Our Writers:
Michael Savio

A group of 16 lawmakers have proposed House Resolution 52 to officially recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month to curb the growing problem. The bill would also formally make gambling addiction a public health issue deserving of more resources.

Hawaii Sports Betting House Bill 1308 passed through the Finance Committee and is heading to the House Floor, but strong opposition remains ahead. If passed, it will head to the Senate, where a companion bill was recently deferred.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy proposed a 2026 budget that includes a tax hike for sports betting operators, though support among lawmakers appears scarce. The two largest obstacles to the proposal are the market’s long history of legal gambling and an upcoming election.

Maryland Senator Joanne Benson has introduced Senate Bill 1033 to ban sports betting. The proposal would shut down the legal market two years after it launched. The proposal comes as lawmakers grow concerned about the continued spike in problem gambling.

Alabama State Senator Greg Albritton sat down for an interview and said he would not propose sports betting legislation this session. The lawmaker found he didn’t have enough votes to pass a bill, making the effort a waste of time and money.

A pair of lawmakers have introduced a new bill to end a federal excise tax on sportsbooks established in 1951 to keep out illegal gambling operators. Supporters of the bill claim the IRS doesn’t know where the tax revenue generated is going.

A trio of Vermont State Representatives have introduced a new bill to re-enact a ban on sports betting to protect low-income bettors and their families. The bill will face an uphill battle after Vermont's impressive first year of a legal market.

Photo by Spc. Brandon C. Dyer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Gov. Abbott has announced his support for House Joint Resolution 134, which would amend the Texas Constitution to allow for a legal sports betting market. The support puts the Governor at odds with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, one of the biggest opponents of sports betting.

Rep. Salinas and Sen. Blumenthal have reintroduced the GRIT Act to stop the rise of gambling addiction and prevent problem gambling before it happens. The bill would funnel federal sports betting funds to programs to address the growing issue.