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Five Years Post-PASPA: The Spread of Legal Sports Betting in the USA
Five years ago, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was repealed by the Supreme Court, kicking off one of the fastest periods of gambling legalization ever seen in the USA.
The repeal of PASPA, which had prevented all but a handful of states from regulating sports betting, started a revolution in real money betting that has forever changed the US gambling industry.
Five years later, it’s time to look back at how the market has developed and the legal, economic, and social effects of this monumental change.
The Context: The Downfall of PASPA
PASPA was a federal law that came into effect in 1992. It included all states except Nevada, Oregon, Montana, and Delaware, which were excluded because their laws already had sports betting provisions.
PASPA outlawed sports betting in all other states, effectively banning it nationwide. This didn’t mean that sports betting wasn’t happening; it was just an underground, offshore activity.
PASPA remained in force until May 2018, when the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional. This was thanks almost entirely to the efforts of New Jersey, under the leadership of Governor Chris Christie, who brought the legal challenge after trying to legalize online sports betting in 2011 and 2014. New Jersey argued that part of PASPA violated the anti-commandeering doctrine (the tenth amendment), which, in overly simple terms, prevents the federal government from coercing states to adopt or enforce federal laws.
The District Court first heard New Jersey’s case, then the Third Circuit, with both ruling against them. However, upon appeal, the case was heard by the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) on May 14th, 2018. SCOTUS agreed that PASPA violated the anti-commandeering principle, rescinding the entire act and stating that PASPA was meant to work as a whole, meaning that if part of it was not legally viable, the whole act must be struck down.
Legal Outlook: 38 States Legal, 12 To Go
With PASPA gone, each state now had the right to decide whether to legalize sports betting, with a majority opting to. As of November 2023, 38 states have said yes, passing new laws that allow retail sports betting. Online sports betting is also available in 26.
There are 12 states left to legalize. Three of them (South Carolina, Alabama, and California) face strong opposition, and the remaining nine are looking to introduce bills in the 2024/2025 legislative sessions. North Carolina and Minnesota are tipped to be the next to join the fray, and Oklahoma introduced a new proposal two months ago.
The legal landscape remains complex, with different rules, regulators, and taxation regimes in each state. On top of this, in certain locations, the presence of tribal gaming compacts has conflicted with commercial interests (the ongoing case of Florida sports betting and tribal opposition in California serve as perfect examples).
Growth of Online Casinos – Not Going As Planned
While there was no guarantee, many industry experts and commentators hoped that the legalization of sports betting would soon be followed by online casino regulation. However, thus far, only six states have legalized online casinos: New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, and Connecticut, the latest to join the ranks, passing HB 6451 in 2021. Since then, there’s been no further movement for online casinos.
Players outside the mentioned states may only use land-based casinos or free social gaming sites where available. Sweepstakes casinos are also available across the country, Idaho and Washington aside. As a legitimate gaming option, sweepstakes are taking the US by storm, but just like with real online casinos, players should use a review site to find the best options.
As sweepstakes casinos don’t require a license in the USA, expert advice such as Casino Cabbie’s Wow Vegas Online Casino Review highlights any security issues and the benefits and pitfalls of each site as well before players sign up, making them an invaluable resource.
Economics: More Than $220 Billion Spent On Sports Betting Since 2018
One of the biggest drivers of sports betting legalization is the promise of potential tax revenue. The US sports betting industry is enormous, and since 2018, more than $220 billion has been spent on wagers, contributing over $3 billion in state taxes. The revenue earned by states has been instrumental in funding local projects and new initiatives, as well as responsible gambling research and support.
More in-depth and up-to-date research focusing on the exact economic contribution of sports betting is thin on the ground, and the last comprehensive study by Oxford Economics was published in 2017. At the time, it detailed that the entire sports betting industry created over 216,671 jobs.
Due to the lack of current data, we’re left to turn to figures charting the impact of the entire gambling industry, which includes casinos and sports betting. According to statistics from the American Gaming Association in 2022, US gambling is a powerhouse industry, creating, in total, 1.8 million US jobs, with $104.2 billion in wages (these figures include the entire supply chain).
