The NFL has embraced sports betting – not only does it have its own branded app, but it’s also partnered with the likes of DraftKings, FanDuel and Caesars. And sportsbooks are even popping up inside some stadiums – such as one at Wrigley Field, where it’ll open for the first time this year on game days.
But there are still some big hurdles to legalizing it in other states. For example, the New Mexico legislature came within a vote of passing online sports betting during 2022, but concerns over collegiate betting killed it. And a ballot initiative in California may never get off the ground, as the state’s tribal casinos are powerful enough to make it difficult for operators to compete with them.
Despite the obstacles, some states have already taken the plunge. New Jersey is the clear leader, raking in bets and setting records thanks to its competitive market and operator-friendly system. Nevada is second, though its reliance on retail locations and the ban on betting on in-state college teams has dragged down handle.
Meanwhile, Maryland has a strong brand and has opened sportsbooks at several land-based casinos. And Delaware’s lottery-run sportsbooks have been a relative afterthought, with only limited options and unimpressive revenue numbers. In Texas, lawmakers will struggle to pass a bill in an election year and face opposition from state leaders like Gov. Henry McMaster. That may prevent it from becoming the next big sports betting state, but shifting demographics could eventually change that.