The flurry of activity surrounding legal sports betting is about to be upgraded to a blizzard as four states are poised to launch sports betting in the United States this summer or fall, and a fifth will likely join in early 2022.
Arizona, Connecticut, Louisiana, and Maryland are expected to launch sportsbooks in 2021, if all things go well. Meanwhile, New York’s murky and complicated legislative and regulatory process may result in online sports betting by the Super Bowl next February, it’s hoped. As a result, within the next six months, it’s possible that states with a population of more than 40 million people will add to the roster of U.S. states with legalized sports betting in place.
Maryland Sports Betting On The Way
After legalizing it in May, Maryland officials have been working diligently to launch Maryland online sports betting before the end of 2021, hopefully in time for the NFL season, though it’s possible it may come later. According to a gaming analyst, Maryland online sports betting “will likely be a thriving market, and state residents will see some of the best sportsbook options available.”
Arizona Nearing Launch
According to the Arizona Department of Gaming, sports betting in that state will debut on September 9. Users can register in Arizona starting on August 28, and pre-reg bonuses will start to be advertised this month, spurring even more interest.
Connecticut Moving Right Along As Well
Similarly, Connecticut is prepared to launch online sports betting on September 6, according to the Connecticut Lottery. Both Arizona and Connecticut saw relatively hassle-free paths to online sports betting, mostly due to the desire for added revenue to state coffers in wake of the pandemic.
New York Mired In Uncertainty, But Making Progress
In New York, sports betting is legal but online sportsbooks have yet to be launched, to the consternation of supporters and sports fans in that state. Bettors can currently place sports bets at retail locations in New York under certain restrictions, such as a ban on in-state sporting events. Though far from certain, it’s anticipated that by early 2022 New York will have online sportsbooks for anxious fans in the state.
Louisiana Sports Betting A Piecemeal Approach
Louisiana lawmakers passed a bill to legalize online sports betting earlier in 2021, but it now sits waiting for the signature of Governor John Bel Edwards. Unique to Louisiana, there will be pockets of the state that will not allow sports betting. The following nine parishes voted no on sports betting legalization: Caldwell, Catahoula, Franklin, Jackson, Lasalle, Sabine, Vermilion, West Carroll, Winn. Sports fans in the state are hoping for legal sports betting apps by the end of 2021.
