Sports betting isn’t just booming, it’s exploding across America. But here’s the million-dollar question: which are the best states for sports betting, where bettors beat the books, and which are the worst states for sports betting, where locals get crushed?”
At Bookmakers Review, we dug into the numbers to find out, and the results might sting if you’re from one of the unlucky states at the bottom.
To rank every state in this state-by-state sports betting breakdown, we used the sports betting hold, which is a fancy way of saying how much money sportsbooks get to keep compared to the total amount wagered (known as the handle).
Here’s how it works: imagine Colorado with a 9.5% hold and Arizona at 8.7%. That means Arizona bettors have been more successful because a larger percentage of every dollar bet stays in the bettor’s pocket.
Another way to look at it:
Say there was $1,000 worth of bets at Colorado sportsbooks during October, where operators earned $95 in total monthly revenue. That means that Colorado’s hold for that month was 9.5%. On the other hand, if Arizona sports betting had $1,000 of wagers with $87 in revenue, that means their hold was 8.7%. In this scenario, Arizona had sharper sports bettors, since the hold was lower. The numbers we’ve pulled are all-time totals.
While yes, some states got a head start by legalizing earlier than others, but that just makes the comparisons even juicier.
So, which state wears the crown as America’s sharpest sports bettors? Where do sports bettors win the most, and who’s basically an ATM for the sportsbooks? Let’s break it down.
Breaking Down the Best and Worst Sports Betting States
Here’s the golden rule: the lower the hold, the sharper the bettors. Why? Because a smaller hold means sportsbooks are raking in less cash compared to the total handle (all the bets placed). Translation: bettors in those states are taking more money off the books and keeping it for themselves.
So as you scroll through the rankings, remember: a tiny hold = smart, disciplined bettors. A big fat hold? That’s a neon sign that locals are getting torched by the sportsbooks.
Top 5 Best Sports Betting States
| Rank | State | Sports Betting Handle | Hold |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nevada | $49.99 billion | 5.9% |
| 2 | Colorado | $25.46 billion | 7.3% |
| 3 | Iowa | $12.09 billion | 7.7% |
| 4 | New Jersey | $65.98 billion | 7.8% |
| 5 | Illinois | $51.92 billion | 8.5% |
1. Nevada - The King of Sports Betting
When it comes to sports betting, Nevada isn’t just first, it’s in a league of its own. For decades, the Silver State has been the gold standard, and it still dominates today with the lowest hold percentage in the country.
With sky-high betting volume, razor-sharp lines, and battle-tested sportsbooks, Nevada is the ultimate playground for serious bettors and the undisputed best state for sports betting in America. It’s no wonder professional gamblers pack their bags and move here. If you want to crush the books, this is where you do it.
2. Colorado - The Sharp Underdog State
Colorado might not throw around the massive betting dollars of New Jersey or Illinois, but don’t be fooled, as this is one of the savviest betting states in the nation. With one of the lowest holds in America, Colorado bettors are quietly carving out a reputation as one of the top sports betting states in the U.S.
A hyper-competitive sportsbook scene with a large selection gives locals the edge they need to thrive, and they’re taking full advantage. Add in the buzz from the Denver Broncos’ surprise run in 2024, and it’s clear: Colorado may be an underdog in size, but it’s punching way above its weight when it comes to beating the books.
3. Iowa - Small Market, Big Brains
Iowa is probably the last state that comes to mind when you think “sports betting powerhouse,” but the numbers don’t lie: bettors here are seriously sharp. Despite being a smaller market, Iowa’s handle is strong, and its bettors consistently show the discipline to keep sportsbook holds in check.
Without a major pro sports team to distract them, Iowans are likely digging into smaller markets and finding edges that others overlook. The result? A state that proves you don’t need the bright lights of Vegas or Jersey to build a reputation as some of the smartest bettors in America.
4. New Jersey - East Coast Heavyweight
When it comes to pure action, no state throws down like New Jersey. With one of the biggest sports betting handles in the nation, the Garden State is a nonstop betting machine and a magnet for serious players.
