Voters across the United States are heading to the polls for the 2026 election, with significant implications for sports betting and gambling policies in several states. In Nebraska, the only state presenting a statewide gambling issue, citizens will decide on whether to expand online sports betting. The campaign to support this initiative has been heavily funded, with DraftKings and FanDuel contributing over $20 million.
Beyond Nebraska, key races for governor and legislature in states including Texas, Minnesota, and Ohio will play a crucial role in determining the future of gambling legislation. These political outcomes could affect whether bills for gambling expansion receive legislative hearings, votes, or gubernatorial approval in the 2027 session.
The control of Congress in Washington, D.C., will impact oversight of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which is central to the ongoing debate around prediction markets. A Democratic majority would provide the party increased authority to influence the regulator, but it does not guarantee the passage of new legislation governing prediction markets.
States poised for potential changes in gambling discussions after election results include: Alabama, Georgia, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.
In Alabama, both candidates for governor propose allowing a public vote on establishing a lottery. Republican Tommy Tuberville would prefer a comprehensive plan for gambling expansion rather than piecemeal legislation, while Democrat Doug Jones advocates for a lottery bill, suggesting it could also include a broader gambling framework. Legislative approval is necessary for any expansion to move forward, requiring a constitutional amendment.
Georgia has seen ongoing discussions about gambling expansion, with the governor's race being a critical battleground. The Democratic candidate, Keisha Lance Bottoms, supports letting voters decide on casinos, citing projected revenues that could fund early childhood education. Financial backing from the sports betting industry has been significant, with one committee funded by DraftKings and FanDuel pouring $12.3 million into the state's legislative races.
Minnesota, where every legislative seat is contested, has seen persistent efforts to legalize sports betting without success. Despite bipartisan interest and supportive donations from sports teams, no candidates have made betting a part of their election campaigns. In a separate contest, New York's Governor Kathy Hochul leads her opponent by a considerable margin; however, the question of online casino legislation remains unresolved, with differing views on prediction market regulation.
Ohio could see a shift in online gambling policies if a new governor is elected. Democratic candidate Amy Acton supports broader online gambling as a revenue source. Conversely, former Governor Mike DeWine has expressed skepticism towards iCasino proposals.
In Oklahoma, where Governor Kevin Stitt's term is ending, candidates Mike Mazzei (Republican) and Cyndi Munson (Democrat) are vying to take the helm during a period of conflict over gaming compacts. Recent legislative efforts to advance a sports betting bill have failed.
South Carolina will find its gambling discussion reshaped by the next governor, with candidates split on the issue of casinos. The Democratic candidate supports a referendum, while the Republican candidate remains opposed to casinos even if voters approve them.
Texas remains a battleground for sports betting, heavily influenced by the lieutenant governor's race. Current Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has hindered past sports betting proposals, and while Democratic candidate Vikki Goodwin supports a public vote on casinos, she has not prioritized the issue in her campaign. Any constitutional change requires a two-thirds legislative majority.
Wisconsin's sports betting future lies with the new governor, as an existing law permits mobile betting contingent upon renegotiated tribal compacts. The next governor's stance will significantly influence the pace of this development.
On the federal level, Congress could increase pressure on the CFTC, which faces ongoing challenges regarding jurisdiction over prediction markets. Historically, lawmakers have introduced numerous bills aimed at regulating this emerging sector, with Democrats potentially gaining more oversight tools if they assume control. Yet any legislative changes remain uncertain due to the required supermajority and the prospect of a presidential veto.
