U.S. States With The Best Sports Bettors in 2025
How we determine the winningest sports bettors in the USA
Covers looks at the “hold” in a state to determine whose bettors are best. The hold, or win, is determined by the gross revenue earned by sportsbooks as a percentage of the total wagering by their customers.
Go deeper: If there was $100 of betting at New York sportsbooks during January, and operators earned $10 in revenue during the month, then New York's hold was 10%. If sportsbooks in Pennsylvania had a hold of 8% during January, but operators in Ohio had a 10% win rate, then we say Pennsylvania bettors were better. Why? Because the hold for Keystone State books was weaker than their Buckeye State counterparts, suggesting bettors did better during the month.
The bottom line: According to our formula, the worse it is for sportsbooks, the better it is for bettors. We don't include deductions operators may make, such as providing customers bonus bets or other promotional credits. Simply put, we take a state's handle, subtract payouts to winning bettors, and arrive at gross revenue and hold. This approach paints the most transparent picture of how bettors fared in a month or year.
Caveat bettor: All states conduct legal sports betting a bit differently, including how they report data, how they tax operators, and how many sites are available. Some states have only brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, others only have online wagering, and others still have both. That can affect hold, such as forcing bettors to travel to a casino if they want to wager or forcing operators to offer limited betting markets.
Timing: Football season represents the busiest time for sportsbooks, and regionality impacts wagering. If the New York Giants make the Super Bowl, many New Jersey and New York bettors will hammer the local side to win, which could be costly for operators.
Covers will convey the various factors on a month-to-month basis.
February 2025: South Dakota Does it Again
Once again, bettors in South Dakota cashed in during the Super Bowl month. The state posted a -5.5 hold percentage last February, and was home to the sharpest bettors again this February.
As is customary, the state that houses the Super Bowl-winning team does well in February, and Pennsylvania ranked third this month with a 4.5% hold rate. Pennsylvania sportsbooks lost $6.5 million on the Super Bowl after the underdog Eagles hoisted the Lombardi Trophy.
Sportsbooks in Kansas were relieved. The legal sports betting state closest to the Super Bowl-losing Kansas City Chiefs finished dead last in hold rate.
(* = estimated)
| Rank 🏆 | State 📍 | Hold % |
|---|---|---|
| 1⭐ | South Dakota | -2.5% |
| 2 | Mississippi | 4.2% |
| 3 | Pennsylvania | 4.5% |
| 4 | Montana | 4.9% |
| 5 | Delaware | 6.7% |
| 6 | Nevada | 6.8% |
| 7 | New Jersey | 7.4% |
| 8 | Rhode Island | 8.5% |
| T9 | New York | 9.3% |
| T9 | Colorado | 9.3% |
| 11 | Arizona | 9.4% |
| 12 | Arkansas | 9.5% |
| 13 | Iowa | 9.8% |
| 14 | Ohio | 9.9% |
| 15 | Florida* | 10.0% |
| 16 | North Carolina | 10.2% |
| 17 | Massachusetts | 10.7% |
| 18 | Indiana | 10.9% |
| 19 | Illinois | 11.0% |
| 20 | West Virginia | 11.1% |
| 21 | Vermont | 11.2% |
| 22 | Virginia | 12.0% |
| T23 | Michigan | 12.1% |
| T23 | Connecticut | 12.1% |
| 25 | D.C. | 12.4% |
| T26 | Tennessee | 12.5% |
| T26 | Wyoming | 12.5% |
| T28 | New Hampshire | 12.6% |
| T28 | Maryland | 12.6% |
| 30 | Maine | 12.9% |
| 31 | Kentucky | 13.3% |
| 32 | Louisiana | 14.1% |
| T32 | Oregon | 14.2% |
| 34 | Kansas | 16.2% |
January 2025: Operators Celebrate the New Year
After taking it on the chin in two of the last three months in 2024, sportsbooks celebrated the new year with a combined hold of 10.7%.
Ohio bettors did the best in January, likely aided by Ohio State's run through the College Football Playoff that resulted in a national championship.
Nevada and Colorado, two mainstays at the top of the charts, were again among the states with the best bettors this month.
(* = estimated)
| Rank 🏆 | State 📍 | Hold % |
|---|---|---|
| 1⭐ | Ohio | 7.9% |
| 2 | Iowa | 9.0% |
| 3 | Nevada | 9.1% |
| T4 | Colorado | 9.3% |
| T4 | Kansas | 9.3% |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | 9.7% |
| 7 | Arizona | 9.8% |
| T8 | New York | 10.0% |
| T8 | Illinois | 10.0% |
| T10 | South Dakota | 10.6% |
| T10 | Indiana | 10.6% |
| T10 | New Jersey | 10.6% |
| 13 | Rhode Island | 10.7% |
| 14 | Florida* | 11.0% |
| 15 | Arkansas | 11.1% |
| T16 | Wyoming | 11.5% |
| T16 | North Carolina | 11.5% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 11.7% |
| T19 | Virginia | 11.9% |
| T19 | West Virginia | 11.9% |
| 21 | Mississippi | 12.0% |
| 22 | Kentucky | 12.1% |
| 23 | Tennessee | 12.3% |
| 24 | Delaware | 12.4% |
| 25 | Massachusetts | 12.6% |
| 26 | D.C. | 12.7% |
| 27 | Maryland | 13.3% |
| 28 | Vermont | 13.6% |
| T29 | Maine | 14.0% |
| T29 | Louisiana | 14.0% |
| 31 | New Hampshire | 14.1% |
| T32 | Oregon | 14.9% |
| T32 | Michigan | 14.9% |
| 34 | Montana | 22.4% |
December 2024: Happy Holidays for Bettors
Bettors put together their best month since February 2022, with a nationwide hold rate of 5.8%. Sports bettors took the books to the cleaners, as favorable football outcomes continued.
