How to Bet on College Sports in the US?

The Game-Changing 2018 Supreme Court Decision

Back in 2018, the Supreme Court dropped a bombshell in Murphy v. NCAA, striking down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).

This law had kept sports betting on a tight leash, giving Nevada a virtual monopoly. When PASPA got the boot, states gained the power to legalize sports betting, including on college sports.

Fast forward to 2025, and 38 states plus D.C. have jumped on board, with Missouri set to launch by year’s end. But here’s the catch: betting on college sports often comes with extra rules to protect young athletes and keep games honest. It’s not a free-for-all, and that’s by design.

Sports betting is booming, but college sports betting? It’s got a bit of a PR problem. A 2025 AP-NORC poll shows only 40% of Americans are cool with betting on college games, compared to 60% for pro sports. Why the hesitation? Folks worry about the pressure on young athletes, who are often just 19 or 20, facing intense scrutiny from bettors.

On the federal level, there’s buzz about the SAFE Bet Act, introduced in September 2024 by Rep. Paul Tonko and Sen. Richard Blumenthal. This bill wants to ban prop bets, those wagers on individual player stats, in college sports, and tackle issues like affordability and aggressive ads.

If it passes, it could shake up how you bet on NCAA games. For now, the landscape is a patchwork of state rules, and navigating it requires some know-how.

Where Can You Bet on College Sports?

If you’re itching to place a bet on your favorite college team, you’ve got options, depending on where you are. Here’s the lowdown:

In states like Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan, you can bet on college sports without too many hurdles. These states are all-in, offering platforms for NCAA football, basketball, and more.

Other states in the mix include Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Virginia’s on the list too, but with some limits we’ll get to later.

In places like Arizona, Colorado, and Michigan, you can fire up apps like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, or bet365 from your couch.

These platforms are user-friendly, packed with real-time odds, and let you bet on everything from who’ll win to the point spread. It’s the go-to for most bettors, and it’s legal as long as you’re in a state that allows it.

Some states keep it traditional, limiting college sports betting to physical spots like casinos, racetracks, or betting kiosks. Think Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, or Wisconsin.

If you’re in one of these states, you’ll need to hit up a licensed location to place your bet. It’s less convenient, but it’s got that classic sportsbook feel.

Restrictions: Where You Can’t Bet (or What You Can’t Bet On)

Not every state is all-in on college sports betting, and even the ones that are often have rules to keep things in check. Here’s what you need to watch out for:

States with Bans or Limits

Some states put up roadblocks. New Jersey and New York, for example, ban bets on in-state college teams like Rutgers, Seton Hall, or Syracuse.

In New York, you can bet on college games held in-state, but only if they involve out-of-state teams. Other states like Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and D.C. either ban or heavily restrict college sports betting altogether.

Prop bets—wagers on individual player performances, like how many points a star player will score, are a no-go in states like Virginia and Illinois.

Why? There’s worry that these bets put too much pressure on young athletes, sometimes leading to harassment or threats. New Jersey’s even thinking about jumping on this bandwagon with a prop bet ban.

If you’re in Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, or Wisconsin, you might be stuck betting in-person at casinos or kiosks. Online betting’s off the table for college sports in these spots, so plan a trip to a licensed venue if you want in on the action.

Sports betting, including on college sports, is still illegal in Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.

If you’re in one of these states, you’re out of luck for now, though some, like California and Texas, are debating legalization.

The Bigger Picture: Why College Sports Betting Sparks Debate

College athletes, often barely out of high school, are feeling the heat from sports betting. Research shows it’s taking a toll on their mental health, with harassment and threats spiking during big events like March Madness, when bettors wagered over $3 billion.

The NCAA’s reported 175 betting policy violations since 2018, and stories of athletes getting targeted online are all too common. It’s a tough spot for young players who are still figuring out life.

Many athletes don’t even realize the legal risks of betting. An ESPN analysis found that only four of 24 Power 5 schools clearly warn athletes about potential consequences, like criminal charges tied to betting violations.

Universities need to step up with better education on state laws and gambling risks. If you or someone you know is struggling, Birches Health offers help at (833) 483-3838 or help@bircheshealth.com.

The NCAA’s pushing for tougher laws to curb harassment, protect game integrity, and tackle problem gambling, but regulating online betting is like herding cats.

Legal battles in states like Maryland and D.C. show the tug-of-war between protecting athletes and keeping the betting industry happy. Some states have banned prop bets to ease the pressure, but gambling companies are pushing back hard.

Here’s a big one: most states require bettors to be 21, but many college athletes are younger. Betting on their performances feels a bit exploitative, right?

Plus, gambling companies are marketing hard on campuses, which clashes with universities’ educational mission. And with private equity jumping into sports betting, the line between amateur and pro sports is getting blurry, raising questions about fairness and labor laws.

It’s not just athletes. Entire campuses feel the impact. There’s a growing risk of match-fixing or point-shaving scandals, like the NC A&T case in January 2025. Problem gambling among students can lead to mental health struggles, financial woes, and slipping grades, putting pressure on schools to create safer environments.

How to Bet Like a Pro (and Stay Legal)

Want to get in on the action? Here’s how to do it right:

Stick to Regulated Sportsbooks

Always use licensed platforms like DraftKings or FanDuel. Offshore sites are risky, think fraud, non-payment, or data breaches. Check that your sportsbook is legit in your state for a worry-free experience.

Know Your State’s Rules

Before you bet, double-check your state’s laws. New Jersey and New York ban in-state team bets, Virginia nixes prop bets, and Montana sticks to in-person betting. Sites like Gambling.com have up-to-date guides to keep you in the clear.

Bet Responsibly

Set limits and don’t chase losses. If betting’s taking over, reach out to Birches Health for support. Most states set the betting age at 21, though Montana and Rhode Island allow 18-year-olds, so know the rules where you are.

What’s Next for College Sports Betting?

The future’s looking both exciting and complicated. The SAFE Bet Act could clamp down on prop bets, and states like Virginia and Illinois are already tightening rules.

With online betting exploding, regulators are scrambling to balance industry growth with athlete safety. Missouri’s 2025 launch will add new opportunities, but the focus is shifting toward protecting athletes and campuses.

Expect more education programs, stricter NCAA guidelines, and maybe even federal rules to keep things fair.