• About Us / Contact
  • Responsible Gambling
This site contains commercial content
SportsHandle
  • US Sports Betting
    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • Michigan
    • Mississippi
    • New Jersey
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Oregon
    • Pennsylvania
    • Tennessee
    • Virginia
    • West Virginia
    • Wyoming
  • Pending States
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Missouri
    • North Carolina
  • Canada
    • Ontario
    • British Columbia
    • Alberta
  • Sportsbook Apps
    • FanDuel
    • BetMGM
    • Caesars
    • PointsBet
    • BetRivers
  • Tools
    • Sportsbook Bonuses Explained
    • Sports Betting Revenue Tracker
    • Sports Betting Podcasts
    • Partnership Tracker
    • Expected Value
    • Sports Scores And Odds Apps
    • Sports Betting Twitter
    • Guide To ‘Risk-Free’ Bets
  • News
No Result
View All Result
SportsHandle
  • US Sports Betting
    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • Michigan
    • Mississippi
    • New Jersey
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Oregon
    • Pennsylvania
    • Tennessee
    • Virginia
    • West Virginia
    • Wyoming
  • Pending States
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Missouri
    • North Carolina
  • Canada
    • Ontario
    • British Columbia
    • Alberta
  • Sportsbook Apps
    • FanDuel
    • BetMGM
    • Caesars
    • PointsBet
    • BetRivers
  • Tools
    • Sportsbook Bonuses Explained
    • Sports Betting Revenue Tracker
    • Sports Betting Podcasts
    • Partnership Tracker
    • Expected Value
    • Sports Scores And Odds Apps
    • Sports Betting Twitter
    • Guide To ‘Risk-Free’ Bets
  • News
No Result
View All Result
SportsHandle
No Result
View All Result

Some Gubernatorial Candidates Take Strong Stance on Sports Betting

Jill R. Dorson by Jill R. Dorson
May 24, 2018
in Regulation
Sports Betting Playing Into Gubernatorial Races Across Nation
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

It’s been little more than a week since the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, thereby making sports betting a states’ rights issue. And politicians across the country have wasted little time taking the issue and taking a position on it.

For months, state-level politicians have been on a steep learning curve regarding sports betting. Open hearings in Connecticut and Kansas proved just that – when stakeholders presented to them nuances of oddsmaking, thin margins, regulations and more. Many other states are quickly realizing that in order to execute a fiscally sound and agreeable structure, they must get their tribal partners – who often pay states a hefty tax on current gaming revenues – on board before passing legislation.

But it’s election season and that steep learning curve is, for lack of a better, on hold for some. Thirty-six states will elect new governors in November and in many of those states, sports betting is on the legislative agenda. Of those states, more than a handful see sports betting as a key issue and gubernatorial candidates who favor making sports betting legal in their states are embracing it as part of their platform, pointing to new revenue for states grappling with beleaguered budgets.

Stumping on Sports Betting: Gubernatorial Candidates Across The Country Taking a Stance on Sports Wagering, Which Immediately Has Become a Hot Topic in Numerous States.

Surprisingly, sports betting has not yet become a talking point for gubernatorial candidates in some states – Michigan, Illinois and Kansas among them – that have been actively working on legalizing sports gambling. And in Iowa, the only candidate who had taken a firm stance in favor of sports betting, Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett, is no longer in the race.

Below is a look at the gubernatorial races in which sports wagering is already being talked about (and in a couple cases where it’s ripe for discussion):

Florida

Though the state legislature hasn’t made any move to legalize sports betting, Florida is a gaming state with more than 35 gaming operations ranging from tribal casinos to racinos (horse and dog) and jai alai. Gubernatorial candidates don’t have a uniform opinion on whether or not sports betting should be legal in the state, but the majority are opposed to any sort of new gambling, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Former congresswoman Gwen Graham and real estate executive Chris King, both Democrats, oppose sports betting or any sort of expansion of gambling while Republican Adam Bartow, the agriculture commissioner, supports the idea that sports betting is now a states’ rights issue, but still opposes it for his state. Only Democrat Philip Levine, currently the mayor of Miami Beach, is in favor of sports betting. The remaining candidates, either had no clear position or didn’t comment on sports betting.

[Also see: PASPA Repealed: Watch for These 10 States to Offer Sports Betting First]

Ohio

At least two candidates running for governor of the Buckeye State support sports betting. But at first, it didn’t look that way. Shortly after the May 14 Supreme Court decision, Attorney General Mike DeWine’s campaign said the Republican gubernatorial candidate was opposed to sports betting in Ohio. Turns out his camp spoke too soon. Both DeWine and Democratic candidate Richard Cordray are in favor of passing sports betting legislation.

In mid-May, Ohio Democratic Senator Joe Schiavoni said that he is planning to introduce sports betting legislation some time this year. Looks like he’s got a good chance of having a governor on his side.

Best Sports Scores and Odds Apps: Reviews, Ratings, Where to Download and More

Tennessee

Another state that hasn’t moved on sports betting so far, Tennessee is not a gaming state, and it appears that those running for governor would like to keep it that way. But several members of the state legislature told Local Memphis they would support a sports gambling measure with the idea that additional revenue would go to education or transit projects. Two of the state’s gubernatorial candidates aren’t as open to the idea. Minor-league baseball owner Randy Boyd, a Republican, is definitely opposed to sports betting. Republican Congresswoman Diane Black believes the issue should be one for voters to decide, but is skeptical.

