Industry News For The Week Of May 4, 2025
iDea News
- The Center Square: Op-Ed: Louisiana shouldn’t undercut a thriving industry
Louisiana’s legal sports betting market is working – and working well. Over the past 12 months, it has generated nearly $68 million in tax revenue, drawn investment from national and local companies, and created a safe, competitive environment for consumers. That progress is now at risk as House Bill 639 would more than double the tax rate on sports betting – from 15% to 32.5% – making Louisiana one of the highest-taxed markets in the country.
Industry News
- Legal Sports Report: FanDuel Grows Share, Expands Margins in Q1 Despite March Madness Hit
FanDuel strengthened its grip on the US sports betting market in Q1 2025, growing revenue and profitability despite a rough March Madness for operators. Parent company Flutter Entertainment reported earnings Wednesday, highlighting FanDuel’s gains, sports betting margin expansion, and product development as management addressed the rapidly changing industry.
Alberta, Canada
- Bonus.com: Alberta Rejects NDP’s Proposed Responsible Gambling Amendments to Privatized Gambling Bill
Alberta lawmakers have voted down amendments proposed by the New Democratic Party (NDP) to enshrine responsible gaming measures in the province’s iGaming legislation. The provincial NDP voiced concerns about the bill’s lack of details. In particular, the party noted a lack of safeguards for responsible gambling (RG) and player protection. The amendments were ultimately defeated in a 38-16 vote.
Iowa
- Legal Sports Report: NCAA Disciplines Iowa State Football Staff Over Sports Betting
The NCAA has sanctioned five current and former Iowa State football support staff members after they collectively placed more than 6,200 bets totaling over $100,000, some on Iowa State’s own basketball programs, over a two-year span. The disciplinary action follows a broader state-led investigation into sports betting activity at Iowa and Iowa State athletic facilities from 2021 to 2023. Regulated sportsbooks are legal in 38 states. However, NCAA rules prohibit staff and athletes from betting on any sport sponsored by the association, regardless of location or legality.
Missouri
The Missouri sports betting launch was initially targeted for June 30, 2025. Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ February rejection of the Missouri Gaming Commission‘s (MGC) emergency rule makes this unlikely, setting the latest launch date as December 1, 2025. Hoskins said the emergency rules didn’t meet the state’s requirements. Now, they’ll have to go through the regular review process, which will likely slow things down.
Ohio
- Legal Sports Report: Ohio Online Casino Bill On Its Way
An online casino bill appears to be on the way in Ohio. Rep. Brian Stewart has confirmed with WOSU Public Media that he is working on an Ohio online casino bill. The legislation would help raise revenue for the Buckeye State after lawmakers stripped tax hikes out of Gov. Mike DeWine’s proposed two-year budget. Stewart is the sponsor of the House version of the budget as chair of the House Finance Committee.