Three popular apps, Novig, Underdog, and Hard Rock Bet, all let you put money on outcomes, but they do not operate under the same rulebook. One is a federally regulated prediction market, one mixes fantasy contests with a federally regulated exchange, and one is a state-licensed sportsbook. Whether each is available to you depends on your state, and in 2026 that map is still moving.

Where Novig, Underdog and Hard Rock Bet are legal (October 2026)

  • Novig: open to users 21+ in every U.S. state except Arizona, Michigan and Nevada, as a CFTC-regulated sports exchange (checked against Novig's own terms on October 22, 2026).
  • Hard Rock Bet: live only in the 10 states where it holds a sportsbook license: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia (21+).
  • Underdog: fantasy contests where state law allows them, plus sports predictions through its CFTC-regulated exchange, which is how it describes itself as live nationwide.

State rules for prediction markets are being challenged in court in 2026, so confirm the app's own state list before you deposit.

Three products, three rulebooks

  • Novig is a CFTC-designated contract market (Ludlow Exchange, d/b/a Novig). It retired its old sweepstakes currencies and relaunched on August 4, 2026 as a sports-only exchange for users 21+; it does not currently operate in Arizona, Michigan, or Nevada.
  • Underdog offers daily fantasy contests where fantasy is allowed and sports predictions through Underdog Exchange, a CFTC-regulated exchange, which is how it describes itself as live nationwide.
  • Hard Rock Bet is a state-licensed sportsbook and casino, live only where it holds a license.

Why is it legal here is complicated in 2026

Because each model is governed differently, availability is decided state by state, and some of it is being fought over in court right now. Prediction-market sports contracts in particular have drawn legal challenges in several states during 2026, so an app that works in one state may be blocked or contested in the next, and the situation can change month to month.

How to check before you deposit

For a state-by-state view of where each app operates and its minimum age, see our sports apps by state table. Never assume. Every one of these apps publishes a state-availability or eligibility page, and each enforces your location with geolocation and your age at sign-up (18+ for most, 21+ for sportsbooks and some others). Check the app's own current state list, confirm your age eligibility, and remember that being able to create an account is not the same as being able to play or redeem where you live.

Treat it as entertainment, not income

All three carry real risk of loss, and none should be treated as a way to make money. Set a budget you are comfortable losing, never chase losses, and if it stops feeling like entertainment, step away. Help is available any time in the U.S. at 1-800-GAMBLER.

Frequently asked questions

What states is Novig legal in?

Novig is open to users 21+ in every U.S. state except Arizona, Michigan and Nevada (checked October 22, 2026). Confirm Novig's current state list before you deposit, because prediction-market rules are being challenged in some states.

Is Novig still a sweepstakes app?

No. Novig retired Novig Cash and Coins and relaunched on August 4, 2026 as a CFTC-regulated sports prediction exchange. It requires users to be 21+ and does not currently operate in Arizona, Michigan, or Nevada.

What is the difference between daily fantasy and a sportsbook?

Daily fantasy sports like Underdog is regulated as a contest of skill and is legal in more states, while a sportsbook like Hard Rock Bet requires a state gaming license and is only live where licensed.

Apps mentioned in this guide

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