As of now, sports gambling is legal in 38 states across the United States. However, experts believe that the expansion of this practice is unlikely to happen anytime soon. In Missouri, for example, avid sports gambler Brett Koenig faces frustrating restrictions despite living in a state where sports wagering remains illegal.

The Push for Legalization in Missouri

From his home in suburban St. Louis, Koenig can browse sports betting apps but is unable to place any bets due to legal limitations in his state. “It just seems silly that everyone else can do it and we can’t,” he expresses, highlighting the frustrations of many residents. To advocate for change, Koenig has initiated a social media campaign named “Let MO Play,” aiming to garner support for legal sports betting in Missouri.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling five years ago, which allowed states to decide on sports betting, several states have capitalized on the opportunity, generating over $4 billion in tax revenue from more than $280 billion wagered. The latest addition to the list of states accepting sports bets is Vermont, set to begin on January 11. Yet, experts anticipate challenges ahead for further expansion in 2024 due to political resistance and the complex interests of existing gambling operators.

The Landscape of Sports Betting Legislation

According to Becca Giden, policy director at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, states that have yet to legalize sports betting face multiple hurdles. “These states are last for a reason: They all have multiple obstacles,” she explains. The list of states still barred from legal sports betting includes Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.

California and Texas: The Heavyweights

California and Texas, the two most populous states in the nation, represent significant opportunities for the sports betting industry. However, both states face considerable challenges in legalizing it. In California, voters recently rejected two competing sports betting initiatives, despite a record $463 million campaign budget from supporters and opponents alike. The struggle arose from various factions, including online gaming companies, tribal casinos, and horse racing tracks, each vying for their share of the market.

In Texas, speculation about a push for sports betting was fueled by the proposed sale of the Dallas Mavericks to a politically active family connected to the Las Vegas Sands casino. However, with the Texas Legislature not in regular session in 2024, the prospects for change seem bleak. Furthermore, there are no mechanisms for citizen initiatives to appear on the ballot.

Efforts in Other States

In Oklahoma, where numerous tribal casinos already operate, Republican Governor Kevin Stitt has proposed allowing in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and online wagering through state-licensed platforms. However, tensions with tribal authorities have stalled these efforts. In Minnesota, a bipartisan approach may be necessary to pass sports betting legislation, but lawmakers are grappling with interests from tribal casinos and horse racing tracks that are seeking a more significant share of the gambling market.

Missouri’s attempts to legalize sports betting have hit roadblocks in the state Senate, where proposals have been stalled due to disagreements over the regulation of slot-machine-style video games. Despite opposition, a coalition of Missouri’s professional sports teams, led by the St. Louis Cardinals, is advocating for a ballot initiative on sports betting for November.

Public Interest in Sports Betting

Data indicates that there is significant interest in sports betting among Missourians. Between mid-June and mid-December, GeoComply Solutions processed over 13.5 million location checks from devices in Missouri attempting to access mobile sports betting sites. A substantial number of these attempts were made by individuals trying to place bets in neighboring Kansas and Illinois, only to be blocked due to state regulations.

Koenig is among many who travel across state lines to place bets legally. He makes a 45-minute drive to Illinois to participate in sports gambling, a practice that has become common among residents of Missouri. GeoComply noted thousands of cases where individuals crossed borders to wager on sports, indicating a strong demand for legal betting within the state.

Looking Ahead: The Georgia Situation

In Georgia, Republican Governor Brian Kemp has shown some openness to legalizing sports betting. However, recent legislative efforts have failed to gain traction, stalling a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow voters to decide on the issue. The debate is further complicated as proponents of casinos and horse racing are also pushing for their respective interests to be included in any gambling legislation.

Despite the uncertainties, Georgia is viewed as a potential candidate for legalizing sports betting in 2024, especially with a well-funded lobbying push expected from online betting operators and sports teams. In Alabama, any movement toward legal sports betting would also necessitate a constitutional amendment, which has yet to succeed in the current legislature.

As the landscape of sports betting continues to evolve, the combined interests of states, casinos, tribal operators, and sports teams will likely play a significant role in shaping future legislation.