There can be no argument that over the last five years, US sports betting has been a substantial economic contributor, helping state governments recover from COVID-19, creating jobs, and stimulating economic growth.
Social: 77% of American Adults Support Legalization in their State
Legally and economically, things have changed rapidly in the States since the repeal of PASPA, but what about the social impacts?
Research shows that 85% of Americans think the removal of PASPA was correct, with 77% now supporting sports betting legalization in their state. Moreover, the number of Americans open to placing sports bets has grown by 24 million since 2019. With many enjoying the newly legal betting options available to them, public attitudes towards gambling as a whole have seemingly softened.
With many states also benefiting from increased government budgets brought through sports betting tax revenue, it’s important to recognize the benefits this has made to social provisions. Many states have used the influx to contribute more money to education funds and other social causes, like reducing homelessness.
A proportion of the money is also used to fund state problem gambling assistance, with many running state-based hotlines and counseling services. Nonetheless, in many cases, this funding is not enough to offset the increased rates of gambling harms caused by legalization.
Future Outlook: Challenges and Concerns
Looking forward, the US online sports betting industry has a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.33% for 2023-2027, meaning there’s much more to come. However, this rapid growth will lead to some challenges.
Offshore gambling has been a considerable issue for the legal sports betting market. In 2022, The American Gaming Association estimated that Americans wagered $63.8 billion with illegal bookies, costing $3.8 billion in lost gaming revenue and $700 million in state taxes.
While offshore gambling is reducing, the latest data shows that 77% of online sports bets are now placed through regulated operators, compared to just 44% in 2019. However, things are not all rosy, and 48% of those who bet offshore believe they are placing legal wagers.
Gambling addiction also poses a considerable threat to the sustainability of the entire US gambling industry, with some states recently reporting problem gambling rates over 6%, which is three times the national average (to contextualize this figure better, the UK has a problem gambling rate of 0.2%). High rates of problem gambling twinned with rapid growth potentially represent a ticking time bomb that could rock the entire US industry.
It’s undoubtedly been an incredible five years for US bettors and sportsbooks; as a newer gambling market, the US must now look to more mature gambling jurisdictions to see what player protection methods work best and implement them sooner rather than later.
Conferences in Europe
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025: The Must-Attend Event of the Year for Gaming and Tech Enthusiasts
The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, happening on 25–26 March, is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events in the gaming and tech calendar. Set in the heart of Europe, this boutique-style conference is renowned for delivering cutting-edge insights, fostering meaningful networking, and tackling the industry’s most pressing challenges.
Key Highlights of the 2025 Agenda
This year, the summit promises a robust agenda that combines the latest in innovation with actionable strategies for growth. Attendees can look forward to:
- AI and Blockchain Innovations: Explore how artificial intelligence and blockchain are transforming operations, enhancing security, and redefining user experiences.
- Regulatory Challenges and Compliance: Stay ahead of the curve with expert insights into navigating Europe’s evolving regulatory landscape.
- Fintech Advancements: Learn about the latest payment solutions and technologies driving seamless transactions and user satisfaction.
- Sustainability & ESG Initiatives: Discover how the gaming and tech industries are embracing sustainability and responsible business practices.
Global Reach Without Leaving Europe
One of the standout features of this year’s summit is the dedicated panels on Latin America and North America. These sessions bring insights from two of the most dynamic gaming markets directly to European attendees. No need for long-haul flights—gain valuable knowledge from industry leaders as they discuss trends, opportunities, and challenges in these regions.
Networking in the Golden City
Prague’s status as a vibrant business hub and cultural gem makes it the perfect backdrop for this gathering. The event offers ample networking opportunities, from structured meetups to informal conversations, ensuring every attendee can connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential partners.
Why Attend the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit?
- Exclusive Access to Thought Leaders: Hear from speakers shaping the future of gaming and tech.
- Tailored Content: Topics designed to address regional and global industry needs.
- Hands-On Workshops: Gain practical insights to tackle real-world challenges.
- Boutique Atmosphere: A focus on quality over quantity ensures meaningful engagement.
The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit is more than just a conference—it’s an opportunity to be part of the conversations that will shape the future of gaming and technology.
