Legalization of sports betting in the U.S.
Legalization of sports betting has made a number of states and territories more accessible for betting enthusiasts. Some states have passed legislation to legalize sports betting in specific venues, and others have not yet made the leap. Some states, including Michigan, have already opened sportsbooks and online wagering. Others are moving slowly. In November, voters in Mississippi approved a bill that allows in-person sports betting, but not online wagering. The state’s Governor, Larry Hogan, has urged the state’s Sports Wagering Application Review Commission to license the first online providers by the 2022 NFL season.
While there is no definite timeline for the legalization of sports betting in the United States, interest in legalized wagering has increased in recent years. For example, Vermont lawmakers have been pushing for legal sports betting for years. A bill they drafted would have legalized online sportsbooks and retail betting under state lottery control. However, the bill was not approved by the Senate or House. Other states have already legalized sports betting, including New York and Kansas. The state legislature is also moving toward legalizing the activity in Massachusetts.
Legalization of sports betting in New Jersey
The legalization of sports betting in New Jersey has given gamblers the ability to place wagers on sports from anywhere in the state. The state’s operators have made this process as simple as possible, allowing New Jersey residents to bet with credit cards at racetracks, casinos, and online. In addition, these wagers can be placed through a mobile app.
New Jersey has several licensed racetracks and casinos that accept sports bets. The state also permits up to three online casinos that participate in legal sports betting. In New Jersey, sports betting must be conducted by players who are 21 years of age or older. However, if a bettor is 18 years old or older, he can place bets on sports outside New Jersey at international sportsbooks.
Legalized sports betting in New Jersey was a long time in the making, and the state’s lawmakers are now aiming to pass a bill to regulate the industry by the end of June. The legislation is subject to Governor Phil Murphy’s signature, but casinos are not permitted to begin accepting bets until he signs it.
Legalization of sports betting in other states
While a large number of states have legalized sports betting, others aren’t quite ready to join the fun. Hawaii, for example, is one of only two states that don’t have major gambling companies. Its legislators are facing an uphill battle to make sports betting legal. State legislators introduced a bill in January to legalize sports betting, but it didn’t gain much traction during the regulation session. Still, lawmakers may consider advancing the measure in future sessions.
In the state of Oklahoma, commercial sports betting has been legal since 2018, although the Indian tribes in the state are reluctant to agree until other issues are resolved. In 2020, two tribes struck sports betting deals with the state, but the deals were voided when a judge ruled they couldn’t be implemented. This gave the tribes an advantage in the negotiations. In South Dakota, legal sports betting could start in November 2020. Deadwood casinos and certain tribal gaming facilities are approved.