Momentum is building in Missouri for legalizing sports betting, as Senator Denny Hoskins has been a long-time supporter of the industry. Multiple attempts have been made over the past five years to regulate betting in the state. Could 2023 finally be the year when Missouri crosses the line and legalizes sports betting? The outcome is uncertain, but there is optimism. Comparisons are being drawn with North Carolina in terms of regulatory progress.
In Georgia, there are renewed hopes for sports betting, although it is likely to be decided through a ballot. Lessons must be learned from previous failures in Florida and California to ensure a successful campaign. One suggestion is to treat sports betting as a new lottery product, thereby avoiding the need for a public vote. The timeline for passing a bill by the end of March is unclear, with mixed opinions from experts.
The possibility of legalizing online casino gaming is being explored in New York by Senator Joseph Addabbo. While a high tax rate of 30.5% would be imposed, it would allow for up to 20 licenses. The focus in New York seems to be on generating revenue rather than prioritizing consumer protections. However, concerns are raised about the potential drawbacks of a revenue-driven model, citing the state’s current control over mobile sports betting as an example.
Turning to Washington DC, there are discussions about bringing in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to monitor industry advertising. This move raises the question of whether such intervention is justified, given that gambling has traditionally been regulated at the state level.