[Also See: Sports Betting and Booze: A Tale of Two Prohibitions]

Texas

A Bad Bet Disrespecting Legalized Gambling's Anticipated New Customers

Republican incumbent Greg Abbott has long been opposed to expanding gambling in his state, and, in fact, admonished the Texas Lottery Commission in 2015, after it made a trip to Delaware to study gaming, including sports betting and DFS. Abbott currently has no official stance on sports betting nor does Democrat Lupe Valdez, who defeated Andrew White in a Democratic run-off on May 22. White was the most outspoken of all the candidates on gambling, telling the Dallas Morning News this: “Texans are driving hours out of state to gamble in Louisiana and invest in Louisiana schools, and Oklahoma’s health care and New Mexico’s highways. Let’s keep that money in Texas and invest in our own schools.”


Look for the issue to become a campaign topic in both California and Connecticut. It’s a fairly easy political win: new state tax revenue without having to impose and taxes on citizens or businesses, and the Supreme Court has given the blessing to states to proceed as they see fit.

California

State Representative Adam Gray last week announced that he is resurrecting a proposed amendment that would bring the issue of sports betting to the voters, but none of the state’s gubernatorial candidates have weighed in on the issue. Though there is a primary set for June, it’s all but a forgone conclusion that the governor’s race will really only feature two candidates — hyper liberal Lieutenant Governor and former San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. According to OnTheIssues, neither has weighed in on the issue to date.

Connecticut

Though sports betting doesn’t appear to a key issue for gubernatorial candidates, retiring Governor Dan Malloy, is clearly all for it. Malloy this week said he plans to talk with lawmakers about holding a special session this summer just to hammer out legislation on sports wagering in Connecticut. The state legislature held hearings about sports betting, but seems at odds on how to proceed.

Share3TweetShare
Jill R. Dorson

Jill R. Dorson

Jill has covered everything from steeplechase to the NFL and then some during a more than 30-year career in sports journalism. The highlight of her career was covering Oakland Raiders during the Charles Woodson/Jon Gruden era, including the infamous “Snow Bowl” and the Raiders’ 2003 trip to Super Bowl XXXVII. Her specialty these days is covering sports betting legislation across the country. You can reach Jill at jill@bettercollective.com

Related Posts

Shutterstock
Legislation

Card Room-Backed Sports Wagering Bill Filed In Washington State

January 27, 2023
yasiel puig reds
Industry

Yasiel Puig Withdraws Guilty Plea In Illegal Sports Betting Case

November 30, 2022
Load More

Top Stories

patrick mahomes

Mahomes’ Ankle Speculation Twists Line Movement In Chiefs-Bengals Rematch

January 27, 2023
fanatics-grand-opening

Fanatics Sportsbook At FedEx Field Offers Unique Retail Option In Maryland

January 23, 2023
Shutterstock

Missouri Legislators Lament Exodus Of Bettors To Neighboring States

January 27, 2023
rob gronkowski adam vinatieri

Rob Gronkowski Goes Training Montage Route In Latest FanDuel Spot

January 17, 2023

State Sports Betting Guides

Ohio (U.S. state) flag waving against clear blue sky, close up, isolated with clipping path mask alpha channel transparency, perfect for film, news, composition

Ohio Sports Betting – Where To Play, Bonus Offers And Promo Codes

by Brian Pempus
January 25, 2023

Downtown Detroit at twilight (Shutterstock)

Michigan Sports Betting – Where To Play, Online Sportsbooks, And FAQ

by Brett Smiley
January 27, 2023

VA captial

Virginia Sports Betting – Where To Play, Online Sportsbooks And Bonus Offers

by Brett Smiley
January 17, 2023

nj flag

New Jersey Sports Betting — Where To Play, Online Sportsbooks, And FAQ

by Brett Smiley
October 20, 2022

pa online sportsbooks

Pennsylvania Sports Betting – Where To Play, Online Sportsbooks And Bonuses

by Brett Smiley
October 6, 2022

Canada Sports Betting Guides

Canada Sports Betting – Best Sportsbook Apps & Bonus Offers

British Columbia Sports Betting – Legal Update, Available Sportsbooks, and FAQ

Ontario Sports Betting – Legal Status And Where To Play

gambling therapy
ncpg
igaming ontario
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/OH/PA/WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA) or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN).
19+. Please play responsibly. Terms and conditions apply. 
Individuals must be 19 years of age or older to participate in igaming in Ontario. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. If you, or someone you know, has a gambling problem in Ontario and wants help, please visit ConnexOntario or call their helpline at 1-866-531-2600. Operators on this website operate pursuant to an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario.

Search Sports Handle

No Result
View All Result
  • About Us / Contact
  • Responsible Gambling

No Result
View All Result
  • US Sports Betting
    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • Michigan
    • Mississippi
    • New Jersey
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Oregon
    • Pennsylvania
    • Tennessee
    • Virginia
    • West Virginia
    • Wyoming
  • Pending States
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Missouri
    • North Carolina
  • Canada
    • Ontario
    • British Columbia
    • Alberta
  • Sportsbook Apps
    • FanDuel
    • BetMGM
    • Caesars
    • PointsBet
    • BetRivers
  • Tools
    • Sportsbook Bonuses Explained
    • Sports Betting Revenue Tracker
    • Sports Betting Podcasts
    • Partnership Tracker
    • Expected Value
    • Sports Scores And Odds Apps
    • Sports Betting Twitter
    • Guide To ‘Risk-Free’ Bets
  • News

loading

Please wait while you are redirected to the right page...

Please share your location to continue.

Check our help guide for more info.

share your location