The first legal sportsbook in the United States was established in Nevada in 1949.

[ProGambler]

The first legal sportsbook in the United States was indeed established in Nevada in 1949.

In 1931, the state of Nevada legalized gambling in an effort to boost its economy during the Great Depression. This move made Nevada an attractive destination for various forms of gambling, including sports betting. However, it wasn't until 1949 that the first legal sportsbook, as we understand it today, opened in Nevada.

The Turf Club, which was located in Las Vegas, Nevada, is widely regarded as the first legal sportsbook in the United States. It began accepting bets on horse racing and expanded to other sports over time. The establishment of the Turf Club marked a significant milestone in the history of sports betting, as it provided a legal and regulated environment for individuals to place bets on sports events.

 

[CR7]

Yes, that's correct! The Turf Club was a popular destination for sports bettors in the 1950s and 1960s, and its success led to the opening of other sportsbooks in Las Vegas and the wider state of Nevada. However, it's worth noting that sports betting wasn't widely legalized outside of Nevada until after the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. Today, sports betting is legal in several states, and more are expected to follow suit in the coming years.