Sure, the hold runs a touch higher than sharp havens like Nevada or Colorado, but the sheer avalanche of wagers proves New Jersey is home to one of the deepest pools of sharp bettors in America. If Nevada is the old guard, New Jersey is the East Coast powerhouse rewriting the sports betting playbook.
5. Illinois - Big Money, Big Moves
Illinois may close out the Top 5, but make no mistake, as this is one of the biggest battlegrounds in U.S. sports betting. With wagering volume that rivals heavyweights like Nevada and New Jersey, the Land of Lincoln is a true powerhouse.
Yes, sportsbooks here grab a bigger slice of the pie than in other sharp states, but the sheer flood of bets proves Illinois has a massive, hungry base of bettors who aren’t afraid to take their swings. And with the Chicago Bears on the rise, locals might just have even more chances to cash in this NFL season.
Top 5 Worst Sports Betting States
| Rank | State | Sports Betting Handle | Hold |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delaware | $964.11 million | 15.1% |
| 2 | Montana | $284.71 million | 13.2% |
| 3 | Louisiana | $11.24 billion | 12.0% |
| 4 | Maryland | $15.46 billion | 11.5% |
| 5 | Kentucky | $5.07 billion | 11.1% |
1. Delaware - The Bettor's Graveyard
Sorry, Delaware, but you’re dead last. With sportsbooks keeping a brutal 15 cents of every single dollar wagered, this tiny state is officially the worst state for sports betting in America. The overall handle may be modest compared to giants like Nevada or New Jersey, but the sky-high hold tells the story: locals just can’t catch a break.
In Delaware, it’s not bettors beating the books, it’s the books burying bettors.
2. Montana - Big Skies, Brutal Losses
Montana may be known for wide-open spaces, but when it comes to sports betting, the books don’t leave much breathing room. With sportsbooks keeping more than 13% of every dollar wagered, this small market is a giant headache for bettors.
The numbers don’t lie: in Montana, beating the books is about as rare as hitting a jackpot at a slot machine. For locals, the betting landscape is less “Big Sky Country” and more “Big Loss Country.”
3. Louisiana - Big Action, Bigger Losses
Louisiana doesn’t play small ball, locals have already wagered more than $11 billion, making it one of the biggest betting markets in the country. But here’s the kicker: with a double-digit hold, the sportsbooks are the ones cashing in.
For bettors, that means the Bayou State is less of a playground and more of a gauntlet. No matter how much action flows through Louisiana, the house keeps stacking the chips higher. It’s a tough proving ground where most locals end up on the losing side of the bet.
4. Maryland - The House Always Wins
Maryland’s sports betting market might look healthy on the surface, but peel back the numbers and it’s a different story. With a hold north of 11%, sportsbooks here are feasting with one of the fattest margins in the entire country.
For local bettors, that means long-term profitability is basically a pipe dream. The market may be booming in size, but in Maryland, it’s the books that are thriving and bettors are just footing the bill.
5. Kentucky - Fast Start, Hard Fall
Kentucky may be a newcomer to the sports betting scene, but the books wasted no time seizing control. With a double-digit hold already in place, sportsbooks have built a strong edge while locals are still finding their footing.
The state’s handle is impressive for its size, but the reality is clear: bettors are taking early losses while operators cash in big. In Kentucky, the house didn’t just win, it set the rules from day one the house didn’t just win, it set the rules from day one, making Kentucky one of the toughest new sports betting states to crack. Perhaps they should stick to horse racing in the Bluegrass State.
What These Rankings Mean for Sports Bettors
Whether you live in Nevada, Delaware, or anywhere in between, these rankings show just how different the sports betting landscape can be across America. Some of the best states for sports betting give sharp bettors a real chance to win, while the worst states for sports betting stack the odds heavily in favor of the house.
This is because the best states tend to have more sportsbooks available along with helpful betting resources, while the worst states have only a few options to choose from.
So before you place your next wager, check out the latest betting odds at Bookmakers Review from the best offshore sportsbooks to see if you can flip the script against the books.
