The World Series of Politics is back from its festive break with the lowdown on what sort of regulatory progress the gaming industry can expect in 2024.
Happy new year listeners! Brendan Bussmann and Brandt Iden are back to discuss a Festivus miracle in Brazil, as well as setting out their predictions for US sports betting growth and whether 2024 will finally be the breakthrough year for US igaming.
We come back after Brazil sports betting and igaming finally makes it over the finish line, giving the industry an early Christmas present. The market has potential to be huge, Brendan Bussmann says, especially after the 18% tax rate was cut to 12% of GGR.
There’s one thing missing, he adds. Integrated resorts are not part of the mix. This could bring billions in revenue into the local economy and, after the sports betting saga, we know Brazil isn’t one for rapid progress.
Regulatory predictions for 2024
A new legislative session is underway and that means it’s time for some predictions on where US sports betting and igaming goes next. All the low hanging fruit has been picked, Brandt Iden says, so there’s going to be a battle to find room to grow.
Let’s start with what’s not going to happen. Missouri remains unlikely, Brendan and Brandt agree, but there’s still prospects for mobile sports betting expansion elsewhere. Mississippi may finally go digital, having been an early mover post-PASPA, and further north the stars are aligning in Minnesota, Brandt says.
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Mississippi may finally go digital, having been an early mover post-PASPA, and further north the stars are aligning in Minnesota, Brandt says.
It’s not only states beginning with M, however. Could we see progress in Alabama and Georgia in 2024? In an election year, November’s ballot at least provides an option to push legislation through in more states. Washington DC may also be back into the mix for mobile sports betting after a botched launch through the lottery – could we see more operators move in?
Is 2024 the year for US igaming?
After years of dashed hopes, will 2024 finally bring a breakthrough for igaming? New Hampshire, unfortunately, was taken out of contention between recording and release for this episode, but New York and Maryland are both in the mix.
And there’s another bottle of wine on the line as Brendan and Brandt place a bet for US gaming regulation in the year ahead. Brandt is 2-0 ahead, but can Brendan cut the deficit this year?
