Sports Betting Laws
Several states have begun studying the legalization of sports betting. A number of lawmakers are working on bills that would allow wagering on college sports. Others want to restrict betting to high school sports. Some of these bills have been introduced in the last few years. Others will be introduced in the near future. Currently, there are more than 20 bills on the books.
In Pennsylvania, sports betting would be permitted in certain locations, including bars and restaurants, but only if the sports bettors have access to a sports betting app. The minimum betting age is 21. However, bets on injuries, the performance of an individual athlete and proposition bets are still prohibited. The state levies an additional 2% Local Share Assessment. The state’s gambling law has been criticized for its high tax rates. The state’s commercial gaming revenue reached a record $4.3 billion in 2021.
There are currently two tribal casinos in Colorado that accept wagers on professional games. These casinos are also licensed to sell mobile sports betting. In addition, the state’s state lottery commission received a mobile sports betting license. In summer 2022, the OCCC will begin accepting applications for online sports betting licenses.
States With Sports Betting Laws
Governor Phil Scott has expressed support for sports betting, but lawmakers have not made any specific rules. In order to ensure the safety of gamblers, the state has been examining wagers on horse racing. The state will also need time to select licensees and prepare for the launch of sports betting.
Sports betting in Nebraska will not likely begin until 2023. During the first half of 2018, several bills were introduced. Several states held hearings on sports betting bills. Some of the bills failed to advance. In Illinois, sports betting was approved on the collegiate level in December 2021. In that state, betting on in-state games was prohibited. However, legislators have introduced bills that would permit wagering on in-state college games. Some anti-gambling groups have objected to this.
In Hawaii, a Democrat proposed legislation in 2022 that would allow betting on professional sports. The legislation was introduced by Honolulu Democrat John Mizuno. It passed the state Senate and the House by 30-2 margins.
Sports betting is legal in Illinois and will likely be approved in South Carolina in the near future. The state’s gaming commission estimates that sports betting would generate millions of dollars in tax revenue. The state’s lottery has offered in-person betting since 2018. The state’s two mega-influential tribes have also been in negotiations with the state for several years. A tribal coalition owns the state’s gambling industry. The Legislature could decide to recycle some of the bills in the future.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been opposed to gambling. However, its members are interested in online wagering. There are also a number of professional sports teams in the state. The Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs are two of the most popular teams in the country. The Kansas Lottery estimates up to $600 million in bets are placed each year.