The Future of Sports Betting Expansion Appears Uncertain After Reaching 38 States

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In the comfort of his home near St. Louis, Brett Koenig often experiences the frustration of being unable to bet on sports using his smartphone due to Missouri’s ban on sports wagering. Despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision over five years ago allowing states to legalize it, Missouri remains among the 12 states where it’s still prohibited.

Koenig, advocating for legal sports betting in Missouri, has started a social media initiative named “Let MO Play.” Since 2018, states that have legalized sports betting have collectively earned over $4 billion in taxes from the $280 billion placed on sports bets. Vermont is set to join the list of states permitting sports betting starting January 11. However, the likelihood of further expansion in 2024 is questionable due to political challenges and conflicting interests among existing gambling entities.

Becca Giden, from the consulting firm Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, notes that the remaining states face multiple barriers to legalizing sports betting. According to Chris Cylke of the American Gaming Association, the rapid expansion phase has slowed, with remaining states grappling with competing interests among stakeholders.

The states still prohibiting sports betting include Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. California and Texas, being highly populous, represent significant markets for sports betting, yet their legalization in 2024 seems unlikely. California witnessed the rejection of two sports betting proposals in the previous year, amidst a record $463 million campaign, reflecting deep divisions among stakeholders. Meanwhile, Texas faces legislative and procedural hurdles, despite speculation of increased lobbying following the proposed sale of the Dallas Mavericks.

In Oklahoma, Governor Kevin Stitt’s proposal for in-person and online sports betting faces opposition from tribal groups. Minnesota might be closer to legalizing sports betting, needing a bipartisan Senate agreement amidst competing interests from tribal casinos and horse racing tracks.

Missouri’s efforts have been hindered by legislative disagreements, with around 80 lobbyists representing various interests in the state. The St. Louis Cardinals are part of a coalition pushing for a ballot initiative for sports betting. However, legislative and initiative prospects remain uncertain.

Interest in sports betting in Missouri is evident, with millions of location checks blocked from accessing mobile sports betting sites. Missourians often travel to neighboring states to place bets, as shown by data from GeoComply Solutions.

Georgia’s governor has shown openness to legalizing sports betting, but efforts stalled with the Senate’s rejection of a constitutional amendment. The state’s debate is complicated by the desire to legalize other forms of gambling alongside sports betting.

In Alabama, sports betting legalization also requires a constitutional amendment. Attempts to intertwine sports wagering with broader gambling expansion have not yet succeeded.

This evolving landscape of sports betting in the U.S. continues to be a complex interplay of legislative actions, public interest, and stakeholder negotiations.

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Contribution from Kim Chandler of Big Big News, Montgomery, Alabama.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sports Betting Expansion

More about Sports Betting Expansion

• U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Sports Betting
• Missouri Sports Betting Legislation
• Financial Impact of Legal Sports Betting
• California Sports Betting Initiatives
• Texas Sports Betting Legalization Challenges
• Public Interest in Sports Betting in Illegal States
• Sports Betting Legalization in Georgia
• Alabama Gambling Expansion Efforts