A majority of states here in America now allow sports betting. However, there’s a new push for New York online gambling with casino games, and in states like Hawaii and Mississippi, there’s now a renewed interest in expanding sports betting to include online and mobile wagers as well.
First in New York, lawmakers are once again revisiting the issue, with State Senator Joseph Addabbo introducing a new bill to authorize and regulate online casino gaming. This marks Addabbo’s third attempt to pass such legislation. Supporters of the measure argue that New York is currently losing valuable tax revenue to neighboring New Jersey, where online casino gaming generated a staggering $2.4 billion last year.
“There’s a strong opportunity here for New York to become a national leader in online gambling,” said Addabbo. “We’re already seeing how much revenue is being left on the table.” The proposed New York online gambling legislation is part of a broader strategy to recover lost revenue and bolster state finances without raising taxes. Industry experts believe New Jersey’s robust market is unlikely to be significantly affected by New York’s entry, citing high demand and market resilience.
Meanwhile, a historic shift could be on the horizon in Hawaii, one of the few U.S. states where all forms of gambling remain illegal. On Monday, Governor Josh Green signaled a possible change of heart, stating he is unlikely to veto a bill legalizing online sports betting if it reaches his desk with sufficient safeguards. Speaking on Hawaii News Now Sunrise, Green pointed to recent public opinion data suggesting growing support for gambling, particularly if the resulting tax revenues are allocated to critical needs like affordable housing. Earlier this month, Hawaii’s House passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 121, which calls for the creation of a working group to examine casino legalization. The group would include representatives from law enforcement, tourism, and other key sectors.
And after encouraging gambling news from Hawaii, and the positive direction of New York online gambling, Mississippi is also pushing ahead with efforts to expand its betting industry. The state House recently passed two bills that include provisions for mobile sports betting, forwarding them to the Senate for consideration ahead of a March 21 deadline. A recent advancement of the bill has fueled optimism among supporters. Mississippi legalized in-person sports betting in 2018, but officials acknowledge that many residents have shifted to online platforms — most of them based out-of-state. Legalizing mobile sports betting would not only modernize the state’s gaming sector but also reclaim lost revenue through regulation and taxation.
