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Which US States Still Don’t Have Regulated Sports Betting as of Late 2024?

October 12, 2024

Which US States Still Don’t Have Regulated Sports Betting as of Late 2024?

The rise of legalized sports betting across the United States has been one of the most significant trends in gaming and entertainment over the past few years. Since the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which effectively banned sports betting nationwide, most states have taken steps to legalize and regulate it.

However, despite the widespread push for sports betting, 12 states as of late 2024 still do not have regulated sports betting markets.

In this article, we’ll explore why states like Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah remain on the sidelines, the barriers to legalization, and whether these states might change course in the near future.

1. Alabama

Alabama is one of the few states with strict gambling laws. While the state allows some forms of gambling, like pari-mutuel betting and a state lottery, sports betting has not yet gained legislative approval. Several attempts to pass bills that would legalize sports betting have failed in recent years due to opposition from conservative lawmakers and concerns about gambling addiction. The state has held discussions about potential expansions, but Alabama remains one of the most gambling-resistant states in the U.S.

2. Alaska

In Alaska, the situation is slightly different due to the state’s low population density and the absence of a substantial gambling culture. With limited existing gambling infrastructure and no commercial casinos, Alaska has been slow to adopt sports betting legislation. While there have been discussions in the state legislature, including proposals in 2022 to regulate online sports betting, Alaska has yet to pass any law that would legalize or regulate the practice.

3. California

California is by far the largest state without legalized sports betting. The Golden State has a complicated gambling landscape due to the powerful influence of tribal casinos and other stakeholders. In 2022, California voters rejected two high-profile ballot initiatives—Proposition 26 and Proposition 27—that would have legalized sports betting in different forms.

Proposition 26 aimed to allow in-person betting at tribal casinos, while Proposition 27 sought to legalize online sports betting. The failure of these initiatives demonstrates the challenges that California faces in reaching a consensus on how to implement sports betting, though the debate is far from over.

4. Georgia

Georgia is another state with a deeply conservative stance on gambling. While there has been growing interest in legalizing sports betting to generate state revenue, especially for education, efforts to pass sports betting legislation have repeatedly stalled. In 2023, a bill that would have legalized sports betting failed in the state Senate. Religious groups and anti-gambling factions have been vocal in their opposition, and the path forward remains unclear.

5. Hawaii

Hawaii, along with Utah, is one of only two states with no legal gambling whatsoever. In Hawaii, there is no state lottery, no casinos, and no pari-mutuel betting, reflecting the state’s long-standing opposition to gambling. Sports betting has been discussed as a potential revenue source for the state, but opposition remains strong. With a cultural aversion to gambling and concerns about its social impacts, Hawaii is unlikely to embrace sports betting in the near future.

6. Idaho

Idaho is another state that has taken a firm stance against sports betting. Despite the nationwide trend, Idaho’s lawmakers have shown little interest in moving toward legalization. The state’s conservative values and concerns about the expansion of gambling have kept sports betting off the table. Like Hawaii, Idaho does not have a significant gambling infrastructure, and there has been minimal movement toward changing that status quo.

7. Minnesota

In Minnesota, sports betting legalization has seen a mix of support and opposition. The state has tribal casinos, and while some tribal leaders have expressed openness to sports betting, there have been disagreements over how revenue should be shared. Various bills have been introduced in the state legislature, but they have struggled to gain traction. Tribal sovereignty issues and disagreements over mobile betting have been primary roadblocks, delaying any major legislative progress.

8. Missouri

Missouri has come close to legalizing sports betting several times, but as of late 2024, the state has yet to regulate the market. Missouri’s delay stems from debates over the inclusion of video lottery terminals (VLTs) and how the revenue would be distributed. The state legislature has introduced numerous bills over the past few years, and while support for sports betting is growing, these issues have prevented Missouri from joining its neighbors in offering legal betting.

9. Oklahoma

Oklahoma is home to a large number of tribal casinos, and sports betting has been part of ongoing negotiations between tribal governments and state lawmakers. While some tribes have expressed interest in offering sports betting, disputes between tribal leaders and state officials have hindered progress. The situation is further complicated by ongoing disagreements over tribal gaming compacts, which have delayed any forward momentum on sports betting legalization.

10. South Carolina

South Carolina is one of the more conservative states when it comes to gambling. While discussions about sports betting have taken place in the state legislature, South Carolina’s strict gambling laws have prevented any major progress. The state only allows charitable gaming, such as bingo, and there is significant opposition to expanding gambling in any form. As a result, sports betting legislation remains stalled, with little indication of imminent change.

11. Texas

Texas, with its massive population and passionate sports culture, represents one of the largest untapped markets for sports betting. However, despite interest from sports teams and some lawmakers, efforts to legalize sports betting have been met with strong resistance. Conservative lawmakers and influential figures, like Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, have blocked bills that would allow sports betting, citing concerns about the social impact of gambling. Still, there is growing momentum for legalization, especially as neighboring states like Louisiana and Arkansas have embraced sports betting.

12. Utah

Utah is the only state where the prohibition on gambling is written into its constitution. The state’s strong ties to the LDS Church, which opposes gambling, make any form of legalization extremely unlikely. Utah has no casinos, lotteries, or any other form of legalized gambling, and there has been no serious push for sports betting. Of all the states on this list, Utah is the least likely to regulate sports betting in the foreseeable future.

Conclusion: What’s Next for These States?

While the majority of U.S. states have embraced sports betting, these 12 states remain holdouts as of late 2024. The reasons for the delay vary, ranging from conservative values, tribal gaming complications, and legislative gridlock to broader concerns about the social impact of gambling. However, as neighboring states continue to benefit from the tax revenue generated by legal sports betting, it’s possible that some of these states could reconsider their stance.

California, Texas, and Georgia represent the largest markets yet to regulate sports betting, and their eventual entry into the industry would have a significant impact. In contrast, states like Hawaii, Utah, and Idaho seem unlikely to move forward with legalization anytime soon. Still, as sports betting continues to expand and evolve, it will be fascinating to see how these holdout states navigate the pressures and opportunities presented by this growing industry.