👉 Register now and join us in the Golden City this March to be part of the innovation.
The post Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025: The Must-Attend Event of the Year for Gaming and Tech Enthusiasts appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
This year has been an exciting journey for SmartSoft. Both internally and externally, the company has undergone significant transformation. SmartSoft continues to pursue ambitious goals driven by teamwork and unity. The company fosters a culture of collaboration, where team members and partners support one another, share objectives, and work towards common interests. This synergy is powered by a diverse group of individuals, united by a shared mission to redefine the iGaming industry.
As a result, the number of unique customers grew by an impressive 75%—a remarkable achievement.
So, how did SmartSoft achieve such success?
Team Expansion and User Growth
SmartSoft made great progress this year by adding 40 new team members, strengthening its skills and knowledge across different areas. This expansion helped create a more dynamic work environment and played a key role in improving the company’s overall performance. As a result, SmartSoft saw an impressive 75% growth in unique users compared to last year. This increase in users highlights the company’s growing global reach, its ability to attract a wide audience, and its commitment to offering exciting and innovative gaming experiences.
New Markets and Partnerships
This year, SmartSoft made remarkable strides by entering 25 new markets, significantly enhancing its global footprint. The company also established several strategic partnerships with leading operators and platforms, including Betfair, Betway, Stoiximan, Betnacional, LottoStar, Betmexico and Qtech. These collaborations are expected to unlock new opportunities and open doors to fresh audiences worldwide. SmartSoft is excited about the direction these partnerships will take, and more details about these ventures will be shared soon.
JetX’s Unstoppable Rise
Also, JetX as SmartSoft’s flagship and pioneer crash game proved that its actually top game not only for SmartSoft but in the whole iGaming industry – its users rose by 80% which is a great number to imagine.
If there’s anyone still unfamiliar with JetX, it was the pioneer crash game developed by SmartSoft. Since its launch, JetX achieved extraordinary success, becoming a favorite among players and partners alike. The game is always evolving with regular updates, as the SmartSoft team constantly works to make it even better. Its innovative gameplay, which challenges players to cash out at just the right moment, captivated audiences worldwide. Breaking records and redefining expectations. The continued rise of JetX signifies the company’s ongoing commitment to offering exciting, innovative, and highly engaging products to its users.
Performance of Top Games
SmartSoft’s portfolio of top games saw incredible engagement, with a great increase in user participation across its leading titles, including Balloon, Mine Island, HelicopterX, PlinkoX, and FootballX. This phenomenal growth demonstrates that the company’s gaming offerings are not just popular but are setting industry benchmarks for user interaction and satisfaction. It’s clear that SmartSoft’s games are playing a key role in redefining the entertainment experience for players worldwide.
Exciting New Games
This year, SmartSoft introduced a total of 18 new games, including three games and slot games, all designed to offer players a unique and immersive experience. Some of the most anticipated releases included:
- 4 Bonuses Bonanza – Plinko Spin
- Mad Slot
- Rodeo X
- Dracula’s Fortune
- Jungle Sisters Deluxe
- Samba da Deusa
These new games have attracted more than 2 million new users, underscoring their appeal and the growing demand for SmartSoft’s innovative approach to gaming. The diverse range of titles further strengthens SmartSoft’s position as a leader in the gaming industry, offering games tailored to every interest.
Partnerships and Sponsorships
SmartSoft strengthened its position in the global market by extending its partnership with the Argentine National Team. This collaboration now includes SmartSoft becoming the Official Crash Game Partner. Sponsoring the Argentine national team and being a member of the World Champions Family is proof of SmartSoft’s commitment. Through these initiatives, company aims to spread the spirit of football, which brings people together and fosters a sense of community. Through this renewal in 2024 with the Argentine Football Association and the Argentine National Team, SmartSoft continued on a journey that combined passion and excellence, where the worlds of business and gaming converged with the magic of Argentine football. The company expressed delight in continuing as the gaming partner in Europe for the Argentine National Team and voiced confidence that this collaboration would drive both the company and its games to new horizons. Additionally, plans were announced for new content and marketing actions featuring the stars of the national team.
