2024 Gaming Legislation Efforts: A Mixed Bag as Election Nears

As state governments roll out gaming expansion legislation in 2024, the results have proven to be underwhelming and disappointing for industry advocates. Efforts to restrict online gaming, which many had anticipated would gain momentum, have also gained little traction, rendering this year largely insignificant for the overall growth of the industry. With just over two months remaining until Election Day 2024, several state elections could potentially have major implications for gambling policy, affecting regulations and expansions in the years ahead. Stakeholders are closely monitoring these developments, as they could shape the future landscape of gaming across the nation.

Arkansas’ Casino Dilemma

In Arkansas, voters are poised to decide on a contentious casino issue involving Pope County, which has sparked significant debate and division among residents. While voters previously approved a constitutional amendment allowing for four brick-and-mortar casinos, ongoing litigation has left the Pope County location vacant and without a clear path forward. A new referendum could potentially remove the county from the casino list entirely, but pending legal action surrounding this decision might render the vote ultimately meaningless. The outcome remains uncertain as the state Supreme Court considers whether to count the votes, leaving both supporters and opponents in a state of limbo regarding the future of gambling in the region.

Georgia: Status Quo Remains

Georgia, long regarded as a perennial site of failed gambling expansion efforts, is unlikely to see much change in its gambling landscape in 2024. The May primary elections left most incumbents in place, maintaining the status quo. Although gambling is not a strictly partisan issue, it does tend to divide Republicans, creating a complex environment for potential reform. Even with a potential pro-gambling faction gaining strength within the legislature, support for online casinos may remain elusive, as historical resistance from various political and social groups continues to influence legislative priorities.

Indiana’s Quiet Expansion Potential

In Indiana, the gubernatorial race features Republican Mike Braun and Democrat Jennifer McCormick, neither of whom have prominently focused on the issue of gambling expansion during their campaigns. Both candidates seem open to the possibility of exploring gaming-related opportunities, but the actions of the legislature will ultimately serve as the deciding factor in any potential changes. Past corruption scandals linked to gambling legislation continue to cast a long shadow over the discussion, making it difficult for lawmakers to approach the issue with confidence and transparency, which could hinder future proposals aimed at expanding the industry.

Missouri: A Crucial Battleground

Missouri could emerge as the most critical battleground for gambling interests in 2024. Voters will decide on a referendum that could legalize sports betting and approve a new casino at the Lake of the Ozarks, potentially reshaping the state’s gambling landscape. Although polling suggests that Republican Mike Kehoe leads in the governor’s race, it remains unclear how either candidate would approach the sensitive issue of gaming expansion. Given the existing intra-party conflict among Republicans regarding gambling policies, the future of gambling in Missouri may hinge on which faction gains ground in the legislature, significantly impacting legislative agendas and potential reforms.

New York and Virginia: Limited Progress

In New York, gambling proponents such as Senator Joseph Addabbo and Assembly member Gary Pretlow are set to retain their seats in the upcoming elections. However, despite this retention, the expansion of online casinos is unlikely to see significant movement until the unresolved issues regarding physical casino licenses are addressed. The situation remains fluid, and developments in this area could affect future gaming initiatives.

Meanwhile, in Virginia, the city-specific casino referendum in Petersburg has the potential to finalize the state’s five authorized casinos. However, voter sentiment regarding this referendum remains unclear and complex, which adds an element of uncertainty to the outcome. The results of this vote will significantly shape Virginia’s gambling landscape for the foreseeable future, influencing how the state approaches gaming regulations and developments moving forward.

“Overall, 2024 is shaping up to be a year of limited gains for the gaming industry, as many of the proposed changes and developments will hinge on state election outcomes and the subsequent actions of state legislatures.”

Looking Ahead

Several states, including Alabama, Utah, and Nevada, are actively exploring retail and online lottery expansion, aiming to diversify their gaming offerings. In Ohio and New York, key supporters of lottery initiatives are up for re-election, a situation that could significantly impact the development of lottery programs in 2025 and beyond. The outcome of these elections could lead to new opportunities for lottery growth or, conversely, furthe