Online sports betting has made significant strides in the United States, with close to 40 states now allowing residents to place wagers legally. However, the landscape for iGaming—which includes online casino games like slots and table games—remains much more restrictive, confined to just a handful of states. This trend seems unlikely to change in the near future. According to a recent report from Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG), a leading research firm specializing in the global gambling industry, the outlook for online gambling legalization across the country remains grim.
EKG’s analysis, highlighted by Casino.org, predicts that lawmakers in various states are more inclined to raise taxes on existing online sports betting rather than legalizing new forms of gambling such as iGaming. This sentiment is echoed in state legislatures where the political hurdles associated with the legalization of new gambling activities often outweigh the potential benefits. A typical view expressed in these legislative houses is that it’s easier—and politically safer—to increase taxes on an existing industry rather than to endorse a new sector that comes with its own set of challenges and public scrutiny.
While the nationwide outlook may seem pessimistic, there’s a glimmer of hope emanating from Florida. The Sunshine State may stand alone as a potential new market for online
The primary opposition to iGaming legalization, however, comes from the land-based casino industry, which raises concerns about potential revenue losses. Land-based establishments fear that facilitating online gambling could cannibalize their in-person customer base. Additionally, gambling harm treatment organizations express significant concerns over the potential societal impact of readily accessible online gambling. These groups caution that easier access could lead to an uptick in problem gambling, exacerbating issues that are already on the rise in states with legal mobile sports betting, such as Florida and Kentucky.
Despite these challenges, legal online gambling continues to gain traction, though at a slower pace than some may have hoped. As it stands, only seven states, including major markets like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, have legalized iGaming. These states are pioneering the expansion of online gambling, setting precedents that could potentially influence other states’ legislation in the future.
Given the complexities surrounding the legalization of online gambling and the significant opposition it faces, the process will likely be slow and cautious. As we move forward, stakeholders will need to balance the economic benefits online gambling can bring with social responsibilities and the potential for increased problem gambling. Florida’s moves in this arena will be closely watched by other states and may serve as a barometer for
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