Legal Sports Betting Brief: States Push for Legislation

• Oklahoma and Hawaii seem keen on advancing some sort of sports betting legislation in 2025.
• The hopes for Georgia sports betting come down to this week’s action.
• Alabama, South Carolina, and Texas sports betting bills have seen little movement since being introduced.

HONOLULU – The March 2025 betting brief focuses on how states without sports betting are doing regarding their path to regulation.

As the US has nearly 40 states with legal sports betting, the focus on the remaining states magnifies. As expected, states like Alaska and Idaho have introduced no sportsbook regulation efforts, while other states could be failing to legalize sports betting yet again.

Hawaii

It was assumed that efforts to make sports betting legal in Hawaii hit a roadblock with SB1569. But HB1308 passed on a House floor vote, now putting the concept in the hands of the Senate.

While the Senate is also reviewing SB891, which would commission a study, is already set for a Senate vote, they now have all the power.

Georgia

Legislation for sports betting in Georgia is facing a race against the clock. SR 131 is officially dead, but lawmakers are scrambling for a last-minute push in the House. HR 450 and HB 686, both aiming to legalize sports betting, were read for the first time on Monday and discussed in the House Higher Education Committee on Tuesday.

With the crossover deadline on Thursday, their fate will be decided in the next few days.

Alabama

No progress has been made for legal Alabama sports betting. HB 237 and HB 41 remain stuck in committee. However, unlike other states, Alabama operates under an annual legislative session, meaning there’s no looming crossover deadline pressuring lawmakers.

South Carolina

While sports betting bills H 3625 and H 3353 remain stalled in committee, there’s a small sign of movement. H 3625 gained an additional sponsor on February 26, with Rep. Seth Rose signing on.

Whether this signals real momentum for South Carolina sports betting remains to be seen.

Texas

Sports betting remains on the backburner in Texas as legislators focus on the ongoing Texas Lottery scandal. Measures like SJR 16 and HJR 134 have seen no meaningful movement since being introduced last month.

Oklahoma

Unlike other states, Oklahoma sports betting could become a reality this year. Multiple sports betting bills—both in the House and Senate—are set for floor votes after being placed on general order. While no specific dates have been scheduled, Oklahoma could be the next battleground for legalization, likely being one of two states to regulate sports betting in 2025.

News tags: Alabama | Georgia | Hawaii | Oklahoma | South Carolina | Texas