Several Sports Betting Bills Heading to State Legislatures
The new year welcomes another round of legislative sessions for states in the US. According to a political news forum, some states will file sports betting bills and other gambling-related legislation. These could include online poker and casino gaming.
Online gambling measures have been introduced in Maryland and Virginia, while other states are contemplating expanding casinos and adding sports betting. Get a rundown of the legislation in every state right here.
Sports Betting Bills in Maryland
At one point or another, the Old Line State considered making it legal to gamble online. A measure in 2024 failed to pass the Senate due to a lack of a vote. This year, lawmakers are bringing the topic back into the spotlight.
One lawmaker who wants to make internet gambling legal is Democratic state representative Vanessa Atterbeary. The plan aims to legitimize internet gambling, including poker. When he introduced the bill, Atterbeary touted the potential for increased state tax income and new jobs.
In addition to taxing the business at 15% of gross gaming income, the plan would open license applications to the state’s casinos and internet partners. With a population of over 6.2 million, Maryland is a big enough state to be a welcome addition to the MSIGA, which allows for shared liquidity in online poker. According to Price Per Head Online experts, Pennsylvania is also anticipated to join the MSIGA soon.
Virginia Gambling Measures
Just in time for the start of the legislative session on January 8, Democratic state senator Mamie Locke has introduced a measure. The state’s four brick-and-mortar casinos may collaborate with virtual gambling companies to provide players with three virtual skins.
There would be a $1 million licensing charge and a 15% tax on profits for casinos and their associates. After legalizing it in 2020, the state has already permitted online sports betting. With an estimated 8.7 million residents, Virginia is a great size to add to the MSIGA poker field.
Online Gaming in Illinois
According to Gov. JB Pritzker (D), online gambling can help mitigate some of the financial effects of the $3 billion budget gap. In the following weeks, he could win over the state legislature.
Democratic state senator Cristina Castro has sponsored proposals to legalize internet gambling in the past, but those never passed. This year may be her second attempt to allow people to learn how to be a bookie online in Illinois.
According to proponents of the law, the state could receive $450 million in taxes each year, which may rise to $800 million in the future. With the addition of poker, Pritzker’s iGaming proposal may attract a state with a population of 12.6 million, placing it only below Pennsylvania, which is already a member of the MSIGA.
Online Gaming in Louisiana
The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States held its winter meeting in New Orleans in December, and lawmakers have started considering internet gambling.
The Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee conducted additional hearings. After politicians saw that unlicensed online gambling was eating into state coffers, they passed a bill in 2024 to investigate the problem. Who knows if legislation will be proposed this year? Louisiana has a population of 4.6 million.
Legalizing Fantasy Sports in Kentucky
Live casinos and the legalization of fantasy sports are being considered in Bluegrass State, already well-known for its thriving horse racing business. To put the matter to a vote by the people of Kentucky, State Representative Thomas Huff has introduced a bill.
The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation would regulate riverboat and land-based casinos and fantasy sports. To authorize a casino, a petition signed by 25% of the county’s voters would be necessary, and such a petition could only be filed in counties with 30,000 or more residents.
Even without a petition, counties with horse races may install slot machines, regardless of their size. However, ultimately, the decision would rest with the voters. Smaller counties might form partnerships with larger ones in the area. The proposed law would impose a 21% tax on casino profits and a $3 admission fee on all locations.