South Dakota was once again home to the sharpest bettors with a -2.2% hold in December, followed closely by Mississippi at -1.5%.
Many states produced record hold percentages in December, as 27 of the 34 states had win rates below 7%.
(* = estimated)
| Rank 🏆 | State 📍 | Hold % |
|---|---|---|
| 1⭐ | South Dakota | -2.2% |
| 2 | Mississippi | -1.5% |
| 3 | Montana | 1.7% |
| 4 | Nevada | 1.8% |
| 5 | Delaware | 2.1% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 2.6% |
| 7 | Arkansas | 3.0% |
| T8 | Michigan | 3.3% |
| T8 | Wyoming | 3.3% |
| 10 | Iowa | 4.5% |
| 11 | Colorado | 4.6% |
| 12 | New Jersey | 5.2% |
| T13 | Pennsylvania | 5.3% |
| T13 | Indiana | 5.3% |
| 15 | North Carolina | 5.7% |
| T16 | Kansas | 5.8% |
| T16 | Ohio | 5.8% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 5.9% |
| T19 | Florida* | 6.0% |
| T19 | Arizona | 6.0% |
| 21 | D.C. | 6.2% |
| 22 | Oregon | 6.4% |
| 23 | New York | 6.6% |
| T24 | Illinois | 6.7% |
| T24 | Tennessee | 6.7% |
| T24 | Virginia | 6.7% |
| 27 | Kentucky | 6.9% |
| 28 | West Virginia | 7.1% |
| T29 | Maryland | 7.2% |
| T29 | Vermont | 7.2% |
| 31 | Massachusetts | 7.5% |
| 32 | Maine | 7.7% |
| 33 | Louisiana | 9.0% |
| 34 | New Hampshire | 9.2% |
November 2024: Respite for Sportsbooks
Hold rates continued shift dramatically from month to month. After an historically successful month for sports bettors in October they accomplished a 7% hold, that number ballooned to 10.7% in November.
Nevada returned to the throne as the state with the sharpest bettors, a spot the Silver State hasn't held since August.
After leading the way with a -0.4% hold in October, Montana bettors shot to the bottom of the barrel with a 21.5% hold in November.
Again, these numbers would only be temporary, as December was another nightmare month for the books.
(* = estimated)
| Rank 🏆 | State 📍 | Hold % |
|---|---|---|
| 1⭐ | Nevada | 8.1% |
| 2 | Colorado | 8.6% |
| 3 | Michigan | 9.0% |
| 4 | Iowa | 9.5% |
| 5 | Arizona | 9.6% |
| 6 | New Jersey | 9.7% |
| 7 | Rhode Island | 9.9% |
| 8 | Illinois | 10.1% |
| 9 | New York | 10.2% |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 10.6% |
| T11 | Pennsylvania | 11.0% |
| T11 | Florida* | 11.0% |
| 13 | Indiana | 11.2% |
| 14 | Virginia | 11.3% |
| 15 | Ohio | 11.4% |
| 16 | Vermont | 11.7% |
| T17 | North Carolina | 11.9% |
| T17 | Kansas | 11.9% |
| 19 | New Hampshire | 12.0% |
| 20 | Kentucky | 12.1% |
| 21 | West Virginia | 12.2% |
| T22 | Maryland | 12.9% |
| T22 | Tennessee | 12.9% |
| 24 | D.C. | 13.2% |
| 25 | Connecticut | 13.3% |
| 26 | Oregon | 13.6% |
| T27 | Mississippi | 13.9% |
| T27 | Arkansas | 13.9% |
| 29 | Louisiana | 14.1% |
| 30 | South Dakota | 14.5% |
| 31 | Wyoming | 15.0% |
| 32 | Maine | 15.7% |
| 33 | Delaware | 16.6% |
| 34 | Montana | 21.5% |
October 2024: Historic Month for Sports Bettors
Sports bettors got back at the sportsbooks in a big way in October 2024. Favorites ran roughshod during the NFL season and bettors raked in the dough.
As a result, hold rates were at an almost historic level.
After a rough August in which sportsbooks across the country combined for an 8.7% hold, that number ballooned to 11.4% in September. It dropped back down to 7.0% in October.
Montana was top dog with a -0.4% hold rate. Nevada, Rhode Island, Kansas, and South Dakota filled out the top five.
