2024 State Gaming Legislation: Key Developments Ahead

As 2024 unfolds, state governments across the United States are rolling out gaming expansion legislation, but momentum appears to be faltering. With only 65 days until Election Day, the outcomes of key races could significantly impact the future of gambling in various states. In Arkansas, voters will face a pivotal referendum regarding the state's fourth casino license in Pope County.

Initially approved in 2018, this casino has been mired in litigation. If the proposed amendment passes, it would remove Pope County from the list of authorized locations and require county-specific referendums for future casinos. Funding for the amendment has outpaced opposition, signaling strong support among proponents, even as public sentiment remains somewhat unclear.

• Arkansas Referendum: Voters will decide on a proposed amendment regarding the fourth casino license in Pope County, potentially reshaping the state’s casino landscape.
• Georgia Legislative Stability: With a likely Republican majority remaining intact, prospects for significant gambling expansion may be limited despite some potential Democratic gains.
• Missouri Voting Impact: Key votes on a new casino at Lake of the Ozarks and an online sports betting referendum could significantly influence future gambling regulations and priorities in the state.

What to look out for?

In Georgia, the situation looks less promising for gambling expansion. Incumbents largely retained their seats in the May primaries, which may hinder prospects for new legislation. Although Democrats may gain some ground, the Republican majority is likely to remain intact, complicating any efforts toward gambling expansion. Notably, gambling remains a divisive issue even among Republicans, which could further stymie initiatives regardless of the makeup of the legislature after the elections. The lack of significant changes in the legislative landscape suggests that attempts to introduce new gaming initiatives may continue to stall.

Indiana's gubernatorial race could also play a crucial role in determining the future of gaming expansion. Both candidates express openness to new initiatives, but neither has prioritized the issue in their campaigns. This lack of emphasis, coupled with lingering skepticism from past corruption scandals, makes it difficult to predict whether significant legislation will emerge in the near term. The new governor’s approach to gaming could either pave the way for new developments or stifle them, depending on the legislative climate and public sentiment as time goes on. As Indiana navigates this uncertain terrain, stakeholders will be closely monitoring any shifts in public opinion or legislative focus that may arise.

Meanwhile, Missouri voters will decide on a new casino proposal at Lake of the Ozarks and a significant online sports betting referendum. Both gubernatorial candidates support online sports betting, which could influence the legislative landscape. However, the division within the Republican Party could complicate the implementation of any voter-approved measures, leaving the future of online gambling in a state of uncertainty. The outcome of the elections could signal a shift in priorities for lawmakers, particularly if new factions emerge with differing views on gambling expansion.

The Conclusions

As 2024 progresses, the landscape for gaming expansion in the U.S. remains precarious. Key state elections could shape the future of gambling legislation, and the outcomes in November are likely to determine whether the year marks a turning point for the industry or simply represents missed opportunities. The interplay of local politics, voter sentiment, and legislative priorities will be crucial in determining how the gaming landscape evolves in the coming years. With several states poised for critical decisions, the results could either spur a wave of new initiatives or reinforce the status quo, leaving many stakeholders eager for clarity in a rapidly changing environment.