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Five Years Post-PASPA: The Spread of Legal Sports Betting in the USA

Five years ago, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was repealed by the Supreme Court, kicking off one of the fastest periods of gambling legalization ever seen in the USA.
The repeal of PASPA, which had prevented all but a handful of states from regulating sports betting, started a revolution in real money betting that has forever changed the US gambling industry.
Five years later, it’s time to look back at how the market has developed and the legal, economic, and social effects of this monumental change.
The Context: The Downfall of PASPA
PASPA was a federal law that came into effect in 1992. It included all states except Nevada, Oregon, Montana, and Delaware, which were excluded because their laws already had sports betting provisions.
PASPA outlawed sports betting in all other states, effectively banning it nationwide. This didn’t mean that sports betting wasn’t happening; it was just an underground, offshore activity.
PASPA remained in force until May 2018, when the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional. This was thanks almost entirely to the efforts of New Jersey, under the leadership of Governor Chris Christie, who brought the legal challenge after trying to legalize online sports betting in 2011 and 2014. New Jersey argued that part of PASPA violated the anti-commandeering doctrine (the tenth amendment), which, in overly simple terms, prevents the federal government from coercing states to adopt or enforce federal laws.
The District Court first heard New Jersey’s case, then the Third Circuit, with both ruling against them. However, upon appeal, the case was heard by the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) on May 14th, 2018. SCOTUS agreed that PASPA violated the anti-commandeering principle, rescinding the entire act and stating that PASPA was meant to work as a whole, meaning that if part of it was not legally viable, the whole act must be struck down.
Legal Outlook: 38 States Legal, 12 To Go
With PASPA gone, each state now had the right to decide whether to legalize sports betting, with a majority opting to. As of November 2023, 38 states have said yes, passing new laws that allow retail sports betting. Online sports betting is also available in 26.
There are 12 states left to legalize. Three of them (South Carolina, Alabama, and California) face strong opposition, and the remaining nine are looking to introduce bills in the 2024/2025 legislative sessions. North Carolina and Minnesota are tipped to be the next to join the fray, and Oklahoma introduced a new proposal two months ago.
The legal landscape remains complex, with different rules, regulators, and taxation regimes in each state. On top of this, in certain locations, the presence of tribal gaming compacts has conflicted with commercial interests (the ongoing case of Florida sports betting and tribal opposition in California serve as perfect examples).
Growth of Online Casinos – Not Going As Planned
While there was no guarantee, many industry experts and commentators hoped that the legalization of sports betting would soon be followed by online casino regulation. However, thus far, only six states have legalized online casinos: New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, and Connecticut, the latest to join the ranks, passing HB 6451 in 2021. Since then, there’s been no further movement for online casinos.
Players outside the mentioned states may only use land-based casinos or free social gaming sites where available. Sweepstakes casinos are also available across the country, Idaho and Washington aside. As a legitimate gaming option, sweepstakes are taking the US by storm, but just like with real online casinos, players should use a review site to find the best options.
As sweepstakes casinos don’t require a license in the USA, expert advice such as Casino Cabbie’s Wow Vegas Online Casino Review highlights any security issues and the benefits and pitfalls of each site as well before players sign up, making them an invaluable resource.
Economics: More Than $220 Billion Spent On Sports Betting Since 2018
One of the biggest drivers of sports betting legalization is the promise of potential tax revenue. The US sports betting industry is enormous, and since 2018, more than $220 billion has been spent on wagers, contributing over $3 billion in state taxes. The revenue earned by states has been instrumental in funding local projects and new initiatives, as well as responsible gambling research and support.
More in-depth and up-to-date research focusing on the exact economic contribution of sports betting is thin on the ground, and the last comprehensive study by Oxford Economics was published in 2017. At the time, it detailed that the entire sports betting industry created over 216,671 jobs.
Due to the lack of current data, we’re left to turn to figures charting the impact of the entire gambling industry, which includes casinos and sports betting. According to statistics from the American Gaming Association in 2022, US gambling is a powerhouse industry, creating, in total, 1.8 million US jobs, with $104.2 billion in wages (these figures include the entire supply chain).
There can be no argument that over the last five years, US sports betting has been a substantial economic contributor, helping state governments recover from COVID-19, creating jobs, and stimulating economic growth.
Social: 77% of American Adults Support Legalization in their State
Legally and economically, things have changed rapidly in the States since the repeal of PASPA, but what about the social impacts?
Research shows that 85% of Americans think the removal of PASPA was correct, with 77% now supporting sports betting legalization in their state. Moreover, the number of Americans open to placing sports bets has grown by 24 million since 2019. With many enjoying the newly legal betting options available to them, public attitudes towards gambling as a whole have seemingly softened.
