States That Considered and Legalized Sports Betting Legislation in 2022: A Complete Overview

By Michael Peterson

April 23, 2025 at 09:08 PM

Sports betting saw significant legislative activity across the United States in 2022, with varying outcomes across different states. Here's a comprehensive overview of the year's developments:

Successfully Legalized Sports Betting

Kansas:

  • Governor Laura Kelly signed Senate Bill 84 on May 12, 2022
  • Includes 2% tax revenue for problem gambling services
  • Features responsible gambling measures and advertising restrictions
  • Expected launch: late 2022

Maine:

  • LD 585 signed into law on May 2, 2022
  • Exclusive rights granted to Native American tribes
  • Allocates 1% tax revenue for problem gambling services
  • Expected launch: 2023

Massachusetts:

  • House Bill 5164 signed on August 10, 2022
  • Key provisions:
    • Minimum age: 21
    • Strict advertising regulations
    • Ban on in-state college betting (except tournaments)
    • Dedicated problem gambling funding
    • Required research agenda

Failed Legalization Attempts

States with Notable Efforts:

  • Missouri: Failed due to Video Lottery Terminal disagreements
  • Minnesota: Collapsed over horse racing track licensing disputes
  • North Carolina: Senate Bill 688 failed by one vote in House
  • Kentucky: Two bills died in Senate, including problem gambling funding
  • Vermont: Bill died after Senate committee hearing

States with Minimal Progress:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • South Carolina

Pending Legislation

California:

  • Two competing ballot initiatives for November
  • Tribal initiative: retail betting at tribal casinos only
  • Operator initiative: statewide mobile betting
  • Outcome pending voter decision

For problem gambling support, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline:

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