With North Carolina online sports betting just before March Madness on March 11, 2024, sports fans across the country are wondering which states could be next. While there is no guarantee, Minnesota, Georgia, and Missouri all have a possibility of legalizing sports betting this year.
Minnesota
There is growing optimism that Minnesota sports betting could be legalized in 2024. The 2023 legislative session saw several sports betting bills introduced, and while none passed, they gained significant support. This momentum is expected to carry over into this year with a more straightforward path to success than in previous years.
One of Minnesota’s biggest hurdles to legalization has been tribes, who were concerned about the impact of sports betting on their casinos. However, recent reports suggest that tribes are now open to the idea as long as they have exclusive access to the industry. This could be a game-changer for legalization efforts in 2024.
If sports betting is legalized in Minnesota, it is likely that the industry will be run by native tribes in the state. The state’s 11 tribes operate 19 casinos, and it is likely that some or all of those casinos would partner with some of the nation’s top sportsbooks.
Georgia
Like Minnesota, Georgia sports betting has come close to reality in the past, but bills have failed to pass through the legislature, but there is still hope for near future. The state’s 2024 legislative session is underway, and multiple bills are expected to be introduced.
One of the biggest challenges to legalization in Georgia is the state’s conservative politics. Gambling is already illegal in most of the state, and there is some opposition to expanding it. However, there is also strong support for legalization from both lawmakers and the general public. A coalition of Atlanta professional sports teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, is also lobbying for legalization.
If wagering on sports is legalized in Georgia, it would likely be several months before online sports betting could launch. The Georgia Lottery would need to promulgate regulations for the new industry, issue licenses, and allow operators to launch.
Missouri
There is widespread support for legalization from pro-sports organizations, casinos, and politicians. The public also appears to be on board, and there is some external pressure from neighboring states that have already legalized sports betting.
The 2024 legislative session started with two new sports betting bills, and there is hope that one will succeed. If Missouri sports betting is legalized, it could launch as early as 2024.
Stay Tuned for Sports Betting Updates
While there is no guarantee, Minnesota, Georgia, and Missouri all have a good chance of legalizing sports betting in 2024. If you live in one of these states, stay tuned for updates on the latest developments. And who knows, you might be placing your first legal sports bet before the end of the year! If new states decide to launch in 2024, here are the sportsbook that would be expected to be first in line.
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- ESPN BET
Disclaimers:
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, KY, MI, NJ, OH, PA, IL, TN, VA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-522-4700 (WY), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV).
