Billions in tax revenue would be generated by expanding sports betting legalization

Breaking: U.S. Could Rake in $1.6 Billion Annually If All 50 States Legalized Sports Betting

In a bombshell report that’s sending shockwaves through state legislatures and betting circles alike, the Tax Foundation has revealed that the United States could generate a staggering $1.6 billion in annual tax revenue if sports betting were legalized across all 50 states. The numbers are eye-popping, and the implications are enormous for both state budgets and the gambling industry.

Right now, only 30 states plus Washington, D.C. allow statewide online sports betting, with tax rates varying wildly—from a modest 6.75% in some states to a whopping 51% in others. But if the remaining holdouts jumped on board, the revenue potential would more than double the current figures.

The Tax Foundation’s analysis estimates that gross gaming revenue (GGR) would surge by $15.6 billion per year under a fully legalized national framework. With a standard 10% GGR tax applied uniformly, that translates to the headline-grabbing $1.6 billion in fresh tax dollars flowing into state coffers annually.

The Big Three: California, Texas, and Florida Lead the Charge

When it comes to potential tax windfalls, three states stand head and shoulders above the rest. California alone could generate an eye-watering $570 million per year, followed by Texas at $326 million and Florida at $199 million. These figures represent not just incremental gains but transformative revenue streams that could fund everything from education to infrastructure.

But it’s not just the giants who’d benefit. Even smaller states with limited populations would see meaningful returns. Hawaii, despite its modest adult population, could still pull in $11 million annually. Idaho would generate around $13 million, while even Alaska—home to vast rural areas and no professional sports teams—could net $6 million in tax revenue.

The Holdouts: 11 States Still Sitting on the Sidelines

As of now, sports betting remains illegal in 11 states: South Carolina, Hawaii, Georgia, Alabama, Alaska, California, Texas, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Utah, and Idaho. Missouri recently joined the fold, becoming the latest state to legalize sports betting with its first state-regulated sportsbooks launching late last year.

Among these holdouts, only Georgia currently has active legislation in play to legalize sports betting. The others remain in various states of opposition, whether due to political resistance, religious concerns, or simply legislative inertia.

What This Means for the Future

The Tax Foundation’s findings present a compelling economic case for nationwide legalization. Beyond the headline tax revenue figures, a fully legalized market would create jobs, generate ancillary economic activity, and potentially reduce illegal gambling operations.

For states facing budget shortfalls or looking for new revenue streams without raising traditional taxes, sports betting represents a tantalizing opportunity. The report suggests that even states with smaller populations or unique geographic challenges could benefit significantly from legalization.

As the gambling industry continues to evolve and public acceptance grows, pressure will likely mount on the remaining holdout states to reconsider their positions. With billions in potential revenue on the table, the question isn’t whether more states will legalize sports betting, but when.

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Viral Sentences:

• “$1.6 billion waiting to be claimed by states that dare to legalize!”
• “California alone could pocket $570 million—who’s next?”
• “Even Alaska’s remote villages could cash in on sports betting!”
• “The holdout states are leaving billions on the table!”
• “Sports betting legalization: the budget fix states have been praying for!”
• “From Texas to Hawaii, every state has something to gain!”
• “The gambling gold rush is on—will your state strike it rich?”
• “Legal sports betting could transform state economies overnight!”
• “Why are these 11 states still saying ‘no’ to billions in free money?”
• “The numbers don’t lie: sports betting is a win-win for states!”

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