(* = estimated)
| Rank 🏆 | State 📍 | Hold % |
|---|---|---|
| 1⭐ | Montana | -0.4% |
| 2 | Nevada | 3.6% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 4.3% |
| 4 | Kansas | 4.7% |
| 5 | South Dakota | 5.0% |
| 6 | Arkansas | 5.2% |
| 7 | Michigan | 5.5% |
| 8 | Illinois | 5.6% |
| 9 | Mississippi | 5.9% |
| 10 | Iowa | 6.3% |
| T11 | Indiana | 6.5% |
| T11 | Colorado | 6.5% |
| T13 | Massachusetts | 6.7% |
| T13 | Vermont | 6.7% |
| T15 | New Jersey | 6.8% |
| T15 | Pennsylvania | 6.8% |
| T17 | Oregon | 7.0% |
| T17 | Florida* | 7.0% |
| 20 | New Hampshire | 7.4% |
| 21 | Delaware | 7.5% |
| T22 | New York | 7.6% |
| T22 | Maine | 7.6% |
| 24 | Kentucky | 7.7% |
| 25 | Virginia | 7.8% |
| 26 | Wyoming | 7.9% |
| 27 | North Carolina | 8.0% |
| T28 | Connecticut | 8.1% |
| T28 | Tennessee | 8.1% |
| 30 | Maryland | 8.4% |
| 31 | West Virginia | 8.7% |
| 32 | Ohio | 9.0% |
| 33 | D.C. | 10.0% |
| 34 | Louisiana | 10.7% |
September 2024: Sportsbooks Bounce Back
After a rough August in which sportsbooks across the country combined for an 8.7% hold, that number ballooned to 11.4% in September.
Only Colorado and New York managed a hold percentage under double digits in the month.
The return of the NFL helped books see their handle numbers, revenue, and hold rates shoot up. However, the tide would turn again in October, which turned out to be an historic month for sports bettors across America.
(* = estimated)
| Rank 🏆 | State 📍 | Hold % |
|---|---|---|
| 1⭐ | Colorado | 9.8% |
| 2 | New York | 9.9% |
| 3 | Iowa | 10.1% |
| 4 | Arizona | 10.4% |
| 5 | Illinois | 10.5% |
| 6 | Nevada | 10.6% |
| 7 | New Jersey | 11.0% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 11.1% |
| 9 | Michigan | 11.3% |
| 10 | Indiana | 11.4% |
| T11 | Virginia | 11.5% |
| T11 | Florida* | 11.5% |
| 13 | Pennsylvania | 11.8% |
| 14 | Rhode Island | 12.1% |
| 15 | North Carolina | 12.2% |
| 16 | Maryland | 12.3% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 12.4% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 12.7% |
| 19 | Wyoming | 12.9% |
| T20 | Arkansas | 13.0% |
| T20 | Ohio | 13.0% |
| 22 | Maine | 13.1% |
| T23 | Kentucky | 13.2% |
| T23 | Montana | 13.2% |
| 25 | Tennessee | 13.3% |
| 26 | Vermont | 13.5% |
| 27 | Mississippi | 13.6% |
| 28 | Kansas | 13.7% |
| 29 | D.C. | 13.9% |
| 30 | Oregon | 15.1% |
| 31 | West Virginia* | 15.3% |
| 32 | Louisiana | 15.7% |
| 33 | Delaware | 20.1% |
| 34 | South Dakota | 22.3% |
August 2024: Bettors Beat the Books
As summer came to a close and fall drew closer, bettors across the country locked in and fared much better against the books in August.
Bettors collectively got back at the books, posting an 8.7% win rate, the best mark since March. This follows win rates of 19.6% in May, 9.5% in June, and 11.2% in July.
Nevada continues to set the pace for the rest of the country. After leading the U.S. with a 6.9% win rate in July, bettors got that number down to 5.5% in August.
Bettors in Arkansas weren't far behind with a 6% win rate.
(* = estimated)
| Rank 🏆 | State 📍 | Hold % |
|---|---|---|
| 1⭐ | Nevada | 5.5% |
| 2 | Arkansas | 6.0% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 6.6% |
| 4 | Illinois | 6.8% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 6.9% |
| 6 | Kansas | 7.2% |
| 7 | Arizona | 7.5% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 7.7% |
| 9 | Kentucky | 8.0% |
| 10 | Vermont | 8.4% |
| 11 | Florida* | 8.5% |
| 12 | New York | 8.7% |
| T13 | Colorado | 8.9% |
| T13 | Ohio | 8.9% |
| T15 | New Jersey | 9.0% |
| T15 | Oregon | 9.0% |
| 17 | North Carolina | 9.1% |
| T18 | Pennsylvania | 9.4% |
| T18 | Iowa | 9.4% |
| T20 | Indiana | 9.6% |
| T20 | Virginia | 9.6% |
| 22 | Michigan | 10.0% |
| 23 | Maryland | 10.4% |
| 24 | Connecticut | 10.6% |
| 25 | Maine | 10.7% |
| 26 | Louisiana | 10.9% |
| 27 | Tennessee | 11.0% |
| T28 | D.C. | 11.2% |
| T28 | Delaware | 11.2% |
| 30 | Wyoming | 13.1% |
| 31 | Mississippi | 14.1% |
| 32 | West Virginia | 14.6% |
| 33 | Montana | 19.0% |
| 34 | South Dakota | 20.9% |
July 2024: Nevada Shines in Summer Months
The gambling capital of the U.S. was, once again, home to the best sports bettors in July. Despite the summer month slowdown, bettors in Nevada posted a 6.9% win rate, the best in the country.
Only New Hampshire and Illinois had a hold rate under double digits, underlying how difficult it is to win in sports betting in the summer months.
