ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – The coronavirus pandemic could lead to a quicker expansion of sports betting and internet gambling in the U.S.
as states deal with huge budget deficits and look for new tax revenue wherever they can find it. Most major sports remain shut down due to the virus, but European soccer and Asian baseball have begun play, NASCAR is racing again and PGA Tour golf restarts in two weeks.
Major U.S. sports leagues including the NBA and NHL are making plans for resuming their seasons. The virus “will accelerate the expansion of sports betting and online casinos in the next 12 to 24 months,” said Chris Krafcik, a managing director with Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, which tracks sports and internet betting legislation in the U.S. “Both