Three U.S. Gambling Bills Set to Expire by Year-End, While Three New Wagering Bills Are Pre-Filed for 2025

As the year concludes, no new U.S. jurisdictions have legalized digital sports betting or iGaming through legislative efforts. While Michigan and Ohio lawmakers made late attempts to expand gambling, their efforts are set to expire. Meanwhile, South Carolina and Texas lawmakers have pre-filed bills for consideration in 2025, though these face significant hurdles.

Michigan and Ohio: Expiring Bills Without Clear Future Efforts

In Michigan, Senators Sam Singh and Jeremy Moss introduced bills aiming to increase taxes on betting and iGaming revenue. These proposals included:

• A 0.1% tax hike on adjusted gross receipts (AGR) for non-tribal wagering operators.
• A 1% increase on iGaming taxes, applied to the current tiered system.

These bills will expire at the year’s end and are not expected to carry over into 2025.

In Ohio, Senator Niraj Antani proposed two bills in 2024:

1. SB 312: Legalizing online gambling with one platform per casino.
2. A bill to reverse the sports betting tax hike from 20% back to 10%.

Both proposals failed to gain traction in the Senate finance committee. Antani’s term-limited status leaves uncertainty about who will champion gambling legislation in Ohio moving forward.

South Carolina: Proposals for In-Person and Digital Betting

For 2025, South Carolina lawmakers have introduced two bills:

1. HJR 3353: A constitutional amendment to allow voters to decide on legalizing in-person sports betting, casino games, and pari-mutuel wagering. Revenue would fund infrastructure projects.
2. HB 3625: A bill to legalize digital sports betting, capping the number of platforms at eight, imposing a 12.5% tax on gross gaming revenue, and requiring operators to meet specific licensing criteria.

These proposals mark a renewed interest in sports betting, though consensus remains elusive.

Texas: Ambitious Gambling Expansion Faces Resistance

Texas lawmakers are preparing for another attempt at gambling expansion:

• SJR 16: Filed by Senator Carol Alvarado, this constitutional amendment would allow for seven destination casino-resorts and legal sports betting. It includes a 15% tax rate on casino gross gaming revenue.

Despite backing from Democratic lawmakers, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has expressed resistance, making Republican support essential for progress.

Outlook for 2025

While the legislative year ends with setbacks in Michigan and Ohio, South Carolina and Texas offer potential developments. However, both states face significant challenges in garnering the necessary support for gambling expansions. The fate of these pre-filed bills will hinge on political negotiations and public support in the coming year.