July was a rough month for bettors across the country, as they combined for an 11.2% win rate. The state of Montana brought up the rear with a 19.3% hold.
| Rank 🏆 | State 📍 | Hold % |
|---|---|---|
| 1⭐ | Nevada | 6.9% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 7.3% |
| 3 | Illinois | 9.3% |
| 4 | Iowa | 10.0% |
| 5 | Colorado | 10.2% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 10.3% |
| 7 | Arizona | 10.4% |
| 8 | Arkansas | 10.5% |
| T9 | Rhode Island | 11.0% |
| T9 | Kansas | 11.0% |
| 11 | New York | 11.1% |
| T12 | Indiana | 11.3% |
| T12 | Michigan | 11.3% |
| 14 | Oregon | 11.4% |
| 15 | Ohio | 11.6% |
| T16 | Virginia | 11.9% |
| T16 | Kentucky | 11.9% |
| 18 | New Jersey | 12.3% |
| 19 | North Carolina | 12.4% |
| T20 | Pennsylvania | 12.7% |
| T20 | West Virginia | 12.7% |
| T22 | Connecticut | 13.0% |
| T22 | Vermont | 13.0% |
| T24 | Louisiana | 13.1% |
| T24 | Maryland | 13.1% |
| 26 | Mississippi | 13.5% |
| 27 | Tennessee | 13.8% |
| 28 | D.C. | 14.2% |
| 29 | Maine | 14.3% |
| 30 | Wyoming | 15.5% |
| T31 | South Dakota | 17.1% |
| T31 | Delaware | 17.1% |
| 33 | Montana | 19.3% |
June 2024: South Dakota Outduels Nevada
Sports betting states combined to produce a 9.5% hold rate in the month of June. It was a better outcome for bettors than in May when the hold rate sat at 10.6%.
South Dakota reassumed the mantle, grabbing the top spot from Nevada with an impressive 3.7% hold rate. That followed an unsightly 10.4% mark in May.
Nevada didn't fall too far behind, coming in with a 6.2% hold percentage. New Jersey and Colorado followed with an 8.0% mark.
Once again, D.C. brought up the rear with a 13.5% win rate. The district had been operating with a single operator and recently adopted FanDuel as its sportsbook, but more competition is coming.
| Rank 🏆 | State 📍 | Hold % |
|---|---|---|
| 1⭐ | South Dakota | 3.7% |
| 2 | Nevada | 6.2% |
| T3 | New Jersey | 8.0% |
| T3 | Colorado | 8.0% |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 8.1% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 8.3% |
| 7 | Iowa | 8.5% |
| 8 | Maine | 8.9% |
| 9 | New York | 9.1% |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 9.3% |
| 11 | Ohio | 9.7% |
| T12 | Connecticut | 9.9% |
| T12 | Wyoming | 9.9% |
| T14 | Mississippi | 10.0% |
| T14 | Illinois | 10.0% |
| 16 | North Carolina | 10.1% |
| 17 | Indiana | 10.2% |
| T18 | Vermont | 10.3% |
| T18 | Maryland | 10.3% |
| T18 | Arkansas | 10.3% |
| T21 | Kansas | 10.4% |
| T21 | Arizona | 10.4% |
| T23 | Kentucky | 10.5% |
| T23 | Delaware | 10.5% |
| 25 | New Hampshire | 10.7% |
| T26 | Virginia | 11.0% |
| T26 | Montana | 11.0% |
| 28 | Oregon | 11.1% |
| 29 | Michigan | 11.2% |
| 30 | Tennessee | 11.7% |
| 31 | West Virginia | 12.5% |
| 32 | Louisiana | 12.8% |
| 33 | D.C. | 13.5% |
May 2024: Nevada Back on Top
Nevada, the gambling mecca, was once again home to the sharpest sports bettors in the month of May. Nevadans and bettors from South Dakota have been passing the mantle back and forth, but it returned to the Silver State. Overall, bettors took a beating in May, with a combined 10.6% win rate, but Nevada's win percentage of 7.0 set the bar.
Bettors in Mississippi weren't far behind. The Magnolia State was one of the earliest to adopt legalized sports betting and that experience is paying off.
D.C. trailed the field with a 15.5% win rate.
| Rank 🏆 | State 📍 | Hold % |
|---|---|---|
| 1⭐ | Nevada | 7.0% |
| 2 | Mississippi | 7.6% |
| 3 | Maine | 8.5% |
| 4 | Arkansas | 8.9% |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 9.0% |
| 6 | Iowa | 9.2% |
| 7 | New Jersey | 9.4% |
| T8 | Illinois | 10.0% |
| T8 | Massachusetts | 10.0% |
| T8 | Kansas | 10.0% |
| T11 | Colorado | 10.1% |
| T11 | Vermont | 10.1% |
| 13 | New York | 10.3% |
| T14 | Pennsylvania | 10.4% |
| T14 | South Dakota | 10.4% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 10.5% |
| 17 | Indiana | 10.7% |
| T18 | Arizona | 11.0% |
| T18 | Ohio | 11.0% |
| 20 | New Hampshire | 11.2% |
| 21 | West Virginia | 11.3% |
| T22 | Delaware | 11.6% |
| T22 | Oregon | 11.6% |
| 24 | Maryland | 11.8% |
| T25 | Kentucky | 11.9% |
| T25 | Virginia | 11.9% |
| T27 | North Carolina | 12.0% |
| T27 | Michigan | 12.0% |
| 29 | Montana | 12.3% |
| 30 | Tennessee | 12.7% |
| 31 | Wyoming | 13.3% |
| 32 | Louisiana | 13.5% |
| 33 | D.C. | 15.5% |
April 2024: South Dakota Stays Sharp
The only legal sports betting available in South Dakota is via retail outlets, but bettors in the Mount Rushmore State continue to feast. Their -2.3 hold percentage was far and away the best mark in the month of April, and follows a string in which South Dakota was home to the sharpest bettors in four straight months in 2023.
