Florida Stands Alone in Future US Online Gambling Expansion

Online sport betting is available in close to 40 US states, leaving only about a dozen states without legal wagering. In contrast, iGaming such as online casino games like slots or table games is limited to a handful of states.

Now, an expert research firm that focuses on interactive gaming, sports, gaming equipment and the global gambling industry, suggests a grim outlook for the online gambling legalization across the country, predicting that it is likely only a single state to legalize the activity in the next couple of years.

Raising Betting Taxes Is More Likely than iGaming Legalization

That’s the case for a report released by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG), Casino.org announced earlier this week. Per the analysis from EKG, it remains unlikely for online gambling legislation to pass in many states. The research firm outlined that lawmakers in different states would rather consider raising taxes on online sports betting instead of legalizing new gambling activities, such as iGaming.

“The typical view of online casino in state houses remains negative. In light of that dynamic, it is much easier politically to raise taxes on an existing sin industry (OSB) than legalize an entirely new one,“

reads a report from Eilers & Krejcik Gaming

On the bright side, per EKG, it is likely that one state may consider expanding its gambling sector with the addition of iGaming. Focusing on the next three years until 2027, the research firm estimated that Florida is likely to legalize online gambling.

“Our house forecast remains one new casino state (Florida) in the next three years through 2027,“

Eilers & Krejcik Gaming predicts

Currently, new bills are making their way through the state’s legislation, proposing to expand the exclusivity of the Seminole Tribe and Hard Rock Bet from sports betting to online gambling. That’s the cases under the two proposals, HB953 and S1404, making their way in their respective chambers.

Online Gambling Legalization Faces Pushback

One of the biggest obstacles legal iGaming is facing is pushback from the land-based sector. Many land-based casinos continue to raise concerns about the impact the activity may have on their operations, resulting in a decrease in revenue.

Equally as concerning, gambling harm treatment and support organizations warn that having access to online gambling from your smartphone may have dire consequences. Such fears are likely not unfounded, considering that states that have legalized mobile sports betting have recorded an increase in the number of calls for problem gambling with Florida and Kentucky being only a couple of examples.

While iGaming legalization is yet to pick up speed, the activity is legal only in only seven states, including major markets such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan, among few others.