The state legislatures in 9 states and the District of Columbia have processed a total of 29 gambling-related bills that went through the various stages of the lawmaking process during July 2024. As of this date, there are five US state legislatures (10%) in session with six states in recess.1 Out of the many bills our system processed during the month of July, this report will review some of the most important laws that were recently introduced or became law.2
Bingo
- California - SB 1044: Amends regulations around bingo games, raising the monthly overhead limit to $3,000, with adjustments based on inflation starting January 2025.
Charitable Gaming - Raffles
- California - SB 1525: Tightens regulations on raffles conducted by nonprofits affiliated with major sports leagues, specifying rules for ticket sales and operation.
Gambling Offenses
- Hawaii - SB 2197: Updates the penal code concerning gambling offenses, particularly revising the definition of 'advance gambling activity.'
Games of Chance
- New Hampshire - HB 1549: Revises deductions and distributions related to games of chance, including provisions for dealer add-ons and charity contributions.
Licensing
- California - SB 1519: Addresses licensing and regulatory concerns in the gambling sector, allowing certain out-of-state convictions to be considered for licensure if expunged.
Lottery
- New Hampshire - SB 324: Sets requirements for lottery license renewals, including notification protocols and application deadlines.
Racing
- New Hampshire - SB 473-FN: Governs unclaimed horse racing tickets, requiring unclaimed funds to be submitted to the state treasurer and specifying the handling of such funds.
- New Hampshire - HB 1525: Amends regulations around historic horse racing, detailing licensing eligibility and prohibiting the transfer or sale of such licenses.
Tribal Gaming
- California - AB 1935: Suspends payments by gaming tribes to the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund from mid-2023 to mid-2025 and mandates refunds of payments already made.
Newly Introduced Legislation
Casino
- Pennsylvania - HB 2520: The Local Option Small Games of Chance Act, which regulates non-banking games and mandates responsible gaming measures.
Fantasy
- Nebraska - LB 6: Adopts the Fantasy Contests Act, establishing regulations for fantasy contest operators, including audit requirements and civil penalties for violations.
Gaming Tax
- Nebraska - LR 23CA: A proposed constitutional amendment to authorize and regulate gambling activities, specifying tax allocations and gaming operation requirements.
Responsible Gaming
- Pennsylvania - HB 2518: Proposes regulations to allow players to set limits on wagering amounts and losses on slot machines and video gaming terminals.
Sports Wagering
- Nebraska - LB 32, LR 3CA, LB 13: Several bills redefining sports wagering terms, proposing mobile sports wagering, and addressing tax revenue distribution.
- New York - A 10658: Amends advertising regulations for mobile sports wagering licensees, focusing on transparency and problem gambling prevention.
Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs)
- Illinois - HB 5866: Amends the Video Gaming Act to allocate a portion of tax revenue from net terminal income to the South Suburban Property Tax Relief Fund from 2025 to 2029.
This summary covers a wide range of topics in the gambling industry, including bingo, charitable gaming, gambling offenses, games of chance, licensing, lotteries, racing, tribal gaming, casinos, fantasy contests, gaming taxes, responsible gaming, sports wagering, and video gaming terminals.
1Regology database statistics filtered by jurisdiction [US federal/50 states], status [applicable bills only], and time period [July 1 – 31, 2024].
2Bills included in this category are reported “active”, even though the state legislature may have adjourned during this time period. Regology uses the official status reported by each individual state legislature according to their policies and procedures.