It topped bettors in Nevada, who had the best mark in March. Colorado, Rhode Island, and Iowa rounded out the top five.
New to the scene, North Carolina sportsbooks posted a sky-high 16.2% win rate in the Tar Heel State's second full month of legalized sports betting.
| Rank 🏆 | State 📍 | Hold % |
|---|---|---|
| 1⭐ | South Dakota | -2.3% |
| 2 | Nevada | 5.4% |
| 3 | Colorado | 6.3% |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 7.3% |
| 5 | Iowa | 7.9% |
| 6 | Illinois | 8.2% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 8.4% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 8.9% |
| T9 | Mississippi | 9.1% |
| T9 | Pennsylvania | 9.1% |
| T9 | Arkansas | 9.1% |
| T12 | New York | 9.3% |
| T12 | Kansas | 9.3% |
| 14 | Wyoming | 9.7% |
| 15 | Arizona | 9.8% |
| 16 | Indiana | 9.9% |
| T17 | New Jersey | 10.2% |
| T17 | West Virginia | 10.2% |
| T17 | Oregon | 10.2% |
| 20 | Maryland | 10.4% |
| 21 | Michigan | 10.5% |
| 22 | Vermont | 10.6% |
| 23 | Virginia | 10.8% |
| 24 | Delaware | 10.9% |
| T25 | Ohio | 11.0% |
| T25 | Maine | 11.0% |
| 27 | Tennessee | 11.5% |
| 28 | Connecticut | 11.6% |
| 29 | Montana | 11.8% |
| 30 | Kentucky | 12.4% |
| 31 | D.C. | 13.2% |
| 32 | Louisiana | 14.3% |
| 33 | North Carolina | 16.2% |
March 2024: Nevada Dominates March
Nevada bettors put together their best hold percentage since November of last year, with a 3.8% mark in March. It should come as no surprise that the sharpest bettors were found in the betting capital of the world during March Madness.
Maine rebounded from a 12.9% mark in February to post the second-best hold rate in March. Perhaps Maine bettors backed the nearby UConn Huskies, who won their second consecutive NCAA men's basketball title.
Kansas was bounced in the second round of the March Madness tournament, but that didn't stop Kansans from again posting an impressive hold rate.
| Rank 🏆 | State 📍 | Hold % |
|---|---|---|
| 1⭐ | Nevada | 3.8% |
| 2 | Maine | 5.9% |
| 3 | Kansas | 6.6% |
| T4 | New Jersey | 6.7% |
| T4 | Iowa | 6.7% |
| 6 | Arkansas | 6.8% |
| 7 | Rhode Island | 6.9% |
| T8 | South Dakota | 7.3% |
| T8 | Massachusetts | 7.3% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 7.4% |
| 11 | Virginia | 7.5% |
| T12 | Mississippi | 7.6% |
| T12 | Indiana | 7.6% |
| T12 | Montana | 7.6% |
| T12 | Colorado | 7.6% |
| T12 | Vermont | 7.6% |
| 17 | Arizona | 7.8% |
| T18 | Illinois | 7.9% |
| T18 | Ohio | 7.9% |
| 20 | Pennsylvania | 8.0% |
| 21 | New York | 8.2% |
| 22 | Maryland | 8.4% |
| 23 | Kentucky | 8.6% |
| T24 | D.C. | 8.7% |
| T24 | Michigan | 8.7% |
| T26 | Delaware | 8.8% |
| T26 | Tennessee | 8.8% |
| T26 | Connecticut | 8.8% |
| 29 | West Virginia | 9.3% |
| 30 | Wyoming | 9.7% |
| 31 | North Carolina | 10.1% |
| 32 | Oregon | 10.5% |
| 33 | Louisiana | 10.8% |
February 2024: Super Month for South Dakota
South Dakota was, once again, home to the sharpest bettors in America in February. State bettors grabbed an incredibly impressive -5.5 hold percentage for the month. Perhaps South Dakotans all banded together to bet on the nearby Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
That would also explain how Kansas came in second at 4.2%. Sportsbooks across the country took a beating after the underdog Chiefs won outright.
