USA’s iGaming Landscape Heading into April

The fight for gambling expansion in Texas hit a major roadblock following the 2024 elections. A new wave of anti-gambling Republican lawmakers has taken office, shifting the balance of power away from those previously supportive of legalizing gambling. According to The Texas Tribune, the state’s new leadership is taking a firm stance against gambling expansion, with several Republican senators who had once supported it now voicing strong opposition.

Texas has long been a battleground for gambling interests, with major companies like Las Vegas Sands lobbying heavily to introduce casinos and sports betting. However, with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick staunchly opposed to any such expansion and a growing chorus of GOP lawmakers rejecting the push, it seems unlikely that the 2025 legislative session will bring any change to the state’s ban on sports betting. A proposed constitutional amendment, Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 65, would allow voters to decide on the legalization of sports betting, but with significant opposition, its chances of passing appear slim.

Despite polling data showing strong public support for legalized sports betting—60% in favor, according to a University of Houston poll—political hurdles continue to stymie progress. The situation in Texas underscores the complex interplay of public opinion, political ideology, and powerful lobbying efforts that often determine the fate of gambling legislation.

 

Alberta Poised for Digital Sports Betting Launch

In Canada, Ontario remains the only province with a fully legal digital sports betting and iGaming market. However, Alberta is gearing up to join the ranks of legalized digital betting, with plans for a market launch as early as 2026. According to Canadian Gaming Association Executive Director Paul Burns, Alberta’s regulatory framework is on track to open the digital betting market within the next year, expanding the Canadian landscape for online sports wagering.

As provinces like Ontario demonstrate the potential economic benefits of regulated sports betting, Alberta’s move signals an increasing trend across Canada toward broader market access. Alberta’s anticipated market could set the stage for similar reforms in other provinces, highlighting the growing demand for digital betting platforms across the country.

 

Missouri's Sports Betting Rollout

Missouri is another state that is taking steps toward launching its sports betting market. The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) announced that sports betting applications will be accepted starting April 15, 2025. While the timeline for approval and the final rule implementation remains unclear, the state aims to have live digital sports betting operational by December 1, 2025.

The MGC’s update signals that major sports betting platforms, including BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel, are already positioned for entry into the Missouri market. Additionally, the state’s legal framework allows land-based casinos and professional sports teams to apply for licenses, signaling a broad market reach. Missouri’s approach to regulatory processes, which includes a potential application window for new operators, could set the stage for a competitive and dynamic sports betting market.

 

DraftKings Sets Sights on Prediction Markets

DraftKings is reportedly looking to expand its operations beyond traditional sports betting. The company recently registered the name DraftKings Predict with the National Futures Association, signaling its interest in entering the prediction market space. This move follows comments made by DraftKings CEO Jason Robins, who expressed interest in exploring prediction markets as a potential area of growth for the company.

Prediction markets allow bettors to wager on a variety of events outside of traditional sports or elections, opening up new opportunities for companies like DraftKings to diversify their offerings. While the market for prediction betting is still in its early stages, it’s clear that companies are beginning to recognize the potential for growth in this niche.

 

March Madness: Record Wagering Forecasted

The American Gaming Association (AGA) has projected that Americans will wager a record $3.1 billion on the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball tournament, an increase from $2.7 billion last year. As March Madness begins on March 18, this surge in betting activity highlights the growing mainstream appeal of sports wagering in the United States.

The AGA continues to stress responsible gambling through its “Have a Game Plan. Bet Responsibly” campaign, which encourages players to engage in sports betting in a controlled and responsible manner. The immense popularity of March Madness serves as a testament to the rapidly expanding market for legal sports betting across the U.S.

 

Despite growing public support for legalized sports betting, political resistance continues to be the defining challenge in states like Texas, where powerful lobbying efforts and shifting legislative priorities are slowing progress.

 

The Future

The future of sports betting in North America is full of potential but fraught with obstacles. As seen in Texas, political resistance remains a significant barrier to gambling expansion, while other states like Missouri and Alberta move toward more robust legal frameworks. Meanwhile, companies like DraftKings are exploring new avenues for growth, signaling that the industry is far from stagnant.

As states continue to navigate the complexities of legal sports betting, public demand and market forces will undoubtedly continue to push the industry forward. However, the pace of expansion will vary greatly depending on local political climates, regulatory structures, and market dynamics. The coming year will be critical in shaping the next chapter of sports betting in North America.