U.S. Gambling 2026 Legislation Updates: Latest iGaming, Sports Betting, Casino & Prediction Markets Bills

By Bill Speros

Feb 23rd, 2026 11:47 AM EST

The future of sports betting, iGaming and prediction markets legislation news breaks daily. It weighs in the balance across the country as several states consider new laws. Multiple states continue the push to legalize iGaming. Others are looking to add or expand sports betting. The scope of sports betting is under scrutiny, as well as sports-related trades on prediction markets. Our U.S. Gambling 2026 Legislation Updates will keep you in the know with regular updates.

Here's a rundown of where sports betting, iGaming and prediction markets legislation stands in various state houses across the nation. As our data shows, some of the legislative proposals are counterintuitive in terms of what other bills seek in the same body.

Last year marked the first year since the Supreme Court reversed PASPA in which no new jurisdictions in the United States legalized sports betting. iGaming legislation also stalled in New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois. The twist this year is a legislative push to curb prediction markets like Kalshi, Polymarket, and Robinhood from offering sports-event contracts.

1

17 Players redeemed today!

$1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets If You Don't Win + $50 in BetMGM Rewards Points
Bonus Code: BOOKIESBRP1500

Bonus Code

BOOKIESBRP1500

Visit Site

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See http://BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

U.S. Gambling 2026 Legislation Rundown

Here's the breakdown of each pending bill by state and category, with links to each piece of legislation to get the latest news.

State-by-State Legislative Outlook
(iGaming, Sports Betting, Casinos & Prediction Markets)

Here's a rundown of where sports betting, iGaming and prediction markets legislation news stand in states across the nation.

Alabama

• Gambling Introdcution:
  • Sen. Merika Coleman introduced legislation allowing voters to decide on a lottery, casino gaming, and retail and online sports betting.
• Outlook: Familiar proposal with slim chances of passage. Gambling remains a major political hurdle.

California

• Outlook:
  • Legalized sports betting or iGaming is highly unlikely within the next five years.
  • Tribal nations are actively opposing sportsbooks, online casinos, sweepstakes models, and prediction markets.
  • Tribes maintain significant influence in Sacramento.

Florida

• Non-Tribal Gaming
  • A pair of bills that would ban any gambling activity not operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida under its gaming compact with the state took steps forward in the Florida legislators. SB1580 and HB189. could shutter all unlicensed platforms, including dual-currency sweepstakes casinos.

Georgia

• Gambling
  • Georgia must first legalize gambling (beyond the lottery) in order for sports betting or iGaming to launch in the state. Four straight tries to get a gambling legalization bill along with tandem legislation through the legislature to the governor have failed. Last year, the House failed to get its bill across the line before Crossover Day.
• Online Sports Betting
  • House Bill 910 would legalize mobile betting without a constitutional amendment by operating it through the Georgia Lottery Corporation. This process would eliminate the need for a fall referendum and legalize online sports betting once signed by the governor. The bill calls for up to 16 licenses for online sports betting:
    • One each for GA's five professional sports teams (Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta United FC, and Atlanta Dream)
    • One for Augusta National Golf Course
    • One for the PGA Tour
    • One for Atlanta Motor Speedway
    • One for the Georgia Lottery Corporation
    • Two for entities approved by the National Steeplechase Association
    • Remaining seven awarded by the Georgia LotteryOperators would be taxed at 25% of their adjusted gross incomes and betting would be restricted to those 21 and over.

1

13 Players redeemed today!

Bet $5+ Get $200 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!

Bonus Code

No Code Required

Visit Site

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, (800) 327-5050 or visit http://gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 3/15/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: http://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos . Ends 3/8/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Hawaii

• Online Sports Betting:
  • Lawmakers nearly passed sports betting legislation last year, and the issue is back in 2026. SB 3303 and HB 2570 would legalize sports betting by issuing at least six licenses, each carrying a $500,000 fee for the initial five years, with a 15% tax on gambling revenue. The Legislature has also formed a Tourism and Gaming Working Group tasked with submitting recommendations by late 2026 or early 2027
  • Outlook: Momentum exists, but the working-group timeline may slow legislative action until next year.
• Prediction Markets:
  • The House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce advanced an amended version of HB 2198 that would classify prediction markets as illegal gambling under state law. The bill would ban trading tied to sports and contests, politics and elections, catastrophes and public-health emergencies, people-based outcomes, and death-related outcomes. This would be an easier bill to pass, but its legality remains uncertain in the courts.

Illinois

• Prediction Markets:
  • A bill has been filed to restrict sports‑related prediction market trades, viewed as a concession to sports‑betting operators.
  • Would likely face legal challenges if enacted.
• Sports Betting Revenue Context:
  • In September of last year, Illinois implemented a $0.25 tax on the first 20 million wagers per sportsbook, increasing to $0.50 per wager thereafter.
  • State sports‑betting revenue is down 15%.
• iGaming:
  • Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr. reintroduced the Internet Gaming Act (HB 4797) to legalize online casinos.
  • Similar proposals have been introduced since at least 2021 but have not advanced.
  • Supporters estimate up to $800 million in annual state revenue.
• Outlook: Passage prospects are stronger than last year. Either the iGaming bill or a prediction‑market ban could serve as political relief for sports‑betting operators.

