguards before approving markets.
Political or cultural resistance: In states like Alabama, Georgia or Minnesota, gambling expansion faces higher public or political opposition.
What this means for bettors & observers
For bettors in active markets (such as Maryland and Ohio) the benefits are clear: robust operator choice, mobile access, state oversight. For markets “in waiting,” the key is preparation—tracking legislation, understanding potential launch timelines and regulatory frameworks.
From an industry-watch perspective, the next launches will reshuffle operator footprints, promotional strategies and state revenue models. The launch of Missouri, for example, will be the next major inflection point. A subsequent Texas or California entry would be transformational.
Takeaway
While much of the U.S. sports betting market is now regulated and live, the next few states to launch will matter disproportionately, both for scale and precedent. Missouri is the clear front-runner, Texas and California remain high-stakes bets, and states like Georgia and Oklahoma reflect the broader trend of expansion beyond the big headlines.
At On The Dot Media Ltd, our active hubs — such as Maryland Betting Hub and Ohio Betting Hub — provide up-to-date coverage of live markets. We will continue to track and report launches, regulatory changes and operator updates in states advancing legislation or poised for rollout.
Stay tuned forward.