Legal Sports Betting Brief: Hawaii, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina

• Sports betting efforts advanced in Hawaii and Minnesota.
• Implementation plans are progressing in Missouri.
• North Carolina revealed its first-year revenue figures.

HONOLULU – From Hawaii’s ongoing legislative battles to Missouri’s upcoming launch, the sports betting industry remains in flux across the U.S.

While states like North Carolina are seeing financial gains from regulated markets, concerns over problem gambling persist, particularly in college settings. With Minnesota also making another push to bring in legal sports betting, the industry continues to evolve as lawmakers weigh economic benefits against social consequences.

Hawaii Moves Closer to Legalizing Online Sports Betting

Hawaii took a step toward legal sports betting as House Bill 1308 (HB 1308) passed a key Senate committee review. The bill, which previously cleared the state House, aims to establish Hawaii sports betting as an online market with up to four licensed operators. However, it does not include a tax rate or licensing fees at this stage, leaving financial projections uncertain.

Despite advances in the legislative process, HB 1308 faces resistance from government agencies and native Hawaiian groups. Concerns center on potential financial instability for residents, the risk of gambling addiction, and unverified revenue projections.

The Hawaii Attorney General’s office and Department of Taxation have opposed the bill, citing social risks, while legal online sportsbooks and supporters, including BetMGM and DraftKings, argue regulation could provide economic benefits.

Minnesota Renews Effort to Legalize Sports Betting

Minnesota lawmakers have introduced another attempt at legalizing sports betting with House File 1842 (HF 1842), a companion to Senate File 757 (SF 757). With bipartisan support and backing from tribal nations, the proposal seeks to bring the existing unregulated market under a structured framework focused on consumer protections.

Key provisions include a proposed 22% tax on winnings, with sports betting revenue directed toward tribal nations, horse tracks, charities, youth sports, and problem gambling programs.

However, opposition to Minnesota sports betting remains, particularly from religious organizations and gambling addiction advocates. While some lawmakers view legalization as inevitable, debates continue over industry safeguards and potential harm.

Missouri Prepares for Sports Betting Launch with University Ban Consideration

Following a narrow voter approval in November, Missouri is preparing to roll out legal sports betting by August 30, just in time for the NFL season. However, the University of Missouri Faculty Council is considering a campus-wide betting ban, citing concerns over gambling addiction among students and faculty.

Research presented to the council highlighted rising rates of sports wagering among college-aged individuals, particularly those near the legal sports betting age of 21, and its correlation with financial and mental health struggles. The potential Missouri sports betting ban would align with similar restrictions at Purdue University, aiming to mitigate gambling-related risks among the student population.

North Carolina Reports $6.6 Billion in First-Year Sports Betting Wagers

North Carolina marked its first year of legalized sports betting with staggering figures: $6.6 billion in total bets and $5.8 billion in payouts to bettors. After taxes, the state collected $128 million, with allocations supporting gambling addiction programs, youth sports, and efforts to attract major sporting events like the Super Bowl or NBA All-Star Game.

Interestingly, while the Super Bowl was the most-wagered-on event in North Carolina, a local matchup—NC State vs. Purdue in the Final Four—ranked as the fourth most-bet-on game at North Carolina sportsbooks. This underscores the strong engagement of March Madness betting in the state.

News tags: Hawaii | HI HB 1308 | Minnesota | Missouri | Missouri Tigers | MN HF 1842 | MN SF 757 | North Carolina | University of Missouri Faculty Council