The sports betting, online poker, and lottery bill debacle continues in the U.S. In the previous week however, gambling legislation in some states were making news, and here’s a breakdown of what you need to know to keep up-to-date with US gambling activity.
New York Mobile Sports Betting Plans
In light of New York’s $59 billion shortfall, Governor Andrew Cuomo and lawmakers have reached a provisional deal to legalize mobile sports betting. This newfound support is hoping to assist the state in bouncing back from the economic crisis caused by the pandemic as Gov. Cuomo estimates that it could generate as much as $500 million for the state per year.
Although state legislators are in accord on legalizing mobile sports betting, the challenge faced now is securing consent from the Oneida Indian Nation, who have come to understand that they will be excluded from the mobile market. Regarding this, Oneida County Executives have threatened to pull up to $70 million in annual payments from their slot revenue.
As of Monday evening, it was still uncertain whether or not the state managed to reach a consensus with the tribe.
Gov. Cuomo approves New York online sports betting. Read more on the topic at Action Network.
North Dakota Online Poker Legalization
Despite the popularity of both online poker and sports betting, lawmakers in North Dakota have voted against proposals that could result in the legalization of both these gambling types.
Regarding online poker, after the House approved the idea of putting the topic of legalizing online poker on a state-wide ballot in 2022, the Senate subsequently voted on Tuesday, to crush a resolution that would make this happen.
It could be said that this pass was to prevent gambling addiction in the U.S. but North Dakota however, endorses other forms of gambling like the lottery, casinos, and pull tabs which are all legal in the state. Allowing these forms of gambling but not sports betting and online poker lends to a duplicitous view of the Legislation.
Wyoming Sports Wagering Bill
Wyoming sports betting could launch as early as September 2021, as Governor Mark Gordon has signed and approved a new bill to legalize online-only sports betting. This gives the Wyoming Gaming Commission a short period to finalize its rules around sports betting.
This legislation allows for five online sportsbook licensees, and each permit will cost $100 000, which can be renewed after five years for a further $50 000 per year. 10% on all sport betting revenue will be taxable and the licensees are only allowed to wager professional, college, and Olympic sport categories.
The Wyoming Gaming Commission has estimated a legalized sports betting market will generate $449 million for the state every year.
Louisiana Sports Betting Bills
On Friday, Louisiana lawmakers pre-filed two sports wagering bills, each sponsored by Senator Cameron Henry and Senator Patrick Page Cortez. These bills are almost identical and both permit mobile and retail sports betting, with face-to-face registration as a necessity for mobile sportsbook operators.
The betting on college and professional sports will be monitored by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. Although state voters backed sports betting in November 2020’s vote, lawmakers have advised that it will be unlikely that a legal sports betting market will be established this year.
Alabama Lottery Bill Update
Alabama lawmakers are arduously trying to get the matter of gambling before state voters for the first time in over 20 years. After rejecting a proposal to launch a state lottery as well as permit 10 casinos to operate in the state, senators have said that they expect to debate the lottery bill presented to them by Republican Senator Jim McClendon in the coming days.
Being only one of five states without a state lottery, Alabama lawmakers believe that voters may now be more open to the idea. The bill would allow a lottery to be instituted whereby tickets could be purchased at stores and via a mobile app.
In order for McClendon’s lottery bill to be approved, it needs the majority of state voters, and three-fifths of state lawmakers.
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