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Legislators in several US states are pushing or reviewing gambling laws that impact sweepstakes casinos, internet sportsbooks, and associated regulatory systems.
South Carolina Examines the Guidelines for Online Sports Betting
On February 18, the House of Representatives Labour and Commerce Committee will consider Senate Bill 444.
This Bill entered the ongoing Senate session after being introduced the previous year. The plan would legalize internet sports betting throughout the state if it is implemented. Eight authorized sportsbooks will be the maximum under the legislation.
Since Governor Henry McMaster has consistently opposed gaming expansion, political resistance remains an ongoing issue. McMaster is anticipated to serve until 2027.
Last week, we witnessed a different plan to legalize gambling in South Carolina. The casino measure was reinstated to its original committee by House majority leader Davey Hiott.
A Referendum on Online Sports Betting is Proposed in South Dakota
Legislators from South Dakota have introduced Joint Resolution 504 in the Senate to legalize online sports betting. In a November poll, electors would be able to choose whether to allow sports betting. If authorized, the sportsbook would have to collaborate with a casino located in Deadwood.
In 2020, South Dakota lawmakers authorized live sports betting in Deadwood. Prior attempts to expand the market through legislation faced strong opposition.
Advance Sweepstakes Bans in Maryland and Mississippi
Legislators in Maryland are considering a bill that is aimed at outlawing sweepstakes casinos. Senate Bill 112 gives the regulators more investigative power.
John Martin, the head of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, stated that despite restraining orders, regulatory gaps still exist.
In 2025, the Maryland Senate approved a similar sweepstakes prohibition, but it failed in the legislature.
On February 12, the Maryland legislators will also talk about House Bill 518. Idea betting on university athletes would be outlawed under the idea.
Senate Bill 2104 has been passed by the Mississippi Senate.
The law marks the full shutdown of sweepstakes casinos throughout the state.
Although this is not the initial attempt, as a similar law was unsuccessful last year, during conference talks.
Louisiana Focuses on Offenses Associated with Gambling
House Bill 53 has been submitted in advance by the representative of the House, Bryan Fontenot.
Several gambling offenses would be considered foundation crimes for conspiracy under the law. Digital sweepstakes gadgets and online gambling are covered offenses.
Last year, we saw officials pass a law in Louisiana banning sweepstakes. Given the current regulatory authorities, Jeff Landry, the Governor, has rejected the legislation.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has sent out over 40 cease and desist notes after the veto.
Alabama is preparing an idea for a Gambling Referendum
Senator Merika Coleman of Alabama intends to propose a constitutional change that will give people more power over gaming authorization.
If the legislation is passed, MPs would be in charge of developing laws related to betting, gambling, and lotteries. The Governor will be able to create a gambling commission.
Governor Kay Ivey created a gambling study commission in 2020, and a comprehensive gambling measure passed the House in 2024 but was rejected by the Senate.
Additional Proposals for State-Level Betting
LD 2080, which prohibits credit card payment for sportsbooks, was introduced by Maine senators. It may be amended to include online casinos as well.
HB 1527 would impose a 50% tax on associated sportsbook revenue while permitting gambling on local NCAA teams in Virginia.
While keeping player proposition bets prohibited, Washington lawmakers are thinking about limiting college betting and expanding sportsbook agreements at tribal casinos.
Source: iGB
