Three Strikes You’re Out: States That Struck Out On Sports Betting This Year

• Roughly four-fifths of the country introduced a sports betting bill this year.
• Eleven states (plus DC) have already approved sports betting measures.
• According to Eilers & Krejcik, 32 states may have sports betting within 5 years.

TALLAHASSEE – As the majority of states are closing in on their legislative adjournment date, we have begun to see a larger scope of the legal sports betting efforts outside of Nevada.

Seven states launched a legal and regulated sports betting market in 2018 – Delaware, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia – and many were expecting a similar number to legalize in 2019.

Arkansas, New York, and Washington DC are the closest thing to a “sure thing” you will find in regards to opening a sportsbook this year.

Virginia has approved a sports betting bill but will need to undergo a few steps before their first book can launch. Their first license can be granted on or after July 1, 2020, which will be authorized by the state lottery.

However, not every state was as fortunate, as many states only introduced a bill without any action. Also, many states took action, even approving the measure in one chamber of the legislature; however, the bills ultimately missed their deadlines or were voted against.

Florida

After the voters passed a measure on last year’s referendum, the sports betting action in Florida will be left up to the residents of the state.

In this manner, legislators must also rework the tribal compact between the Seminole Tribe and the State of Florida. Negotiations are possible to be agreed upon before the May 3 session deadline; however, it appears Florida will be left out of this year’s circle.

On the same ballot, residents also agreed to shut down all greyhound and dog racing events by the year 2020. This anti-gambling movement doesn’t bode well for the likelihood of sports betting any time soon.

South Dakota

In an effort to revive the gambling town of Deadwood, legislators looked to approve the idea to allow casinos in the area to offer sports wagering.

With this, SJR 2 was proposed and made its way through the Senate with ease. After several House committee meetings, the floor voted on the measure but received more “nay” votes than “yeas.”

Over 20 senators attached their name to this measure, so it can be assumed that a similar or modified version of this bill would be reintroduced next year.

Mississippi

Though Mississippi has legal sports betting, the state looked to expand on their mobile betting regulations.

Currently, players are able to place wagers on mobile devices as long as they are physically located on the casino’s grounds.

This was put in place as a method to keep each tribe’s revenue true to the venue the bettor was located. However, many would like to see the ability to wager from anywhere within the state lines instead of having to be present at the sportsbook.

Both of the measures, SB 2667 and HB 1481 died in committee, but will likely be seen in next year’s session.

Iowa

Unless the state can move very quickly with the outstanding bills, Iowa will more than likely miss out on legal sports betting this year.

With a May 3 session adjournment date, legislators have two weeks to move one of their many sports betting bills through.

None of the measures have been called for a vote in either the House or Senate chambers; however, the mindset to expand the gambling industry in certainly present by legislators with SF 366.

We wouldn’t be surprised to see a special session called to finalize the ideas, or maybe we will just see Iowa wait until next year for legalization.

North Dakota

After coming out of the gates strong, it appeared North Dakota was going to be one of the next states to legalize. After a failed vote and a subsequently approved vote in the House, HB 1254 failed to garner enough support in the Senate.

By a vote of 7-38, the measure was easily shot down due to the belief it would open up more gambling addiction problems for the residents.

Being a heavily Republican Senate, it was no shock that the measure was so quickly and forcefully tossed aside.

Washington

Though the state has a few more days of session left, it is not believed that legislators will agree on the terms for HB 1975.

Under this measure, tribal casinos would have been granted the authorization to permit sports wagering at their facilities.

The bill was unable to receive a recommendation for passage after spending time in committee and undergoing a public hearing.

As Oregon looks to set up an online betting platform, you can be assured that Washington will attempt to be right behind them with their own legality and regulations so they do not fall too far behind from their southern neighbor.

News tags: Florida | Iowa | Mississippi | South Dakota | sportsbooks | Washington