North Carolina Leads the Way
North Carolina has taken a significant step by legalizing online sports betting on March 11, 2024. Licensed operators like FanDuel and DraftKings have started accepting various types of sports wagers. The North Carolina State Lottery Commission issued rules for implementing HB 347, effective January 8, 2024. This move marks a major milestone in the state’s gambling landscape, allowing residents to engage in online sports betting legally.
Georgia’s Legislative Efforts
Georgia is also making strides towards legalizing online sports betting. On February 1, 2024, the Georgia Senate passed SB 386 to legalize online sports betting. This bill requires an amendment to the state constitution. Additionally, the Senate passed SR 579 on February 27, approving the required amendment for a statewide vote. Both bills need House approval. If passed, licenses will be administered by the Georgia Lottery Corporation with seven Type 1 licenses available through a competitive process.
Alabama’s Complex Path
Alabama currently does not have legal sports betting. However, the Alabama House passed two bills on February 15, 2024. HB 152 would legalize in-person and online sports gambling and create the Alabama Gaming Commission. This bill also authorizes up to seven casinos and a state lottery. However, the Senate removed the legalization of sports betting and casinos from the bills on March 5. This requires a constitutional amendment, and voters will decide in November 2024.
Mississippi’s Online Betting Bill
Mississippi has legal retail sports betting at specific physical locations but not online. The Mississippi House passed HB 774 on February 1, 2024, which would legalize online gambling if it becomes law. Online platforms must partner with a casino to offer services statewide. The bill is now with the state Senate, which has until April 2, 2024, to vote. This move could significantly expand the state’s gambling market.
Texas Faces Challenges
Texas remains a challenging state for sports betting legalization. Despite the rapid growth of the sports betting industry, Texas has not yet legalized it. The Texas Legislature meets every other year, and the next session is in an off-year. Previous legislative efforts have failed, and the next opportunity is in the legislative session of 2025. However, Texas professional sports owners support legalization through the Texas Sports Betting Alliance. Mark Cuban, former majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, supports gambling legalization.
Missouri’s Ballot Push
Missouri is another state making efforts to legalize online sports betting. A ballot push for November has significant support from professional teams and financial backing from FanDuel and DraftKings. Two separate bills have been filed in the state senate with differing tax rates and provisions for video lottery terminals (VLTs). The outcome of this push could determine the future of sports betting in Missouri.
California’s Setback
California faced a setback in its efforts to legalize sports betting. A ballot initiative was shelved due to opposition from native tribes. No sports betting apps are expected soon, as previous efforts failed at the polls in 2022. This delay means California residents will have to wait longer for legal sports betting options.
Oklahoma’s Tribal Gaming Issues
Oklahoma has also faced challenges in legalizing sports betting. The governor’s plan excluding tribes did not materialize, and tribal gaming compacts remain a contentious issue. This ongoing dispute has delayed any progress towards legal sports betting in the state.
South Carolina’s Future Efforts
South Carolina saw its sports betting bill fizzle out. Future efforts will likely depend on North Carolina’s success, and any new attempts are likely delayed until 2025. This means South Carolina residents will have to wait longer for legal sports betting options.
National Trends and Future Prospects
Many states are moving towards legalizing some form of online sports wagering. Currently, sports betting is legal and operational in 38 states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. The industry is rapidly growing, with over $8 billion in revenue in 2023 and expected to become a $14 billion industry by 2027. The spike in legal sports betting is attributed to a Supreme Court decision in 2018 that struck down a 1992 law, allowing states to legalize it.
Conclusion
The landscape of online sports betting in the United States is evolving rapidly. States like North Carolina and Georgia are making significant strides, while others like Texas and California face challenges. As more states consider legalization, the industry is poised for substantial growth. Operators and service providers should closely monitor updates to state laws and regulations to stay ahead in this dynamic market.
