In a surprising announcement, Speaker of the House, John Johnson, declared that gambling legislation is officially dead for the 2024 session. The decision comes as a blow to supporters of expanding gambling in the state, who had been pushing for a bill to legalize sports betting and online gambling.
Johnson, who has long been a vocal opponent of gambling expansion, cited a lack of support among fellow lawmakers as the primary reason for killing the legislation. “While I understand that there are many who see gambling as a potential revenue generator for the state, it is clear that the majority of my colleagues do not share this view,” Johnson said in a press conference.
The speaker’s decision has sparked outrage among proponents of gambling expansion, who argue that the state is missing out on significant revenue that could be generated through legalized sports betting and online gambling. They point to neighboring states that have successfully implemented similar measures and have seen a boost in tax revenue as a result.
Supporters of gambling expansion have vowed to continue their fight, insisting that the issue is far from settled. They plan to ramp up their lobbying efforts and pressure lawmakers to reconsider their stance on the issue.
Opponents of gambling expansion, on the other hand, have praised Johnson’s decision, citing concerns about the potential social and economic consequences of legalizing more forms of gambling. They argue that the state should focus on other means of generating revenue, rather than relying on gambling to fill its coffers.
The announcement comes as a disappointment to many in the gambling industry, who had been eagerly anticipating the potential for increased business opportunities in the state. It remains to be seen whether Johnson’s decision will have lasting implications for the future of gambling in the state, or if supporters will be able to overcome this setback and push for legislation in future sessions.
