Three States Have Legalized Sports Betting
Currently, there are states in the country that have legalized sports betting. This includes Ohio, Iowa and Connecticut. Hopefully, other states will follow in the next few years.
Legalization of sports betting in Ohio
Earlier this year, lawmakers in Ohio took a look at the legalization of sports betting in Ohio. Although the Ohio Legislature is still determining license allocations and license types, lawmakers have agreed to a regulatory framework. This will allow sports betting to be regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
The OCCC is currently working to draft rules. The Ohio sports betting regulatory framework is set to be in effect by January 1, 2023. The OCCC has opened two 30-day window for applications. The number of sports betting licenses in Ohio may reach up to 46.
When sports betting is fully operational, the industry is expected to raise several tens of millions of dollars. The money will be taxed at 10%, with 98 percent going towards funding public and private K-12 education. The other two percent will be set aside for problem gambling assistance and prevention.
Legalization of sports betting in Connecticut
Despite the presence of two tribal casinos in Connecticut, sports betting has yet to be legalized. In fact, only three sportsbooks have been licensed so far. This is in stark contrast to neighboring states like New Jersey, Delaware, and New York, which have all passed legislation.
The Connecticut legislature passed a law last year to expand gaming in the state. The legislation included sports betting regulations. This was a step toward legalization of sports betting in Connecticut. In 2021, sports betting will be legal in the state. In addition to retail betting, legal Connecticut sportsbooks will also allow users to bet on all major sports leagues.
Connecticut sports betting is set to begin in October of 2021. The state’s lottery will also begin operating a sportsbook at 15 locations. Sportstech is expected to be awarded a license. The company is expected to operate 10 of the 15 locations.
Legalization of sports betting in Iowa
Earlier this year, Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill legalizing sports betting in Iowa. The measure was passed by both the Iowa House and Senate.
The bill legalized sports betting at 19 Iowa casinos. The bill also authorizes online and mobile betting. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission will set up rules and regulations for the state’s casinos. The commission hopes to have sports betting in Iowa up and running by the NFL season.
The state’s law regulating online horse racing betting also applies to sports betting. The IRGC will issue licenses to operators. The first sportsbook went online a few months after the law was passed.
Before the law passed, Iowa was under a federal ban on sports betting. However, the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn PASPA paved the way for lawmakers to act.