Not only have a growing number of states legalized sports wagering, but some are also considering at least some kind of online casino gaming. Mny state legislators see gaming as a means to bring in more revenue as other neighboring states cash in on gaming revenue.
A few of those considering new retail and online gaming proposals include Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, New York, and more. Here’s a quick look at current states considering some kind of online gaming expansion.
Georgia
Legislators looked to legalize sports betting, including online and mobile options, in 2023 without needing a constitutional amendment. However, the state’s Senate voted multiple measures down and the House never got a chance to vote. Supporters are now hoping for the issue to return in 2024.
Illinois
IL online sports betting is already legal, but some legislators hoped to bring online gaming and poker to the state as well. Separate House and Senate bills went to committee, but some insiders believe the bills may get stuck in committee and not receive full votes before the General Assembly adjourns on May 19.
Indiana
Indiana online sports betting has been legal since 2019. Some state legislators have shown interest in legalizing online casino and poker in the past, but this year a proposal never made it to a committee. Rep. Bobby Kaufmann (R) has filed legislation each of the last three years. But with the deadline now passed to hear bills, legalization isn’t going to happen.
Kentucky
A few legislators have shown support for online poker in the past, but those efforts look to be taking a backseat this year. Instead legislators are focused on a retail and online sports betting bill, which passed the House along a bipartisan vote in March, 63-34.
The Senate then passed a version of the bill, which Gov. Andy Beshear (D) quickly signed the bill. He hopes betting will be live by this fall’s NFL season.
“The people are really excited about this,” he noted, “so we want to get it up and going as quickly as we can but also to do it right.”
Maine
Online sports betting became legal in 2022, but it could be six months before residents can wager. The state is still in the regulation writing phase, but operators could begin applying in February. Gambling Control Unit executive director Milt Champion said no companies had applied by early April.
Maryland
Legislators attempted to legalize online slots, table games, and poker, but the issue failed to pass by the end of the legislative session on April 10. Maryland online sports betting was legalized in 2022.
Minnesota
Legislative efforts continue for retail and online sports betting legislation, but some hurdles remain including navigating the tribal casinos and racing horse racing industry. Passage seems possible but getting across the finish line still means plenty of work.
Missouri
No online casino gaming, but a sports betting bill has passed the House. There seemed to be promise, but approval from the Senate now seems in doubt.
“The top Republican and Democrat in the state Senate agreed last week that the chances are slim with only five weeks remaining in this year’s session,” the Missouri Independent noted on Monday. “That pessimistic assessment was made the morning after the chamber spent eight hours arguing about how and whether to expand gambling in the state.”
New Hampshire
With retail and online sports betting already legal since 2019, lawmakers are at least taking a stab at legalizing online casino gaming. The Senate approved a bill by a 12-11 vote on March 31. House passage could be tough, experts warn, and the legislative session comes to a close on June 30.
New York
After approving online sports betting in 2022, there is some movement toward iGaming as well. However, despite some legislators promising more than $1 billion in revenue for the state, the issue may face an uphill climb
Rhode Island
Bally’s, which owns Rhode Island’s two land-based casinos, recently announced its support for online gaming legalization. The state already offers online sports betting. The company was hoping to see legislation introduced in this session.
“We see this as a vital step to secure our competitive advantage and ensure critical revenue to the state,” Bally’s Senior Vice President Craig Eaton told the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce.
Texas
A retail sports betting bill has been filed but faces long odds. If approved, voters would also have to approve a constitutional amendment.
Vermont
In a state with very little gaming, it looks like a sports betting proposal actually has a shot of passage. A bill has cleared committees in both the House and Senate and could come to a vote in both. Gov. Phil Scott (R) is believed to favor the move as a revenue driver.
