Geographic limitation: Jai alai is primarily played in certain regions, such as Florida, Connecticut, and the Basque Country in Spain. As a result, it has not been able to attract a broad national or international following like other sports.

Jai alai became popular in the United States after the state of Florida passed a law in 1935 permitting pari-mutuel wagering on the sport. The first fronton, or jai alai arena, was located in Miami, Fla. Today there are several in Florida, and frontons have been built in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Nevada.