Memorable Moments and Extraordinary Partnerships
2024 was a year of remarkable achievements and unforgettable experiences for SmartSoft. The company participated in 8 major industry exhibitions, earning prestigious nominations such as Best Innovator, Best Interactive Experience, and Best Crash Game. Beyond the awards, SmartSoft cemented its reputation for innovation and connection through extraordinary events and partnerships. The Legend Series brought partners face-to-face with football legends like Zanetti, Palacio, and Milito, while an exclusive Champions League experience in London with José Mourinho left lasting impressions. In Lisbon, partners enjoyed the privilege of meeting Javier Mascherano at the SmartSoft booth and engaging in personal conversations during a special dinner. The collaboration with the Argentine national football team reached new heights with an in-depth interview with Lionel Scaloni, offering an insightful glimpse into the team’s journey. Further strengthening its connection to the sports world, SmartSoft proudly partnered with Georgian football legend Shota Arveladze, strengthening its ties to the sports world and bringing people even closer together.
Additionally, the launch of the Partners’ Club during a three-day celebration in Georgia showcased the company’s commitment to fostering collaboration and shared success.
Licensing Achievements
SmartSoft reached several important licensing milestones in 2024, underscoring its commitment to expanding its global operations while adhering to regulatory standards. The company’s Greek license, originally obtained in 2023, became fully operational this year, allowing SmartSoft to expand its reach in the European market. The company also achieved authorizations in Peru and obtained compliance certification in South Africa, further strengthening its position in these growing markets.
Certifications
SmartSoft earned 79 new certifications in 2024, an impressive achievement that reflects the company’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards in the industry. These certifications cover a wide range of areas, reinforcing SmartSoft’s commitment to delivering top-tier products that meet international quality and regulatory standards.
Looking Forward
The year 2024 was one of remarkable growth, innovation, and unforgettable achievements for SmartSoft. As the company continues to build on this momentum, it remains committed to delivering exceptional entertainment experiences, expanding into new markets, and redefining the gaming landscape. SmartSoft is excited about what the future holds and is looking forward to further strengthening its position as an industry leader in the years to come.
As we step into the new year, SmartSoft continues to soar, staying true to its motto: Keep Flying Even Higher.
The post SmartSoft’s 2024 Story – Year of Growth and Success appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
NBA superstar Tristan Thompson is the latest big name to partner with Sportsbet.io, the world’s favorite crypto-first sports betting site, as its newest global ambassador.
Thompson, a Cleveland Cavaliers center and 2016 NBA Championship winner, will bring his star power and passion for cryptocurrency to the Sportsbet.io community for the next two years.
The Canadian basketball legend will be sharing his views on the latest action for Sportsbet.io, where fans will have the opportunity to take part in some exclusive promotions.
Tristan Thompson, Sportsbet.io ambassador, said: “Sportsbet.io brings together my two biggest passions: sports and cryptocurrency. I’ve been following the crypto sector for some time now and have seen how transformative it can be. There’s no better place to combine that with my love of sports than Sportsbet.io.”
Shane Anderson, Director Partnership, Content and Brand, Yolo Entertainment, the operator of Sportsbet.io, added: “We’d like to give a huge Sportsbet.io welcome to Tristan, an elite athlete whose passion for both basketball and cryptocurrency makes him a perfect match for us. We’re thrilled to have him on the team, and we already have some exciting plans in the works. Watch this space.”
Thompson’s crypto credentials are already well established; he’s been a vocal supporter of Bitcoin, and recently celebrated as it reached a new all-time high in price.
He will be providing weekly betting tips on a range of sports, including NFL, MLB, European soccer, tennis, golf, UFC and boxing.
The partnership with Thompson marks another exciting new chapter for Sportsbet.io, which has earned a reputation for both its innovative approach to gaming, and its star-studded line-up of ambassadors, including cricket legend Brett Lee, Kenyan rapper King Kaka and many more.
Sportsbet.io is also an official partner of LALIGA and Newcastle United.
The post NBA star Tristan Thompson signs for Sportsbet.io appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025: The Must-Attend Event of the Year for Gaming and Tech Enthusiasts
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