iGaming Weekly Recap (December 2 – 8): Missouri Officially Legalizes Sports Betting
The news that Missouri officially legalized sports betting was the highlight of last week in the U.S. market. But what other key developments might you have missed? As always, we’ve gathered them for you in our Weekly Recap.
Missouri legalized sports betting by a narrow margin (50.05%) in the November referendum, opening new opportunities for the gambling industry and the state budget. While the law took effect immediately, launching the sports betting market requires time for the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) to establish regulations and issue licenses. The MGC plans to complete this process by spring/summer 2025, well ahead of the law’s December 2025 deadline. The close vote results could have triggered a recount, but neither side has filed such a request so far.
At the Craig-Hallum Online Gaming Conference, Jason Robins, CEO of DraftKings, discussed the state of the U.S. sports betting market. He highlighted the competitive advantage of DraftKings and FanDuel over their rivals, despite October losses caused by player-friendly outcomes in sporting events. Robins pointed to the growth potential of the U.S. market, contrasting it with the older but technologically lagging UK market. He noted ongoing market consolidation and challenges posed by high taxes, while expressing optimism about the future, particularly regarding the potential legalization of online gambling in 2025.
A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Google and Apple in New Jersey, accusing them of violating the RICO Act by enabling and profiting from illegal gambling through lottery casino apps available on their app stores. The lawsuit alleges that the companies knowingly facilitated unlawful gambling activities by processing payments and collecting commissions while ignoring the similarities between these apps and traditional casinos.
A proposal to legalize online casinos in Wyoming will return to the table in 2025. Research by Spectrum Gaming Group highlights potential economic benefits, including significant tax revenue, without negatively impacting existing land-based casinos. However, representatives of Native American tribes have expressed concerns and are conducting their own studies. The final decision will hinge on incorporating the tribes’ perspectives and further discussions. The legalization effort is supported by industry experts.
Despite setbacks in 2024, a May agreement granting tribal casinos exclusivity in operating sportsbooks increases the chances of legalizing sports betting in Minnesota. Key challenges include potential opposition from the Running Aces racetrack and shifts in political leadership. The proposed legislation includes strict consumer protection measures, such as deposit limits and advertising bans. Overall, the prospects for legalization appear more optimistic than ever.
Bonus: In 2024, the issue of operators limiting bettors was a recurring topic of discussion. What do we know so far following the actions of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission? Is a resolution possible? Will 2025 bring new regulations? We dive into these questions in our in-depth analysis.
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Make sure to follow our weekly roundups to stay up to date on the trends, challenges and stories shaping the future of iGaming world. The next few weeks will be big – don’t miss out!
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