Big betting shake-up: 28 US states set tough new gambling rules, micro-bets targeted
In 2026, 28 US states are implementing stricter gambling regulations, targeting micro-bets, online casinos, and sweepstakes platforms.Summary
A significant overhaul of gambling laws is underway across the United States, with 28 states moving to tighten regulations on various forms of betting. Lawmakers are focusing on areas where oversight hasn't kept pace with the industry's rapid expansion, leading to proposed bans on micro-betting, increased taxes on sports wagering, and stricter controls on online casino platforms. States like California are enacting direct bans on certain games, while others, such as New Jersey and Wyoming, are exploring regulation and taxation. Sweepstakes and social casino platforms are facing particularly intense scrutiny, with several states aiming to ban them outright. Additionally, prediction markets and sports betting, including micro-bets and wagers on college athletes, are also being targeted. These changes, along with revisions to the regulation of physical gaming machines, suggest a major reshaping of the US gambling landscape in 2026.
(Source：The Economic Times)