Five American states anticipated to rise as prominent locations for internet gambling in the year 2025
The landscape of online sports betting in the United States is undergoing significant changes, with several states moving closer to legalizing this popular activity. Here's a look at some of the top emerging markets for online sports betting in 2025.
Missouri: A Betting Hotspot on the Horizon
Missouri is set to become a major player in the online sports betting scene. Following voter approval in 2024, the state's online sports betting market is scheduled to launch on December 1, 2025. Major operators such as FanDuel and DraftKings are expected to be part of this exciting new market [3][4].
Texas: A Potential New Major Market
Texas shows strong political support for legalizing online sports betting in 2025, positioning it as a potential new major market. Governor Greg Abbott has expressed his support for the move, which could see Texas join the expanding group of legal states [3].
North Carolina: Already a Betting Hotspot
North Carolina has recently legalized online sports betting, and it's already offering several sportsbooks. The state is quickly growing as a betting hotspot [3][4].
Other Emerging Markets
Other states like California and Minnesota have stalled legalization efforts, making them less likely to be top emerging markets in 2025. However, states like Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, and New Jersey are increasing taxes on betting activities but are more mature markets rather than emerging ones [2].
Regional Trends and Tax Adjustments
Other states, such as Oklahoma and Nebraska, are actively growing or increasing sports betting revenues, influenced by regional legalization trends and tax adjustments. Missouri's success could inspire neighboring states to follow suit [1][3][5].
Florida: The Rise of Esports Betting
In Florida, esports betting is gaining traction in the state's sports betting scene. The Supreme Court's decision in 2018 to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) granted each state the right to determine its own laws around sports betting. Florida legalized online sports betting in late 2023 through the Seminole Tribe's Hard Rock Bet app [1].
Legal Landscape Varies Across States
It's important to note that the legal landscape for sports betting varies dramatically across U.S. states, with some states having legalized sports betting while others continue to hold out. The American Gaming Association states that every U.S. state determines its own laws regarding gambling activities, unlike European countries where gambling is regulated at a national level [1].
Nebraska and Oklahoma: Ongoing Discussions
In Nebraska, online sports betting is still illegal despite the state legalizing in-person sports betting in 2021. A proposal to let voters decide on legalizing online sports betting was introduced in early 2025, but was withdrawn before a full Senate vote. Lawmakers are expected to revisit the issue in late 2025 or early 2026 [2].
In Oklahoma, two bills, HB 1027 and SB 1434, passed the House but stalled in the Senate, delaying legalization for the year [2]. The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association's desire for exclusive control over all forms of betting is causing disagreements that are slowing down legalization efforts.
As the year progresses, we can expect to see more developments in these emerging markets for online sports betting, with states like Missouri, Texas, North Carolina, and some neighboring states likely to lead the way. Stay tuned for updates on this fast-evolving landscape.
Sports-betting operators FanDuel and DraftKings are expected to enter Missouri's online sports betting market when it launches on December 1, 2025, making Missouri a likely hotspot for sports-betting activity.
Governor Greg Abbott's expressed support for online sports betting in Texas positions the state as a potential major market for sports-betting activity in 2025.
