Is iGaming about to spread to these four US states?
While the US seems to have rushed headlong into sports betting, it appears that iGaming is just a poor relation left in the shadows. Sports betting has spread across the states and is now legal in around three-quarters of them. In the very near future, online sports betting is set to become legal in half of the states. Yet, for some reason, online casinos are resisted and are only legal in six. Which are the Legal US iGaming states, and are we about to see more?
Across America, even in states that don’t allow sports betting, its existence is evident. The thing is everyone gets excited at the thought of sports and the thought of placing a wager only adds to that. That’s why you’ll find it advertised practically everywhere. The issue with casinos and iGaming is that there isn’t the same buzz.
The lack of a buzz shouldn’t be a major turn off though. Something that is generated by iGaming is a great deal of cash. New Jersey, for instance, has generated $1.49 billion over the last year while in Pennsylvania there has been $1.2 billion recorded. Wherever you look the story is the same: iGaming brings in the money.
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Why has iGaming failed to take off?
It’s been around 10 years now since online casinos were legalised in the US. Given that amount of time it’s surprising, and perhaps even disappointing, that iGaming seems to have stalled and is restricted to just six states.
Recent issues that have been raised, in terms of explaining this failed growth, include:
- There’s no set agreement between all of the online gaming companies and so they operate in different ways
- Those behind legislation in certain states have a fear of what expanded gaming could lead to
- Many states either don’t appreciate the revenue that can be generated or just feel that they don’t need it
Despite such concerns, there is a real sense that more states are set to open their arms and embrace online casinos. It is highly likely, that within the next three to four years, numerous states will legalise online casinos and, on the back of this, iGaming will start to spread more quickly.
While there are numerous states mulling over the idea of online casinos, here are the four where it’s likely to lead to action first:
Indiana – Potential new legal US iGaming states #1
Out of all of the states in the US, Indiana is the one that is likely to be the next to allow for iGaming. This is a state that is in a great fiscal position, so it’s not desperate to benefit from an increase in revenue. What goes in iGaming’s favour is the fact that one influential lawmaker has a real appetite to bring this in.
Sports betting was brought in here around three years ago and there was also approval given for two new land-based casinos. There is certainly a desire to be able to participate in gambling more the next logical step is to allow for online casinos.
State Senator Jon Ford has already voiced his views. He has put it out there that he intends to file an iGaming bill in the next year. This will only be the first step towards iGaming being legalised but it is, at least, a start.
New York – Potential new legal US iGaming states #2
This is a state that has seen major changes over the last couple of years. First, online sports betting was approved. Next, approval was given to the creation of land-based casinos in the city itself. The hope is that there will be a third development and that this will be legislation that allows for iGaming and online casinos.
Something that is certainly making iGaming appear appealing to those in power in New York is the revenue that could be generated. This is a state that has needed to revise its budget and is keen to bring a boost to the coffers. Online casinos could provide the perfect solution. The state has already seen online sports betting generating more than was anticipated and there is no reason why iGaming could not be the next success story.
Illinois – Potential new legal US iGaming states #3
This is another state that has seen a raft of changes in recent times. It has passed a great deal of expanded gaming legislation and it appears that there is now a real need to take this further. That’s because there is a Monterey shortfall and the state needs to boost revenue.
The Gaming Board here is still considering casino licenses that were a result of the 2019 legislation. That means that there may well be a delay before a move can be made to iGaming, but with a real financial need, the hope would be that this will become a priority.
Maryland – Potential new legal US iGaming states #4
The thing with Maryland is that it is surrounded by New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia. These are all states where iGaming is already legal and where it has proven itself to be a real money spinner. It makes sense for Maryland to look at its neighbours and follow their example.
The issue with this state is that there is still work ongoing in terms of getting online sports betting up and running. This could well have a knock-on effect and delay any efforts to open up to the possibility of online casinos.
Final thoughts
While iGaming never really seemed to get off the starting block, it appears that attitudes and desires are beginning to change. There seems to be more of an appetite for online casinos and much of this has been generated by the success stories seen in the six states that have already embraced these.
The legislative process is rarely a quick one. That means that if we want to see changes in the next year or two, things really need to start happening now. If the four states that we’ve looked at are able to go on and make iGaming a success, it presents a real possibility that the rest of the US might look again and that iGaming could really take off.
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