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

Where Do Gubernatorial Candidates Stand on Sports Betting? East Edition

Jill R. Dorson by Jill R. Dorson
October 11, 2018
in Regulation
sports betting twitter tips follows insights nfl betting
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Thirty-six states will elect governors next month, and we at Sports Handle wondered if sports betting was among the key issues in any states, or at least on the keychain.

In most cases, sports betting is not a hot topic and likely won’t be a deciding factor in electing a governor, but there are some states where legislatures have been actively exploring sports betting — and having a “friendly” governor will speed the process in those states. But in some cases, sports betting is a non-issue for the election.

Using the Mighty Mississippi as our divider, we present our findings in two parts. Today’s Part I focuses on where gubernatorial candidates in the East stand on sports betting:

Sports Betting Legalization’s Impact on Governor Races Across the U.S.: ‘East Coast’ Edition Looks Up and Down The Atlantic And Over to Central States

Alabama: Democrat Walt Maddox said in August that he believes sports betting should be part of the equation to solve the state’s financial troubles. After tweeting about that in August, he has not offered any additional thoughts on sports betting. The front-runner and incumbent, Republican Kay Ivey, has not weighed on sports betting, and for that matter, according to AL.com, has been avoiding debates or discussing the issues in general.

Sports wagering will be part of our calculus to address the lack of state troopers and the looming financial crisis for hospitals, mental health and corrections. Mississippi is taking full advantage of hundreds of millions of dollars without raising taxes #believe #alpolitics https://t.co/rcipSlBxPl

— Walt Maddox (@WaltMaddox) August 29, 2018

Connecticut: Lawmakers have been actively discussing sports betting and many see it as a great way to bolster the state’s finances, but no legislation was passed in 2018. Sitting governor Dannel Malloy is opposed to sports betting, but still tried negotiating on behalf of the legislature with the local Indian tribes, who own casinos in the state and contribute substantial revenues from slots. Malloy is not seeking re-election. Though sports betting doesn’t appear to be a key voting issue, the topic has been floating around the legislature all year and having a pro-sports betting governor would smooth that process of legalizing sports betting.

Florida: Sports betting doesn’t appear to be a critical topic in the Sunshine State, but in May Democrat Andrew Gillium told the Orlando Sentinel that any revenue from sports betting should be used for schools, though he didn’t appear to heavily favor sports betting. Sitting governor Ron DeSantis has not issued a stance on the subject.

Georgia: Democrat Stacey Abrams in June told the Macon Telegraph that she is “open to the topic” but only if tax revenue is earmarked for education while Republican Brian Kemp said “I do not support sports betting in Georgia.”

Illinois: It seemed Illinois would move on sports betting in 2018, but state lawmakers couldn’t come up with a bill to satisfy all sides. Democratic candidate J.B. Pritzker says sports betting is worth considering while Republican governor Bruce Rauner didn’t say he opposes sports betting, but he’s certainly not a big proponent. He told the Chicago Tribune that sports betting preys on the poor, but he’s a realist and if sports betting is what Illinoisans want, it should be well regulated.

IL sportsbooks hollywood casino legal sports betting
Hollywood Casino Joliet

Maine: The state would need new legislation to legalize sports betting, but it hasn’t been a priority in the state and isn’t a topic in the governor’s race.

Maryland: Republican incumbent Larry Hogan and his Democratic challenger, Ben Jealous are on the same page on sports betting – the voters should decide the issue. Hogan elected not to call a special session on sports betting this year while Jealous says if sports betting is legalized, revenue should be earmarked for education.

Massachusetts: State lawmakers nibbled at the edges of legalizing sports betting and a white paper was commissioned in the Bay State, but no meaningful legislation was considered. Republican incumbent Charlie Baker hasn’t really taken a stance, but earlier this year told the Boston Herald that his office had met with a bevy of sports professionals. Challenger Jay Gonzalez hasn’t taken a firm public stance.

Michigan: The Michigan state legislature appears poised to bring passable sports betting legislation for a vote, but sports betting doesn’t appear to be a key issue in the governor’s race. State lawmakers have been actively meeting all summer and have been laying the groundwork for a comprehensive sports betting law.

New Hampshire: Sitting governor Chris Sununu would support sports betting in the Granite State and state senator Lou D’Allesandro promised that if he is re-elected, he’d introduce sports betting during the 2019 session. Democratic challenger Molly Kelly has not made sports betting a key issue of her campaign.

New York: Sitting governor Andrew Cuomo all but put the brakes on sports betting over the summer. State lawmakers, though not on the same page, put forth several sports betting bills only to have Cuomo say “nothing is going to happen this year … and this is a very big issue to tackle.” In a debate with Democratic challenger Cynthia Nixon, Cuomo said he supports sports betting “in the right places, under the right conditions.” Neither Republican candidate Marc Molinaro or Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins have taken a public stance on the issue.

