Happy Monday, everyone. Last week’s sports betting news centered on two states legalizing mobile sports betting, though just one did so definitely.
Those topics and more are tackled on the latest LSR Podcast, which is available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Follow @LSPReport on Twitter for any breaking news as multiple states are coming down to the wire.
Top sports betting news: Florida legalizes mobile betting, sort of
The good news for anyone looking to bet on sports in Florida is almost legal in the state’s eyes. The bad news is the legislature does not make the final decision.
FL sports betting passed the legislature as part of a larger compact with the Seminole Indians last week. It’s awaiting a signature from Gov. Ron DeSantis, which is a formality considering he helped negotiate the compact.
The compact still needs federal approval, though, and mobile betting is not guaranteed to pass muster. Even if it does, just about everyone involved in the compact process expects a legal challenge on the mobile betting portion.
If mobile betting gets federal approval and quickly fights off any legal battles, it can launch starting Oct. 15. There could be multiple brands ready to launch as both DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook are reportedly ready to cut deals with the Seminole.
CT sports betting approved in House
Connecticut, another state that depends on legal sports betting as part of a tribal compact, saw its expanded gaming bill quickly pass the House last week.
Interestingly, mobile betting in Connecticut and Florida are worded the same way in the compacts. There has so far been no threat of a lawsuit in Connecticut to challenge whether mobile betting counts as taking place on tribal land when servers are placed at tribal casinos.
Sports betting in Connecticut, which will include three mobile skins, still needs Senate approval before hitting Gov. Ned Lamont‘s desk. The Connecticut Lottery is awaiting Lamont’s signature on the enabling legislation before getting final proposals for its sports betting partner.
Other state news: LA, MD, NE, OH, SD
Five other states looking to legalize sports betting took steps forward last week:
- Louisiana sports betting took its next step after the Senate approved the second bill of a three-bill package.
- Sports betting in Maryland is legal after Gov. Larry Hogan finally signed the bill into law.
- A bill that legalizes sports betting in Nebraska is awaiting the signature of Gov. Pete Ricketts.
- Professional sports teams and lottery retailers pushed back on proposed legislation on sports betting in Ohio.
- South Dakota gaming regulators approved new regulations in the next step to launch SD sports betting this fall.
Ravens first to sign MD sports betting partner
The Baltimore Ravens signed BetMGM as an official gaming partner just a day after Hogan signed the state’s betting bill into law.
BetMGM will get signage throughout the Ravens’ stadium as well as have a presence on Ravens’ digital and social media channels.
Both sides will also work on Ravens-specific promos and marketing campaigns on the app using the BetMGM sportsbook bonus code.
Pennsylvania dips less than others
Sports betting in Pennsylvania took a hit in April just like other states, but it managed to fare better than others.
Handle fell 14% in April compared to 25% in Indiana and 26% in Michigan.
FanDuel Sportsbook remained the top book with 35%. Barstool Sportsbook bonused the most in April despite just 12.2% of handle.
