The landscape of American sports has undergone a dramatic shift in the last few years. What was once a largely prohibited activity is now a burgeoning industry, rapidly reshaping how fans engage with their favorite games.
Until 2018, sports betting existed in a legal gray area across most of the United States. A landmark Supreme Court decision shattered that status quo, returning the power to individual states to decide the fate of wagering within their borders.
The result has been a wave of change, with 39 states now embracing legal sportsbooks. Missouri recently joined the ranks, becoming the latest to open its doors to this evolving market, but the question lingers: which states will follow suit?
The list of states currently offering legal sports betting is extensive: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Despite the rapid expansion, significant pockets of resistance remain. Public opinion, however, is overwhelmingly in favor of change. A remarkable 74% of Americans now support legal, regulated sports betting, demonstrating broad appeal across the political spectrum.
The economic potential is staggering, with estimates placing the market value at a colossal $18.5 billion. Yet, not all state regulators are convinced, and complex political dynamics continue to shape the debate.
California, a state with a massive population and potential market, has repeatedly faced setbacks. Multiple ballot initiatives have failed, largely due to opposition from Native American tribes who currently dominate the state’s gambling industry.
Looking ahead, several states are emerging as potential candidates for legalization. While some, like Utah and Idaho, show little inclination to change, others are actively considering the possibilities.
Alaska is quietly gaining momentum. House Bill 145, introduced earlier this year, proposes authorizing mobile sports wagering and imposing a tax on the revenue generated. The bill, though currently stalled, highlights a growing recognition of the potential benefits.
Representative David Nelson, a key proponent of the bill, articulated a compelling argument: “Alaska needs more diverse sources of revenue. Legalizing sports wagering is a simple solution that would capture a market that already exists in this state.” He emphasized the risks of allowing an unregulated black market to flourish.
Hawaii and Oklahoma also appear poised for potential action. Hawaii’s House Bill 1308 advanced through the legislative process but ultimately stalled due to disagreements between chambers. Oklahoma saw promising bills fail to reach a vote before deadlines, but discussions continue.
These three states – Hawaii, Oklahoma, and Alaska – represent the most likely next wave of expansion, each navigating its own unique set of political and economic considerations as they contemplate joining the rapidly evolving world of legal sports betting.
