States Seek Legislation Advancement in Sports Betting Legalization

Taking a Closer Look at the Sports Betting Landscape in 2025

Strides are being made in the world of sports betting across the nation, as more states and jurisdictions continue to legally host sportsbook operations. Let's examine the current status of states without sports betting legislation, delving into their potential paths to regulation.

Hawaii

Initially, Hawaiian efforts to legalize sports betting came to a halt with SB1569. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when HB1308 squeaked past a House floor vote. Now it's up to the Senate to weigh in, and they're taking double measures: SB891, which would commission a study, is set for a Senate vote. With the Senate now fully vested, sports betting legislation could see real progress in the Aloha State.

Georgia

Time is running out for Georgia as legislation faces a race against the clock. SR 131, initiated in the Senate, is dead on arrival. But a desperate last-minute push in the House has emerged, with HR 450 and HB 686 being proposed as alternatives. These bills, both aiming to legalize sports betting in Georgia, were given a first reading on Monday and discussed in the House Higher Education Committee on Tuesday. The crossover deadline is fast approaching on Thursday, so the fate of these bills will be decided imminently.

Alabama

While the posture of Alabama remains unchanged when it comes to sports betting, two bills–HB 237 and HB 41–still languish in committee. Alabama operates under an annual legislative session, meaning there's no pressing deadline to worry about. Despite the lack of momentum, hopes may still remain for Alabama residents to legally wager on their favorite sports.

South Carolina

Though there's been no tangible movement on sports betting bills H 3625 and H 3353 in South Carolina, there's a faint flicker of possibility. On February 26, H 3625 gained an additional sponsor in Rep. Seth Rose. Whether this signals real momentum for South Carolina sports betting remains to be seen.

Texas

Sports betting in Texas remains on hold as legislators grapple with the ongoing Texas Lottery scandal. Bills like SJR 16 and HJR 134 have barely moved since their introduction last month.

Oklahoma

Differing from other states, Oklahoma might become the next battleground for sports betting legalization in 2025. Multiple bills, both in the House and Senate, are lined up for floor votes after being placed on general order. Although no precise dates have been set, the odds seem to be in Oklahoma's favor compared to other contenders on this list.

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Contributor

After spending time scouting college basketball for Florida State University under Leonard Hamilton and the University of Alabama under Anthony Grant, Michael started writing focused on NBA content. A proud graduate of both schools, Michael now covers legal sports betting bills, sports betting revenue data, tennis betting odds, and sportsbook reviews. When not glued to the TV watching midlevel tennis matches, Michael can be found playing basketball, hiking, or kayaking.

In 2025, Hawaii might see progress in sports betting legislation as SB891 moves forward for a Senate vote, potentially paving the way for legal sports betting in the Aloha State. Georgia's sports betting bill,hr 450, is currently under discussion in the House Higher Education Committee, racing against the clock as the crossover deadline approaches. Alabama's sports betting bills, HB 237 and HB 41, still languish in committee despite the lack of momentum. South Carolina's H 3625 gained an additional sponsor, Rep. Seth Rose, potentially signaling real momentum for sports betting legalization. Meanwhile, sports betting in Texas seems to be on hold due to the ongoing Texas Lottery scandal. In a notable departure, Oklahoma might become the next battleground for sports betting legalization in 2025, with multiple bills lined up for floor votes.