With many states also benefiting from increased government budgets brought through sports betting tax revenue, it’s important to recognize the benefits this has made to social provisions. Many states have used the influx to contribute more money to education funds and other social causes, like reducing homelessness.
A proportion of the money is also used to fund state problem gambling assistance, with many running state-based hotlines and counseling services. Nonetheless, in many cases, this funding is not enough to offset the increased rates of gambling harms caused by legalization.
Future Outlook: Challenges and Concerns
Looking forward, the US online sports betting industry has a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.33% for 2023-2027, meaning there’s much more to come. However, this rapid growth will lead to some challenges.
Offshore gambling has been a considerable issue for the legal sports betting market. In 2022, The American Gaming Association estimated that Americans wagered $63.8 billion with illegal bookies, costing $3.8 billion in lost gaming revenue and $700 million in state taxes.
While offshore gambling is reducing, the latest data shows that 77% of online sports bets are now placed through regulated operators, compared to just 44% in 2019. However, things are not all rosy, and 48% of those who bet offshore believe they are placing legal wagers.
Gambling addiction also poses a considerable threat to the sustainability of the entire US gambling industry, with some states recently reporting problem gambling rates over 6%, which is three times the national average (to contextualize this figure better, the UK has a problem gambling rate of 0.2%). High rates of problem gambling twinned with rapid growth potentially represent a ticking time bomb that could rock the entire US industry.
It’s undoubtedly been an incredible five years for US bettors and sportsbooks; as a newer gambling market, the US must now look to more mature gambling jurisdictions to see what player protection methods work best and implement them sooner rather than later.
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Betsson Group Inaugurates its Second Office in Latin America

Betsson Group has inaugurated its second office in Latin America, located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This expansion strengthens Betsson’s commitment to the Argentine market, reinforcing its focus on local expertise and sustainable growth.
Argentina has emerged as one of Betsson’s fastest-growing gaming markets, supported by technological advancements, innovation, and key strategic partnerships. The company actively engages with the country’s vibrant sports culture, sponsoring top-tier football clubs, including Boca Juniors and Racing Club. These partnerships, along with the new office, underscore Betsson’s long-term investment in building a strong local presence.
“In opening this new office, we reaffirm our commitment to Argentina and the broader Latin American region. Argentina is a key market for us and this expansion reflects our dedication to sustainable growth, driven by the talent and expertise of our employees. We are confident that their skills and passion will help us continue providing responsible entertainment while strengthening our position in the region,” said Jesper Svensson, CEO of Betsson Group.
Betsson Group currently holds licenses in five Latin American markets: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. The company’s strong growth in Argentina has contributed to Latin America accounting for 26% of Betsson’s total revenue in Q4 2024, highlighting the region’s importance in Betsson’s global strategy.
The Argentine market continues to grow rapidly, driven by increased digital adoption and innovation in online gaming. Betsson’s localised approach, combined with technological advancements and strategic partnerships, has positioned it as a leading player in the country.
Since 2008, Betsson has been expanding in Latin America. In June 2024, a subsidiary of Betsson AB secured its first local licenses in Peru, strengthening its position in the newly regulated market. More recently, in February 2025, Betsson obtained a Brazilian license, reinforcing its long-term commitment to Latin America’s largest gaming markets.
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FanDuel Introduces New TV Show and Reinforces Responsible Gaming Initiatives During Problem Gambling Awareness Month

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and FanDuel, North America’s premier online gaming company, is continuing to build its Responsible Gaming platform through new programming designed to expand access to responsible gaming education. The company is expanding its relationship with Craig Carton to launch “The Comeback with Craig Carton,” a new FanDuel TV show that will focus on problem gambling recovery. FanDuel is also adding new resources to the Trusted Voices: Conversations About Betting program that launched last year. Combined with continued support for non-profit partners, these initiatives continue to raise the visibility of problem gambling resources and responsible gaming education.
“FanDuel remains steadfast in its commitment to leading the industry in responsible gaming, and we are proud to introduce industry-first content and programs designed to destigmatize problem gambling and offer education on responsible play. Our new FanDuel TV show with Craig Carton, expanded Trusted Voices program and investments in education and advocacy are part of our year-round commitment to responsible gaming, and we look forward to continuing to offer innovative products and programs to our customers,” said Cory Fox, SVP of Public Policy and Sustainability at FanDuel.
New Problem Gambling Recovery Show on FanDuel TV
Former NBA player and basketball coach Randy Livingston and his wife, sports agent Anita Smith, are FanDuel responsible gaming ambassadors and recently appeared on the first episode of “The Comeback with Craig Carton,” a new show on FanDuel TV focused on problem gambling recovery and hosted by FanDuel’s responsible gaming ambassador Craig Carton. The show features Carton sitting down with those who have experienced the highs and lows of gambling addiction to amplify their stories, break down the stigma surrounding gambling disorder, raise awareness of support resources for individuals and their families and show that recovery is possible. Livingston and Smith were Carton’s first guests and spoke about their family’s history with problem gambling, including the challenges Livingston faced as a recovered problem gambler and Smith faced as his spouse. The episode is now streaming on YouTube and FanDuel TV+.
