Sports Betting Laws From Around the World Every Gambler Should Know In 2024

26% of the world’s population gamble, meaning there are 1.6 billion gamblers, and 4.2 billion people gamble at least once a year. The US, UK, and China are among the world’s gambling capital.

While many have legalized gambling, it remains illegal in most Asian and Middle East countries. Gambling addictions, religious beliefs, and political systems are factors in outlawing gambling.

This article will give you all the information about legal sports betting worldwide. Keep reading!

Highlights of the Article

• Ghana has no responsible gaming and self-exclusion provisions.
• Gambling has decreased in Kenya due to licenses, taxes, and tax evasion cases.
• 60 million Nigerians actively bet on sports in 2020.
• Chinese can bet on Hong Kong and Macau-regulated sports betting.
• 33 US states allowed sports betting, and 24 states allowed online betting.
• Mexico City is the most popular legal sports betting destination among the 17 cities.
• Peru’s retail sports betting has been legal for over 25 years.
• Puerto Rico has a low tax rate, with 7% for retail and 12% for online sportsbooks.

The Full View of the Sports Betting Laws Global Landscape

People love betting on their favorite sports, teams, and leagues for excitement, competition, and extra money. While it is fun, each country and state has different regulations.

Here are some countries that legalized this form of entertainment:

• Las Vegas
• Ireland 
• South Africa
• Singapore
• Japan

Side Note

Gambling in Asia is a tight ship; check out some of the latest gambling statistics in Singapore and Japan before placing your bets.

In the following section, you’ll find more countries where you can bet on sports legally.

Detailing Sports Betting in African Countries

With Africa’s 34% poverty rate, gambling is more of an income than entertainment. Many countries noted increased players and platforms, making Africa a potential gambling market.

The industry boomed in the region due to the wide use of mobile devices, the internet, and COVID-19 lockdowns, expecting a 12% annual growth from 2020 to 2025, reaching $40 billion.

With more Africans betting on Europe’s soccer games, it is crucial to know the existing laws from country to country listed below.

Ghana

(Pulse Sports)

Ghana allows all types of gambling through the Lotteries Betting Act of 1960. The Gaming Act of 2006 legalized online sports betting and established Ghana Gaming Commission.

Punters at least 18 years can bet on legal online and on-site betting places on the following sports:

• Football
• Basketball
• Tennis
• Boxing 

With Ghana’s lack of responsible gaming and self-exclusion provisions, companies cannot protect bettors. In 2023, online sports betting’s projected market volume at $27.36 million. 

The growing betting industry has pushed Ghana to impose a 10% tax on betting and lottery winnings and a 20% tax on all betting companies’ revenue.

Kenya

(Kenyan Wallstreet, The Star, Africa News)

Retail sports betting in Kenya has been legal since 1966  under the 1966 Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act, while its online counterpart was legalized in 2011.

The 2020 Gambling Act created:

• National Gaming Authority: To regulate gambling
• Gaming Appeals Tribunal: For gambling-related disputes

Bettors aged 18 and above mostly bet in Spanish La Liga or the English Premier League, with a minimum betting of Sg50. They also bet on:

• Basketball
• Baseball
• Rugby

However, gambling decreased after the government permitted online betting sites, imposed taxes on all bets, and revoked some major gambling companies’ licenses for tax evasion.

Nigeria

(Africa Business Insider)

60 million Nigerians actively bet on sports in 2020, as it is legal under the Lagos State Lottery Law 2004. The National Lottery Regulatory Commission regulates the activity and issues licenses.

Here’s a quick look at sports betting in Nigeria:

• Allowed for 18 years and older
• 50 online sites available
• License is good for five years

Operators must meet the following government mandate:

• NLRC and National Lottery Trust Fund: 3% of gross monthly sales
• Application fee: 2 million Naira
• Minimum share capital: 30 million Naira

South Africa

(Nyasa Times)

Gambling was forbidden in South Africa. In 1965, horse race betting became the first authorized activity. South Africans’ love for football, rugby, and cricket has legalized sports betting.

Bettors increased by 14% yearly from 2008-2016, and online sports betting accounted for 45% of the online gambling market. The National Gambling Act of 2004 regulates betting in the country.

