States Advocate for Bill Passage: Pursuing Sports Betting Legalization
State of Play: The Push for Sports Betting Legislation in 2025
A looming deadline sharpens focus on states yet to regulate sports betting
From the sun-kissed shores of Honolulu, we're taking a closer look at the evolving landscape of states without sports betting legislation, shining a light on their journey towards regulation.
With almost 40 states already hosting legal sports betting, the spotlight is now on the remaining few. Let's dive into the latest updates from Alabama to Oklahoma.
Hawaii
Previously thought to be stalled with SB1569, the scene shifts to HB1308. This bill passed on a House floor vote, and now finds itself in the Senate's hands. Though SB891, which calls for a commission study, is also under review in the Senate, it's set for a vote. The Senate now holds the reins, and only time will tell how they'll play their cards.
Georgia
Time's running out for Georgia. SR 131 is now dead in the water, but a last-ditch effort is underway in the House. HR 450 and HB 686, two bills aiming to legalize sports betting, were read for the first time on Monday and debated in the House Higher Education Committee on Tuesday. With the crossover deadline on Thursday, the fate of these bills hangs in the balance.
Alabama
Alas, no progress has been made for legal Alabama sports betting. HB 237 and HB 41 are still mired in committee. Unlike other states, Alabama operates on an annual legislative session, so there's no pressure from a looming crossover deadline.
South Carolina
While H 3625 and H 3353 remain stuck in committee, there's a glimmer of hope. H 3625 picked up an additional sponsor, Rep. Seth Rose, on February 26. Whether this augurs real momentum for South Carolina sports betting remains to be seen.
Texas
Sports betting takes a backseat in Texas as legislators grapple with the ongoing Texas Lottery scandal. Measures like SJR 16 and HJR 134 have made little progress since being introduced last month.
Oklahoma
Unlike other states, Oklahoma sports betting could buck the trend and become a reality this year. A slew of sports betting bills in both the House and Senate are slated for floor votes post general order. While dates are yet to be set, Oklahoma might just be the next battleground for legalization, likely making it one of two states to regulate sports betting in 2025.
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News tags: Alabama | Georgia | Hawaii | Oklahoma | South Carolina | Texas
Michael MolterAfter spending time scouting college basketball for Florida State University under Leonard Hamilton and the University of Alabama under Anthony Grant, Michael started writing focused on NBA content. A graduate of both schools, he now covers legal sports betting bills, sports betting revenue data, tennis betting odds, and sportsbook reviews. When not glued to the TV watching mid-level tennis matches, Michael likes to play basketball, hike, and kayak.
The push for sports betting legislation in 2025 is intensifying, with several states still in the process of regulation.Hawaii has two bills, HB1308 and SB891, under review in the Senate, with the Senate now holding the reins.Georgia's SR 131 is dead, but a last-ditch effort in the House is underway with HR 450 and HB 686, aiming for legalization.Alabama has shown no progress with HB 237 and HB 41 still mired in committee.In South Carolina, H 3625 and H 3353 remain stuck in committee, but there's a glimmer of hope with an additional sponsor, Rep. Seth Rose.Texas sports betting takes a backseat due to the ongoing Texas Lottery scandal, with little progress made on SJR 16 and HJR 134.Oklahoma sports betting could buck the trend and become a reality this year, with numerous bills in both the House and Senate slated for floor votes post general order, making it one of two states to regulate sports betting in 2025.For the latest updates on sports betting legislation, visit our website for independent sports betting news, tips, and insights.*Finance and business in sports are not left behind as the legalization of sports-betting signals a potential boost in revenue.
