On June 8, 2021, legislation was introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives that would legalize esports betting statewide. Pennsylvania’s sports wagering statute, as currently written, permits wagering on any “sporting event,” a term which is defined to mean “a professional or collegiate sports or athletic event or a motor race event.” See 4 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 13C01. There is no mention of esports. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has opined that because esports is not explicitly listed among the “sporting events” upon which wagering is permitted, the Board does not have the authority to allow esports betting. continue reading
Louisiana Legislature Passes Bill Establishing Framework for Retail and Online Sports Betting
On June 10, 2021, the Louisiana State Legislature approved legislation establishing a licensing framework for retail and online sports betting in the 55 Louisiana parishes that voted to authorize sports betting in the November 2020 election. The legislation is one of two bills passed to facilitate retail and online sports betting in Louisiana. The other bill, which imposes a 10% tax on proceeds from in-person sports betting and a 15% tax on net proceeds from online sports betting, was signed into law by Governor John Bel Edwards on June 4. Governor Edwards is expected to sign the licensing bill in the coming days.
Florida-Seminole Sports Betting Gaming Compact Passes Legislature, but Court Challenges Are Expected
On May 19, 2021, the Florida legislature approved a 30-year deal granting the Seminole Indian Tribe (Tribe) exclusive rights to operate sports betting in the state. While the Tribal Gaming Compact received bipartisan support in the legislature and will bring considerable revenue to the state, it will most certainly face legal challenges by gambling opponents on state and federal levels. continue reading
Connecticut Legislature Passes Bill Legalizing Retail and Online Sports Betting, Online Casino Gaming, and DFS
On May 25, 2021, the Connecticut General Assembly enacted legislation authorizing retail and online sports betting, online casino gaming and online daily fantasy sports (DFS), to be offered exclusively by the Connecticut Lottery Corporation (the Lottery) and the state’s Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Indian Tribes (the Tribes). The expanded gaming bill was developed alongside a new state-tribal gaming compact that will allow the Tribes to conduct retail and online sports betting and DFS operations on tribal land. Even after the bill is signed into law by Governor Ted Lamont, its expanded gaming provisions will only take effect once the new compacts are approved by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. Gov. Lamont is expected to submit the compacts for Bureau approval in the coming weeks. continue reading