Election Day 2024 is quickly coming closer in the United States. The race between parties in various states could have implications for the expansion of gambling. The U.S. gambling industry has become one of the most valuable markets in the world. Utah and Hawaii are the only two states where all forms of gambling are illegal. In most other states, some form of gambling is legal. In November, certain states must decide on new governors, and this could play a role in whether gambling expands in these states.
Georgia
Georgia has failed in its attempts to expand gambling in recent years. Gambling industry players will be watching the races for the state legislature. In the May primary, most incumbents weren’t defeated and many of them are running for re-election. Only 14 of 180 seats in the House of Representatives will see new occupants. Any gains are not likely to overcome the advantage the Republicans have in the House and the Senate. However, even the Republicans in Georgia are divided on the issue.
The faction of the Republican party that supports gambling expansion could be dominant in November. However, even if a pro-gambling caucus is dominant in Georgia, it may not support online gambling.
Legal and regulated online gambling sites are currently available in seven states across the United States. Since 2018, many states have launched regulated sports betting markets. At present, it is legal in 39 states and the District of Columbia.
Indiana
Indiana gambling laws allow betting on horse racing and riverboat casinos, but most other types of gambling are prohibited. The 10 riverboat casinos are located on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan.
In May, Senator Mike Braun secured the Republican nomination for governorship of the state. On the side of the Democrats, Jennifer McCormick ran unopposed. Gambling legislation hasn’t been a talking point of either campaign. Polling suggests that Braun will become governor.
It will be up to the winning party to decide whether to expand gambling if a bill makes its way onto their desk in the first term. Indiana legalized online sports betting in 2019 but hasn’t ventured into non-sport iGaming such as online casinos. It is difficult to forecast what will happen in 2025 and beyond in Indiana. Senator Braun appears to be willing to adapt to the times. McCormick hasn’t addressed gambling directly but her platform centers around areas of tax revenue from gambling supports such as funding public education.
Arkansas
Arkansas was one of the battleground states in the previous election. The results of the 2020 election saw a win for Trump. In 2018, Arkansas voters approved a constitutional amendment authorizing retail casinos in the state. Three of these are currently in use but the one in Pope County faced litigation and is no longer in use.
In November, voters may cast another vote on the Pope County Casino issue. They could approve a new proposed amendment that would remove Pope County from the authorizations for a casino. If they approve it, a county-specific referendum would be necessary for a proposed location. All casino and sports wagering must currently take place at one of the two existing retail casinos in Arkansas. Online gambling is illegal, and slots are only available at online social casinos.
Missouri
One of the states with the most significance as far as gambling is concerned in 2024 is Missouri. Voters in Missouri will decide on the composition of the legislature for the next four years and on the governor. They will also consider a new casino at the Lake of the Ozarks which would be the 14th casino in the state. A sports gambling initiative will also appear on the ballot in November. Republican Mike Kehoe has a small lead over Democrat Crystal Quade for the governorship. Both have expressed support for online sports betting. After the 2024 elections, the Democrats could have enough seats in the legislature to end the super majority of the Republicans. The faction of the Republican party that dominates in November could influence the future of gambling expansion. This could determine how quickly online sports betting becomes legal in the state.