The 2008 Amendment requires operators to obtain a permit from any of South Africa’s regional wagering and racing bodies. The law forbids online betting unless bookmakers apply for licenses.

Helpful Articles

Check out Playtoday’s cost breakdown of getting a gambling license to keep your game going.

South Africans who participate in unauthorized bookmakers and other illegal gambling activities risk their money by being seized or prosecuted.

Understanding Sports Betting Laws in Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing gambling market worldwide, with an estimated CAGR of 11.72% from 2023-2032.

The population, technological advancements, and eSports popularity drive its industry market.

Countries with legalized gambling make huge profits, and offshore casinos are popular in countries where gambling is illegal.

Let’s take a closer look at the gambling legislation in the major countries in the Asia-Pacific.

Australia

(Atlantic Salmon Restoration, The Law Reviews, ABC Net)

The 2001 Interactive Gambling Act allows sports betting in Australia, except for live in-play betting. No general law regulates gambling activities, as it varies from state to state.

However, two laws that apply to all states include the minimum age requirement to gamble at 18, and the betting operator must obtain reasonable proof of identity from its customers.

Australia allows sports betting companies to operate under a license. Almost all states and territories, except Western Australia, have privatized all leading gambling operators.

Here is a list of legitimate sports betting sites in Australia:

• Ladbrokes – Horse racing
• Boombet – Casino/bookmakers
• Dabble – Racing and bookmakers
• Neds – Racing
• Betr – Horse racing
• Betfair Australia – Football
• Topsport – Greyhound racing, harness racing, horse racing
• Picklebet – eSports
• Bet365 – Online sportsbook
• Bet Right – eSport
• PlayUp – Horse racing
• TAB – Online sports and horse racing
• Unibet Australia – Horse racing and online sports
• Horse Racing Tips – Horse racing
• AFL TIPS – Football
• NRL TIPS – Rugby
  

The industry is worth $50 billion, equivalent to $2,500 being gambled annually by 6.8 million Australian adults from 32 sports bookmakers and industry giants SportsBet, Bet365, and Entain.

China

(casino.org)

China was a gambling haven, but this isn’t the case anymore due to political upheaval. While sports betting is illegal in Mainland, it is fully legal and regulated in Hong Kong and Macau.

Although the Chinese government has blocked some sites, bettors can still access foreign online sportsbooks to bet on the country’s most popular sports:

• Table Tennis
• Badminton
• Basketball
• Soccer

This unregulated gambling activity has doubled the annual income of China’s officially sanctioned lotteries, generating one trillion yuan ($145 billion) from online gambling.

Hong Kong

(SBO.net, Government Information Center)

The Gambling Ordinance (Cap. 148) 1977 regulates gambling and authorizes Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) as the only legal sports betting operator.

HKJC started as a racing bookmaker and expanded to football and basketball betting. In 2002, they banned international bookmakers and sanctioned residents aged 18+ from betting with them.

With an all-time high revenue of HK$290 billion (US$36.9 billion) in 2021-2022, be guided with the duty rates for the following betting activities:

• Horse race: 72.5%-70%
• Football games: 50%
• Lotteries: 25%

Macau

(Asia Gaming Brief, The Law Reviews, Statista)

Macau is known as the world’s betting capital, allowing bets on football, basketball, and horse racing. Casino betting is only authorized in the region but not online gambling.

The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau regulates casinos and gambling. The law defines the region as a continuous gaming zone, meaning businesses run 24/7 for 365 days.

Any closure of an establishment or halting of activity can only be done under exceptional circumstances. There are four types of permitted gaming in Macau, namely:

• Games of chance
• Horse racing
• Lotteries, 2 raffles, tombola, and sweepstakes
• Interactive gaming

With a special gaming tax of 35% of gross gaming revenue, Macau generated $3.2 billion in 2022 from gaming and gambling businesses.

India

(Legal Service India)

The 1867 Public Gambling Act and the 2000 Technology Act prohibit all gambling forms in India except for horse races. However, individual states can set their rules and regulations.

