In recent developments, lawmakers in Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Iowa have forwarded bills related to sweepstakes casinos and unregulated gambling to their governors. Concurrently, Colorado and Connecticut have made strides in promoting responsible gambling and regulatory measures.
The following outlines significant gambling bills that have emerged this week.
Sweepstakes and Prediction Markets
Several bills are now on the way to the governor's desk. Iowa and Louisiana have officially sent gambling enforcement legislation to their governors after passing these measures last week.
Iowa’s SF 2289 aims to provide regulators with enhanced enforcement capabilities against unlicensed gambling operators, while Louisiana’s HB 53 seeks to broaden the scope of racketeering laws concerning illegal gambling activities.
In Tennessee, the House Speaker has signed SB 2136, which prohibits sweepstakes casinos, alongside SB 1992, which pertains to prediction markets. Both bills were signed by the Senate Speaker last week and are now awaiting action from Governor Bill Lee.
Oklahoma's House has passed SB 1589 without amendments, and legislative leaders have swiftly sent the bill to Governor Kevin Stitt.
These four states are progressing towards implementing new regulations aimed at unregulated gaming, with Oklahoma and Tennessee focusing on dual-currency payment systems utilized by sweepstakes casinos. Iowa and Louisiana's bills aim to enhance state regulators' enforcement capabilities.
Louisiana HB 883 Advances in Senate
In addition to HB 53, Louisiana is also advancing HB 883, which specifically targets sweepstakes casinos and dual-currency payment systems. This measure passed in the House earlier this month and is now awaiting a third reading in the Senate.
If approved, Louisiana could adopt two distinct strategies to address unlicensed operators, including sweepstakes casinos.
Responsible Gaming and Oversight
In Colorado, lawmakers are pushing forward with separate bills. The Colorado legislature has passed SB 163, which proposes a comprehensive overhaul of the state's gambling regulatory structure.
Additionally, two House committees have advanced SB 131, which is set for a third reading on May 8. This responsible gaming initiative includes measures to limit advertising and promotional language, as well as deposit restrictions. Notably, earlier provisions that banned prop bets and restricted sportsbooks from limiting sharp bettors have been removed, reflecting the political challenges in implementing strict sportsbook regulations.
Connecticut Passes College Ad Restrictions and Betting Integrity Bills
Connecticut's lawmakers have passed HB 5229, which places restrictions on gambling advertisements on college campuses and introduces other reforms for online wagering. They also approved SB 296, which expands the state’s cheating laws to encompass issues related to sports betting, including match-fixing and the misuse of confidential information.
Both bills are now pending formal enrollment before being sent to Governor Ned Lamont for consideration.
Connecticut is taking steps to address two pressing policy issues: the marketing of gambling to college students, many of whom are underage, and the integrity of sports betting.
Noteworthy Bills in Missouri, New Jersey, DC
In Missouri, the Senate has officially rejected HB 2989, a proposal to legalize video lottery terminals (VLTs) that had previously passed the House. Advocates argued that VLTs could serve as a replacement for unregulated skill game machines that have become widespread in the state.
Additionally, lawmakers have advanced HB 3553, a gaming bill in the House, but removed the provision that would have increased the online sports betting tax from 10% to 34%. This Senate rejection underscores the lawmakers’ reluctance to endorse further expansions in gaming.