Trusted Voices Program Expansion and Promotion
New resources from the Trusted Voices: Conversations About Betting program are coming to ConversationsAboutBetting.com. The updates include new resources for college students, their parents, and university staff, including content from KnowYourPlay.org, co-developed by ROGA in partnership with EPIC Global Solutions, Kindbridge Behavioral Health, and the Responsible Gambling Council. FanDuel launched Trusted Voices with Livingston and Smith last year. The program is designed to equip trusted adults, including parents, guardians, and coaches, with tools and resources to talk to young people about gambling, associated risks, how to recognize warning signs and where to go for support. FanDuel is putting paid support behind the program across radio, digital, social, and digital out of home, with the ad campaign aiming to raise awareness of the risks of underage gambling and equip parents and coaches to have proactive and informed conversations about gambling.
Amplifying Gambling Disorder Screening Day
This year’s Gambling Disorder Screening Day, an effort originally founded by the Cambridge Health Alliance’s Division on Addiction, took place on March 11, and FanDuel partnered with Kindbridge Behavioral Health to empower customers nationwide with resources for informed decision making. FanDuel provided customers with Kindbridge’s free, confidential Gambling Disorder Screener and highlighted the telehealth counseling and support services available through Kindbridge for those seeking help. FanDuel also amplified awareness of the day across its social channels.
Supporting Non-Profit Partnerships
FanDuel is donating $150,000 to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) that will further support the NCPG’s Agility Grants program, which is funded by the NFL via the NFL Foundation. This program provides funding to non-profit organizations across the country for problem gambling prevention in areas that currently have no services or to expand existing programming.
“We are grateful to FanDuel for their generous support of the Agility Grants program. As the first national grant initiative dedicated to problem gambling prevention, this funding expands our ability to support community-based programs, strengthening the reach and impact of problem gambling prevention efforts nationwide,” said NCPG board president Susan Sheridan Tucker.
FanDuel will also make an additional $150,000 donation to the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG). The organization is dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by gambling disorder and preventing the onset of gambling problems through high-quality scientific research and evidence-based educational programming. The donation will help fund the creation of a Center of Excellence (COE) focused on advancing research in responsible gambling behaviors. The COE will generate evidence-based insights to help contribute to industry-wide advancements in player protection, engagement strategies, and RG messaging.
“We are proud to partner with FanDuel as we work together to advance critical research that will shape the future of responsible gambling strategies. Support from FanDuel is helping fund a Center of Excellence focused on responsible gaming behaviors, and we look forward to generating evidence-based insights that make a positive impact on communities,” said Arthur Paikowsky, President of ICRG.
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Casino Cash Trac Secures Strategic Minority Investment from Serent Capital

Casino Cash Trac (CCT), a leading provider of enterprise software solutions for casino operations and revenue audit automation, announced a strategic minority investment from Serent Capital, a growth-focused private equity firm with deep expertise in scaling technology and software businesses. The strategic partnership will support CCT’s next phase of growth focused on product innovation and market expansion.
Founded in 2012, CCT pioneered revenue audit automation for land-based casinos, eliminating manual reconciliation processes and improving financial visibility. The company’s flagship platform, Casino Insight, provides a detailed, audit-ready view of cash transactions across the casino floor, ensuring compliance, operational efficiency, and fraud prevention. Today, CCT serves over 300 casinos across the US, Canada, and the Caribbean, helping operators streamline financial workflows and reduce audit-related labor costs.
Kurt Williams, CEO of CCT, along with partners Blake Doerr, Wanor Franca and Danny Roe, will continue to lead the company.
“Casino Cash Trac was founded to modernize casino cash and audit operations, providing customers with a seamless, automated solution to replace outdated, manual processes. With Serent Capital’s support, we are excited to accelerate our growth with a partnership that complements our strengths and share our core values, enhance our product capabilities, and expand our reach to serve even more gaming operators worldwide,” said Kurt Williams, CEO of Casino Cash Trac.
Serent Capital’s minority investment will equip CCT with its dedicated Growth Team, providing hands-on expertise to accelerate go-to-market execution, optimize product strategies, and enhance customer engagement. With a strong track record in scaling enterprise software companies, Serent has the capability to help CCT expand its market presence, drive product innovation, and unlock new growth opportunities.
“Casino Cash Trac is an exceptional platform that addresses a mission-critical need for casino operators. We are excited to support the company in continuing to innovate and deliver even greater value to its customers,” said Dexter Hopen, Partner at Serent Capital.
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