Again, books are happy with the returns in the states that have most recently legalized sports betting. Vermont and Maine sit in the bottom third in hold percentage.
| Rank 🏆 | State 📍 | Hold % |
|---|---|---|
| 1⭐ | South Dakota | -5.5% |
| 2 | Kansas | 4.2% |
| 3 | Colorado | 4.8% |
| 4 | Montana | 5.4% |
| T5 | New Jersey | 6.2% |
| T5 | Iowa | 6.2% |
| 7 | Arkansas | 6.5% |
| 8 | Nevada | 6.7% |
| T9 | Michigan | 7.3% |
| T9 | Mississippi | 7.3% |
| 11 | New York | 7.4% |
| T12 | Delaware | 7.5% |
| T12 | Rhode Island | 7.5% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 7.6% |
| 15 | Illinois | 7.8% |
| 16 | Arizona | 8.5% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 8.6% |
| 18 | West Virginia | 9.0% |
| T19 | Indiana | 9.2% |
| T19 | Virginia | 9.2% |
| 21 | Maryland | 9.8% |
| T22 | Ohio | 9.9% |
| T22 | Massachusetts | 9.9% |
| 24 | Tennessee | 10.0% |
| 25 | D.C. | 10.2% |
| 26 | Kentucky | 10.3% |
| 27 | New Hampshire | 10.6% |
| 28 | Louisiana | 11.3% |
| 29 | Oregon | 11.5% |
| 30 | Vermont | 12.0% |
| 31 | Wyoming | 12.5% |
| 32 | Maine | 12.9% |
January 2024: Vermont Takes Beating in Debut Month
Markets opened 2024 with their best month since May 2023, grabbing a nationwide hold rate of 11%. It's the first double-digit hold rate since July.
This is exemplified by the fact the top hold percentage by state was 8% in Michigan. Again, Nevada was not far behind, with an 8.3% hold.
Bookmakers were happy to welcome Vermont to the legal sports betting fray, as the state posted the highest hold rate at 21.1%. There was no beginners luck for bettors in the Green Mountain State.
| Rank 🏆 | State 📍 | Hold % |
|---|---|---|
| 1⭐ | Michigan | 8.0% |
| 2 | Nevada | 8.3% |
| 3 | Iowa | 8.5% |
| 4 | Kansas | 8.7% |
| 5 | Colorado | 9.0% |
| 6 | New Jersey | 9.9% |
| 7 | Arizona | 10.0% |
| 8 | Illinois | 10.4% |
| 9 | New York | 10.8% |
| 10 | South Dakota | 10.9% |
| 11 | Indiana | 11.1% |
| T12 | Massachusetts | 11.2% |
| T12 | Rhode Island | 11.2% |
| T14 | Pennsylvania | 11.4% |
| T14 | Virginia | 11.4% |
| 16 | Arkansas | 11.6% |
| 17 | D.C. | 12.1% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 12.3% |
| 19 | West Virginia | 12.8% |
| 20 | Tennessee | 13.0% |
| 21 | Wyoming | 13.1% |
| 22 | New Hampshire | 13.4% |
| 23 | Ohio | 14.0% |
| 24 | Oregon | 14.1% |
| 25 | Maine | 14.6% |
| 26 | Maryland | 14.7% |
| T27 | Kentucky | 14.9% |
| T27 | Mississippi | 14.9% |
| 29 | Louisiana | 15.2% |
| 30 | Delaware | 16.8% |
| 31 | Vermont | 21.1% |
2023: Five-Peat for Nevada
For the fifth consecutive year, Nevada was home to the sharpest bettors in America. It should come as no surprise, as Las Vegas has long been known as the gambling mecca in the U.S.
The gap between the Silver State and the second-best state on the list - Colorado - was pretty vast. Nonetheless, Colorado bettors showed well, placing second for the third time in four years.
Florida, Kentucky, and Maine began offering online sports betting in 2023.
And, once again, Delaware posted the worst hold rate in America at 22.3%. Delaware has ranked last on this list every year since 2019.
| Rank 🏆 | State 📍 | Hold % |
|---|---|---|
| 1⭐ | Nevada | 5.8% |
| 2 | Colorado | 7.0% |
| 3 | Iowa | 8.2% |
| 4 | New Jersey | 8.4% |
| 5 | Arizona | 8.5% |
| T6 | Illinois | 8.6% |
| T6 | Kansas | 8.6% |
| 8 | Rhode Island | 8.7% |
| 9 | New York | 8.8% |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 8.9% |
| 11 | Michigan | 9.0% |
| 12 | Arkansas | 9.2% |
| 13 | Indiana | 9.3% |
| T14 | New Hampshire | 9.7% |
| T14 | Massachusetts | 9.7% |
| T16 | Connecticut | 9.9% |
| T16 | West Virginia | 9.9% |
| T18 | Virginia | 10.0% |
| T18 | Wyoming | 10.0% |
| T18 | Florida | 10.0% |
| 21 | Mississippi | 10.8% |
| 22 | Tennessee | 10.9% |
| T23 | South Dakota | 11.1% |
| T23 | Maryland | 11.1% |
| T25 | D.C. | 11.2% |
| T25 | Oregon | 11.2% |
| T25 | Maine | 11.2% |
| 28 | Ohio | 12.2% |
| T29 | Louisiana | 12.6% |
| T29 | Kentucky | 12.6% |
| 31 | Montana | 13.6% |
| 32 | Delaware | 22.3% |
- Florida data begins in December 2023
- Kentucky data begins in September 2023
- Maine data begins in November 2023
2022: Four in a row for Nevada
In a shocking twist, bettors in Nevada, the state that has long had legal sports betting and is home to some of the country’s sharpest gamblers, fared the best in 2022. OK, maybe it’s not all that shocking. But it happened, and the reasons above help explain why.
