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As we head into 2025, the landscape of sports betting in the United States remains on the radar, especially among states that have yet to provide a legal bet. Whatever optimism a new year may bring, 2024 was a non-event when it came to gambling legislation throughout the country. No state expanded gambling options-a rare pause since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was overturned in 2018.
The Landscape
Eleven states have not yet moved to authorise sports betting. Of those, a few show some sign of possible movement in 2025. Let’s wade in with the deeper look and the prospects at each of them.
Alabama
From the lottery to wagering on sports, Alabama has fought for a way to legalise most any form of gambling. However, efforts to get a bill through both chambers did falter in 2024. By the time of the legislative session, debate is likely to be heating up, though. Democratic House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels said an omnibus bill would aid in the process since Alabama is one of the last states in the nation with no lottery.
California
California’s path towards legal sports betting has been anything but smooth. Since an overwhelming defeat in 2024 by way of the ballot initiative, it’s the state’s tribes driving the conversation. There is no consensus among them, making anyone’s guess when—or if—California sees any movement on this. The earliest that voters can weigh in on this will be 2026 or 2028.
Georgia
Georgia is the largest state remaining in the country with no legal betting on sports. Political obstacles kept it from advancing and no one, to this point, has filed any legislation. Most recently, the senator, Brandon Beach, has shown his interest in passing legislation to legalise sports betting, citing the need to eradicate illegal offshore gaming operations and bring in much-required tax revenue. The next session may be telling.
Hawaii
Hawaii has flirted with gambling expansion, but to date, no serious proposal has made it through. With no lottery and only a few discussions about sports betting bills, Hawaii is unlikely to budge anytime soon.
Idaho
Idaho is one of the few states where gambling is largely not allowed—except on tribal grounds with limited allowances. And the state legislature doesn’t appear interested in changing that dynamic as it prepares to get underway.
Minnesota
The situation in Minnesota is particularly complicated, between tribal interests and past legislative standstills. There does appear to be some agreement among a disparate group of stakeholders on a framework for legalisation, but no bills have actually been filed. That could change in the coming session.
Oklahoma
Tribal relationships are the future of sports betting in Oklahoma. A new bill would legalise statewide digital betting, but its passage is contingent upon tribal buy-in. Given the current political climate, it’s unlikely that much will change until after Governor Kevin Stitt is out of office in 2026.
South Carolina
But of all the states still holding out, perhaps none is more interesting than South Carolina, as neighbouring North Carolina rakes in revenues via legal digital sports betting. Two bills have been filed to open the door for everything from sports wagering to casino action. Discussion has already started, which means maybe one of those proposals squeaks through the cracks in 2025.
Texas
Texas is probably the most-watched state in terms of potential gambling legislation. Given only odd-year sessions are held in Texas, it has now been two years since a major bill moved. Heavy lobbying and grassroots interest have seen steadfast opposition from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
What’s Next
By 2025, while some states have moved toward legalising sports betting, others have gotten bogged down in political fights and cultural resistance to expanded gambling. In fact, the landscape indeed has changed, if very gradually.
Fast Facts:
- Alabama: Full-scale legislation possible.
- California: Consensus between tribes; next chance could be 2026.
- Georgia: Political impediments; no active legislation.
- Hawaii: Less activity; least likely to change.
- Idaho: Strong prohibition against; minimal interest in change.
- Minnesota: Agreement among stakeholders but no bill filings yet.
- Oklahoma: A new bill needs tribal support.
- South Carolina: Two separate bills were introduced, but deliberations are still underway.
- Texas: Deadlocked due to political opposition; eyes on next session.
The next several months are going to be crucial as legislatures return and chatter heats up in those various states. To be sure, how they will rule-but most likely not around the topic of sports betting-is anyone’s guess.
Source: igamingbusiness.com
