The world of sports betting in North America is buzzing with activity as we step into 2025. From Missouri’s unexpected fast-tracking of sports betting to California tribes taking legal action against card rooms, the landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace. DraftKings is testing new ways to engage bettors, New Hampshire is rethinking its age limits, and Oklahoma is flooded with fresh legislation aimed at expanding wagering options.
This week, we take a closer look at these major developments and more in our
State of the Union
roundup, your go-to guide for the latest updates and trends shaping the sports betting industry.
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Missouri Sports Betting: Coming Online Sooner Than Expected?
Sports betting in Missouri could launch earlier than anyone thought. The new law, approved by voters on November 5th, gives the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) until December 1, 2025, to roll out operators. But things are moving quickly.
On January 2nd, MGC chairman Jan Zimmerman told
Sports Betting Dime:“Depending on how quickly the process goes with getting the rules to the governor’s office, getting them signed, getting everything to the attorney general’s office, we could be looking at earlier in the summer than we anticipated.”
Zimmerman explained that the emergency rules process is advancing faster than expected. If everything goes smoothly, the MGC could begin accepting license applications in late February or March.
Missouri’s new law allows for both retail and online betting statewide. Each casino and professional sports team or venue can operate one physical sportsbook.
For digital licenses, the MGC clarified last year that each
casino
and sports venue is entitled to one online partner, not just each casino company, as was initially believed.
The MGC’s first meeting of 2025 is scheduled for January 15th, so stay tuned for updates.
California Tribes Sue Card Rooms
California’s tribal nations have taken a big legal step.
On January 2nd, they filed a lawsuit in Sacramento Superior Court, targeting the state’s card rooms over the way they operate table games.
Here’s the issue: Tribal nations have exclusive rights to offer house-banked
gambling games. Card rooms, however, have been using “player-dealers” (third-party proposition player services) since 2007, which the tribes believe violates their exclusivity.
Tribal nations can’t sue other entities in the US due to their sovereign status. But a new bill, SB 549, gives them a one-time opportunity to settle this long-standing dispute in court.
DraftKings Selling Odds Boosts
DraftKings is experimenting with something new, selling odds boosts on parlays through a subscription service. According to
Sportico, the company’s new product, DraftKings Sportsbook+, costs $20 a month and is currently available to select New York customers.
Subscribers receive boosts on parlays where individual legs are -500 or narrower. The boost ranges from 10% to 100%, depending on the size of the parlay.
In a statement,
DraftKings
explained:“The subscription service was designed to offer our customers an enhanced fan experience, creating more excitement and value to our extensive parlay offering.”
New Hampshire May Raise Legal Gambling Age
New Hampshire could soon join most US states in setting 21 as the minimum age for sports betting. A bipartisan bill, HB 83, is set to be introduced on January 8th. If passed, the law would take effect on January 1, 2026.
Currently, New Hampshire is one of only five US jurisdictions allowing 18-year-olds to place bets. According to the bill’s fiscal note, raising the age limit could cost the state up to $640,000 in tax revenue.
Kentucky, Puerto Rico, Washington, DC, and Wyoming are the other jurisdictions allowing betting at age 18.
Oklahoma: A Flood of Sports Betting Bills
Oklahoma is gearing up for a wave of sports betting legislation.
- SB 125: Filed December 27th, this bill would allow statewide digital sports betting, provided at least four tribes agree to participate. The proposed revenue-sharing model gives the state 5%-7%, with 88% of that earmarked for the “Education Reform Revolving Fund.”
- HB 1047: This similar bill is set to debut on February 3rd.
- SB 165: Prefiled December 30th, this bill would authorize retail and digital betting “pools” managed by the state lottery. Tribes could participate, but only for in-person pools.
Under SB 165, retail operators wouldn’t pay license fees but would contribute 15% of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) to the state. Digital operators, on the other hand, would face a $500,000 application fee, a $100,000 annual renewal fee, and a 20% AGR tax.
The bill also earmarks $1 million annually for gambling addiction programs through the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
Final Thoughts
From Missouri’s early sports betting rollout to California’s tribal lawsuits and Oklahoma’s legislative buzz, 2025 is shaping up to be an eventful year for sports betting across the US. As states explore new regulations and opportunities, all eyes are on how these changes will impact the industry and its players.
