With the turning of the calendar year comes optimism in most any endeavour. Stage legislatures are no different when it comes to internet casino gaming and sports wagering. A flurry of gambling legislation nationwide has been filed in attempts to expand a still-growing market.
Casino Reports has been gamely trying to keep up with these state-by-state machinations. Here is a rundown of what is going on, perhaps in your backyard:
Indiana: Optimism abounds once more
The Hoosier State was among the first to launch sports wagering post-PASPA and has consistently punched above its weight. Indiana closed out 2024 by becoming the eighth state to surpass $20 billion (£1.6 billion/€1.9 billion) all-time handle. It has surpassed $1.75 billion in sports betting revenue.
Legalising internet casino gaming has been a tougher slog. There was a moratorium on such bills last year after former Representative Sean Eberhart pleaded guilty in November 2023 to a federal charge of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud. The US attorney’s office for the Southern District of Indiana said Eberhart used his position to vote in favour of “terms favourable” for Spectacle Gaming to relocate two casinos in the state in exchange for a position with Spectacle for a $350,000 annual salary.
The 2024 moratorium came after internet casino bills failed to advance out of committee from 2021 to 2023. Ethan Manning, who chairs the house public policy committee, filed House Bill 1432 last week and it was referred to his committee on Tuesday. Manning filed a similar bill in 2023 while serving as chair but did not bring it up for a vote in committee.
Manning’s bill would allow riverboat casino owners and operators up to three online skins (unique brands). Revenue would be taxed at 26% for the first year before switching to progressive rates with a floor of 22% and a ceiling of 30% based on operator revenue.
The initial licence fee is $500,000, with an annual renewal fee of $50,000. There would also be an annual $250,000 fee per licensee dedicated to problem gaming resources.
Massachusetts: igaming bills in sync
The Bay State has igaming bills in both chambers that appear to be in sync. Filed by Representative Daniel Cahill (HD 4084) and Senator Paul R Feeney (SD 2240), the bills call for a 20% tax on adjusted gross revenue and a $1 million initial temporary licence fee. Operators would then pay $5 million for a five-year licence. Those licences could renew for five-year periods at a cost of $5 million.
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