Sports betting is legal in the following Indian states:

• Sikkim
• Goa
• Dadra and Nagar Haveli
• Daman and Diu

Sports betting legalization is determined if it is a game of luck or skill. While land-based sportsbooks are unavailable, there are casinos in certain states.

Regulated horse races betting is taxed at 28% on the betting handle. In 2021, India’s betting industry’s worth over $2 billion.

New Zealand

(DIA, New Zealand Police, casino.org)

The Gambling Act 2003 regulates gambling in New Zealand. While domestic online gambling is illegal, they can bet on foreign online sites. Certain gambling forms are prohibited under:

• Remote Interactive Gambling
• Advertising Overseas Gambling
• Gambling Excerpts of the Gambling Act 2003
• Prizes (firearms, tobacco, and alcohol)

Sports betting for rugby, cricket, football, basketball, horse racing, and eSports is only allowed through TAB, an organization set up by the government for 18 and above.

80% of Kiwis gamble in any form as they won’t be taxed for any winnings, including those from international sites.

Philippines

(Legal Sports Betting, Philippine Times)

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and First Cagayan Resort and Leisure Corporation oversee all gambling activity in the country.

The Games and Amusement Board controls betting on basketball, soccer, boxing, baseball, and cockfighting. The Philippine Racing Commission controls horse races.

Residents can bet at Philippine legal online and offshore sportsbooks like MegaSportsWorld. It has over 100 locations and is limited to players aged 21 and up.

The following types of bets are allowed for ages 18 and above:

• Pari-mutuel betting
• Off-track betting
• On-track betting

In 2020, PAGCOR paid P5.2 billion for franchise tax and its licenses/proponents. Philippine gambling revenue surged by 80% to P70 billion.

South Korea

(Statista, SBO.net)

Lottery, horse, boat, and bicycle racing were the only allowed bets in Korea. But in 1997, Korea started Sports Toto to offer bets on Korean sports in fixed and running odds formats.

Koreans aged 19 and above can bet on:

• Football
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Golf

The government keeps a percentage of the funds collected and divides the rest among winners.

The National Sports Promotion Act governs the country’s sports betting. On-site betting is only allowed at Korea Sports Foundation facilities, while online is available to local and international.

The country’s highest recorded sports betting revenue was in 2021, amounting to ₩5.6 trillion. General corporate income tax applies to sports betting operators.

Taiwan

(Taiwan Lottery, Taipei Times)

Article 266 of the China Criminal Code prohibits gambling, except Taiwan Lottery Co., Ltd. It is under the Uniform Invoice Lottery recognized by the Ministry of Finance.

The temporary amusement clause allows citizens to play non-currency games and mahjong during Chinese New Year. Illegal gambling is fined up to NT$50,000 ($1,800).

In 2009, the Offshore Islands Development Act legalized establishing casinos in Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu, given that over 50% of residents agreed in a referendum.

For every NT$100 bet, NT$10 would directly go to the National Sports Development Fund. Here is Taiwan’s current revenue from sports lotteries:

• 2020: NT$40.3 billion (US$1.42 billion)
• 2021: NT$46.6 billion (US$1.67 billion)

Diving into Europe’s Adaptability on Sports Betting

European countries are autonomous in gambling services. Most EU countries allow some games of chance online, some allow all games, and others allow a certain type.

The UK, Germany, and Spain are among the major gambling hotspots in Europe. In 2022, sports betting generated €13.6 billion, accounting for 35% of Europe’s online gambling revenue.

Let’s discover more countries earning from legalized sports betting.

France

(The Law Reviews, Thomson Reuters)

As a Christian-Catholic country, gambling in France has long been prohibited under Article L.320-1, Homeland Security Code.

The country slowly allowed betting on certain sports, competitions, and types of results determined by ANJ.

• Decree 85-390: Française des Jeux operates sports betting.
• Decree 97-456: Pari-Mutuel Urbain monitors horse racing companies and betting.
• Decree 2010-483: Online sports betting was regulated.

Quick Tip

ANJ oversees 14 licensed gambling businesses in France, covering 78% of the regulated French gambling market.

