Georgia lawmakers are deliberating over a proposed legislation that aims to legitimize online sports betting.
Rewritten Article:
Title: Sports Betting Legislation Remains in Limbo Across the United States
Author: Michael Savio – March 05, 2025
Image by Shawn M. Kent, CC BY-SA 4.0
In Brief:
- New bills are being introduced to set the foundation for sports betting, leaving room for residents to vote
- Last week, the Senate squashed sports betting bills
- It seems Americans are still hungry for legal sports betting
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State of Play:
Sports betting legislation in the United States is a patchwork of progress as various states navigate forward, reject, or sit on the fence with bills pertaining to sports betting. Here’s a glimpse into recent developments and current status:
- Alabama: House Bill 490, aimed at bringing sports betting and setting up a state lottery, was a bust. The bill proposed a 24% tax rate and would have penned a compact with the Poarch Creek Indians[2].
- Georgia: Both House Resolution 450 and House Bill 686, related to sports betting, were turned down[2].
- Hawaii: House Bill 1308 seeks to legalize sports gambling, currently stuck in a Conference Committee after the Senate added amendments proposing a 10% tax rate and a $250,000 licensing fee. The House rejected these amendments, leading to a standoff[4].
- Missouri: Missouri is on course to kick off sports betting by December 1, 2025[3].
- Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska: Bills touching upon sports betting have failed in these states[2].
- Oklahoma and Texas: Ongoing legislative efforts are underway in these states to legalize sports betting[2].
Franchise Wars:
Though no mass votes by residents on sports betting have been reported, Senate and legislative body decisions have significantly swayed the legal landscape of sports betting across states. For instance, in Hawaii, the Senate's amendments to House Bill 1308 point to legislative intent, but the House's rejection implies ongoing debates and negotiations[4].
In essence, legislative rejections often raise concerns about problem gambling, tax structures, and regulatory frameworks. These rejections can result in revisions or delays in the legislative journey as states endeavor to strike a balance between economic benefits and social concerns.
Into the Deep End
Beyond the passage or defeat of bills, regulatory changes are also profoundly shaping the sports betting landscape. For example, New York is mulling over stricter wagering limits and advertising restrictions to tackle problem gambling concerns[5]. These shifts mirror a broader movement where states are reviewing how to effectively regulate sports betting while addressing social and economic impacts.
- Michael Savio's expertise extends beyond the Las Vegas casino scene to cover the online casino industry in the United States, with a focus on sports betting, casino reviews, news, and more.
- Sports betting legislation in the U.S. is currently a mix of progress, rejections, and stalled bills across various states.
- Despite recent Senate rejections of sports betting bills, there is still a strong appetite among Americans for legal sports betting.
- In 2025, Missouri is expected to launch sports betting by December, while states like Oklahoma and Texas are actively working on legislation to legalize it.
- The failure of sports betting bills in states like Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, and others indicates ongoing challenges in passing such legislation.
- Policy-and-legislation debates, political considerations, and social concerns like problem gambling, tax structures, and regulatory frameworks are key factors influencing the passage or rejection of sports betting bills across the nation.
