Sports Betting Legislation Progress in 2022: State-by-State Overview

In 2022, sports betting legislation saw varied success across the United States, with only Kansas and Maine successfully legalizing sports betting, while Massachusetts made significant progress late in the year.

States That Legalized Sports Betting

Kansas:

• Legalized via Senate Bill 84 (May 12, 2022)
• Key features:
  • 2% tax revenue for problem gambling services
  • Advertising restrictions
  • Self-exclusion program
  • Ban on credit lines to bettors
  • Responsible gaming tools requirement
• Launch expected: Late 2022

Maine:

• Legalized through LD 585 (May 2, 2022)
• Exclusive rights to Native American tribes
• 1% tax revenue for problem gambling services
• Launch expected: 2023

Massachusetts:

• Legalized via House Bill 5164 (August 10, 2022)
• Key provisions:
  • Minimum age: 21
  • Strict advertising rules
  • Research-based approach
  • Ban on in-state college sports betting (except tournaments)
  • Problem gambling funding

States That Attempted But Failed to Legalize

Brief overview of failed attempts:

• Alabama: Bill died in early April
• Alaska: Minimal progress
• Georgia: No significant advancement
• Hawaii: Limited consideration
• Kentucky: Failed in Senate
• Minnesota: Stalled due to horse racing track disputes
• Missouri: Failed due to VLT disagreements
• North Carolina: Failed by one vote in House
• South Carolina: No significant progress
• Vermont: Died in May

Pending Legislation

California:

• Two competing ballot initiatives:
  1. Tribal initiative: Retail betting at tribal casinos only
  2. Operator initiative: Statewide mobile betting
• Decision pending November vote

The landscape of sports betting legislation continues to evolve, with many states expected to revisit legalization efforts in 2023. All initiatives include varying degrees of problem gambling protections and funding for treatment services.

For gambling-related support, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Support is available 24/7, free and confidential.

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