With state legislatures preparing to meet across the U.S., Fantini Gaming Research has produced a National Legislative Preview, which examines efforts on the various aspects of gaming in all 50 states and Congress.
Naturally, sports betting – made legal by last May’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling – is the hot topic in legislative sessions throughout the United States this year. Last year, six states approved laws and regulations allowing casinos and racetracks to offer legal sports betting.
In 2019, bills are expected to pop up in some 20 states. Of those, Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and Missouri will be among the first movers.
The National Legislative Preview includes a policy overview and recommendations to policy makers by Michael Pollock, managing director of international consultancy Spectrum Gaming.
“This session will mark something extraordinary and largely unprecedented in American history: at least 10, and possibly as many as 20 states will consider legislation on sports betting,” Pollock said in the report.
“There will be battles along numerous fronts, from tax rates to funding for education and infrastructure,” Pollock said. “Those are the perennial fights that legislators have been waging for years.”
In addition to sports betting legalization, other issues occupying legislators will be authorizing online gaming, legalizing casinos in key states such as Georgia and Virginia, expanding casino gaming in big states like Illinois, the proliferation of slot routes, emergence of historical horse racing and authorization of lotteries or potential expansion of lottery offerings.
The National Legislative Preview kicks off 2019 coverage for Fantini’s Public Policy Review, a comprehensive weekly report on all legislative, regulatory and legal action throughout the United States and Congress that includes real-time reports as important events unfold.
The National Legislative Preview is available for purchase by calling 302-730-3793 or emailing either Alex Capitle at ACapitle@FantiniResearch.com or Cindy Konowitz at AKonowitz@FantiniResearch.com.
