The iGaming industry is expected to grow in 2023 as lawmakers begin their respective legislative sessions with a couple of goals in mind. There will certainly be a discussion about online casino gaming and sports betting in most cases. This will give bettors more options to choose from if everything goes according to plan.
Can Mobile Gaming Find a Home in the United States?
Many states across the nation have moved their chips to the center of the table. Numerous states have passed legislation on sports betting, but not on online gambling and poker. With all the negativity surrounding the gaming sector, there is optimism in the 2023 cycle.
In the post-PASPA era, over 30 states have entered the sports betting industry, with Ohio labeled as the latest state to enter the lucrative business. In contrast, Massachusetts plans to begin with the retail aspect of the industry and gradually incorporate the mobile aspect, likely before the March Madness Tournament.
Online casino gaming is only available in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, and Connecticut. Online poker is available in one more state, which is Nevada. In these states, iGaming and online poker have brought in more revenue on a monthly and yearly basis compared to the sports betting industry.
What States Could Jump-Start the iGaming Industry in 2023?
Currently, only one market is certainly going to push for a bill in 2023. All eyes will be on Indiana, as new lawmakers may expedite the issue as the session began on January 10th. Sen. John Ford will lead the charge once again, as he adds more to his resume. He is the new President of the National Council of Legislators from Gambling States, and the state will face a lot of pressure because the state will lose a solid number of customers from Ohio.
Sportsbook operators in New York have expressed their concerns regarding the high 51 percent tax rate based on revenue. The number will probably remain the same, but Sen. Joseph Addabbo has expressed the idea of adding more options in the state. Gambling expansions must also be approved by voters according to the New York Constitution.
Iowa was one of the first states to consider online poker but went with the sports betting option first. Mississippi is one of the few states that tried it in the past, but mobile sports betting may be first on the list. Entering the sports betting industry could help the state reconstruct some of the laws that are tied to online gaming.
On the other hand, Kentucky will limit itself to just online poker. For a smaller state, the state has showcased a level of consistency in the sports betting department as the state released its first three monthly betting handles. With any type of gaming industry, a dark horse candidate could emerge in the next few weeks as revenue projections could persuade many lawmakers.
