Three Midterm Races That Most Affect Sports Betting Markets

The US midterm elections are just one month away, and sports betting will be on the ballot in several states.

With new nominees across the US campaigning and pushing ahead of the November election, sports betting has become a focal point in several elections. These include South Carolina, Wisconsin, and control of the US Congress. The results of these races could help reshape sports betting in the US, leading the industry to pour money into protecting its interests.

Below, we’ll break down how these three races will affect sports betting ahead of the high-stakes midterms.

SC Governors Warm to Sports Betting

South Carolina remains one of the few states where sports betting remains illegal in all forms. The state saw SB 444 proposed in the state legislature, which would have legalized online sportsbooks. However, like past attempts, the bill died in committee.

Current Governor Henry McMaster has been staunchly opposed to legalization, but his term is ending, and he cannot run for re-election. This is good news for sports betting proponents, given that the two nominees to replace him have both shown some support for the industry.

Republican candidate Alan Wilson supports the industry, as long as it has the necessary guardrails. Democrat Jermaine Johnson is open to the idea but believes it should go to a public vote first.

Wisconsin Market Could Be in Danger

In April, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed AB 601, paving the way for legal sports betting. While the bill didn’t create a legal market, it authorized Evers to open negotiations with the state’s gaming tribes to build one. 

Despite passing the state legislature, the bill has remained under fire. The state is already engaged in a lawsuit challenging it, and it faces public challenges from current and former Republican lawmakers. While some party members supported the bill, most oppose the idea of a tribal-run market.

Republican candidate for Governor Tom Tiffany is among those who oppose AB 601 and the expansion of gambling in general. If negotiations aren’t finished and agreed upon before Evers leaves office and Tiffany wins, he could back off those talks and delay the market’s launch indefinitely. 

Federal Regulation Could Be Coming

Sports betting isn’t at the forefront of the upcoming midterm elections, but the results could significantly affect it.

Federal lawmakers have begun to push more legislation that would give them some regulatory authority in US betting markets. The SAFE Bet Act is one of the most notable, but other proposals for smaller changes have also emerged. 

Democrats have led most of these efforts, expecting to take control of at least one chamber of Congress next month. If they win both, it could build momentum for federal guardrails, especially given the growing number of Republicans also concerned with the growth of problem gambling. 

While sports betting won’t be on the ballot in this round of federal elections, the results could alter the future of the industry in the US.