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CASINO & GAMES
Maryland , New Hampshire and New York – might legalise igaming . The only real change on the igaming front in 2024 so far was the news that Bally ’ s launched its Rhode Island online casino platform in February , four-plus years after debuting online sports betting .
On the face of it , legal igaming seems a slam dunk . The tax revenue available to states through online casino versus sports betting is staggering . In Connecticut alone , in 2023 , digital casino tax revenue was $ 60.2m (£ 47.6m /€ 56.24 ), compared to $ 19.5m for online sports betting , according to databases maintained by US Bets and Sports Handle .
In the biggest state with legal online casino and sports betting , Pennsylvania took in a huge $ 490.4m in casino gaming tax revenue in 2023 , compared to $ 155.9m in wagering tax revenue . And in West Virginia , which legalised both in 2018 , the comparison is even more stunning – digital casino tax revenue was five times online sports betting revenue .
West Virginia Shawn-Fluharty- state delegate NCLGS Shawn Fluharty
As we look ahead to 2025 , many US state houses will have new faces with new goals and concerns following the November election . It ’ s too early to tell where or if key changes in a legislature will make a difference . Stakeholders say that an election year is a tough time to move forward all but the most necessary or relevant policy . Online casino – or sports betting , for that matter – likely doesn ’ t move the needle with voters compared to other issues . But politicians may still be wary of upsetting constituents and voters . At the same time , if their constituents , whether those are individuals or corporations , want something , politicians respond .
“ There was a rush to pass sports betting ,” Fluharty said . “ And I feel like lawmakers thought there would be a domino effect and there was in some states . But what do lawmakers want ? To get reelected , so if they feel like the people they represent want it , they will do it .”
The year after PASPA was overturned , sports betting legalisation reached its pinnacle when nine states approved it . The flurry continued in 2020 , with seven states legalising as the world was gripped in the Covid-19 pandemic , and states were cash strapped .
Given the strains on the US economy – among them the rising cost of food and high mortgage rates – consumers are tightening belts . That , in turn , may mean less tax revenue for states , some of which are seeing Covid funding programmes come to an end . Illinois lawmakers in 2024 chose to use an increase in the tax on wagering to at least partially bridge a tax shortfall .
The need for more tax dollars could bode well for igaming legalisation .
“ If states really want tax revenue , they would legalise online casino ,” Fluharty said .
24 • ISSUE 136 • iGB L ! VE 2024