The gaming industry is likely to perceive 2024 as a significant failure concerning legalization. No U.S. state increased gambling in any form, signifying the first year since the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018 that this occurred.
As 2025 progresses, optimism prevails. Seven years after sports betting was designated a states’ rights matter, eleven US states have yet to legalize it. It is probable that at least one state—Utah—will never achieve this. What about the remainder?
This article explores the prospects in states without legal wagering and examines how changing gambling laws USA could reshape the country’s casino landscape in the years ahead.
California
Despite being the largest state, California remains 19 months removed from one of the most significant ballot initiative failures in its history. In the broader context of changing gambling laws USA, the focus has shifted from potential legalization in 2025 to whether a new initiative might surface by 2026 or 2028.
The state’s indigenous nations influence the trajectory of sports betting in California. Indian Country possesses a formidable lobby that secures exclusivity in gaming; nevertheless, it has yet to reach an agreement on the structure of legal wagering. It has been evident following the 2024 setback that business operators are now more inclined to collaborate with the tribes rather than oppose them. FanDuel has pioneered this initiative by establishing a specialized department that fosters partnerships throughout Indian Country.
A Challenging Middleground in California
Due to the variety of California’s tribes, establishing a consensus on wagering is challenging. Should each tribe be afforded the option to collaborate with a major commercial operator? A select few individuals may be afforded platforms to disseminate their work and share the resulting profits. Should the state be partitioned into sections where a singular platform holds a monopoly? Regardless of the alternatives or final resolution, Indian Country must achieve internal reconciliation prior to advancing a ballot measure. Several criteria will influence the selection, including the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund, branding, and additional considerations.
A sports betting initiative may be presented to voters as soon as 2026. This year, the question is whether one will gain traction.
Arkansas
Positivity surrounding growth for the gambling industry in Arkansas is dwindling.
Amid discussions around changing gambling laws USA, a leading Arkansas politician has expressed doubts that lawmakers will authorize internet casino gaming this year.
No chance for Arkansas?
On Tuesday, March 25, state Senator Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, texted Gambling.com that there is “no chance” House Bill 1861, concerning internet casino gaming, will receive legislative backing.
Georgia
In the evolving landscape shaped by changing gambling laws USA, Georgia—following California and Texas—stands out as the largest state without legalized sports betting, and perhaps the most enigmatic.
There is no tribal intricacy to contemplate, and legislators have previously reached an accord. However, political factors have been essential to the postponement of legalization. In 2021, Senate Democrats notably postponed votes regarding voter redistricting and other matters due to an existing agreement. Since that time, no agreement has received a vote in either house.
Minnesota
Similar to other tribal gambling states, Minnesota’s tribes have always opposed the legalization of sports betting legislation. In 2024, a contract seemed to exist, although no vote was conducted on it. The situation has been contentious, with two opposing horse racetracks against Indian Country. The state undertook an additional measure to incorporate charity gaming. House DFL member Zack Stephenson facilitated an accord wherein the tribes would allocate $40 million to charity gaming.
Not forgetting, a state senator was apprehended at the conclusion of the session, resulting in a deadlock.
New bills for Minne?
No measures have been introduced to date; nevertheless, Senator Matt Klein has stated his intention to persist in advocating for the matter.
The November election resulted in an equal division in the House, which Klein believes may facilitate the advancement of wagering legislation.
Although stakeholders may be nearing or have reached an agreement, legislators must contemplate other matters. In Minnesota, religious and social organizations have expressed considerable opposition.
The session started on 14 January and will conclude on 19 May, with no pre-filing time.
Oklahoma
Similar to California, the trajectory of legal sports betting in Oklahoma will be influenced by the state’s tribes. In contrast to California, the tribes’ relationship with the governor is contentious, rendering the process, at best, exasperating. The tribes of the state have indicated they will postpone action until the conclusion of Governor Kevin Stitt’s term. Stitt will reach the term limit in 2026.
A legal wagering framework in OK
In 2023, Stitt established a legal wagering system that will grant retail betting to Indian Country and allow commercial operators to provide digital betting. The tribes vehemently rejected the proposal, which would infringe upon their legal right to exclusivity. A measure encompassing Stitt’s plan was rejected by the committee during the 2024 session.
Based on the current climate, changing gambling laws USA seems unlikely to gain legislative traction in 2025.
