The fantasy sports industry continues to evolve rapidly in the United States, with several updates to report from around the nation this week. There was positive news from the Midwest, while southern states have not yet come on-board the regulation train. Indiana Sends Fantasy Regulation to Governor Indiana became the second state to officially send a fantasy sports regulatory bill to a governor after the Senate passed legislation on Friday. Virginia’s fantasy sports bill was passed by both chambers last week and landed on the governor’s desk this week. The bill won’t immediately go to Gov. Mike Pence, per GamblingCompliance,…

Austin-American Statesman – Racetrack owners in Texas are looking to inject new life into their struggling industry by turning to a controversial way of gambling that trades live horses for a slot machine-like experience. Texans in the horse and dog racing industry — the same folks who have failed time after time to attain permission to run slot machines at their properties — now are trying to stretch the definition of pari-mutuel betting as they push for a flashy and innovative form of betting called “historical racing” that they hope complies with the strict regulations outlined in the Texas Racing…

Card Player – According to a report from ktrh.com, there has been “growing pressure” on Texas lawmakers to authorize casino gambling. For years, the state has been home to efforts at such legalization, but nothing has ever passed thanks to fierce opposition from opponents. There is really no indication that 2015 will have any better chances than in the past. The Texas Legislature doesn’t meet in 2014. According to the report, among the biggest advocates of legalized casino gaming in Texas is the horse racing industry, which says money is being lost to other states. In 2013, some Texas lawmakers…

KTRH – The Texas Legislature doesn’t meet this year, but that hasn’t stopped the growing pressure on state lawmakers for legalized casino gambling in Texas.  Advocates are pushing lawmakers to approve a public vote on whether to allow casino-style gaming in the Lone Star State, arguing it would be a huge boost to the state’s economy, tax base, and overall competitiveness.  Detractors argue that the state’s economy is just fine as it is, and that legalized gambling would bring a new set of “costs” related to higher crime and societal problems associated with gaming. Among the biggest advocates of legalized…