By
Jerry Smith
Staff Writer Updated: 01/03/2025
Jerry’s greatest advantage is his extensive experience on the casino floor. His time as a casino manager taught him everything about what makes a player tick. Besides being a skilled poker player, he has deep knowledge of all live table games and gambling regulations in the US.
US Gambling Legislation
The US gambling landscape witnessed a dynamic year in 2024, marked by legislative advancements and significant hurdles. While some states expanded gaming options, others faced roadblocks and ongoing debates.
Washington D.C. transformed its sports betting market, moving away from a monopoly model. Several major operators, including DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, and Fanatics, entered the market, offering increased competition and consumer choice. This shift promises to enhance the overall betting experience for D.C. residents.
Massachusetts made history by legalizing online lottery, a significant step forward after years of advocacy. This move will boost state lottery revenue while providing players with convenient access to online games. The Massachusetts Lottery aims for a late 2025 launch for the online platform, which will offer a range of instant and traditional draw games.
State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg had this to say:
We are prepared to implement a safe and reliable iLottery that will produce significant resources for critical childcare services, which are desperately needed across the state.
Missouri voters narrowly approved sports betting in November 2024, joining the growing list of states with legal sports wagering. The victory followed a fiercely contested campaign heavily funded by industry giants, highlighting the significant economic interests at stake. This expansion of sports betting will undoubtedly significantly impact the state’s economy and entertainment landscape.
The debate surrounding the potential impact of online casino gaming on land-based casinos intensified throughout the year. Concerns about “cannibalization,” where online casinos draw revenue away from brick-and-mortar establishments, dominated discussions. This ongoing debate will likely continue to influence future legislative decisions regarding the expansion of online gambling.
Illinois’ new progressive tax rate for gambling operators, which can reach as high as 40%, sparked significant opposition from the industry. This move drew criticism from industry giants like FanDuel and BetMGM, who argued that such high tax rates could stifle innovation and hinder the industry’s growth. Similar tax rate debates played out in other states, highlighting the ongoing tension between the desire for increased state revenue and the need to maintain a competitive and sustainable gaming environment.
Following the NCAA’s calls, several states, including Louisiana, Ohio, Vermont, and Maryland, implemented restrictions on college sports prop bets. This trend reflects a growing concern about the potential impact of sports betting on college athletics. New Jersey also considered banning college player props and exploring restrictions on partnerships between universities and sportsbooks, further emphasizing the evolving regulatory landscape surrounding college sports and gambling.
The proposed federal SAFE Bet Act, which aims to establish a national framework for sports betting, faced immediate pushback from the industry upon its introduction. Industry leaders expressed concerns about potential overregulation and the potential for the federal government to overstep its authority in an area traditionally overseen by states.
The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) released a draft model legislation for iGaming, offering states a valuable framework for developing their regulations. This comprehensive model includes recommendations on key issues such as tax rates, responsible gaming measures, consumer protection, and restrictions on specific payment methods. The NCLGS model legislation is expected to be crucial in shaping future iGaming legislation nationwide.
2024 witnessed a dynamic and multifaceted landscape of legislative developments in the US gambling industry. As the industry continues to evolve, ongoing debates around tax rates, responsible gaming, and the impact of online gaming will remain central to the policy discussions.
The NCLGS model legislation provides a valuable framework for states as they navigate these complex issues and shape the future of gambling regulation in the United States. This expanded version adds more context and detail to key events, enhancing the overall readability and informativeness of the law.
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