France’s Pacte Reform states that sports betting taxation is based on gross gaming revenue, and the tax rates changed as follows:

• Sports betting: 5.7% of wagers
• Social security: 1.8% of wagers 
• National Centre for Sports: 1.8% of wagers

Germany

(SBC News, The Law Reviews, Thomson Reuters)

75% of Germans have gambled at least once, and 15% are betting daily. The Interstate Treaty on Gambling (ISTG) governs land-based and online gambling, adopted by 16 states.

ISTG provides the licensing through the Gambling Committee. In 2020, issuance limitations changed from a maximum of 20 to unlimited in some parts of Germany.

The Administrative Court of Darmstadt ordered to stop the issuance until a transparent and non-discriminatory process was observed, following the failed 2012 and 2020 processes.

Land-based or online operators have a 5% federal tax.

Iceland

(SBO.net)

With 70% of adult Icelanders enjoying sports betting worldwide, take a look at the key gambling laws in the country:

• 1972 Expansion of Legal Lotteries – allowed pool-based sports lotteries
• 1986 First State Lottery – established state-run online sports betting
• Updated Criminal Code of 2016 – prohibits professional gamblers

No laws that prohibit betting on international sites and all gambling winnings are not taxed. Foreign operators can get licenses elsewhere without a licensing framework in Iceland.

Italy

(Lawyers Italy, Raise the Age Mi)

Gambling laws in Italy are more flexible.

In 2006, authorized companies could provide land-based or online options. The Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies (AAMS) regulates gambling in the country.

The Abruzzo Decree 2009 allowed online sports betting, where the AAMS granted 160 licenses. Gamblers can avail of various offshore options, complying with the 2011 Comunitaria degree requirement.

Sports betting operators’ tax is 4.5% of their gross gaming revenue. Gambling is one of the industries bringing approximately 80 billion euros annually to the Italian economy. 

Russia

(e-sportsbetting.org)

Some of Europe’s biggest football clubs reside in Russia, making it a major draw for sports betting. However, gambling laws in Europe have been changing over the years, as shown below:

• 1928-1989: gambling and betting were illegal
• 1989: all gambling and betting became legal
• 2006: all online gambling and betting were illegal
• 2009: offline betting was restricted to unaccredited betting companies

Sports betting was only allowed at bookmakers and casinos in Kaliningrad Oblast, Krasnodar Krai, Altai Krai, and Primorsky Krai.

In 2020, Russia legislated that wagers can bet on international online sportsbooks if the sports matches are affiliated with the country. The law requires all bettors to be at least 18 years old.

Spain

(The Law Reviews, SBO.net, ICLG.com, SBC News)

Betting in Spain was initially unregulated and open. As legal betting shops started to operate in Madrid in 2008, the government felt the need to regulate the activity.

Land-based and online sports betting are permitted for 18 and above under the Spanish Gambling Act 2011. The Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego regulates licenses.

Spain’s 17 autonomous regions regulate gambling within their jurisdiction. While foreign licensed operators are prohibited in the country, they can operate by securing a Spanish license.

Sports betting operators pay a variable tax on gross gaming revenue. Bettors’ tax is based on a four-tier framework.

• 19% on winnings up to €12,450
• 24% on €12,450 – €20,200
• 30% on €20,200 to €35,200
• 37% on all other winnings/prizes

United Kingdom

(Atlantic Salmon Restoration, Roulette Sites, GOV.UK, Statista)

Sports betting has been legal and regulated in the United Kingdom since 1961. With 4.9% of Brits preferring sports betting, the Gambling Act 2005 allows at least 18 years to participate.

The Act authorizes the UK Gambling Commission to regulate and provide land-based and online gambling operators’ licenses.

Sports betting tax is charged as a percentage of profits.

• General Betting Duty: 15%
• Remote Betting Duty: 21%

The gross gambling yield (GGY) of the betting sector in Great Britain between April and March 2022 was approximately £2.13 billion.

Sports Betting in the Middle East at a Glance

Most Arab countries restrict gambling, but laws vary from each country. While Morocco and Lebanon have legalized gambling, it is still frowned upon in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait.

However, the high sporting events in the region have increased sports betting. The market has a 12.1% projected CAGR from 2021-2026, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the industry.

