States That Explored Sports Betting Legalization in 2022: Progress and Setbacks
In 2022, several US states made moves toward legalizing sports betting, with varying degrees of success. Here's a comprehensive overview of the year's developments:
Successfully Legalized Sports Betting:
Kansas (May 2022):
- Governor Laura Kelly signed Senate Bill 84
- Includes 2% tax revenue for problem gambling services
- Features responsible gambling tools and advertising restrictions
- Expected launch: late 2022
Maine (May 2022):
- LD 585 signed by Governor Janet Mills
- Exclusive rights given to Native American tribes
- 1% tax revenue allocated to problem gambling services
- Expected launch: 2023
Massachusetts (August 2022):
- House Bill 5164 signed by Governor Charlie Baker
- Requires bettors to be 21+
- Bans betting on in-state colleges (except tournaments)
- Includes problem gambling funding
- Mandates advertising regulations
Failed Legalization Attempts:
Quick Overview:
- Alabama: Bill died in early April after initial hearing
- Alaska: Minimal consideration before dying
- Georgia: No significant progress
- Hawaii: Failed to advance
- Kentucky: Two bills died in Senate (April 14)
- Minnesota: Failed due to horse racing track disputes
- Missouri: Failed due to VLT legalization disagreement
- North Carolina: Failed by one vote in House
- South Carolina: No significant progress
- Vermont: Died after April hearing
Pending Status:
California:
- Two competing ballot initiatives
- Tribal initiative: retail betting at tribal casinos only
- Operator initiative: statewide mobile betting
- Decision pending November vote
Note: This information reflects the status of sports betting legislation as of August 2022. For gambling-related support, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org.