Which States May Legalize iGaming Next?

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Wednesday, February 1st, 2017 | Written by Charles Washington

Ever since 2013, when New Jersey became the third state to legalize online gambling after Nevada and Delaware, people have been wondering which state would be next, with most people putting their money on Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, and Massachusetts. California also represents a fifth possibility, although with significant obstacles standing in the way of progress on the issue.

These five states aren’t the only contenders in the snail’s pace race towards legislation, though, with the following states also potential candidates:

West Virginia

While West Virginia’s gambling industry has suffered major competition from casinos based in surrounding states, its gambling venues have proven to be masters at finding new sources of revenue in order to remain profitable. This has led some analysts to speculate that they may begin to actively push for iGaming legislation. The state’s lottery director is also hoping to take the West Virginia Lottery online, paving the way for a potential omnibus bill that would subsequently allow for all types of online gambling activities to be legalized..

Connecticut

Connecticut’s casinos are also facing leaner times with more casinos opening in the region. Furthermore, with the green light given to Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island to expand their respective casino industries, Connecticut’s casinos will only have more competition in 2017 and beyond. Online gambling could therefore provide much-needed revenues for the state.

Illinois

Illinois’ gambling industry is in good shape, and the state has a large population of 13 million residents that would translate into a healthy level of liquidity for gambling sites. In fact, experts believe that online gambling could potentially bring in $200 million in tax revenues for the state every year. Being that lawmakers in Springfield are struggling to balance the budget, some believe that it may be time that lawmakers now seriously consider iGambling legalization.

Florida

In Florida, a grassroots movement has formed to push for the legalization of online poker, with its card rooms and casinos in the state standing to benefit from the support of online gambling revenues. Those fighting for the cause have been taking their case to lawmakers, but unfortunately, they face major opposition from Governor Rick Scott who has repeatedly called for a nationwide ban on online gambling.

Maryland

With Maryland’s casinos doing well and its state coffers in good shape, the state has not had much interest or need for online gambling; however, some believe that opinions may change with so many of the state’s neighbors now considering bills of their own. With the MGM National Harbor now open in Baltimore, smaller casinos throughout the state now have more competition than they initially anticipated, and so have begun calling for online gambling as a means to make up for lost revenues.

Ohio

Like Maryland, Ohio is not in desperate need of online gambling to provide tax revenue or prop up their brick and mortar casino industry; however, some people believe that the state may consider doing so in order to get a head start on neighboring states.

Indiana

In Indiana, casinos are seeing major declines in gross gaming revenues, with the trend having started in 2015 due to increased competition from casinos opening in neighboring states. Indiana has proven to be forward thinking when it comes to gambling, though, and was one of the first to legalize daily fantasy sports betting, may very well soon decide to do to the same with online gambling. Now that Mike Pence is busy as Vice-President of the United States, the biggest obstacle to online gambling legislation in the Hoosier State seems to have been removed.

Mississippi

Although many would think that a Deep South state such as Mississippi would be opposed to online gambling based on moral reasons, the state has toyed with the idea of legalization in the past. Representative Bobby Moak has introduced bills to legalize and regulate online gambling four times. Although he could not garner support in the past, news that Georgia may be opening more casinos may prompt Mississippi to take action should Moak propose a bill in 2017.

Washington

As in Florida, Washington has seen an uptick in grassroots organizations lobbying the state lawmakers to reform their antiquated gambling laws. In 2006, Washington made online poker a felony, and many believe that it’s time to repeal that legislation. The organizers are making the case in Olympia that online gambling would provide new tax revenues, strengthen card rooms and casinos, and eliminate a harsh law that seems out of line with Washington’s overall progressive attitudes.