Virginia sent iGaming bills to conference negotiations, Mississippi’s gambling efforts died again, while the Tennessee and Oklahoma Senates advanced sweepstakes casino bans during a busy legislative week.
Lawmakers across the U.S. debated several major gambling bills last week, as key measures advanced in some states while others stalled. Virginia sent iGaming proposals to a conference, Tennessee and Oklahoma advanced sweepstakes bans, while Mississippi’s expansion effort collapsed again.
Here are the most important bill updates from last week.
Virginia: iGaming Bills Head to Conference
The Virginia House and Senate passed several gambling-related bills originating in the opposite chamber. However, when the bills crossed chambers, lawmakers amended them, then rejected the other chamber’s changes.
The differences have now sent the measures, including those on legalizing online casinos, to conference committee negotiations.
The conference committee consists of three members from each the House and the Senate. The group will attempt to negotiate a single version that both chambers can approve.
Why It Matters
While a solution is not guaranteed, Virginia has moved a step closer to legalizing online casinos. The passage in both chambers shows that lawmakers see iGaming as a viable means to generate tax revenue; however, they still disagree on the regulatory framework.
Tennessee and Oklahoma: Senates Advance Sweepstakes Bans
The Tennessee and Oklahoma Senates both passed bills targeting sweepstakes casinos, adding momentum to a rapidly expanding crackdown on the dual-currency gaming model.
In Tennessee, Senate Bill 2136 would classify certain online sweepstakes games as illegal gambling under the state’s Consumer Protection Act. The legislation defines an “online sweepstakes game” as a platform that uses a virtual-currency system allowing players to exchange that currency for prizes or cash equivalents.
Oklahoma lawmakers advanced Senate Bill 1589, which amends the state’s gambling statute to explicitly include “online casino games” that involve risking “something of value.” Under the term “something of value,” the bill includes a dual-currency payment system.
Both bills now move to their respective House chambers.
Why It Matters
Sweepstakes casinos have become a highly debated topic in U.S. gambling policy. The passage in the two Senates shows that an increasing number of lawmakers see the platforms as illegal forms of gambling.
Indiana: Casino Relocation Bill Signed
Indiana finalized a casino relocation plan after Gov. Mike Braun signed HB 1038, which allows the Rising Sun casino license to move to Allen County.
Supporters argue the move could revitalize the struggling license and generate more tax revenue. Allen County is home to Fort Wayne, the Hoosier State’s second-largest city. The northeast corner of the state is the only part of Indiana without a commercial or tribal casino.
The governor’s signature means the relocation can proceed only if voters approve the move in a referendum.
Why It Matters
The governor’s signature means the casino relocation now moves to voters in November 2026.
Maryland: Lawmakers Debate iGaming and Sweeps Casinos
Maryland lawmakers held hearings this week on iGaming and sweepstakes casinos.
The House Ways and Means Committee heard testimony on House Bill 1255, which would ask voters to approve online casinos through a November 2026 referendum, and House Bill 1343, which establishes an iGaming framework.
The bill’s sponsor, Del. Caylin Young, framed iGaming as a potential source of revenue to fund education. While he did not say he strongly supports iGaming, he told the committee it must be discussed.
The measures saw significant opposition testimony from casino operators, labor unions, problem gambling groups, and tourism groups.
At the same time, the House Judiciary Committee discussed House Bill 1226, which would strengthen enforcement against illegal online gambling platforms operating in the state, including sweepstakes-style casino sites.
Casino operators and regulators testified in support of the bill. House Bill 1226 is one of several under discussion in Maryland this session. Its Senate companion measure will be discussed on March 11.
Both committees only heard testimony but did not vote on any measures.
Why It Matters
Discussions on both iGaming and sweepstakes casino prohibition continue in Maryland. As in previous committee hearings, lawmakers did not vote; they only heard testimony, indicating they’re seeking more information before any voting.
Mississippi: Mobile Sports Betting and Sweepstakes Bills Die
Mississippi lawmakers once again failed to advance legislation to expand sports betting statewide or to prohibit sweepstakes casinos.
House Bill 1581 would have legalized mobile sports betting beyond casino properties, while Senate Bill 2104 would have banned sweepstakes casinos.
Both bills died after missing the March 3 deadline for committee approval of opposite-chamber legislation, repeating a scenario that unfolded during the 2025 session.
Why It Matters
The Mississippi House has now passed mobile sports betting in three consecutive sessions, but the Senate has blocked it, fearing cannibalization impacts. Meanwhile, the Senate passed a ban on sweepstakes casinos in two consecutive sessions, only for the House to block it.
The latest developments show the divide between the two chambers.
Maine: Sweepstakes Bill Finally Moves
Maine’s sweepstakes bill, LD 2007, finally received a committee report more than two weeks after the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee voted 8-2 with three absences.
The committee issued a divided report, recommending both “Ought To Pass as Amended” and “Ought Not To Pass.” That outcome sends the bill to the full legislature for further consideration.
The proposal seeks to prohibit certain online sweepstakes games that simulate casino-style gambling.
Why It Matters
Even a divided committee report represents progress for the bill. Maine has become another battleground in the broader regulatory fight over sweepstakes casinos, and the legislation will now receive debate on the legislative floor.
Minnesota: Another Sports Betting Bill Emerges After Earlier Failure
Minnesota lawmakers have introduced another sports betting proposal weeks after another measure stalled.
The latest measure, SB 4139, would authorize mobile sports betting under a tribal framework. Similar proposals in the state have attempted to balance the interests of tribes, racetracks, and professional sports teams, which have frequently clashed over how a legal market should be structured.
Notably, the proposal also would prohibit prediction markets and college prop bets, both flashpoints across numerous states this year.
Minnesota remains one of the few states without legal sports betting despite repeated legislative attempts since 2019.
Why It Matters
SB 4139 marks the latest attempt by lawmakers to find a sports betting framework and break the stalemate. However, given that multiple bills have failed in recent years due to stakeholder disagreements, the measure faces a tough road ahead.
The post US Gambling Bills That Mattered This Week: Virginia iGaming Fight Heads to Conference as Mississippi Bills Die Again appeared first on Gambling Insider.