With 60% of the region’s population considering themselves gambling enthusiasts, the Middle East is a significant market for core and casual gamblers. Know more about gambling laws below.

Israel

(The Jerusalem Post, Thomson Reuters, The Law Reviews)

Lottery and sports betting are Israel’s only legal gambling forms operating land-based. The Israeli government only allowed online gambling on the websites of these two.

The Penal Law 5727-1967 established the Israel Sports Betting Board (ISBB). This statutory body is a state-owned entity with a monopoly on sports betting in Israel.

ISBB enacted various secondary regulations, including:

• Passing of regulations for the soccer betting program (1978)
• Passing of regulations for the basketball betting program (1996)
• Expanding to include local and foreign sporting activities (2011)

Since the state runs gambling, tax is based on gambling winnings.

Helpful Articles

Check out Playtoday’s interesting statistics on how much you can win in gambling tax-free.

The Turning Point of Sports Betting in North America

Most of North America, except Las Vegas and Atlantic City, was a gambling-free zone. The region’s online sports betting market has a projected market volume of $9.55 billion in 2023.

With 15.3 million 12-17-year-olds gambling in the United States and Canada, let’s look closely at the legality of sports betting in these countries.

Canada

(World Sports Network, Atlantic Salmon Restoration)

Sports betting in Canada has been legal since 1985. Almost all of Canada’s projected sports betting worth $14.5 billion went to offshore sites, leading to a push for online regulations.

With millions of Canadians betting online and offshore, the industry’s projected revenue by 2027 is $3.3 billion.

The passing of Bill C-218 in 2021, which legalized single-game betting in Canada, has pushed many provinces to incorporate it into their existing framework.

While Ontario opened the door to international markets, all provinces allow sports betting except Quebec. The legal gambling age in Canada depends on the area, but mostly 18 or 19.

United States

(Washington Post, Globe Newswire, Forbes)

Gambling legality is increasing more in US states. But in 2018, the Supreme Court repealed the 1992 PASPA Act, placing the responsibility of creating gambling laws on individual states.

Here’s a guide on where bettors at least 21 can place a legal bet in the US.

While sports betting tax varies from state to state, many have jumped into this lucrative opportunity. The sports betting industry in the US generated $7.56 billion in 2022.

Among the 50 US states, only a few that legalized online gambling have profited from the market post-pandemic. For example, Connecticut’s online casino market produced around $16.4 million.

Tracing the Sports Betting Laws in South/Latin America

Gambling thrives in Latin America, especially with the rising income levels, internet penetration, and online gambling sites. The industry is projected to grow by 18.4% from 2022-2028.

Each country’s different sports betting legislation reflects the region’s diversity. Costa Rica, Colombia, and Panama allow foreign licensed operators. Uruguay and Chile only allow state lotteries.

Despite the differences, the market’s GGR will most likely triple from 2020-2025, reaching $3 billion. Let’s explore the betting laws in some Latin American countries.

Argentina

(Online Casino Rank)

Argentina regulates sports betting city-by-city through the Lottery of the City of Buenos Aires. Some cities offer regulated sports betting to all residents and tourists at least 18 or older.

With $13.5 million in wagers, soccer leads Argentina’s sports betting market. Bets are also placed on basketball, boxing, swimming, tennis, and car and horse racing.

Of the 25% tax on all sports betting revenue, operators owed the Argentinian government the following:

• 15% for general income tax
• 8% on whatever activity generated the revenue
• 2% for licensing fee

Municipalities hosting the sportsbooks collect 10% of licensing fees. While operators can get unlimited licenses, they must comply with a minimum of 20 licensing requirements.

Brazil

(The Law Reviews)

With Brazil’s unregulated sports betting, many offshore sportsbooks operated in the region without paying anything. Because of this, lawmakers pushed to legalize sports betting in 2018.

In 2022, Law 13,756/18 authorized the Ministry of Finance in Brazil to regulate sports betting. The 50 maximum number of licenses to be issued was reduced due to the long process.

Sports betting taxes have changed from 6% on retail and 8% online to 17% on GGR. Operators must also pay a $700,000 initial fee with $7,400 monthly fees for online operators.

With a combined population of over 18.8 million, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are Brazil’s two largest betting markets, with football as the most bet-on sport.

