Impact of the Presidential Election on Texas Sports Betting
The upcoming U.S. presidential election could significantly affect the legalization of sports betting in Texas. Although neither Donald Trump nor Kamala Harris have prioritized this issue in their campaigns, a key cabinet choice might influence its future. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a major opponent of sports betting in Texas, could be considered for a cabinet position if Trump is elected. This potential move might remove a significant barrier to legalization. Patrick has been a strong supporter of Trump and has served as his Texas state chairman since 2016. Political experts suggest that if Patrick joins Trump’s cabinet, it could ease the path for sports betting legislation in Texas.
During the 2023 legislative session, Patrick expressed his opposition to legalized sports betting and casinos, stating he would not bring bills to vote without majority Republican support. The Texas Senate remains controlled by Republicans for the upcoming 2025 session. However, Patrick’s departure could lead to more openness towards gaming legislation. In 2023, the Texas House approved an online sports betting bill and a constitutional amendment for legalization, but it stalled due to lack of Republican support in the Senate led by Patrick. For a bill to pass in the Senate, it requires a two-thirds majority (21 votes), needing both Democrat and Republican support. A new lieutenant governor might be more open to discussing gaming legislation even without overwhelming Republican support.
Ohio’s Legal Sports Betting Landscape
Ohio has successfully launched legal sports betting, allowing bets both online and in person. Bettors must be 21 or older and physically located in Ohio to place wagers, verified by geolocation technology. Available sportsbooks include bet365, Fanatics Sportsbook, BetMGM, DraftKings, Caesars, ESPN BET, Betr, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet, and betJACK. Betting options cover major American leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, and NHL, as well as college sports, European basketball leagues, cricket, and rugby.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission regulates sports betting in the state. Online betting runs through partnerships between sports teams or physical gaming facilities and national brands. A 10% tax is applied, with proceeds funding education, youth sports, and problem gambling assistance. Ohio’s law allows for over 40 online sports betting apps and in-person betting at various venues like casinos and stadiums. Key sportsbooks offer promotions such as bonus bets upon registration or first bet safety nets up to certain amounts. Notable partnerships include bet365 with the Cleveland Guardians and Fanatics with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
California’s Struggle with Sports Betting Legalization
As of November 2024, sports betting remains illegal in California. Attempts to introduce legislation for sports betting have failed, with Propositions 26 and 27 rejected in the 2022 elections. While horse racing betting is legal, other forms of sports betting remain on hold. California residents can place bets online using offshore sportsbooks. These platforms are licensed offshore and have been operational for decades without prosecution for users.
Top offshore sportsbooks include BetOnline, known for its user-friendly mobile site and up to $250 in free bets, and Bovada, which offers a rewarding VIP program and daily specials. BetUS provides match previews and predictions with a welcome bonus up to $2,625, while MyBookie features an extensive selection of prop bets with quick payouts. BetNow offers rebate programs and exciting contests. No changes in legislation are expected before the next state elections in 2026, with the potential legalization timeline extending to as late as 2028 according to industry stakeholders.
Daily Fantasy Sports and Neighboring States’ Laws
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) remains unregulated but not illegal in California. The market is significant, yet no revenue goes to the state. Popular sports and teams for wagering in California include NFL teams like the LA Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, and LA Rams. College football also attracts significant interest due to numerous local teams and events like the Rose Bowl.
Payment methods at recommended platforms include a variety of deposit and withdrawal options such as cryptocurrencies, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill. While no downloadable apps exist from partner brands, mobile sites offer similar features with user-friendly interfaces accessible anytime. Neighboring states have different betting laws. Oregon allows online sports betting through DraftKings, Arizona has multiple sportsbooks, and Nevada remains a gambling hub requiring in-person registration for online accounts.
Conclusion
The landscape of sports betting legalization in the United States is diverse and evolving. While states like Ohio have embraced legal sports betting, others like California face ongoing challenges. The potential impact of political changes, such as the presidential election, could further influence the direction of sports betting legislation in states like Texas. As the industry continues to grow, stakeholders and bettors alike remain keenly interested in the developments that will shape the future of sports betting across the nation.
