Several states are now considering sports betting for their residents. Kansas and Missouri were sparked by neighboring states, and in May a Senate finance committee approved a bill to allow sports betting. However, a compromise has proved difficult because of a tribal exclusivity issue. Now, a goal of 2023 seems more realistic. Meanwhile, neighboring Missouri had no luck in reaching a deal with local casinos. As a result, the legislature closed without passing any sports betting legislation.
Legalization of sports betting in Nevada
Although Nevada remains the sole state that allows sports betting, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut have all approved legislation to allow for legal sports betting. However, in the meantime, the majority of the eastern states are reserving their sports betting opportunities for preexisting casinos. Whether legalization in Nevada will lead to widespread sports betting in the state is up to voters. But first, let’s look at what exactly the law says.
The state of Nevada has been a leader in legalizing sports betting since its inception in 1949. Today, more than half of all sports wagers in Nevada are placed online. That’s an amazing number considering that the state previously had a monopoly on the industry. Although the state’s revenue from sports betting is significant, Nevada is unlikely to completely eliminate it. Despite the many advantages of Nevada sports betting, the question remains, should it be legalized elsewhere?
Legalization of sports betting in Delaware
After years of opposition, Delaware has finally agreed to legalize sports betting. The state’s legislature passed a bill in 2009 to legalize parlay betting on pro football games. Governor Jack Markell hoped to take advantage of the state’s grandfathered status under federal law by legalizing all types of sports betting. But the state’s professional sports leagues filed suit and blocked his plans. As a result, the state has spent weeks updating its gaming software and refurbishing its old machines, and the casinos have been working on new menus and training their employees on the new sports betting options.
Although Delaware’s sports gambling bill is the first in the nation, more states are considering legalizing sports betting. Other states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania, have already passed similar bills. The Carney administration hopes to get a head start on other states. In addition to New Jersey and Pennsylvania, other states are also considering legalizing sports betting, although they would need new regulations before opening their sports books. It is unclear how long it will take for other states to follow Delaware’s lead.
Legalization of sports betting in Minnesota
Legislators in Minnesota have made several attempts to legalize sports betting, but so far, none of them have succeeded. The House has passed a bill that would allow sports betting at racetracks and in casinos, and the Senate has passed a similar bill, which directs part of its tax revenue to problem gambling. The Joint Religious Legislative Coalition has expressed concerns about poverty and addiction and suggested making changes to the existing laws to protect vulnerable groups. It also called for raising the legal gambling age in Minnesota from 18 to 21.
The bill has a number of opponents, and the bill could be stopped from becoming law until 2023. The state’s current legal environment doesn’t allow for sports betting, so it’s unclear when the state will pass legalization legislation. If lawmakers approve the bill, it will go to the governor for signature. However, the lawmakers in Minnesota are still in disagreement about the issue and haven’t agreed on a way to implement it.