New York Sports Betting Andrew Cuomo
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo

Ohio: Both Republican Mike DeWine and Democrat Richard Corday favor sports betting, though it is not a key campaign issue. DeWine, the current attorney general, said he’s not a fan of gambling in general, but is a realist and believes that state lawmakers should move quickly on sports betting after the SCOTUS decision and Corday says he’ll support well-regulated sports betting. Ohio lawmakers just this week held meetings to educate themselves on sports betting with plans to draft legislation later this month.

Pennsylvania: The first state to legalize sports betting before PASPA was struck down, it doesn’t matter if Pennsylvania’s gubernatorial candidates favor sports betting. That said, state lawmakers in 2017 made a law that requires at $10 million sports betting license application fee and a 36 percent tax rate, so the governor will have new revenue sources to put to use.

Rhode Island: The state legalized sports betting over the summer and it was no surprise. Sitting governor Gina Raimondo had already earmarked sports betting revenue for use in her budget. With Rhode Island’s sportsbooks set to open in November, sports betting isn’t a relevant campaign issue.

Rhode Island Gov. Gina M. Raimondo announces she will sign state budget at 12 p.m., Friday. Bill will allow the state to begin offering sports betting at its two casinos. Casinos expect to be up and running "this fall."

— David Payne Purdum (@DavidPurdum) June 21, 2018

South Carolina: State lawmakers haven’t seriously entertained sports betting, and the state’s gubernatorial candidates are at odds about legalizing it. Incumbent Republican Harry McMaster opposed a state lottery and is on the record as being against any sort of legal gambling in his state. Democratic challenger James Smith told the Post and Courier in August, “It’s already going on every day. So we need to confront the issue, and make sure we keep the criminal element out. Failing to take action to regulate this activity could cost South Carolina tens of millions in lost revenue.”

Tennessee: The Volunteer State has taken no action on sports betting, and a new governor (incumbent Bill Haslam isn’t in the race), could drive — or not drive — what happens next. Republican Billie Lee opposes sports betting while Democratic candidate Karl Dean would support legal sports betting, but is mindful of roadblocks that must be removed.

Vermont: It’s unlikely that Vermont will move on sports betting in the near future, but Republican incumbent Phil Scott said he’d be “willing to listen” should the topic arise. Democratic challenger Christine Hallquist does not appear to have weighed in on the issue.

Wisconsin: It appears a constitutional amendment would be needed to make sports betting legal in Wisconsin. Republican incumbent Scott Walker has opposed gambling expansion across the board and didn’t seem supportive of legal sports betting immediately after the SCOTUS decision in May. Neither of the challengers has taken a stance on sports betting.

Come back next week for Part II: Covering the Midwest and Western states. 

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

Get a Grip
Features

Get A Grip — The Week In Sports Betting: Massachusetts, WV Platform, Bye-Bye Brees

June 10, 2022
boston-td-garden-exterior
Legislation

Massachusetts Lawmakers Set To Get Back To Work On Wagering

June 8, 2022
Load More

Top Sportsbooks In Your State

1
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
SugarHouse Sportsbook
Review / 4.2
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
bet365 Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
BetRivers Sportsbook
Review / 4.2
BET NOW
T&Cs ApplyOnly 1x Wager Applies
2
FOX Bet Sportsbook
Review / 4.3
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
SI Sportsbook
Review / 4.1
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
SuperBook Sports
Review / 4.3
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
BetRivers Sportsbook
Review / 4.2
BET NOW
T&Cs ApplyOnly 1x Wager Applies
1
SI Sportsbook
Review / 4.1
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
BetMGM Sportsbook
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
FanDuel Sportsbook
Review / 4.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Caesars Sportsbook
Review / 4.4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
WynnBET Sportsbook
Review / 4
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
Betfred Sportsbook
Review / 3.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
BetRivers Sportsbook Ontario
Review / 4.3
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
BetMGM Sportsbook Ontario
Review / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
NorthStar Bets Sportsbook
Review / 4.6
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Bet99 Sportsbook
Review / 4.7
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
Sports Interaction Ontario
Review / 4.2
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
3
PowerPlay Sportsbook
Rating / 3.8
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
1
Monkey Knife Fight
Rating / 4.5
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
2
PrizePicks
Rating / 4.2
BET NOW
T&Cs Apply21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.

State Sports Betting Guides

Downtown Detroit at twilight (Shutterstock)

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

by Brett Smiley
June 27, 2022

VA captial

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

by Brett Smiley
March 21, 2021

nj flag

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

by Brett Smiley
March 22, 2022

pa online sportsbooks

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

by Brett Smiley
March 18, 2022

Most Read Stories

mattress mack betting charade

Will Everyone Please Stop Calling ‘Mattress Mack’ A Sports Bettor?

April 27, 2022
Photo: Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY

Dave Portnoy Says, ‘F**k That Guy,’ To Which Bettor And Gambling Twitter Seriously Object

May 16, 2022
map-missouri

Missouri Sports Betting Bill Draws Debate, Backlash In Senate

May 5, 2022
golden-gate-bridge-san-francisco

California Tribes Won’t Try For Mobile Proposal On 2022 Ballot

May 10, 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 (NJ/WV/PA/MI), 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

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

Please share your location to continue.

Check our help guide for more info.

share your location