Sports Betting Legislators: Identified Winners and Losers from the Election
In this election cycle, the future of sports betting in certain states is hanging in the balance, as key lawmakers who had been actively considering legalization saw changes. Here's a rundown of how things shook out in some of the key states:
In Indiana, legislators Ben Smaltz and Ron Alting, both integral figures in the sports betting discussion, managed to successfully fend off their Democratic opponents and keep their seats. Ben Smaltz, whose Public Policy Committee held a hearing on sports betting last month, could be a major driving force.
In Kentucky, Adam Koenig, who didn't file a bill yet but hosted a comprehensive hearing in October, retained his position with 55% of the vote. In Massachusetts, Joe Wagner, chairman of the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, continued his efforts as he ran unopposed.
Turning to other sports betting-related happenings, Missouri lost a crucial voice in the conversation as Representative Bart Korman couldn't run for reelection due to term limits. He was replaced by Jeff Porter, who won with 70% of the vote. Korman was the second proponent of sports betting to leave the Missouri legislature, following Representative Justin Alferman, who filed HB 2406, but stepped down to become the governor's legislative director in June.
Meanwhile, Kansas's Jan Kessinger retained his seat, and Kentucky's Adam Koenig, who hasn't filed bills yet, remains a focal point in the Bluegrass State. California's Adam Gray, Connecticut's Joe Verrengia, Illinois's Lou Lang, Bob Rita, and Napoleon Harris, and New York's Gary Pretlow and David Weprin also maintained their positions.
In Michigan, Brandt Iden narrowly held onto his seat, while Robert Kosowski was unable to run due to term limits. Oklahoma's Kevin Wallace managed to keep his position, while Ohio's John Eklund didn't stand for reelection.
In other sports betting-related developments, Iowa's Jake Highfill lost his seat to Democratic challenger Karin Derry in a tight contest. Ken Rizer, who was involved in the sports betting effort, resigned to pursue a new endeavor as a jet aircraft pilot.
The future of sports betting in Texas, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Hawaii remains uncertain, as the retention of key lawmakers in these states hasn't been fully determined by the November 6 elections.
- Ben Smaltz, who chaired a hearing on sports betting last month, could potentially be a major driving force in Indiana's sports betting discourse.
- Adam Koenig, who retained his position with 55% of the vote in Kentucky, hasn't filed sports betting-related bills yet but remains a focal point.
- In Massachusetts, Joe Wagner, who is the chairman of the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, continues his efforts regarding sports betting as he ran unopposed.
- Missouri lost a key voice in the sports betting conversation as Representative Bart Korman, who was a proponent of sports betting, couldn't run for reelection due to term limits.
- In Michigan, Brandt Iden narrowly held onto his seat despite the term limits that hindered Robert Kosowski from running for reelection.
- The future of sports betting in Texas, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Hawaii remains uncertain, as the retention of key lawmakers in these states hasn't been fully settled in the November 6 elections.
