With the 2026 legislative session underway, the United States is experiencing two clear movements in the gaming and betting sector: expansion of regulated markets and tightening against illegal platforms (including sweepstakes). States such as Maryland, Alabama, Virginia and South Dakota are advancing in the release and modernization of iGaming and sports betting, while others reinforce supervision and even review taxes that impacted the volume of bets.
Expansion of iGaming and betting
Maryland: Chamber enters the fight for iGaming
After progress in the Senate, the Maryland Chamber filed new projects to legalize online casinos (iGaming) and take the topic to popular referendum.
Why it matters: Maryland is one of the largest “locked” markets on the East Coast, among New Jersey and Pennsylvaniawho already operate iGaming at full strength. If released, it could become a potential billion-dollar market.
Alabama: state lottery returns to the agenda
Two bills advanced to create state lottery and a regulatory body.
Why it matters: the Alabama It is one of the few US states without a lottery. In an election year, any constitutional change can go to a vote in November. Even so, political resistance is still great.
Virginia: gaming package advances in the Senate
Projects about iGaming, daily fantasy sports, skill games and even casino in Fairfax County are heading to a vote in the Senate.
Why it matters: shows real appetite for expand and adjust the regulated market from the Virginia. If approved, they will go to the Chamber — an important step towards release.
South Dakota: online sports betting in plebiscite
The Senate approved taking the decision on releasing sports betting mobile throughout the state (currently restricted to physical casinos).
Why it matters: in South Dakotareleasing mobile increases reach and revenue with low infrastructure costs.
Illinois: possible end of “bet tax”
A project wants to revoke the fixed fee charged per bet placed (regardless of the result).
Why it matters: After the tax, operators created surcharges and minimum bets — and volume fell. In Illinoisrevocation can recover competitiveness and traffic.
Crackdown on illegals and sweepstakes
Indiana: ban on “sweepstakes” casinos advances
Project that vetoes double coin casinos (sweepstakes) passed in committee in the Senate.
Why it matters: closes loopholes against “gray market” platforms in Indiana.
Florida: clampdown on illegal gambling (online and in-person)
Projects advance to combat illegal arcades and unlicensed online platforms.
Why it matters: by the size of the market Floridatightening rules changes the game for illegal operators and protects the regulated ecosystem.
Utah: Use of Consumer Laws Against Undercover Gaming
Even banning games, Utah reinforces consumer protection tools to frame products “disguised” as games (including sweepstakes).
Why it matters: legal model that other “anti-gambling” states can copy.
Federal Spotlight: Prediction markets in the crosshairs
In Congresspressure arises to prevent sporting event contracts operate as “commodity markets” and circumvent state gambling laws.
Why it matters: is a sign that the prediction markets have entered the federal regulatory radar — and the noose may tighten.
Big picture: expansion vs. expansion oversight
- Expansion: Maryland, Alabama, Virginia and South Dakota are trying to unlock new revenues with iGaming and mobile betting.
- Oversight: Florida, Indiana and Utah accelerate the fight against illegals and sweepstakes.
- Taxes: Illinois reviews model that dropped betting volume.
Market reading: the US has entered a more mature phase of regulation — it’s not just legalizing, it’s adjust taxes, protect consumers and close loopholes against the gray market. For global operators, the message is clear: Anyone outside the regulated model will lose space.
Fonte: Gaming365 – Brasil
