Dan Ippolito from Casino City Times produced a list of the US states that are working to legalize sports betting in the near future:
10. Illinois
In late January and early February of last year, several bills were introduced in Illinois to create the Sports Wagering Act and allow sports betting in the state.
Some main concerns for Illinois to consider are where sports betting will be allowed and how to ensure security for mobile sports betting. But despite these questions, the ball is rolling for Illinois.
9. Missouri
This state has a more unique angle with a bill that was proposed back in December. It would authorize gambling boat casinos to offer sports betting. It also allows players who are physically in Missouri to participate in online sports wagering if they set up an account at one of the approved gaming facilities.
The effective date of the bill is 28 August 2019, right before the start of the NFL season.
8. New Hampshire
Earlier this month, Representative Tim Lang introduced a bill to allow both land-based and mobile sports betting in the state. A hearing will be held today (Thursday), where this bill could be advanced to the House floor.
7. Kentucky
In November, Senator Julian Carroll unveiled a revised version of the sports betting bill originally filed in 2017. In January, two more bills were introduced to continue the push for sports gambling in the state. While there are other focuses in Kentucky, sports betting still seems to be a high priority with a bright future in sight.
6. Maryland
In February 2018, the push for legalizing sports gambling in Maryland continued with the introduction of a bill that is pretty straightforward and simple. With most surrounding states proposing sports betting laws, combined with the support of the governor, Maryland seems to be on the fast track for legalizing sports betting.
5. Michigan
Representative Brandt Iden's Lawful Internet Gaming Act passed in December, and he's now turning his attention to doing the same for sports betting. Revisions may be made to Iden’s bill before it comes into play in order to include sports betting, allowing all of it to be approved and take effect at once.
4. Connecticut
In 2017, a bill was signed by outgoing Governor Dannel Malloy to enact a sports betting law. Not much was done with this bill, and it was reintroduced at the end of January. Ddespite a long period of no action or progress, 2019 has already seen more happen in the opening month than in all of 2018.
3. Arkansas
The push for legalized sports wagering in Arkansas is strong. On 6 November 2018, voters in Arkansas were 54% in favor of the amendment to bring such betting to four counties in the state. The aim now is to have regulators begin accepting license applications in June.
2. Massachusetts
On 17 January, Governor Charlie Baker announced plans to file legislation that would permit people in Massachusetts to wager on professional sports, both in existing land-based casinos and online. Several other bills were introduced at the time as well.
1. New York
On 29 January, the New York State Gaming Commission approved several sports betting regulations that will allow four casinos in upstate New York to build sportsbooks and offer sports wagering, possibly as soon as this spring. As far as mobile sports betting goes, a bill was introduced by five New York lawmakers that will create a task force to study mobile sports betting.
The next step in this process is a 60-day period for public comments, which will then be edited and sent to the commission for the final vote. These regulations could be ready by April and in time for NHL and NBA playoffs.
Source: GMB / Casino City Times