Massachusetts

• Prediction Markets: Kalshi is facing a preliminary injunction related to sports‑based trades.
• Sports Betting: A bill from last year proposing a 51% tax rate and a ban on prop wagers has been reintroduced but is not expected to reach the Senate floor.
• iGaming:
  • House Bill 332 and Senate Bill 235 would allow the state’s three casinos to partner with up to two online operators each.
  • The Massachusetts Gaming Commission could issue two additional licenses not tied to physical casinos.
  • Licenses would cost $5 million for five years, with a 20% tax on operator revenue.
  • Framework emphasizes state oversight and consumer protection.
• Outlook: Odds of passage are better than last year, though anti‑gaming sentiment remains. The central tension is revenue generation vs. public health concerns.
• Regional Context: Rhode Island and Connecticut already permit iGaming.

Minnesota

• Sports Betting:
  • Legislation narrowly missed passage last year and remains active.
  • Current effort includes banning multiple online platforms.
  • Sports betting would be conducted in partnership with tribes and existing pari‑mutuel operators.
• Outlook: Strong chance of passage this year.

1

60 Players redeemed today!

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose!
Promo Code: BOOKIES

Bonus Code

BOOKIES

Visit Site

Must be 21+ to participate (18+ in KY). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, IA, KY, KS, LA, MD, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA). Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ). Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). CALL 1-877-770-STOP (LA). Must be present in LA (select parishes). Licensee partner Amelia Belle Casino. Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.

Mississippi

• Online Sports Betting:
  • A bill legalizing online sports betting that awards skins to the state's current retail casino operators and shield the current retail sports books once again passed the House.
  • Prospects in the Senate remain a coin toss.
• Sweepstakes Casinos
  • The Senate unanimously approved SB2104 which bans sweeps operators. It now heads to the House. The bill bans sweepstakes/dual currency casinos and classifies them as illegal gambling. The bill, in addtion, would also include possible asset forfeiture for those violating the law.

Nebraska

• Online Sports Betting
  • A referendum initiative that could lead to legalize online sports betting has been approved. Supporters must first gather enough signatures to get the constitutional amendment measure in front of voters this November in the general election. If voters were to pass the measure, accordingly, online betting would be legalized.

New York

• Prediction Markets: The Attorney General publicly opposed prediction markets ahead of the Super Bowl.
• Sports Betting: Several bills seek to restrict live wagering and player props, accordingly, but none are expected to pass.
• iGaming:
  • Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. reintroduced Senate Bill 2614, identical to his early‑2025 proposal.
  • Proposed 30.5% tax on iGaming revenue.
  • License fees range from $2M to $10M.
  • Covers online casinos, poker, slots, and live‑dealer games.
• Outlook:
  • Passage chances are higher than last year, though this is the fourth attempt.
  • Momentum comes from three new NYC‑area retail casinos and a labor‑focused provision.
  • The bill directs $25M annually toward employee training, responsible‑gaming initiatives, and workforce development.
  • If approved this year, iGaming would launch in early 2027.

Oklahoma

• Sports Betting:
  • Legalization requires legislative approval, the governor’s signature, and alignment with existing gaming compacts involving 39 tribal nations.
  • Tribes and professional sports organizations are central stakeholders.
• Outlook: Bill has been pending in the Senate since last year and, accordingly, has a good chance of advancing.

South Carolina

• Gambling Status:
  • No legal gambling beyond the lottery and bingo. A casino bill was sent back to committee in House, all but killing the measure.
• Online Sports Betting
  • An online-betting-only proposal returns this year. It allow a minimum betting age of 18, up to eight skins, and would create a South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission. The bill sets a 12.5% tax rate on net betting revenues.
• Outlook: Increased urgency this year, influenced by the success of legal sports betting in neighboring North Carolina. The sports betting bill will get another hearing and may have some legs in the Senate, but Gov. McMaster is leaving in January and he remains a firm "no" on gambling. So it's on to 2027.

1

29 Players redeemed today!

Bet Match Up to $250
Promo Code: BOOKIES250BM

Bonus Code

BOOKIES250BM

Visit Site

Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY or Washington, DC. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First wager after registration must qualify. Min. Odds: -500. Max. Bonus Bet: $250. Awarded as non-withdrawable Bonus Bet that expires 14 days after receipt. Bonus Bet amount not returned for winning bets. Void where prohibited. See http://Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? CO, IL, KY, MD, MI, MO, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WV, WY, KS (Affiliated with Kansas Crossing Casino), ME (Licensed through the Mi’kmaq Nation, Penobscot Nation, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, federally recognized tribes located in the State of Maine), NC (Licensed through Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise), PA (Affiliated with Harrah's Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: visit http://mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit http://1800gambler.net ; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF; LA (Licensed through Horseshoe Bossier City and Caesars New Orleans), Washington, DC (OLG Class A licensed Operator): Call 1-800-522-4700. ©2025, Caesars Entertainment Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER DC, LA: Call 1-800-522-4700 MA: Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit http://gamblinghelplinema.org NY: Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369)