2022 was a busy year for sports betting across the U.S. Online New York sports betting officially launched, turning the state into the biggest legal sports betting market in the country. Louisiana sportsbooks also launched online in 2022, as did Maryland sports betting in the latter half of the year. Moreover, the groundwork was laid for the January 1, 2023, launch of sports betting in Ohio, which became another significant market overnight.
And, yes, Delaware bettors had a rough year, as the state posted a hold of 21%, the highest in the country. This is what happens when a state loves its parlay cards.
| Rank 🏆 | State 📍 | Hold % |
|---|---|---|
| 1⭐ | Nevada | 5.1% |
| 2 | Colorado | 6.8% |
| 3 | New Jersey | 7.0% |
| 4 | Iowa | 7.1% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 7.5% |
| 6 | Arizona | 8.0% |
| T7 | Illinois | 8.2% |
| T7 | Pennsylvania | 8.2% |
| 9 | New York | 8.4% |
| T10 | Indiana | 8.7% |
| T10 | Michigan | 8.7% |
| T12 | Connecticut | 8.9% |
| T12 | West Virginia | 8.9% |
| T14 | Louisiana | 9.3% |
| T14 | Rhode Island | 9.3% |
| 16 | Arkansas | 9.6% |
| T17 | Tennessee | 9.8% |
| T17 | Virginia | 9.8% |
| 19 | Oregon | 9.9% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 10.2% |
| 21 | Kansas | 10.6% |
| 22 | Washington, D.C. | 10.7% |
| 23 | Mississippi | 11.4% |
| 24 | South Dakota | 12.1% |
| 25 | Montana | 13.6% |
| 26 | Maryland | 15.2% |
| 27 | Delaware | 21.0% |
- New York data includes online sports betting and retail wagering at for commercial casinos.
- Montana data encompasses April 2022 to December 2022 only.
2021: Nevada makes it three straight
How does a state's hold shrink? A lot of sharps making a lot of bets, which happened in Nevada in 2021. Bettors won at the highest clip of anywhere in the U.S. during the year, in which some legal markets were still finding their footing.
In Maryland, for instance, legal sports betting began in late 2021 at casinos, but there were no authorized online wagering options during the year. Maryland wound up with the second-highest hold in the U.S. for 2021, trailing only Delaware, which, again, loves its parlay cards.
But there's more: There were several other milestones for the legal sports betting industry in 2021, including an online-only launch in Virginia and a more fulsome debut in Arizona.
| Rank 🏆 | State 📍 | Hold % |
|---|---|---|
| 1⭐ | Nevada | 5.5% |
| 2 | Iowa | 6.1% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 6.2% |
| 4 | Colorado | 6.5% |
| T5 | New Jersey | 7.5% |
| T5 | Illinois | 7.5% |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | 7.7% |
| 8 | Michigan | 8.0% |
| 9 | Indiana | 8.1% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 8.5% |
| 11 | West Virginia | 8.6% |
| 12 | Tennessee | 8.8% |
| 13 | Virginia | 8.9% |
| T14 | Oregon | 9.2% |
| T14 | Arizona | 9.2% |
| T14 | Connecticut | 9.2% |
| 17 | South Dakota | 9.6% |
| 18 | Wyoming | 9.9% |
| 19 | Mississippi | 11.2% |
| 20 | New York | 11.8% |
| 21 | Arkansas | 12.6% |
| 22 | Washington, D.C. | 13.2% |
| 23 | Louisiana | 15.0% |
| 24 | Maryland | 19.2% |
| 25 | Delaware | 20.9% |
- Arizona, South Dakota, and Wyoming data begins in September 2021.
- Connecticut data begins in October 2021.
- Louisiana data begins in November 2021.
- Maryland data begins in December 2021.
- New York data comprises wagering at four commercial casinos from April to December.
2020: Nevada goes back-to-back
Yes, Nevada bettors were the top-performing punters in the U.S. in 2020. See above. And, yes, bettors using Delaware sportsbooks were the worst-performing punters. Again: see above.
Still, some fairly big changes happened during 2020, such as an online-only Tennessee sports betting launch (which had a unique 10% annual hold requirement for operators) and a retail and mobile start for Colorado sportsbooks. Those launches took place as the COVID-19 pandemic buffeted the gaming industry.
Legal Michigan sports betting launched in 2020 as well, although online wagering wouldn't begin until early 2021. Illinois sports betting, of the retail variety, started in March 2020, but a mobile version didn't arrive until June.
| Rank 🏆 | State 📍 | Hold % |
|---|---|---|
| 1⭐ | Nevada | 6.0% |
| 2 | Colorado | 6.4% |
| 3 | New Jersey | 6.6% |
| 4 | Illinois | 6.7% |
| 5 | West Virginia | 6.8% |
| 6 | Iowa | 7.2% |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | 7.5% |
| 8 | Indiana | 7.7% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 8.1% |
| 10 | Tennessee | 8.7% |
| 11 | Oregon | 9.2% |
| 12 | Rhode Island | 10.8% |
| 13 | Mississippi | 12.0% |
| 14 | Arkansas | 13.1% |
| 15 | Michigan | 14.0% |
| 16 | Washington, D.C. | 16.8% |
| 17 | Delaware | 26.1% |
- Illinois and Michigan data begins in March 2020.
- Colorado and Washington, D.C. data begins in May 2020.
- Tennessee data begins in November 2020.
