The first 12-team College Football Playoff begins this weekend and promises to bring the upsets, drama, and suspense that the sport is known for. The new expanded format will give more schools a chance to compete for national championships and give more gamblers a chance to cash in (they hope). 1 bettor has already placed a bet be 1.5 million dollar bet in texas To win it all, odds are +390 and the payout would be $5.75 million.
Bets are pouring in from the 38 states that have legalized sports betting. However, sports betting remains illegal in the states that are home to five of the 12 universities participating in the tournament: Idaho (Boise State), South Carolina (Clemson), Georgia (and the flagship Bulldogs), Texas (Southern Methodist and Texas Longhorns). (Betting is legal in Oregon, but the only sportsbook in the state We do not offer betting on college sports. )
In 2024, legislators in six states: Georgia, Hawaii, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, and South Carolina will legalize sports betting. Missouri was the only state to successfully do this. Amendment 2 passed in December. Despite the failure of the 2024 legislation, efforts to legalize gambling are certain to continue into the new year, especially since gambling remains illegal in some populous states such as California.
In South Carolina, Rep. Chris Murphy (R-Dorchester) filed a preliminary application. House Bill 3625This would legalize sports betting in the Palmetto State for individuals 18 and older. The bill, which has bipartisan support, would limit the number of licensed businesses to eight and impose a 12.5% ​​tax on adjusted gross receipts. Funds raised from the tax will be donated to the state’s mental health efforts. Despite bipartisan support for sports betting, powerful voices in the state, including Republican Gov. Henry McMaster, continue to oppose.
Hawaii is awaiting the results of a study on the economic impact of gambling after legalization efforts failed this year. The Sports Betting Working Group was established by the resolution of: House of Representatives Concurrent Resolution 70plans to make recommendations and proposed legislation to Hawaii lawmakers “no later than 20 days before the convening” of the 2026 Legislature.
Meanwhile, sports betting proponents in Georgia and Texas are cautiously optimistic. November, Texas State Sen. Carol Alvarado (D-Houston) pre-submitted an invoice Amend the state constitution by legalizing sports betting and allowing casino gambling at destination resorts (only gambling is allowed) At three casinos in the state). Despite support from industry, the president of the Senate, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R), remains adamantly opposed. According to Axios.
Next year, Georgia, which bans gambling outside of the state’s lottery, bingo and drawings, may consider a version of last year’s failure. Senate Bill 386; around georgia recorder.
The move to legalize comes as some states restrict the use of prop bets (bets on personal statistics such as points and assist records) in college sports. The NCAA says: 10% to 15% of Division I athletes report being harassed by disgruntled gamblers. NCAA President Charlie Baker said: recently appeared in parliament Supports a federal ban on prop betting in college sports. Those who share Mr. Baker’s position are: 16 states have banned this practice Completely.
Given its popularity and contribution to the national treasurySports betting is almost certainly here to stay. I hope the state ban on nannies is lifted and adults can spend their money however they want.
