Emily WangAl-Nassr vs Al-Ahli Draws Millions of US Bettors: What American Fans Need to Know About Legal Sports Betting in 2026
The Al-Nassr vs Al-Ahli clash in the Saudi Pro League is generating massive betting interest in the United States in 2026. With Cristiano Ronaldo anchoring Al-Nassr and the match drawing global viewership, US sportsbooks are reporting record handle volumes on Saudi Pro League fixtures. But with sports betting now legal in 38 states — and the rules changing fast — millions of American fans risk placing bets without fully understanding the legal framework they're operating in.
The Saudi Pro League Goes Global: Why Americans Are Betting on It
The Saudi Professional League has transformed since 2023, when it lured some of the world's biggest football names. Al-Nassr, with Ronaldo leading the attack, and Al-Ahli, with a roster packed with Premier League veterans, have become household names even for casual American sports fans.
According to the American Gaming Association, Americans legally wagered over $119 billion on sports in 2025 — a 23% increase from the prior year. International soccer fixtures, once a niche market, now account for roughly 12% of all sports wagers placed on legal US sportsbooks. The Al-Nassr vs Al-Ahli matchup has become one of the highest-bet non-US league games in 2026.
Where Is Sports Betting Legal in the US in 2026?
As of April 2026, 38 states plus the District of Columbia have legalized sports betting in some form. However, the rules vary significantly by state:
States with full mobile and retail sports betting: New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Michigan, Illinois, Tennessee, Arizona, New York, and most other legal states offer both mobile apps and physical sportsbooks.
States with retail-only (no mobile apps): A few states, including South Dakota and some tribal compact states, require you to be physically at a licensed casino to place a bet.
States where sports betting remains illegal: Texas, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Minnesota, and a handful of others have not passed sports betting legislation as of 2026. Placing a bet in these states — even on an app registered in another state — can be illegal.
The geolocation rule: All legal US sportsbooks use geolocation technology. Even if you have an account with a legal sportsbook, you cannot place a bet while physically located in a state where sports betting is prohibited. Attempting to circumvent this with a VPN is a violation of your sportsbook's terms and may constitute fraud under state law.
What Happens If You Bet With an Illegal Offshore Site?
Millions of American sports fans still use offshore betting sites — headquartered in Curaçao, Malta, or Antigua — to avoid state restrictions. These platforms are illegal under federal law (the Wire Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1084) when used by US customers to place real-money bets across state lines.
The practical risks include:
- No legal recourse if the site doesn't pay: Offshore sites can disappear overnight. American courts will not enforce collection claims against illegal gambling operators.
- Potential criminal exposure: While prosecution of individual bettors is rare, it is not impossible — particularly for high-volume bettors or those who act as "agents" for others.
- Tax non-compliance: All gambling winnings are taxable in the US regardless of where the bet was placed. Winnings from offshore sites must be reported to the IRS, but the sites don't issue W-2Gs — leaving bettors exposed to audit risk.
- Banking issues: Banks and payment processors can freeze or close accounts linked to offshore gambling transactions.
Taxes on Sports Betting Winnings: What You Must Report
Whether you bet on Al-Nassr vs Al-Ahli through a legal sportsbook or an offshore platform, the IRS expects you to report your winnings. Here's what the law requires:
Threshold for W-2G forms: Legal sportsbooks are required to issue a W-2G form for single bets that win $600 or more AND have odds of at least 300-to-1. However, all gambling winnings — even below this threshold — are taxable as ordinary income.
State taxes: Many states with legal sports betting also levy state income tax on winnings. New York taxes gambling winnings at rates up to 10.9%; New Jersey at up to 10.75%.
Deducting losses: Gambling losses can only be deducted if you itemize deductions — and only up to the amount of your winnings for the year. The IRS requires detailed records: dates, amounts bet, amounts won or lost, and the game or event.
Professional gamblers: If betting is your primary source of income, you may qualify as a professional gambler and file Schedule C, allowing deduction of business expenses. This classification requires careful legal and accounting analysis.
When You Need a Lawyer for a Sports Betting Dispute
Most casual bettors never need legal advice. But certain situations do require professional help:
Sportsbook account disputes: Legal sportsbooks occasionally freeze accounts, withhold winnings, or void bets citing "error." If a sportsbook refuses to pay out a legitimate winning bet, a consumer law attorney can help you file a complaint with your state gaming commission or pursue civil remedies.
Wire fraud or money laundering allegations: Using betting accounts to move money for others, or structuring transactions to avoid reporting requirements, can trigger federal criminal charges. If you've received a grand jury subpoena or been contacted by federal agents about your betting activity, retain an attorney immediately.
IRS audit related to gambling income: If the IRS flags your gambling winnings and losses, a tax attorney or CPA specializing in gambling tax law can help you respond and minimize penalties.
Unauthorized account access: If your legal sportsbook account was hacked and bets were placed without your authorization, an attorney can help you pursue claims against both the hacker and potentially the platform if their security was inadequate.
Sports betting on Saudi Pro League matches is an exciting way to follow the global game — but it pays to know the legal rules before you place your first wager. If you have questions about your gambling-related tax obligations or a sportsbook dispute, consulting a qualified attorney through Expert Zoom can save you significant money and stress.
