Sports Betting Industry News and Updates - What's Coming in 2024

The new year marks six calendar years since the United States Supreme Court overturned PASPA, the federal ban on sports wagering, back in May 2018. In the time since, sports betting has become a behemoth of an industry. Legal in over 30 states with more on the way, it’s been full steam ahead across the country with no real signs of slowing down.

This year alone we saw new states launch sports betting, including Maine, Massachusetts, Ohio and Kentucky, two sportsbook relaunch/rebrands (ESPN Bet and Fanatics Sportsbook) as well as new offerings from the existing sportsbooks and multiple other states pass legislation with plans to launch in 2024. It’s a thrilling time to be a sports fan and bettor.

So, what’s coming in 2024? Some new launches, for starters. At least two more states will officially have mobile sports betting go live in 2024, plus the ever-expanding options within existing legal states. There are also a few things we’d love to see sportsbooks offer in the new year to keep the industry fresh and exciting for users.

Vermont and North Carolina Launch Sports Betting in 2024

Just days away from the first big shakeup to the sports betting industry, the state of Vermont will launch mobile sports betting on January 11, as Dimers has previously reported. After VT Governor Phil Scott signed the bill in June 2023, the process went smoothly and everything is on track for Vermont.

Though a smaller state, this marks yet another step towards nationwide access to sports wagering, which is big for users traveling from state to state in addition to local residents. Dimers revealed how new users in Vermont can score up to $300 in sign-up bonuses from two of the books available at launch, FanDuel and DraftKings.

North Carolina has had a bit more of a rocky road to their 2024 launch, as they were originally eyeing an early January launch as well, but have since announced they won’t meet the go-live date, as Dimers reported. There is no official date set, but the legislation states they must be live by June 2024 to meet the 12-month launch window. With any luck, betting will be up and running by March Madness in the Tar Heel State.

For more on DraftKings and FanDuel, read our detailed sportsbook reviews.

Same Names, New Games

Though it technically went live at the end of 2023, DraftKings has a new offering for players who might live outside of existing legal betting states. Pick6 is DraftKings’ latest product in which users play against other users in peer-to-peer contests by picking “more” or “less” on up to six players’ individual stats.

This is a game made popular by sites such as PrizePicks, Parlay Play and Underdog Fantasy, yet has come under fire for being more gambling than fantasy sports as claimed to be. Dimers has broken down these platforms in detail and how they differ from traditional betting. No matter what you call it, DraftKings wanted in on that pie and now they have their own variant.

Though DraftKings is the first player of the big books to enter this space, we’d expect to see others follow in pursuit of that additional revenue.

If that type of contest sounds your style, or you live in a state without legalized betting, learn more about how to play these games and earn up to $300 in deposit match bonuses.

More Rewards?

Like any good product, sportsbooks are at their best when they engage and reward faithful and regular users for spending their hard-earned money. Several popular sportsbooks offer various rewards programs, further incentivizing bettors and attracting new users.

At DraftKings, you have both a Crowns and Tier Credits system. Effectively, each qualifying bet you place earns you both Crowns and Tier Credits. Crowns add up and become redeemable for DraftKings cash that you can use on betting or the casino, while Tier Credits accrue over the calendar year and qualify you for Crowns boosts, giveaways and more.

At BetMGM Sportsbook, you’ll find a similar rewards system, including birthday bonus bets, a chance to win a trip to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl as reported on by Dimers and more, while over at Fanatics you can earn credits to use in their apparel and collectibles store.

However, some books don’t offer a rewards system, notably FanDuel. While renowned for their user interface, superior bonus bets system and profitable boosts, they have no such rewards system of any kind on their sportsbook, yet they do have one for Daily Fantasy. For such a popular book, this is pretty surprising and it’s something we’d like to see them improve on in the new year.

The Doubtful Dozen

Twelve states remain without legal sportsbetting in any form: Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Utah, while states such as New Mexico, Delaware and both North and South Dakota offer in-person betting but not online.

California and Texas are the major markets but are all but guaranteed to hold out for at least another year. We previously reported on the recent obstacles faced in California due to opposition from the states Tribal Gaming Commission.  

Texas sports betting efforts were stymied by Governor Dan Patrick and the state is without a legislative session in 2024, meaning nothing can be proposed until 2025 at the earliest, despite support from Texas citizens.

MORE: Dimers' Best U.S. Betting Sites

Responsible gambling means setting limits, staying in control, and understanding that luck is just part of the game. Make informed choices, set a budget, and know when to take a break. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.