Latest Updates on Wagering in the Sporting World
In the world of sports betting, regulations and investigations continue to shape the landscape across various states.
Illinois
Illinois legalized sports betting in 2019, and operations commenced in 2020. The market has grown significantly since then, with statewide retail and online sports betting available at casinos, racetracks, and large sports venues. Multiple licensed apps are thriving online. However, 2025 saw significant regulatory changes. A new tiered tax structure was introduced, raising effective tax rates to between 20% and 40% based on sportsbook revenue, and a per-bet fee of 25 or 50 cents was imposed on operators depending on volume. Furthermore, a proposal to ban the use of credit cards for sports betting is currently under review, aiming to reduce impulsive wagers. In response to these changes, sportsbooks have adjusted their policies, such as setting minimum wager amounts.
Georgia
In contrast, Georgia has not legalized sports betting. Despite repeated attempts, all relevant bills failed during the 2024 legislative session, leaving the state without active sportsbooks or official league partnerships related to betting.
New Jersey
New Jersey, one of the first states to legalize sports betting post-PASPA repeal, maintains a robust sportsbook market with multiple operators. It allows both online and retail betting, and partnerships with professional sports leagues continue, with sportsbooks required to utilize official league data for live wagers.
Investigations and Controversies
The MLB has placed Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase on paid leave amid an investigation into unusual betting patterns involving some of his stats.
Three California tribes have filed a lawsuit against Kalshi and Robinhood. The White House has requested a Senate committee to delay a vote on its CFTC nominee due to growing concerns over his ties to Kalshi, but President Trump still publicly supports the nomination.
Exploring Sports Betting in Georgia
The House Study Committee on Gaming in the State of Georgia held its first meeting to explore the impacts of legalizing sports betting. The committee is required to submit its recommendations by December 1 for a House review.
In response to the new tax changes in Illinois, BetRivers Sportsbook is increasing its minimum bet requirement to $1, making it the sixth sportsbook to take action in response to the controversial tax change.
The dynamics of sports betting regulations and investigations highlight the adaptability of leagues and sportsbooks in response to changing regulations, as seen in Illinois with the introduction of new taxes and payment restrictions prompting policy adjustments from betting companies.
In the state of Illinois, despite a major growth in the sports betting market since 2020 due to the legalization in 2019, a significant change occurred in 2025 with the introduction of a tiered tax structure and per-bet fees on operators, leading to adjustments in sportsbooks' policies such as setting minimum wager amounts.
On the other hand, Georgia, unlike Illinois, has not legalized sports betting, leaving operators like BetRivers Sportsbook who might consider expansion in such a market in limbo.
