During the 2024 NFL regular season, geolocation requests revealed a significant interest in legal online sports betting in states where it remains prohibited.
GeoComply, a leading geofencing technology provider, reported that potential sports bettors in states without legal online sportsbooks were highly active throughout the football season. GeoComply analyzed data from Alabama, Georgia, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina, and Texas—states that still do not permit online sports betting, even though in-person sports gambling is legal in Mississippi and Nebraska.
Using its advanced PinPoint technology, GeoComply detected over 33.4 million geolocation check requests from computers and mobile devices in these states from September 5, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
Emerging Opportunity
With state legislatures reconvening for their 2025 sessions, sports betting is again a hot topic. GeoComply officials argue that the high geolocation activity in unregulated states indicates a strong market demand, which could translate to significant state tax revenues and enhanced consumer protection through regulation.
“Demand seen during this past NFL season shows no signs of slowing,” GeoComply stated. “Early trends from legal markets reveal significant increases in activity compared to last year’s playoffs.”
Potential Tax Revenue
GeoComply projects that legalizing mobile sports betting in these seven states could generate millions of dollars in annual tax revenue. Texas, with its large population and sports enthusiasm, could gain the most with an estimated $302.4 million per year. Other states also stand to benefit significantly:
- Georgia: $112.9 million
- South Carolina: $60.1 million
- Minnesota: $59.6 million
- Alabama: $53.3 million
- Mississippi: $30.3 million (if they expand to online betting)
- Nebraska: $19.9 million (if they expand to online betting)
Conclusion
As lawmakers prepare for the 2025 legislative sessions, the data demonstrates an undeniable demand for legal sports betting. GeoComply emphasizes that regulated markets offer protections and opportunities that are far-reaching, urging states still on the sidelines to consider legalizing online sports betting.