Colombia

(PwC, The Jerusalem Post)

In 1991, all games of chance were under Colombia’s monopoly, and the revenue was used for social purposes.

Law 643a of 2001 legalized gambling in the country. In 2016, the Colombian government enacted the eGaming Act, legalizing online sports betting. 

As Coljuegos regulates gambling in Colombia, no laws prohibit gamblers from using offshore sportsbooks. The government doesn’t also collect tax on online sports betting winnings. 

Despite Colombia’s online gambling market’s 63% growth in 2019, all eligible operators must pay their taxes and fees, as shown below:

• GGR: 15% (online and offline)
• Regulatory body: 1%
• License: $200,000 yearly

Costa Rica

(casino.org)

Land-based sports betting in Costa Rica is illegal, but online is among the most welcoming worldwide. Soccer, baseball, and American football are the most popular for 18 and above.

While Costa Ricans can bet online and offshore, foreign operators can easily offer services. Junta de Protección de Social has overseen online gambling since 2009.

Here are the requirements for securing a gambling license in Costa Rica:

• Must be a Costa Rican corporation
• Registration with the local tax authorities
• A commercial license obtained from the local government authorities

Costa Rican operators aren’t taxed on income earned overseas since operators can only accept players from abroad.

Mexico

(Thomson Reuters)

Mexico legalized sports betting in 2004 when lawmakers saw its growing popularity. Article 3 of the Gaming Law authorizes the Ministry of the Interior to oversee sports betting.

Mexico City is the country’s most popular legal sports betting destination among the 17 cities. People loved to bet on soccer, with the World Cup being the most bet-on event.

Tourists can participate in in-person wagering and Mexican-based online sportsbooks. Land-based or online operators are subject to a 30% GGR tax at the federal level.

Sports betting in Mexico generated $300 million in annual tax revenue, which the country did not gain from sports betting before 2004.

Peru

(Casino.org, Deloitte)

While legal land-based sports betting existed for over 25 years, its online counterpart was recently legalized in 2022.

In Peru, a private company called Intralot regulates and provides sports betting licenses. Many online offshore sportsbooks can operate in Peru as there is no limit to getting licenses.

The sports betting monthly tax rate is 12%, which the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism regulates. The funds will be divided among the following:

• 40% for the public treasury
• 20% for the Sports Institute in Peru 
• 40% for Foreign Trade and Tourism

Peruvian bettors aged 18+ mostly bet on soccer, baseball, and basketball.

Puerto Rico

(bookies.com)

As a US territory, any changes to gambling legislation in Puerto Rico are subject to US federal law. Here, we look at the timeline of sports betting legalization in the country.

• 2018: Sports betting paved the way after the PASPA Act was repealed
• 2019: House Resolution 2038 was passed, allowing retail and online betting
• 2021: Senate Bill 1534 was passed, enabling the Puerto Rico Gambling Commission to regulate sports betting
• 2022: BetMGM opened the first retail sportsbook

Puerto Rico has one of the lowest tax rates, with 7% for retail and 12% for online sportsbooks. Of the $87 million projected revenue in the first five years, 50% will go to retired public workers.

Broadening the Horizons for Sports Betting

The history of sports betting is evolving. While most countries and states worldwide have established legal sports betting, some are still waiting for their chance to legalize or launch.

Since 2018, legal sports betting in the US has expanded. New York, Louisiana, Kansas, Ontario, and Maryland launched in 2022, and Ohio and Massachusetts in 2023.

Below, we’ll find which jurisdictions are the next legal destination for sports bettors.

Minnesota

(Media Troopers, USA Today, LSR)

While sports betting in Minnesota is illegal, there have been initiatives to legalize it.

2022: HF 2000, a tribal-exclusive sports betting bill, passed the House but not in the Senate. (Proponent: Democrat-Farmer-Labor Rep. Zack Stephenson)

2023: The bill will be included on the 2024 ballot. (Proponent: Republican state Rep. Greg Stemen)

Tribes, lawmakers, and pro sports franchises have supported the bill. However, it also faced opposition from the education, religious, and health sectors.

