Legal Sports Betting Update: Potential State Legalizations in 2023

Ever since the United States Supreme Court’s landmark decision to eliminate the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018, legal sports betting has rapidly gained momentum across the country. While it remains a contentious issue for some, 35 states have embraced legal sports betting to varying degrees, reaping the benefits of significant tax revenue generated by betting on the best sports betting apps. However, there are 15 states that have yet to pass any form of betting legislation, potentially missing out on this revenue stream.

States Without Legal Sports Betting: An Overview

As of now, there are 15 states that do not offer legal sports betting in any form. While some of these states are actively working toward its legalization, others may not embrace it at all. Let’s take a closer look at these states and their prospects:

Georgia: Georgia is poised to present a new bill in 2023 to legalize sports betting.

Minnesota: Minnesota, which came close to legalizing sports betting last year, may take significant steps in 2023.

Vermont: A new bill is on the table in 2023 to legalize sports betting in Vermont.

Kentucky: Kentucky, which has made previous attempts to legalize sports betting, may move closer to a 2024 launch this year.

Alabama: Alabama, a state without a lottery, could initiate the process of legalizing betting in 2023.

Oklahoma: A new bill is in the works for 2023 to legalize sports betting in Oklahoma.

Missouri: In Missouri, there’s a new bill introduced in 2023 with the aim of legalizing sports betting.

South Carolina: South Carolina is considering a new bill in 2023 to introduce legal sports betting.

Alaska: Alaska remains distant from legalizing sports betting.

California: While not imminent, California is expected to legalize sports betting, likely in 2024 or 2025.

California Sports Betting: Latest Legal Updates 2024

Texas: Texas is currently evaluating a new bill in 2023 to potentially legalize sports betting.

Florida: Legalized briefly in November and December of 2021, Florida has put sports wagering on hold for the time being.

Hawaii: There has been minimal movement in Hawaii, but sports betting could potentially be legalized in 2024-2025.

Idaho: Idaho’s laws prohibit both sports betting and fantasy sports.

Utah: It’s uncertain whether Utah will ever embrace legal sports betting.

States to Watch in 2023

Some states, like Utah, may never legalize sports betting. However, others are making progress, albeit slowly. Notable states that could make strides in 2023 include California, Texas, and Florida—three of the most populous states currently without legal sports betting.

Two states with the potential to introduce legal sports betting in 2023 are Georgia and North Carolina:

Georgia: Legal sports betting in Georgia faces a significant hurdle—it’s connected to a broader gambling expansion that includes retail casinos. This indicates Georgia’s intention to embark on a comprehensive legalized gambling journey. To achieve this, the state legislature would need to pass a bill to expand gambling through a constitutional amendment, which would then go to a vote in 2024. Even if Georgia takes these steps, a launch is not expected before 2024 at the earliest.

North Carolina: While in-person sports betting is now legal in North Carolina, mobile betting remains unauthorized. However, this could change in 2023. The main challenge for legalizing mobile sports betting in the state is related to wagering on college sports, an issue that raises moral and integrity concerns similar to those in Massachusetts. If Massachusetts can resolve these concerns, North Carolina may follow suit in a timely manner.

Recent Legalizations: A Look at the Latest States

The most recent states to introduce legal sports betting include Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, and Ohio. Currently, residents in Kansas, Ohio, and Massachusetts can place their bets, while the launch of sports betting in Maine is still pending.

For those residing in states with legal sports betting, it’s advisable to explore the best sports betting sites and take advantage of the finest sportsbook promo codes. These offers, designed for new customers, provide added protection for your initial bankroll while you embark on your betting journey, aiming to grow your bankroll from your very first bet.

Mobile sports betting in Delaware