Is It Legal to Bet on the 2026 World Cup in the US? Everything You Need to Know

Sports betting is now legal in much of the United States, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to become the biggest betting event in American history. With matches being played across the US, Mexico, and Canada, millions of fans are expected to place bets online and in person throughout the tournament.

But before placing your first wager, it’s important to understand where sports betting is legal, which platforms are licensed, and how to safely create your account before kickoff begins.

Which States Have Legal Sports Betting?

As of now, sports betting is legal and active in many states across the country, including:

New York

New Jersey

Pennsylvania

Illinois

Colorado

Michigan

Virginia

Tennessee

Indiana

Iowa

Arizona

Connecticut

Louisiana

Wyoming

Maryland

Ohio

Kansas

Massachusetts

Kentucky

Maine

North Carolina

Additional states may legalize betting before the 2026 World Cup begins.

States where sports betting is not yet fully legal include:

California

Texas

Florida

Georgia

Alabama

Alaska

Hawaii

Minnesota

Missouri

Oklahoma

South Carolina

Utah

Because gambling laws continue to evolve, always verify your local regulations before signing up with a sportsbook.

Is Online Betting Different From In-Person Betting?

Yes. In many states, online betting and retail sportsbook betting are regulated separately.

Some states allow:

mobile betting anywhere inside the state

betting only at physical casinos

limited online sportsbook operations

Most bettors today prefer mobile sportsbooks because they allow:

live betting during matches

easier account management

bonus promotions

faster deposits and withdrawals

For the 2026 World Cup, mobile betting is expected to dominate the market due to convenience and live betting features.

The Best Licensed Platforms Available in the US Right Now

Several sportsbooks are already preparing for massive World Cup traffic in 2026. The most popular licensed platforms currently include:

DraftKings

FanDuel

1xPartners

Caesars Sportsbook

ESPN BET

Fanatics Sportsbook

Each platform offers different:

welcome bonuses

odds boosts

same-game parlays

live betting features

Comparing bonuses and betting markets before registering can help maximize value.

How to Create Your Account in Under 5 Minutes

Getting started with legal sports betting in the US is usually very simple.

Step 1

Choose a licensed sportsbook available in your state.

Step 2

Create your account using:

email address

phone number

personal identification details

Step 3

Verify your identity. Most platforms require age and location verification to comply with state regulations.

Step 4

Deposit funds using:

debit card

bank transfer

PayPal

Apple Pay

online banking

Step 5

Place your first World Cup bet.

Most sportsbooks also offer bonus bets or free bet promotions for new users.

What Happens If You're in a State Where It's Not Legal Yet?

If sports betting is not yet legal in your state, licensed sportsbooks will block registration or betting activity based on your physical location.

Most regulated apps use geolocation technology to verify where users are located before accepting wagers.

Some states may approve sports betting before the World Cup begins, especially as tax revenue from the industry continues to grow nationwide.

Until then, avoid using unlicensed offshore sportsbooks that may not offer the same legal protections or payment security as regulated operators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bet on World Cup matches from my phone?

Yes. In most legal states, you can place bets directly from a mobile sportsbook app.

What is the legal betting age in the US?

Usually 21 years old, although some states allow betting at 18.

Can tourists place bets during the World Cup?

Yes, as long as they are physically located in a state where sports betting is legal.

Are World Cup bets taxed?

In the United States, gambling winnings may be subject to federal and state taxes.

Can I place live bets during matches?

Yes. Most sportsbooks offer live betting markets during World Cup games.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 FIFA World Cup could become the largest sports betting event ever held in North America. With legal sportsbooks expanding rapidly across the US, fans will have more ways than ever to bet on matches, futures, player props, and live action throughout the tournament.

Check your state and sign up in minutes. The World Cup starts June 11 — don't miss the opening bets.