- Hawaii lawmakers rejected a final sports betting bill, keeping the Aloha State without regulated sportsbooks.
- Illinois regulators move to ban credit card use for sports bets, aiming to boost responsible gaming protections.
- Another year, another stall for Minnesota sports betting legalization, which faced setbacks amid political deadlock and concerns over college sports wagering.
HONOLULU – Last week was another busy time in the world of sports betting policy. Major developments unfolded on Friday, from a miss in Hawaii to a regulatory shift in Illinois and yet another legislative stall in Minnesota.
Here’s a quick look at where legal sports betting stands in these states and their focus on what’s next.
Hawaii’s Sports Betting Bill Fails at Final Hurdle
Efforts to legalize sports betting in Hawaii ended late last week after lawmakers failed to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.
A final conference committee couldn’t reach a compromise on tax rates and licensing fees, meaning legal Hawaii sports betting is out for at least another year. It was the closest the state has ever come to approving gaming legislation, but concerns over problem gambling and regulatory details ultimately stalled the effort.
Illinois Moves Toward Banning Credit Card Use for Sports Betting
The Illinois Gaming Board voted on Friday to advance a ban on depositing into a sportsbook with credit cards for both retail and online sports betting.
Officials say the Illinois sports betting change is aimed at promoting responsible gambling and reducing the risk of compulsive betting behaviors. The proposal now heads to the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules for further review and public input.
Minnesota Sports Betting Efforts Stall Again
Minnesota’s push to legalize sports betting hit another roadblock after a key bill failed to gain enough support in the Senate.
SF 3414 was introduced but quickly sidelined, while efforts like SB 757 were deadlocked earlier this year.
Ongoing concerns about college sports betting, gambling addiction, and regulatory complexity continue to stall momentum, leaving Minnesota sports betting lacking options for now.