Tennessee

• Sweepstakes Casinos
  • Outlook: House Bill 1885, introduced by Scott Cepicky, (and a companion bill SB2136 in the Senate) takes direct aim at dual-currency “sweepstakes” platforms that lawmakers say are nothing more than unregulated online gambling dressed up as free-to-play entertainment. The bill labels these sites a fast-growing form of illicit gambling, accusing operators of marketing casino-style games as legal fun while quietly allowing players to exchange virtual currency for real-world cash and prizes. A1 Development’s exit ended access to several of the most popular sweepstakes casino brands, including NoLimitCoins, Fortune Wheelz, Tao Fortune, FunzCity, Funrize, and Storm Rush.

Texas

• Outlook: No meaningful movement expected before 2027.

Virginia

Two different iGaming bills, meanwhile, advanced out of the House and Senate. Now, the two bodies must come up with a compromise bill that would be sent to the governor's desk. A bill taxing DFS earnings by operators passed the Senate. Another bill establishing a gaming commission remains in Committee.

• iGaming
  • Senate Bill 118 would legalize online online casino gaming in the state. It allows the 4 retail casinos up to three online skins apiece. The set-up fee is $2 million. Online casino revenue would be taxed at 15%. The same as sportsbetting. And each online operator would pay a $2 entry fee. The platforms would be operated by the Virginia Lottery Board. The bill establishes a new Virginia Gaming Commission to oversee retail gaming, sports betting, and iGaming. It passed 19-17.
  • House Bill 161 would legalize iGaming in much the same manner as SB 118. The key difference is that the House bill would require passage in both 2026 and 2027. It passed 67-30.  
• Daily Fantasy
  • Senate Bill 129 calls for a 10% tax on fantasy contest revenue paid by operators. The bill limits DFS play to the peer-to-peer model, meanwhile, and eliminates so-called "single-player" DFS in which players make over/under selections against the house. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services would subsequently license all DFS operators in the Commonwealth. That bill passed the Senate by a 29-10 vote and has been referred to committee in the House.
• Virginia Gaming Commission
  • A separate stand-alone bill (SB 195), meanwhile, establishes the Virginia Gaming Commission. This bill remains in Committee.

Wisconsin

• Online Sports Betting:
  • The state, accordingly, is expected to legalize online sports betting by adopting a Florida‑style model, allowing statewide betting via servers located on tribal lands.
  • Major commercial operators (including DraftKings and FanDuel) oppose the bill, as it would exclude them and create a Hard Rock–style monopoly similar to Florida.

State-By-State Likelihood of Passage — 2026

Above 75%

Minnesota: Sports betting structured with tribes and pari-mutuel operators after narrowly missing passage last year.
Oklahoma: Sports betting bill pending in the Senate with tribal and professional sports support.
Wisconsin: Florida-style tribal-server model creates a clear legal path for statewide online betting.
Tennessee: Expect its ban on dual-currency sweepstakes casinos to be signed into law.
Mississippi: Expect its ban on dual-currency sweepstakes casinos to be signed into law.
Virginia: Both iGaming and the DFS regulations appear to have momentum.

35 - 74%

Florida: The state wants to protect its monopoly with the Seminole Tribe, but other matters remain more pressing.
Massachusetts: iGaming momentum has improved, but public-health opposition remains.
New York: Fourth attempt at iGaming may be the charm; labor provisions and NYC casinos improve odds, but passage is not guaranteed.
Illinois: iGaming and prediction-market bills gaining traction amid declining sportsbook revenue.
Mississippi: Online sports betting cleared the House; Senate outcome uncertain.
Hawaii: Sports betting nearly passed last year; renewed push exists, but timing may slow action.
Georgia: The window appears to be closing, especially with the rise of prediction markets feeding the appetite of bettors.

Below 34%

Nebraska: Sports betting ballot initiatives, accordingly, have historically fallen short.
Alabama: Gambling expansion, however, remains politically difficult.
South Carolina: No commercial gambling framework beyond the lottery and Gov. McMaster remains a firm "no." He'll be gone next year, so expect movement then.
Texas: No meaningful movement expected before 2027.
California: Tribal opposition blocks sportsbooks, iGaming, sweepstakes, and prediction markets. The courts have given prediction markets an opening. But all other gambling expansion is dead until further notice.

1

32 Players redeemed today!

New Customers Get Up To $1,000 Matched In FanCash

Bonus Code

No Code Required

Visit Site

21+. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY (excludes NY). Apply promotion in bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager (min odds -200) daily for 10 consecutive days starting day of account creation. FanCash rewards will equal the qualifying wager amount (max $100 FanCash/day). FanCash issued under this promotion expires at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, incl. FanCash terms, apply—see Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling Problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER, 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-888-532-3500 (VA).

Comments

Sign In | Sign Up

Post

View more