- The Georgia General Assembly did not pass any bills to legalize sports betting or expand gambling in the state despite the introduction of five pieces of legislation during the 2023 session. The legislature remains unsure if it has the authority to expand gambling, with some officials believing voters must approve any motion to allow new forms of gambling while others contend that the legislature can adopt sports betting as a lottery game. A resolution to initiate a sports betting study committee also failed to progress before the Assembly’s adjournment.
- The Vermont House of Representatives has passed a bill to legalise mobile sports betting and is now looking to its neighbours, including New Hampshire, for guidance. Vermont’s bill allows between two and six operators through a competitive bidding process, while New Hampshire has only one, DraftKings. Wendy Knight, Vermont liquor and lottery commissioner, said the committee had been “picking their guidance and relying on New Hampshire a lot” when crafting Vermont’s legalization policy.
- A bill filed in the Florida House of Representatives seeks to redirect nearly $37 million in educational funding to lottery retailers. HB 715, filed by Republican Rep. Jim Mooney, proposes permanently increasing commissions for lottery retailers from 5.75% to 6% for each ticket sold. If passed, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2023.
- Colorado advertising agency Cactus has created a new ad for the Colorado Lottery’s 40th anniversary, celebrating $4bn in proceeds donated to the Colorado outdoors. The ad features a new scratch-off game and highlights the impact the lottery’s funds have had on the state’s conservation efforts.