While everybody’s attention has been focused on the US election, few people were keeping tabs on the American gambling scene, where some exciting developments have occurred over the last week.
Six USA states have opted to either legalize and expand casino gambling and sports betting, or just the former. Louisiana, Maryland and South Dakota have approved sports betting, but it is in Colorado, Nebraska, and Virginia where casino gambling is set to expand.
Virginia Approve Four New Casinos
Over in Virginia, the state recently approved casinos to be constructed in four new locations. Bristol, Danville, Portsmouth, and Norfolk are all set to receive new land-based casinos. This news is particularly good for Bristol, which has long been waiting for its Hard Rock Bristol project to get off the ground. Danville is set to receive a Caesars Casino, with up to 1,300 new jobs being created in the city. Construction on the new Caesars is now set to begin imminently in Virginia.
Casino & Sports Betting Are Now Intertwined
The latest votes mean that now nineteen out of the fifty states have some form of legalized betting in the country. However, a further six states have authorized gambling but not yet put it into operation, while there are three states which are in the process of discussing such moves. Altogether, over half of the US population could be gambling legally before too long. Aside from Virginia, though, which other states have been actively legalizing casino gaming?
Nebraska has been hard at work offering its residents a new way to gamble on USA casino games. This week, the state decided to permit casino gaming at racetracks. Provided you visit horse racing tracks in Columbus, Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island or South Sioux City, you will be able to wager on land-based casino games. It is not just casino games being available at racetracks, though. Over in South Dakota, the state’s Deadwood Casino is now going to offer sports betting options alongside its casino games.
Great Future for Casino Gambling
Colorado has not had a quiet week, either. The state’s voters recently approved brand new casinos to be built in Black Hawk, Cripple Creek and Central City. The voters’ approval comes with an added perk for the casinos. The $100 maximum bet limit which has currently restricted high rollers in the state is set to be removed.
David Schwartz, one of the US’ most recognized gambling historians, sees the news as a change in attitude towards gambling. He believes that as Americans become more comfortable with legalized betting and gambling, more casinos and possibly even online gambling operations could become the norm. The American Gaming Association’s CEO, Bill Miller, was equally excited, with the AMA’s top dog claiming that the votes would bring much-needed jobs, tax relief and more.