Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of legal sports betting in states, the US has a patchwork of gambling regulations. Twenty states have legalized sports betting, and the other 24 allow some form of casino gaming. Some states regulate gambling differently than others, and each has their own reasons for doing so. Regardless of the rules, some people see gambling as a fun challenge, while others see it as a threat to their health or well-being. Nevertheless, gambling is not bad if it is done conservatively and within reason. In most cases, it is a good way to add interest to a sporting event, but it is also a risky business.
In 2021, New Jersey was the most lucrative state when it came to sports betting. In that year, the state brought in $10.9 million in bets. This figure has climbed steadily in the years since. Despite popular support for sports betting, it isn’t enough to overcome anti-gambling sentiment in the statehouse. The legislature may still opt to advance a bill in upcoming sessions, but the state has yet to pass any legislation.
As of November, two states were proposing sports betting legislation. One, South Dakota, would be the 48th to legalize sports betting, while another, Alaska, would be the 49th. While the two states are likely candidates for legal sports betting, a few things are preventing them from moving forward.
North Dakota attorney General Drew Wrigley offered legal advice to Governor Burgum. But the state’s gambling industry was already dominated by Native American entities, and the state’s leaders have been reluctant to sign a sports betting deal until the state’s other issues have been resolved.
The federal government is involved in tribal gambling operations, and the Department of Interior oversees these programs. The two tribes that have signed sports betting deals in the past, the Seminole Tribe and the Chickasaw Nation, are still negotiating the details. The deal has been challenged by non-Indian casino owners, and the agreement is tied up in federal court. The tribes are concerned that the use of electronic pull tab machines could lure gamblers away from tribal casinos.
Oregon’s gambling laws allow for in-state gambling, but betting on in-state college games is prohibited. In addition, the state’s casinos are prohibited from betting on player props. And the state doesn’t allow online gambling. The state’s lottery is not responsible for taxes on sports bets placed through its platforms. Nonetheless, the state’s gambling industry is regulated by the Casino Control Commission.
Pennsylvania was one of the first states to take a legal sports bet, and has since surpassed New Jersey in handle. In addition to online sports betting, the state offers casino games and poker. It is also one of the few states that allows intrastate poker, which is allowed in casinos.
Hawaii, like many states, has a religious climate that would likely prohibit gambling. However, it also has a large Hawaiian population, and the state has three tribal casinos. The state is a potential target for legalizing betting in the next few years.