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State Senator Merika Coleman will introduce a bill to allow Alabama voters to decide whether to permit real-money gambling in the state. If successful, a new gambling commission would be established, and lawmakers could begin drafting a proposal for the lottery, sports betting, and iGaming. A gambling bill in 2024 failed to pass the Senate by one vote, despite passing the House by 70 votes. Gambling was last on the ballot in 1999, which Alabamians rejected by 54% to 46%.

A Virginia Senate subcommittee voted against advancing a bill that would have legalized online casino gaming in the state, halting it early in the 2026 legislative session. The defeat came on a close 4–3 vote with one lawmaker abstaining, reflecting concerns about responsible gaming and revenue impacts. Other related gaming oversight bills did move forward, including efforts to create a new state gaming regulator. While this setback slows the path to legal online casinos in Virginia, supporters could still revise and reintroduce proposals later this session.

Legendary Hip Hop artist Snoop Dogg has teamed up with gaming tech provider Trivelta to launch Dogg House Casino, a sweepstakes casino in the United States. The platform offers a variety of games and immersive features built around Snoop’s creative vision, blending iGaming with music and culture for a unique player experience. Dogg House operates on a sweepstakes model, where virtual currency can be redeemed for prizes in states where such formats are permitted.

Lawmakers in Oklahoma and Utah are working on new laws that would make sweepstakes-style online casinos illegal. In Oklahoma, a proposed bill would clearly ban these sites under criminal law. Utah is considering similar measures that would give officials more power to shut down sweepstakes casinos if they break state gambling rules. If passed, these laws could limit or eliminate access to some sweepstakes casino platforms in both states.

Maine will allow the state’s four Wabanaki Nations to operate regulated online casino gaming statewide after Governor Janet Mills allowed the legislation to become law. The bill grants the tribes exclusive authority to offer Maine online casinos through partnerships with licensed platform providers. The law creates a new tribal-controlled digital revenue stream that can help fund government services and long-term investments for tribal communities. Oversight will mirror existing online sports betting regulation, and the state will apply an 18% tax on iGaming revenue under this framework.

Dow Jones has signed an exclusive deal with prediction market platform Polymarket to incorporate real-time prediction market data into its news properties, including The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, and MarketWatch. Under the agreement, Polymarket data will appear in dedicated online modules and in select print content. Dow Jones plans new features, such as an earnings calendar based on market-implied expectations, in a move that reflects growing institutional interest in prediction markets. This partnership brings cryptocurrency-enabled betting data into mainstream financial journalism, aiming to give readers fresh insight into collective expectations for future events.

Florida Senator Clay Yarborough has filed Senate Bill 1164, a broad gambling reform measure that would reshape the state’s gaming regulations by removing diversity-related language from gaming law and toughening penalties for illegal gambling. The bill would eliminate diversity requirements for appointments to the Florida Gaming Control Commission and increase criminal penalties for illegal gambling operations. It also centralizes enforcement authority and strengthens state oversight of gaming activities, particularly outside existing regulated markets. If enacted, the changes could take effect in late 2026 and mark a tougher stance on unregulated gaming in Florida.

Starting in 2026, new federal tax rules will change how many gambling winnings are reported and how much in losses players can deduct. The IRS has confirmed that casinos will only have to issue a tax form for slot jackpots of $2,000 or more, up from the long-standing $1,200 threshold, meaning fewer wins will trigger automatic reporting paperwork at the casino. At the same time, gamblers can now only deduct up to 90% of their losses against winnings on their federal tax return, instead of the full 100% previously allowed, which could result in paying tax on income you didn’t profit from. These changes stem from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and are already prompting lawmakers and industry groups to push for revisions.

Michigan’s online casinos generated $248.4 million in gross revenue in November, but a historic $22.4 million jackpot payout on DraftKings held back what would have been stronger year-over-year growth. Despite the eight-figure win — the largest iGaming jackpot ever paid in the U.S. — the state’s 14 platforms still posted a 9.9% revenue increase compared to November 2024. The payout hit DraftKings hard, knocking it out of Michigan’s top three operators for the first time, while BetRivers surged into third place with a record-setting $22.7 million month.

New York regulators have officially approved all three remaining NYC casino projects: Bally’s Bronx, Metropolitan Park in Queens, and the Resorts World NYC expansion. Resorts World is the biggest near-term change for players, with live dealer table games potentially launching as early as March. Bally’s and Metropolitan Park are larger resort-style casinos but are still several years away from opening. Once completed, these projects are expected to bring more game variety, entertainment options, and competition to the New York casino scene.

New York has banned sweepstakes casinos that use two types of money often called dual-currency casinos. The ban also includes companies that help run these casinos, like advertisers and casino payment methods. Anyone who breaks this law can be fined between $10,000 and $100,000 for each violation. Other states like Florida, Indiana, and Maine are working on similar bans, which could lead to more states joining in.

New York officials have named three casino finalists: Bally’s Bronx, Metropolitan Park, and Resorts World NYC. The Gaming Commission will decide by December 31st on licenses, which cost at least $500 million each. Approving all three NY casinos could maximize jobs and revenue, though there are concerns about competition and construction timelines. Combined, the projects could invest billions and generate over $12.9 billion in tax revenue over ten years.

Stake.us, High 5 Casino, and three other sweepstakes casinos have opted to leave Tennessee due to regulatory crackdowns on online gambling laws. RealPrize and Lonestar have already informed their players that they will no longer accept Sweepstakes Coins, meaning Gold Coin play is still accepted. Cease and desist letters are likely the reason for their exit from the state, with the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (TSWC) increasing its action on sweepstakes casinos.

iGaming continues to soar in Pennsylvania as the state has recorded its highest ever revenue, increasing by 33% year-on-year. $251.1 million was made during October, a new state record in Pennsylvania. The majority of this comes from online slots, but table games and online poker also saw a major increase.

Renowned software provider Evoplay has announced this week that it has expanded its presence within the North American gambling market with its entry into the US lottery market. The expansion represents part of the company’s long-term commitment towards innovating and growing its brand with US players. The software studio already has a presence within American markets, where its games are already available at sweepstakes casinos such as Stake.us, Jackpota, and McLuck.

The Minnesota AG has recently taken action to protect state residents against casinos that have been illegally operating within the state. Since US gambling laws vary on a state-by-state basis, the availability of sports betting, sweepstakes casinos and real-money online casinos is regulated by state governing bodies. This week, 14 unlicensed operators received Cease and Desist letters from Minnesota’s Attorney General, informing the casinos that consequences may include civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation.

Slots fans in the Sunshine State have something new to look forward to thanks to the launch of a slot-style product. While online slot games are currently not legal in Florida, sports betting is currently available via the exclusive sports betting rights granted to the Seminole Tribe. The new game developed in conjunction with Hard Rock Bet will allow players to pick the finishing order of three historical races, awarding payouts according to the most accurate selections and statistical probabilities.

Thanks to a new deal signed between betOcean and Hacksaw Gaming, a new portfolio of games will soon be available at online casinos in New Jersey. A trusted international gaming brand, Hacksaw currently provides games for markets including the Netherlands, Italy, and Sweden, as well as holding licenses with the UKGC and the MGA. Players at betOcean will benefit from the opportunity to play innovative slot titles such as Wanted Dead or a Wild, Le Bandit, and Chaos Crew 2.