Update on Nationwide Sports Gambling Legislation

With approximately 50% of the states still influx regarding possible sports gambling legislation, there seems to be important breaking news every week. This week, the breaking news is coming out of Nebraska, Louisiana, Connecticut, and Richmond Virginia.

Nebraska Legislators Approve Retail Sports Betting

It looks like Nebraska is ready to join the ranks of states that have legalized retail and or online/mobile sports betting. The news comes as Bill LB 561 is headed towards the desk of Gov. Pete Ricketts for his signature. Current indications are the Governor will sign the bill, though nothing is assured until it happens. Should he decide to veto the bill by June 2, 2021, Congress would then have one day to override the Governor's veto.

For Nebraska sports bettors, it's a bittersweet victory. Why? The bill legalizes retail sports betting while not permitting online/mobile betting and betting on college teams that play in the state of Nebraska. Avid fans wishing to wager on the revered Nebraska Cornhuskers will have to continue traveling to Colorado and Iowa to do so.

Two Sports Betting Bills Move Forward in Louisiana

The sports betting news out of Louisiana is all good.

Early in May, House Bill 697 was passed by both the House and the Senate by votes of 78-24 and 32-4, respectively. This is the bill that would establish taxes and fees for legal sports betting in Louisiana. Since Louisiana residents will be permitted to wager on sports online and through retail outlets, the tax rates would be 10% on retail revenue and 15% on online/mobile revenue.

A second bill, SB 247, has also been passed with bipartisan support. This bill is intended to establish regulations and procedures.

With everything now moving quickly after several legislative delays, final bills could be headed to the Governors desk within the next month or two.

Connecticut on Target to Legalize Online Sports Betting and Casino Gambling

After tough negotiations with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes, it looks like an agreement has been reached that will give state residents the opportunity to wager on sports and online casino games online through computers or mobile apps. Under the terms of the agreement, the tribes will have exclusive rights to run online gambling operations with an obligation to pay the CT Lottery an unspecified share of the revenue.

The current legislation has already cleared the House with bipartisan support. Similar support is expected in the Senate before it heads to Gov. Ned Lamont for signing.

According to the Governor in a prepared statement, “I look forward to this measure’s swift passage in the Senate so we can start the federal process of ensuring this legislation and agreement is authorized.”

And the Winner in Virginia is...

After a hard-fought battle for the rights to build a retail casino in the capital of Richmond, Virginia, Urban One has been announced as the victor. While there are still a few loose ends that need to be tied up, construction on the $600 million casino could start after a voter referendum in November of this year.