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 are now accepting various types of sports wagers. The North Carolina State Lottery Commission issued rules for implementing HB 347, effective January 8, 2024. This move has set a precedent for other states considering similar legislation.
Georgia’s Legislative Efforts
Georgia is also making strides towards legalizing online sports betting. The Senate passed a bill (SB 386) on February 1, 2024, to legalize online sports betting. This bill requires an amendment to the state constitution. The Senate also passed SR 579 to approve the required amendment for a statewide vote. Both SB 386 and SR 579 need House approval. Licensing would be administered by the Georgia Lottery Corporation with seven Type 1 licenses available through competitive procurement.
Alabama’s Push for Legalization
Alabama is another state where legislators are pushing for change. The Alabama House passed two bills on February 15, 2024. HB 152 would legalize in-person and online sports gambling, create the Alabama Gaming Commission, authorize up to seven casinos, and permit a state lottery. HB 151 proposes a constitutional amendment required for HB 152 to become effective. However, the Senate made major changes by removing the legalization of sports betting and casinos from the bills. Ultimate enactment requires voter approval expected in November 2024.
Mississippi’s Online Betting Bill
Mississippi currently allows retail sports betting at specific physical locations, but online sports betting is prohibited. The Mississippi House passed HB 774 on February 1, which would legalize online gambling if it becomes law. Online platforms must partner with a casino to offer online sports gambling within Mississippi. The bill is now with the state Senate, which has until April 2 to vote on it.
Texas Faces Legislative Hurdles
Texas has seen efforts to legalize sports betting, but these have faced significant hurdles. The Texas House passed legislation to legalize sports betting, but it died in the Senate. The next opportunity for legislation will be when the Legislature reconvenes in 2025. Texas professional sports owners support legalization through the Texas Sports Betting Alliance. Mark Cuban, former majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, is a vocal proponent.
Missouri’s Ballot Initiative
Missouri is another state to watch. A ballot initiative for sports betting has significant support from professional teams. More than the required signatures have been submitted for the November ballot. Two bills have been filed in the state senate, differing mainly on taxation rates and the inclusion of video lottery terminals.
California and Florida’s Prospects
California and Florida are also being closely watched for potential legalization efforts. California has seen failed ballot initiatives due to a lack of tribal support, and there are no immediate plans for legalization. In Florida, the situation remains uncertain, but there is growing interest in legalizing sports betting.
General Trends and Statistics
The sports betting industry is rapidly growing, with over $8 billion in revenue in 2023. It is expected to become a $14 billion industry by 2027. Sports betting is now legal in 38 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. The Supreme Court’s decision in 2018 to strike down a 1992 federal law has allowed states to legalize sports betting.
Challenges and Opposition
Not all states are expected to legalize sports betting. Utah is unlikely to do so, and while Hawaii has shown some legislative efforts recently, it remains uncertain. Critics of sports betting cite dangers of gambling addiction and financial pitfalls. There are also doubts about whether avoiding a constitutional amendment will withstand legal scrutiny.
Future Prospects
Many states have legalized some form of online sports wagering, and momentum continues as additional states draft new bills or update existing regulations. Operators and businesses should monitor updates to state laws and regulations. The legalization of online sports betting aims to reduce the influence of illegal offshore sports betting platforms and generate significant tax revenue for states.
In conclusion, the landscape of online sports betting in the USA is rapidly evolving. States like North Carolina and Georgia are leading the way, while others like Texas and Missouri are making significant efforts. As more states consider legalization, the industry is set to grow, offering new opportunities and challenges.
