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A pivotal week for US gambling legislation
Legislative deadlines are converging across multiple US states this week, creating a narrow but critical window for a range of gambling bills to advance — or die. From iGaming legalization to sweepstakes casino bans and prop bet regulation, the decisions made in state capitols over the next few days could have lasting consequences for the industry.
Virginia and Florida: iGaming on the line
Virginia lawmakers face a March 14 adjournment deadline with several unresolved gambling issues still on the table, including competing iGaming proposals, skill games regulation, DFS oversight, a new gambling regulator and a Fairfax County casino. After both chambers rejected each other’s amendments, conference committees are now racing to find common ground in time for a final vote.
In Florida, SB 1580 — the session’s best-placed bill targeting illegal gambling — passed the Senate last week but still needs to clear at least one House committee before the March 13 adjournment. Time is tight, and without a swift committee assignment, the bill risks running out of road.
Hawaii and Illinois: Prediction markets and sweepstakes in focus
Hawaii’s March 12 crossover deadline puts two bills in the spotlight. SB 3281 targets illegal electronic gambling devices, while HB 2198 would classify prediction markets as illegal gambling — both are scheduled for a third reading vote on March 10.
In Illinois, three significant bills face a March 13 Senate committee deadline: an iGaming legalization proposal, a prediction market regulation bill, and a sweepstakes casino crackdown measure. None is currently scheduled for a hearing, meaning last-minute action — or inaction — will determine their fate this session.
Washington and Wyoming: Final stretch
Washington is close to passing SB 6137, which would expand college sports prop betting — a notable move against the national trend. The bill returns to the Senate for concurrence after House amendments, with the session ending March 12. Wyoming’s session also closes March 11, with several gambling-related measures still awaiting a final outcome.
Sweepstakes bans gathering momentum
The sweepstakes casino crackdown is accelerating across the country. Indiana is one governor’s signature away from banning platforms using dual-currency systems, effective July 1. Tennessee, Oklahoma and Iowa have all advanced prohibition measures through their respective Senates, while Maryland lawmakers hold hearings on March 11 covering online casino legalization, online poker and sweepstakes regulation. Louisiana opens its legislative session on March 9 with a sweepstakes ban already prefiled alongside several other gambling measures.
Prediction markets under pressure
Beyond the legislative front, prediction markets are facing renewed scrutiny. Kalshi is investigating potential insider trading linked to Super Bowl markets, having already closed two insider trading cases in late February. The platform also faces a California class-action lawsuit and a separate legal investigation over its controversial settlement of markets tied to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Meanwhile, March Madness is shaping up as the next major test for prediction market volumes. The “Men’s College Basketball Champion” market on Kalshi has already generated $42 million in trading volume, with Duke leading at 24% probability and Michigan close behind at 21%. With 31 of the 68 tournament spots still to be confirmed ahead of Selection Sunday on March 15, trading activity is expected to intensify significantly in the days ahead.
