Industry News For The Week Of February 16, 2025
Industry News
- Legal Sports Report: Federal Bill To Repeal Sports Betting Excise Tax Reintroduced
While one bill to use the federal sports betting excise tax was refiled last week, a piece of legislation repealing the tax was reintroduced this week. On Tuesday, Reps. Dina Titus and Guy Reschenthaler reintroduced The Discriminatory Gaming Tax Repeal Act, which would remove the 0.25% sports betting tax on all wagers placed in the US. The handle tax was enacted in 1951.
- Legal Sports Report: Operators Launch New Responsible Gambling Campaign
The Responsible Online Gaming Association, consisting of various gambling companies, launched its new Know Your Play campaign this week to educate college-aged students on responsible gambling, mental health, and financial literacy.
New policies from President Donald Trump’s second administration could represent sweeping changes for many facets of life in the United States, and the gambling industry may not be immune. Those impacts could include workforce shortages, energy issues, and difficulties securing necessary gaming technology components.
Connecticut
If passed, a proposed Connecticut bill would officially ban lottery courier services and outlaw the sweepstakes social gaming business model in the state. Senate Bill 1235, introduced by the General Law Committee, addresses several consumer protection recommendations regarding gaming regulation and the lottery. Included is the option to ban couriers.
Hawaii
- Legal Sports Report: Hawaii Sports Betting Bill Takes Another Step Forward
A bill legalizing Hawaii sports betting took another step forward last week while casino legislation met its end. During a meeting last week, the House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee passed HB 1308, 6-4. That came after the Hawaii sports betting bill unanimously passed the Economic Development and Technology Committee last month.
Indiana
Online casino legalization efforts in Indiana are effectively dead for the year, following comments from Rep. Todd Huston, the Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives. Huston explained that discussions of Rep. Ethan Manning’s bill to regulate iGaming are at an impasse.
New Jersey
- PlayNJ: New Jersey Sportsbooks Stumble Out of the Gates in 2025, Booking 28.4% Annual Drop in January
In January, revenue from sports betting in New Jersey dropped nearly 30% compared to the same month in 2024. The revenue figure for sports betting operators in the state was $122.2 million, according to reports released by the state.
Pennsylvania
- PlayPennsylvania: Online Casino Revenue Up 42% Year-Over-Year, Fastest in Three Years Despite Modest January Dip
In January, Pennsylvania online casinos saw their first month-over-month revenue drop since June 2024, but the long-term trend is still strong. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) reported Thursday morning that online casinos produced $268 million in January revenue. Despite a 4.7% month-over-month decline, the market has strengthened over the past year. Operators showcased a massive 41.6% year-over-year growth, the highest rate in three years.
Vermont
- Legal Sports Report: Could Vermont Sports Betting Be Repealed?
Vermont lawmakers could consider pushing sports betting back into the shadows. Rep. Thomas Stevens introduced H 133 earlier this month, which would repeal the Vermont sports betting and state lottery laws. Rep. Troy Headrick and Rep. Michael Mrowicki are listed as co-sponsors. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs.