Gambling Bills Set to Expire in Two States as New Proposals Prepare for 2025
As the end of the year approaches, gambling legislation in Michigan and Ohio is set to expire, with no indication that lawmakers will revisit these measures in 2025. At the same time, new gambling-related bills in South Carolina and Texas are gearing up for consideration, reflecting the ongoing interest in expanding legal gaming across the United States.
In Michigan, two bills introduced in December by Senators Jeremy Moss and Sam Singh are set to expire with the close of the legislative session. Senate Bill 1193 aimed to increase taxes on non-tribal gambling operators by raising the tax rate on adjusted gross receipts (AGR) from 8.4% to 8.5%, a move intended to boost local tax revenue. The second bill, Senate Bill 1194, proposed a 1% increase in the tax rates on online gaming, with operators earning under $4 million currently paying 20% and those making at least $12 million being taxed at 28%. Both proposals will not carry over into the 2025 legislative session, leaving the future of gambling reform in Michigan uncertain.Meanwhile, in Ohio, Senator Niraj Antani’s efforts to expand online gambling through Senate Bill 312 stalled. This bill, introduced in September, sought to legalise online gaming by allowing the state’s 11 casinos to operate digital platforms. It will also not carry over into 2025. Antani, who also introduced a proposal to reduce the state’s sports betting tax from 20% to 10%, is nearing the end of his term, leaving the future of gambling expansion in Ohio in limbo.
On the other hand, South Carolina and Texas are poised for new debates on gambling as both states have introduced significant legislation for 2025. In South Carolina, House Bill 3353 seeks to legalise both in-person pari-mutuel and sports betting, as well as casino games like slots and table games. If approved, a portion of the revenue generated would fund state infrastructure projects. Additionally, House Bill 3625 proposes legalising digital sports betting with a 12.5% tax on gross gaming revenue.
Texas is also eyeing gambling expansion through Senate Joint Resolution 16, a proposal that would legalise sports betting and establish seven destination-resort casinos. The bill also suggests creating a new state gaming commission and imposing a 15% tax on casino revenues. Despite strong lobbying efforts, including a $13 million push from Las Vegas Sands, the proposal faces significant opposition in the state’s conservative legislature.
With gambling legislation in Michigan and Ohio stalled, the outcome of the new proposals in South Carolina and Texas could have a lasting impact on the future of legal gaming in the U.S.
