Episode 14: Where are all the legislative wins in US gaming?

We’re deep into the legislative session, but it’s been slim pickings for US sports betting to date as Brendan Bussmann and Brandt Iden recount on episode 14 of the World Series of Politics. 

There’s been a wave of criticism of the industry, and that has arguably ended any hopes of igaming expansion for this year, but even sports betting is coming up short so far. Massachusetts may have launched mobile, and Kansas is live, but where might the industry expand next?

Hope for sports betting regulation

As Brandt says, sports betting legislation always makes it through at the end of the session. There’s still hope for progress in multiple states. 

There’s plenty of potential still out there, perhaps most notably with Texas where last week’s guest Governor Rick Perry is a strong supporter of a constitutional amendment to allow mobile betting. 

Prospects in the Peach State

Georgia, however remains in play thanks to the Lieutenant Governor who Brandt feels is making sports betting regulation a priority. 

Kentucky, Brendan adds, is a “no brainer”, though with a 30-day session only held in odd-numbered years, it’s going to be tight. Though it’s the closest it has come in recent memory. 

There’s also states such as Missouri and North Carolina, where Brandt remains confident, though Brendan fears it’s going to be Groundhog Day, again.