Entering the final quarter of 2024, four U.S. state legislatures (Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) remain active, deliberating and advancing significant gambling-related legislation. This October, eleven gambling-related bills moved through various stages in these legislative bodies. Michigan led the pack, passing four bills into law and advancing two additional ones through preliminary stages. This update highlights new laws in Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania, along with notable recent introductions in Alabama, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.
Key Legislative Updates
- Advertising Regulations
New York – AB 1118: This act amends New York’s laws on pari-mutuel wagering and gaming to ensure all gambling and sports betting advertisements include clear warnings about the risks of gambling addiction. The New York State Gaming Commission is now mandated to work with the Commissioner of Addiction Services to make problem gambling hotline numbers readily available on all gambling ads. The law takes effect sixty days after passage, allowing time for necessary rule changes to be implemented. - Compulsive Gambling Prevention
Michigan – SB 931: Michigan amended its Compulsive Gaming Prevention Act of 1997 to bolster funding for gambling addiction prevention. This law secures funding from multiple sources, including state lottery revenue and internet gaming fees, which are dedicated to education, prevention, and treatment programs. A portion of these funds will support domestic violence prevention initiatives. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services is authorized to establish fees for addiction treatment, making resources more sustainable and accessible. - Horse Racing Regulations
Pennsylvania – HB 2561: Pennsylvania’s amendment extends temporary regulations on the horse racing industry, allowing rules from the State Horse Racing Commission to remain active for six years without expiration. This measure is designed to streamline the regulatory process, ensuring continuity and stability in the horse racing sector. - Internet Gaming Fund
Michigan – SB 934: Michigan’s internet gaming landscape continues to grow with the creation of the Internet Gaming Fund. The Michigan Gaming Control Board is now authorized to manage this fund, allocating significant resources toward the enforcement of internet gaming regulations, gambling addiction prevention, and supporting first responders through specific funding allocations. After meeting annual requirements, residual funds will benefit Michigan’s State School Aid Fund, helping the broader community through educational funding. - State Lottery Fund Allocation
Michigan – SB 926: Addressing compulsive gambling, Michigan’s state lottery revenue now includes an annual 10% contribution from its advertising budget (up to $2 million) to support addiction prevention. This allocation aims to provide continuous funding for community support programs, safeguarding at-risk individuals while fostering responsible gaming practices. - Sports Betting Fund
Michigan – SB 933: Michigan’s Lawful Sports Betting Act now includes the establishment of an Internet Sports Betting Fund. This fund is allocated annually to various initiatives, including addiction prevention and first responder support, while leftover funds will bolster the state’s educational fund. Michigan continues to prioritize responsible gaming while funding essential services through regulated sports betting revenue.
Recently Introduced Legislation
- Charitable Raffles and Bingo
Alabama – HB 47: Alabama’s HB 47 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing charitable organizations to conduct traditional raffles and bingo for non-commercial purposes. The amendment, if ratified, would permit raffles using paper or cardboard materials exclusively for fundraising, providing nonprofits with a new fundraising mechanism. - Sports Wagering Restrictions
New Jersey – AB 4905: Addressing concerns about the integrity of college sports, New Jersey introduced a bill prohibiting player-specific proposition bets on college events. This ban aims to protect student-athletes from undue pressures and maintain the ethical standards of college sports competitions.
Stay Informed with Regology
Regology is your resource for up-to-date insights into U.S. regulatory changes, especially in the dynamic world of gambling legislation. By tracking active bills across all 50 states, Regology offers stakeholders, regulators, and business leaders the information needed to stay compliant and anticipate legislative trends. Follow the monthly updates to stay ahead of developments shaping the U.S. gambling sector.
