Responsible Gaming Posts

Advertising Prediction Markets? The CFTC Just Sent a Clear Message to Affiliates.

Aug 17, 2026

Advertising Prediction Markets? The CFTC Just Sent a Clear Message to Affiliates.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) recently issued guidance directed to designated contract markets (DCMs) concerning the marketing and offering of event contracts. The guidance was addressed to DCMs because no swap execution facilities (SEFs) currently list event contracts. However, the CFTC’s analysis is equally applicable to futures commission merchants (FCMs) and introducing brokers (IBs),…

CFTC Sends Message to Prediction Markets: You Are Not a Sportsbook

Aug 11, 2026

CFTC Sends Message to Prediction Markets: You Are Not a Sportsbook

In recent guidance, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) has made clear that event contracts offered by regulated prediction-market entities must not be marketed in a format commonly used by casino gambling bookmakers. The CFTC’s Division of Market Oversight and Market Participants Division issued a notice to all CFTC-regulated entities and affiliates regarding their obligations…

Betting on Technology: Bipartisan Proposal for Requiring Facial Recognition to Keep Minors from Wagering Online

Jul 29, 2026

Betting on Technology: Bipartisan Proposal for Requiring Facial Recognition to Keep Minors from Wagering Online

“As every parent knows, when you tell a kid not to do something, they almost always end up trying to do it,” said Congresswoman Kristen MacDonald Rivet (MI-8) about the recently introduced bipartisan “Facial Recognition to Protect Children Act” (“proposed Act”).[1] She continued, “[k]ids under the age of 18 shouldn’t be making bets, but now…

Massachusetts Explores iGaming Legalization: Opportunities, Risks, and Next Steps

Jun 26, 2026

Massachusetts Explores iGaming Legalization: Opportunities, Risks, and Next Steps

Massachusetts Explores iGaming Legalization: Opportunities, Risks, and Next Steps As states consider legalizing iGaming, legislatures must consider not only whether to legalize but also how the industry should be regulated. While legalization presents opportunities for increased tax revenue and consumer protections, it also raises concerns about responsible gaming, youth exposure, and enforcement against illegal operators….

Sunshine, Strategy, and Handshakes: Reflections on SBC Summit Americas 2026

Jun 23, 2026

Sunshine, Strategy, and Handshakes: Reflections on SBC Summit Americas 2026

There is something irreplaceable about the energy of a live industry event, and this year’s SBC Summit Americas in Fort Lauderdale delivered. From June 9–11, the Broward County Convention Center became the epicenter of the gaming, sports wagering, and iGaming worlds. While the South Florida sunshine was a welcome backdrop, the real heat was inside…

CFTC Predicting Litigation Success over Multiple States

Jun 8, 2026

CFTC Predicting Litigation Success over Multiple States

Through recent litigation actions, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) continues to stake out an aggressive position in the fight over who has the authority to regulate prediction markets. On May 18, 2026, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed into law SF 4760, an omnibus public safety bill that made it a felony to operate or…

Cold Water on Insider Trading Fears: Prediction Markets Miss the 2026 NFL Draft

Apr 29, 2026

Cold Water on Insider Trading Fears: Prediction Markets Miss the 2026 NFL Draft

From April 23 to April 25, the National Football League (“NFL”) held its annual player selection draft.  Over 800,000 fans gathered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to watch Commissioner Roger Goodell announce the picks live, with millions more watching on TV and other digital platforms.[1]  But the NFL Draft is not just a spectator event—both traditional sportsbooks…

After Ciminelli: Are the Feds Betting Too Big on Wire Fraud?

Apr 23, 2026

After Ciminelli: Are the Feds Betting Too Big on Wire Fraud?

Can a technical violation of a website’s terms and conditions constitute a violation of the federal wire fraud statute? A federal court will soon decide just how broadly the statute may sweep, and whether all such forms of potentially dishonest conduct are subject to such stringent criminalization. On Monday, all eyes will be on the…

The Cost of Moving Too Fast: Is Your Company Really Ready to Apply for a US Gaming License?

Apr 21, 2026

The Cost of Moving Too Fast: Is Your Company Really Ready to Apply for a US Gaming License?

The allure of the US gaming and gambling market is undeniable. As more states legalize sports betting and online gaming, it seems full of possibilities. But as someone who navigates these regulatory waters daily, I often have to ask new clients a tough question: Is your company actually prepared to apply for a US gaming…

Peering into the Future: Kids, Games, and Regulation

Apr 10, 2026

Peering into the Future: Kids, Games, and Regulation

This March, a California jury found Google and Meta (which operates Facebook, Instagram, and other websites) liable for negligently causing a child user’s depression and anxiety.   Driven by a desire to protect children from perceived vices,[1] this is likely to be the first in a wave of new lawsuits and legislation aimed at regulating online…