The 2024 Presidential Election and Its Potential Impact on State Gambling Laws

Three weeks from today, U.S. voters will exercise their constitutional right to elect a new president, and the implications of their choice could reverberate far beyond the halls of Washington. A looming specter of change hovers over the gambling political landscape across various states, where potential shifts in leadership could lead to notable alterations in betting laws and practices.

In this article, we delve into the specific states that could see changes depending on whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris emerges victorious. From Texas to California, these shifts could fundamentally reshape the gambling climate.

Arkansas: Navigating the Legalization Waters

Should Donald Trump reclaim the presidency, Arkansas could become a focal point for gambling expansion, primarily due to the existing relationship between the governor and former Trump allies. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who previously served as the Trump White House’s press secretary, has yet to take a definitive public stance on legalizing online gaming. However, her father, former Governor Mike Huckabee, has been vocally opposed to such measures in the past. In 2014, he warned about online gambling preying on vulnerable youth.

Despite this mixed legacy, Arkansas voters approved major gambling expansions in 2018, leading to the introduction of retail and digital sports betting as well as the possibility of new land-based casinos. If Huckabee Sanders is appointed to a position in the Trump administration, lieutenant governor Leslie Carol Rutledge may take her place. Rutledge’s previous rejection of ballot language for casino initiatives raises questions about the future of iGaming in Arkansas.

California: The Power of Voter Sentiment

In California, the landscape is shaped by the interaction between state governance and voter sentiment. Although Vice President Kamala Harris may consider appointing prominent figures like Governor Gavin Newsom or Attorney General Rob Bonta, significant change seems unlikely. Harris’s relationship with Newsom, while historically notable, does not guarantee alignment on gambling issues.

Should Bonta be appointed, his departure would leave significant legal questions unresolved, particularly regarding the status of fantasy sports, which remain unregulated. California’s tribes have traditionally wielded considerable influence and currently favor the state’s established order. A recent statute allowing tribes to sue cardrooms indicates that they prefer to keep the current dynamics intact.

Minnesota: A Shift Towards Digital Expansion?

If the Harris-Walz ticket triumphed, Minnesota would likely experience notable transformations. Current Governor Tim Walz is an advocate for legalizing digital sports betting, and the state’s lieutenant governor, Peggy Flanagan, would ascend to the governorship. Flanagan’s background may foster policies that protect tribal interests while also expanding gaming options, given her political leanings and heritage.

Minnesota has robust tribal governance over gambling, making a cohesive approach to any proposed changes essential. Both Walz and Flanagan could leverage existing tribal partnerships while exploring new betting avenues, marking a significant shift in the state’s gambling legislation.

Texas: A High-Stakes Gamble

Texas stands at a crossroads where the future of gambling may drastically alter depending on the election’s outcome. Should Trump win, the appointments of either Governor Greg Abbott or Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick could significantly affect gambling laws in the state.

Abbott’s stance on gambling has softened, indicating a willingness to consider legal wagering bills. In contrast, Patrick has consistently opposed gambling expansions and has actively declined to call gambling bills for a vote. Texas has remained stagnant on gambling matters, with frequent attempts at legislative expansion faltering due to political divisions.

If either of these state leaders is appointed to a federal position, their successors may offer new possibilities for legalized gambling in Texas, potentially paving the way for significant changes come the 2025 legislative session.

Conclusion: A Year of Reckoning for State Gambling Laws

The upcoming presidential election is not just a battle for the highest office in the land; it is also a battleground for state gambling laws that have long been debated and governed by local politics. Whichever candidate emerges victorious, the implications for Arkansas, California, Minnesota, and Texas are profound.

As the nation gears up for November, voters should consider how their choice might influence not just federal policy, but local initiatives, especially in the ever-evolving landscape of legal gambling. Every vote casts its ripple, potentially forever altering the balance of state gaming laws and shaping the future of betting across America.