Some SEC States Reject Sports Betting, Missouri Still In Play
Half of the states in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) still lack legal sports betting as lawmakers wrap up their sessions. Despite ongoing discussions, no new laws have passed in recent weeks. The six states without legal betting represent around 62 million people—over 18.5% of the US population.
The SEC states where sports betting is already legal include Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Florida. But for the rest, change remains uncertain for now.
Legislative efforts to legalise sports betting have stalled in several SEC states. Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina all saw bills fail this year. Oklahoma’s proposals also appear unlikely to pass before the session ends.
In Missouri, voters could still have a say. A ballot measure may appear on the Nov. 5 general election if enough signatures are verified. If approved, sports betting would launch by Dec. 1, 2025. Texas, the most populous SEC state without legal betting, is expected to revisit the issue in 2025. Across the US, 39 states have now legalised sports betting. But in the SEC region, no further changes are expected in the coming weeks as lawmakers leave without new votes.
The lack of progress means millions of fans in SEC states will continue without legal betting options. Missouri remains the only state with a potential near-term change, depending on voter approval. For others, the wait for legalisation could stretch into next year or beyond.
