Update: Online Sports Betting Legalization Sees Mixed Progress Across American States in 2025

As the landscape of sports betting in the United States continues to evolve, states remain divided on the path forward. While some states are making tangible progress toward legalization, others are encountering significant roadblocks, delaying or even halting their efforts altogether.

For many, the push to legalize sports betting apps is driven by the potential for increased tax revenue, economic growth, and consumer protections. With over 39 states already embracing legal sports wagering, there’s a growing sense that holdout states will eventually follow suit. However, the process of getting there remains fraught with political, legal, and regulatory challenges.

Online Sports Betting Updates [2025]

Recent legislative developments across Georgia, Missouri, and Hawaii highlight just how difficult it can be to pass or implement sports betting laws, even in states where there is public and political support. Meanwhile, Texas - a historically gambling-averse state - appears to be making strides toward legalization, signaling a potential breakthrough in one of the largest untapped markets in the country.

As lawmakers across the U.S. continue to navigate this complex and rapidly changing industry, the coming months will be crucial in determining which states move forward and which remain on the sidelines.

Dimers takes a closer look at the latest developments shaping the future of sports betting in America.

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Georgia's Legislative Standstill

In Georgia, efforts to legalize sports betting have encountered significant hurdles. A Senate committee recently voted down a constitutional amendment aimed at legalizing both sports betting and casinos, effectively sidelining the proposal for 2025. Concurrently, a House proposal focused solely on online sports betting has yet to be introduced, with the deadline for legislation to pass either chamber rapidly approaching. This stagnation suggests that supporters may need to wait until next year for any potential progress. 

Missouri's Delay in Launch

Missouri's journey toward legal sports betting has also faced complications. The anticipated launch has been postponed until the fall after emergency rules were rejected, causing a significant delay in the rollout of sports wagering within the state. This setback underscores the complexities and challenges that can arise even after legislative approval.

Hawaii's Deferred Ambitions

Hawaii's push to legalize sports betting has hit a roadblock as well. Senate Bill 1569, which aimed to regulate sports wagering, was deferred by a Senate committee, casting doubt on the future of sports gambling in the state. This decision reflects the ongoing debates and concerns surrounding the potential impacts of legalized gambling in Hawaii.

Texas Shows Promise

Contrasting these setbacks, and as Dimers reported earlier in the week, Texas appears to be moving closer to introducing online sports betting. Governor Greg Abbott has expressed his support for legalizing online sports betting, stating he has no objections to the Texas Legislature passing a law that would align Texas with the 39 other states where online sports betting is legal. Abbott views sports betting as an integral part of the entertainment experience for fans of professional football and other sports.

Conclusion: The Future of Sports Betting in the U.S. Remains Uncertain but Promising

The path to legal sports betting in the United States continues to be anything but straightforward. While some states, like Missouri and Hawaii, struggle with delays and legislative setbacks, others, like Texas, appear to be inching closer to embracing the industry. Georgia’s stalled efforts further illustrate how even states with clear interest in legalization can face political roadblocks that prevent progress. These mixed results highlight the complexities of navigating policy, regulation, and public sentiment, making it clear that the journey to widespread legalization is far from over.

Despite these hurdles, the overall trajectory of sports betting in the U.S. remains promising. With 39 states already allowing some form of legal wagering, there is a strong precedent for others to follow suit. The potential economic benefits, including increased tax revenue and consumer protections, continue to be compelling arguments in favor of legalization. Moreover, as states like Texas show signs of reconsidering their historically restrictive stance on gambling, there is reason to believe that more legislatures will warm up to the idea in the near future.

Ultimately, while progress may be uneven, sports betting is becoming an undeniable part of the American sports landscape. Fans, industry stakeholders, and policymakers alike will be watching closely as states decide their next moves. Whether through ballot initiatives, legislative action, or regulatory revisions to ensure responsible gambling, the expansion of sports betting is likely to continue - just not at the same pace everywhere. For now, bettors in some states will have to wait a little longer, but the momentum suggests that it's only a matter of time before legal wagering reaches more corners of the country.