The US gambling industry is experiencing high turbulence. Some jurisdictions are preparing to expand, while others are tightening compliance requirements and considering closing certain segments of the sphere.
Casino Market's team closely monitors regulatory changes worldwide. We offer effective solutions for quickly launching projects in various entertainment niches.
South Carolina: Current Industry Situation
The main topic lately has been a proposal to create a local centralised online sports betting system. S 444 was scheduled to be heard on February 18th, 2026, in the Senate Labor & Commerce Subcommittee. The bill was introduced last year and carried over to the ongoing session.
Key excerpts from the initiative’s provisions:
- The state intends to legalise web wagering.
- The number of licensed operators will be limited to 8.
- A separate commission is planned to oversee the segment.
The project’s consideration continues despite the local Governor’s tough stance, which publicly opposes all forms of gambling. Their term will last until 2027.
At the end of January, a similar bill to allow casinos failed to advance. The region’s House Majority Leader returned the initiative to the relevant committee.
South Dakota: Transition to Online Betting
State lawmakers have introduced a proposal to legalise digital sportsbooks. SJR 504 is currently under consideration. If approved, voters would decide on November 3rd, 2026, whether to authorise local mobile wagering projects. The document would permit only internet operators partnering with Deadwood land-based casinos.
Offline bookmakers have gained official access to the market since May 2020, following endorsement of a corresponding initiative. All previous attempts to expand the segment through remote formats have faced stiff resistance.
Maryland and Mississippi: Sweepstakes Control
Maryland’s senators have discussed a bill to ban raffle-based businesses. The Director of the region’s Lottery & Gaming Control Agency reported that they are already issuing cease-and-desist orders to operators. Nevertheless, existing legal loopholes still allow some platforms to offer services.
Senate Bill 112 has been introduced to address gaps. Additionally, lawmakers scheduled a debate on HB 518, which would ban prop betting on college athletes, for February 12th.
Meanwhile, Mississippi’s Senate committee approved SB 2104, a bill also aimed at forbidding sweepstakes casinos. The local chamber had become the 1st in the country to support such a prohibition. Nevertheless, the initiative failed to pass the consent process following amendments.
Louisiana: Enforcement Against Illicit Activity
Bryan Fontenot, the state’s House Representative, introduced HB 53, a project that would equate some gaming offences to racketeering issues at the law level.
The document spans multi-platform gambling:
- on PCs;
- in public places;
- by sweepstakes e-devices.
In 2025, the regional legislature already passed a measure banning raffle-based businesses, but the Governor vetoed it, arguing that the regulator’s authority was enough for enforcement. Since then, the local Gaming Control Board has issued over 40 cease-and-desist orders to provincial operators.
Alabama: Possible Industry Legalisation
Despite statements from several sources that gambling issues are not a priority on this year’s agenda, Senator Merika Coleman intends to introduce and put a corresponding initiative to a vote. If approved, the bill would amend the regional constitution to establish a gaming commission and regulations for lotteries, sports betting, and other formats.
A similar attempt to reform the legislation was made in 2024. A comprehensive draft law passed the House of Representatives but fell just 1 vote short during the Senate’s assessment.
The state’s Governor supports initiatives allowing real-money entertainment services. She previously ordered the creation of a special commission to study the industry’s potential impact on the local economy and social processes.
Maine: Restrictions on Account Funding
LD 2080, which prohibits sports bettors from using credit cards to top their balances, was advanced. A corresponding amendment will be added to the current gambling legislation in the near future.
The situation in the region remains rather tense amid a recent dispute over the exclusive right to operate online casinos for tribal communities. Churchill Downs filed a lawsuit in federal court against the state. The case is now pending, and its outcome has not yet been determined.
Virginia: Tax Rates and Support for College Sports
Earlier this year, HB 1527 was introduced to allow wagering on regional NCAA Division I teams. Under existing law, bets on school events remain prohibited.
The key requirement of the new bill is a 50% tax on revenue from stakes on intercollegiate athletics, while the current rate for standard events is 15%. All collected money is intended to support youth sports through a specialised fund.
The initiative is also closely tied to the creation of a new regulatory body, the Gaming Commission. The authority could eventually substitute or merge with the existing entities to form a unified oversight system.
Washington: Expansion of the Betting Market
Currently, the state permits sportsbooks only on tribal casino property. Additionally, players can use mobile apps linked to these operators. In 2026, lawmakers plan to consider expanding the gaming network on native American lands and allowing multiple niche brands to work in a single location.
Legalising wagering on college teams is also under consideration. Nevertheless, the project prohibits staking on regional athlete props to comply with existing restrictions.
Given current initiatives, US gambling is actively transforming. Each state is developing unique approaches, creating new opportunities for lawful business development. In such a dynamic environment, it is especially important to act rapidly and strictly adhere to local regulations.
Our team can help you quickly adapt to legal changes, design an online platform, integrate payment tools, draft a successful advertising strategy, and much more.
Also, feel free to contact us if you would like to launch a turnkey gambling business in North America or other beneficial regions of the world.
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