States That Considered and Legalized Sports Betting Legislation in 2022: A Complete Overview
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:
- Call: 1-800-GAMBLER
- Text: 800GAM
- Visit: www.1800gamblerchat.org