SportsHandle and friends deliver another round-up of the week’s big developments in US sports betting.
Las Vegas’ SuperBook Heading East, With SuperContest In Tow
It appears likely that New Jersey sports bettors will soon be getting a chance to partake of the offerings of one of Las Vegas’ top bookmaking operations when the Westgate’s SuperBookUSA debuts in the Garden State. Jay Kornegay, Executive Vice President of Operations, told Sports Handle on Friday he’s not quite ready to reveal exactly where and when he’ll take the SuperBook brand east. He did say, wherever the operation plants its flag, it will take the SuperContest along with it. That’s this nation’s most successful high-stakes, season-long NFL handicapping event.
Full story here.
Indiana Legislature Approves Sports Betting Bill, Heads To Governor
With the minutes ticking down on adjournment, the Indiana General Assembly Wednesday night voted to approve a comprehensive gambling bill that would legalize sports betting, both at bricks-and-mortar facilities and on mobile devices statewide.
According to the Associated Press, lawmakers in the House and Senate hammered out details of a proposal that would not only allow sports betting, but includes payments to four Indiana cities that are expecting revenue losses due to new casinos in the state and potentially authorizes a new casino in Terre Haute.
Full story here.
Mobile, Colleges Key to Illinois Sports Betting Debate
Mobile or no mobile? That is the question. And there doesn’t appear to be an easy answer. But on Thursday, Illinois lawmakers heard detailed, compelling testimony about why they should include a statewide mobile component should they choose to legalize sports betting. In a hearing during which stakeholders, universities, local lawmakers, and anti-gambling advocates offered meaningful and well-thought out testimony, leaving lawmakers with plenty to think about.
Full story here.
Tennessee House Approves Sports Betting Bill, Sending To Senate
On Wednesday in Nashville, Tennessee lawmakers voted 58-37 to approve a sports betting bill, sending it to the Senate for consideration, a major step forward in the legislative process. The legislation, if passed by both chambers and signed by the governor, would make Tennessee the first state in the country with mobile-only sports betting. All other sports betting states have retail books, with some also allowing mobile. Tennessee doesn’t have any casinos. An earlier version was eyeing 50 retail locations statewide, in addition to mobile platforms.
Full story here.
Iowa Sports Betting Bill Heading To Governor For Approval After Contentious Debate
Late on Monday in Des Moines, the Iowa House of Representatives voted 67-31 to pass a sports betting and fantasy sports bill, the week after the Senate approved its companion measure.
Sports betting in Iowa will head to Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican. The bipartisan measure that allows statewide mobile betting was spearheaded by Republicans. Reynolds’ signature looks to be a betting favorite, as she said in February that sports betting “needs to be regulated.” Proponents of sports betting in Iowa are “cautiously optimistic” about Reynolds’ approval. Gambling bills are rarely sure things.
Full story here.
