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Illinois lawmaker proposes ending sportsbooks’ per-bet fee from July
Illinois Representative Daniel Didech filed HB5143 to end the state’s per-bet sportsbook fee from 1 July 2026, according to the report. The bill would amend the fee’s scheduled duration; operators currently pay $0.25 on the first 20 million bets and $0.50 on additional wagers. It would need to pass before the change takes effect.
Louisiana lawmaker proposes racketeering designation for gambling offences
Louisiana representative Bryan Fontenot filed House Bill 53 on 30 January, proposing to add specified gambling offences, including gambling by electronic sweepstake device, to the state’s racketeering provisions. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice; the source says a racketeering conviction can carry up to a $1 million fine and 50 years in prison.
Utah lawmaker proposes defining and banning proposition bets in HB 243
Utah Representative Joseph Elison introduced House Bill 243 last week to define proposition wagers and classify them as illegal gambling, according to reports. Elison said the measure would clarify the state’s existing gambling prohibitions and, if enacted, could give the Attorney General’s office grounds to send cease-and-desist letters. He said the bill would not cover fantasy sports or federally regulated prediction markets.
Maine lawmaker proposes credit-card ban for online sports betting
Maine Rep. Marc Malon introduced LD 2080 to the Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee, proposing to bar credit-card payments for online sports bets. Malon said the measure aims to limit gambling-related debt and compulsive betting; a committee work session is expected in the coming weeks.
Mississippi lawmaker proposes directing online sports betting revenue to pensions
Mississippi Representative Casey Eure plans to introduce a bill to legalise online sports betting and direct its revenue to the state pension system. The proposal would allow each casino to partner with up to two online platforms and retain a fund intended to mitigate potential casino losses; Senate opposition remains a hurdle.