Since betting on political outcomes is the hottest vertical in U.S. gambling right now, this week’s Casino Cabbie Letter From America is, to catch the zeitgeist, a “Legislative Special”.
Read on as we take you through the latest sports betting, casino and sweepstakes bills to hit legislative sessions nationwide. And discuss which, if any, have a shot at passing.
NJ To Legalise Sweepstakes?
New Jersey, the original pathfinder for digital sports betting and iGaming in the U.S., is once again trying to lead the way with a new bill–A5196–which could shake things up. If passed, it would set a new trend by legalising and regulating sweepstakes casinos in the Garden State.
Rather than jumping on the bandwagon and seeking ways to exclude sweepstakes casinos, which most stakeholders view as illegal gambling sites and a threat to the industry, one NJ lawmaker, Democratic Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, wants to regulate and tax these sites, legally defining them as “internet gaming operations”.
If passed, the bill would require sweepstakes to have a NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement license and pay taxes, ensuring the state gets a slice of the booming billion-dollar industry.
Odds Of Passing: 20/1.
While anything is possible for trailblazing New Jersey, lawmakers are swimming against a growing tide of nationwide opposition to sweepstakes.
Legal expert Daniel Wallach said on X: “A sweepstakes casino legalisation bill stands almost no chance of passing in New Jersey, where regulated casinos represent the most powerful lobbying force in the state.”
But others have called sweepstakes “DFS 2.0″, and taking into consideration the success of DraftKings and FanDuel, who’s to say history won’t repeat itself?
N-okie From Oklahoma
Okie Republican Senator Dave Rader has introduced Senate Bill 125, which seeks to change the state’s Model Gaming Compact. Currently, Oklahoma’s Tribes have exclusivity over gambling in the state.
If passed–and provided at least four tribes agree–the bill would allow these Indian Nations to negotiate sports betting with the state – on the proviso they pay taxes.
Odds Of Passing: 50/1.
But no one’s holding their breath as Oklahoma’s past efforts to pass sports betting have been stymied by Republican Governor Kevin Stitt’s negative relationship with the Nations.
Maryland iCasino, Quite Contrary
Maryland got off to a strong start during this legislative session, with Democrat Senator Ronald Watson leading the charge and introducing Senate Bill 340.
With sports betting legal in Maryland since 2021, SB 340 proposes regulating Internet gaming (AKA iCasino, the golden goose of iGaming). It also details a regulatory framework to ensure fair play and compliance, consumer protections and tax revenue.
Odds Of Passing: 10/1.
Previous attempts to pass similar legislation in 2024 went up in flames due to political infighting. So passing this bill is far from obstacle-free, especially as the state’s land-based casino industry and employment unions dig their heels in over fears of market cannibalisation.
Nevertheless, support is growing in Maryland. And many cite the existing illicit market–said to be worth around US$200 million (£160.7m)–as a reason to pass this bill.
Massachusetts Momentum
Massachusetts is another state racing to legalise iCasinos. Two bills, HD 4084, authored by Democratic Representative Daniel Cahill and SD 2240, from Democratic Senator Paul R. Feeney, are being discussed.
If either bill passes, online gaming licenses would be available to the state’s three existing brick-and-mortar casinos, and up to four additional out-of-state operators.
Taxes would be set at 20 percent on adjusted gross revenue. Five-year licenses would cost US$5 million (£4m).
Odds Of Passing: 5/1.
Massachusetts generally has a positive attitude towards gambling expansion. The state legalised sports betting in 2022 and last year approved online lottery games.
However, another bill currently under consideration would increase sports betting taxes from 20 to 51 percent, which hits the economic incentive.
Raising Indiana
Past attempts to legalise online casinos in the Hoosier State have crashed and burned spectacularly. 2023’s attempt even ended in a high-profile corruption scandal, with former state Representative Sean Eberhart pleading guilty to conspiracy to “commit honest service fraud” by accepting bribes from a casino operator.
Opening a fresh session, Republican Representative Ethan Manning has proposed House Bill 1432, which, if passed, would allow the state’s riverboat casinos and racetracks to operate online skins.
Odds Of Passing: 10/1.
Despite being one of the first states to legalise sports betting after PASPA, this bill still faces an uphill battle. Yet it is gaining traction, having passed the Public Policy Committee (9-2) and is currently being considered by the Committee on Ways and Means.
A long shot, but certainly one to watch.
Empire State of Mind
Last but not least; in New York, Democratic Senator Joseph Addabbo refuses to fold in the Empire State, making his third consecutive attempt to bring online casino games to residents.
This time, S2614 proposes legalising online slots, table games, poker, with live dealers and expanding lottery sales online. Operators would pay the state a juicy 30.5 percent of GGR.
Odds Of Passing: 25/1.
As in prior outings, Senator Addabbo faces a political poker match to get this bill passed, as New York’s Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul has made no mention of gambling expansion in the current budget.
Unions, too, are opposed to iCasino legalisation.