2019: Nevada's bettors are sharpest
With legal sports betting merely starting to ramp up its expansion in 2019, Nevada players narrowly edged out their NJ sports betting counterparts for the title of best bettors in the U.S. Meanwhile, parlay-happy Delaware placed last in the nation with a nearly 20% hold.
| Rank 🏆 | State 📍 | Hold % |
|---|---|---|
| 1⭐ | Nevada | 6.2% |
| T2 | New Jersey | 6.5% |
| T2 | Oregon | 6.5% |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 7.2% |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 7.5% |
| 6 | West Virginia | 8.5% |
| 7 | Iowa | 9.1% |
| 8 | Indiana | 9.5% |
| 9 | Arkansas | 11.8% |
| 10 | Mississippi | 12.0% |
| 11 | New Hampshire | 12.4% |
| 12 | Delaware | 19.5% |
- Arkansas data begins in July 2019.
- Iowa data begins in August 2019.
- Indiana data begins in September 2019.
- Oregon data begins in October 2019.
- New Hampshire data is December 2019 only.
- West Virginia numbers are a projection using the state's weekly data reporting.
Quick facts: States with the winningest sports bettors
| State with best sports bettors 2024 | Nevada⭐ |
| Lowest hold percentage 2024 | 1.8% in December |
| The busiest time for sportsbooks | Super Bowl⭐ |
| Average hold percentage | 2018 (6.7%) - 2022 (8.1%) |
| States with legal sports betting | 38 plus DC ✅ |
| Legal and pending states | 1 |
| State with the highest tax rate | New York (51%) |
| Legal age for betting | 21; 18 (MT, NH, RI, WY) |
Which states are included in our analysis?
In 2025, legal sports betting transpires in 38 states, plus D.C.. Several of those states factor prominently into our analysis of the states with the winningest sports bettors.
Additional markets including Nebraska, Minnesota, and Missouri, have active sports betting legislation on the table.
| State | Launch date |
|---|---|
| September 2021 | |
| July 2019 | |
| May 2020 | |
| September 2021 | |
| December 2023 | |
| March 2020 | |
| September 2019 | |
| August 2019 | |
| September 2022 | |
| September 2023 | |
| January 2022 | |
| Maryland | November 2022 |
| Massachusetts | March 2023 |
| Maine | November 2023 |
| January 2021 | |
| March 2024 | |
| July 2019 | |
| June 2018 | |
| January 2022 | |
| January 2023 | |
| October 2019 | |
| November 2018 | |
| November 2020 | |
| January 2024 | |
| January 2021 | |
| August 2018 | |
| September 2021 |
States closing in on legal sports betting
Monitor and track the legislative progress of states moving toward legal sports betting in 2023:
Sports betting news
Covers and credibility
Covers has gained an esteemed reputation as a reliable and authoritative source of sports betting information, leading numerous news outlets to turn to us for insights. Here are some prominent publications and media outlets that have referenced Covers and our esteemed industry experts, acknowledging our credibility:
Sports betting resources
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More industry resources
With over 30 states and the District of Columbia now authorizing legal sports betting, individuals interested in the sports betting industry can refer to the following informative websites:
- American Gaming Association (AGA): This organization is committed to promoting, educating, and advocating for responsible gambling while advancing the interests of the gambling industry.
- Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA): Learn about the Supreme Court of the United States ruling pertaining to sports betting.
- National Council on Problem Gambling: If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, a toll-free helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER, is available 24/7 to provide assistance.
States with the best sports bettors FAQ
Nevada sports bettors are some of the sharpest in the USA, getting the better of sportsbooks for four consecutive years from 2019-2022. In early 2023, New Hampshire bettors have gotten the best of the state's only sportsbook, DraftKings. Several other states have gained recognition for their knowledgeable and successful sports bettors including Kansas, New Jersey, and Colorado.
Yes, Pennsylvania and Colorado are also recognized for their vibrant sports betting communities. Pennsylvania's market benefits from its proximity to major sports cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and the state has experienced significant growth since legalization. Colorado, on the other hand, has a tech-savvy population and has seen a surge in sports betting activity since its legalization in 2020.
Yes, the Northeastern United States in particular have gained recognition as hotspots for skilled sports bettors. These regions are often characterized by a combination of factors such as a strong sports culture, a history of legal sports betting, and a vibrant gambling community.
Yes. Nevada has long been considered a hub for sports betting due to its early legalization and the presence of renowned sportsbooks in cities like Las Vegas. Additionally, states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Colorado have experienced significant growth in their sports betting markets, attracting both professional and recreational bettors. Keep in mind that the popularity of sports betting and the concentration of professional bettors can fluctuate over time as more states legalize and regulate the industry.
Nevada, New Jersey, and Colorado boast some of the most successful sports bettors.
Nevada has a longstanding reputation for its sports betting scene due to its early legalization of sports betting. Nevada is also home to many of the country's sharpest bettors. The state's expertise in the industry is attributed to its long history of hosting major sportsbooks and being home to Las Vegas, which attracts professional sports bettors and offers a wide range of betting opportunities.
Yes, they can. While certain states may have a reputation for their sports betting communities, skilled bettors can come from anywhere. With the rise of online betting platforms, individuals across the United States have access to the same opportunities and resources to develop their sports betting expertise. Success in sports betting is determined by knowledge, strategy, and disciplined bankroll management rather than geographical location.
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