Missouri

(Media Troopers, bookies.com, Sports Handle)

A few attempts have been made to legalize sports betting in Missouri. Let’s follow its journey from 2018-2022.

2018

• HB 2320: Sports betting standards and procedures
• SB 1013 & HB 2535: Comprehensive Missouri Sports Betting and Sports Protection Act
• SB 767: Modified bill about how existing casinos would handle sports betting
• HB 2406: Lowered sports betting revenue tax from 12% to 6.25%

2019

• SB 44: 0.5% integrity fee for “Entertainment Facilities Infrastructure Fund”
• HB 119: 0.6% entry and facilities infrastructure fee & up to 3 online “skins” per license
• SB 222: 6.75% tax rate

2020

• SB 567 & 754: Online, royalty, taxes, application, and annual administrative fees
• HB 2088: Cleared the state’s House Special Committee on Government Oversight
• HB 2284: Required operators a 0.25% royalty for Missouri Gaming Commission

2021

• SB 18, 217, & 256: Retail and mobile sports betting to be conducted at establishments
• SB 98: 9% tax, royalty fee, and use of official league data

2022

• HB 1666: 6.75% tax, no league data, can ban specific events or bet types
• HB 2080: Online-only, can bet on professional, college, amateur, and esports events
• SB 1046 & 1061: 10% tax, $50,000 (retail), and $100,000 (online) license fees
• HB 2502: 8% tax and $500,000 for the problem and responsible gambling
• HB 2552: Placed on the Senate’s “Informal Calendar for Perfect”

Two household baseball teams in Missouri are considering backing a ballot initiative for the 2024 election to legalize sports betting.

Vermont

(Media Troopers, ESPN, Action, LSR)

Gov. Phil Scott made Vermont the 38th state with legal sports betting (online only) after signing H.127 into law. 

The state that’s set to launch in January 2024 authorizes the Department of Liquor & Lottery to:

• Oversee sports betting
• Report annually about sports betting impact
• Bid on 2-6 mobile sportsbook operators

The chosen operator must pay $500,000 (license) and an annual fee for the next three years. The state’s minimum revenue share is 20%.

Texas

(Media Troopers, Pro Football Network, CBS Sports, LSR)

HB 1942 passed the House in the 2023 session but was declined in the Senate due to a lack of Republican majority support.

Texans who have actively supported sports betting legalization:

• Dallas Cowboys
• Dallas Mavericks
• Texas Rangers
• Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma

A poll also revealed that 43% favored, 31% were undecided, and 26% opposed. Two border states have legalized sports betting, pressuring Texas legislators.

California

(Pro Football Network, CBS Sports, Covers, LSR)

Sports betting legalization in California will be determined in 2024 after the two proposals failed in 2022.

• Proposition 26: Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative
• Proposition 27: California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act

Although both initiatives were successful in their petition, neither received the Democrats’ majority support. Local tribes and lobby groups’ resistance also made it difficult.

Florida

(Pro Football Network, CBS Sports, Covers, LSR)

Sports betting in the Sunshine State was gone just as it arrived in 2021, as shown in the timeline:

• May 25: Seminole-Florida Gaming Compact was signed into law.
• November 22: A federal judge ruled that the gaming compact did not comply with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
• December 4: Hard Rock Sportsbook temporarily suspended all operations.

As the state and tribe will try to re-work their agreement, the earliest opportunity for sports betting measures will not come until 2024.

Maine

(Forbes, LSR)

Sports betting in Maine was legalized in 2022 and will launch in January 2024. Here are what bettors and operators can look forward to:

• Online and retail sports betting
• Online licenses for the four major tribal councils
• Each tribe can partner with online sports betting operators
• One skin for each tribe
• 10 retail sports betting (commercial tracks, casinos, and off-track)
• The Maine Gambling Control Unit will regulate sports betting
• 10% state tax, $4,000 for retail, and $200,000 for online licenses
• Betting on Maine teams but not on college teams or schools

Final Thoughts

With the growing interest in sports betting worldwide, regulations are crucial to keeping operators and bettors in control.

The past years saw some developments in sports betting. With more countries and states considering legalizing it, time will tell whether the appeal of pro-sports betting countries will increase.