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Gambling on Skill: Enforcement of Gambling Laws Against Skill Games in Outlier States
FEATURED
March 10, 2026
Gambling on Skill: Enforcement of Gambling Laws Against Skill Games in Outlier States
By: Jordan Briggs
In many states, people can legally pay entry fees to participate in a skill game and win cash prizes. For most states that allow participants to wager on their own skilled gameplay, the analysis for whether a certain game qualifies as a legal skill game turns on whether the game is one of chance or of skill. Each state has its own test to determine if a game is chance or skill, but these tests fall into three categories. The most common test is the “predominant factor” test, which recognizes that all games have some element of chance but hinges on whether skill dominates the contest. If factors like superior knowledge, dexterity, and practice contribute largely to the outcome (i.e.,…
CFTC Plants the Flag on Regulating Prediction Markets
March 4, 2026
CFTC Plants the Flag on Regulating Prediction Markets
By: John Mikuta
On February 25, 2026, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), the governmental body primarily responsible for overseeing prediction markets, took a significant step toward consolidating its authority to oversee trading activities on prediction-market platforms.[1] The CFTC’s Division of Enforcement issued a “Prediction Markets Advisory” describing two enforcement actions brought by Kalshi, the world’s largest prediction market.[2] Both enforcement actions involved trades by Kalshi users who…
Jeff Ifrah Talks iGaming M&A: Opportunities, Strategies, and Smart Plays
February 18, 2026
Jeff Ifrah Talks iGaming M&A: Opportunities, Strategies, and Smart Plays
By: Ifrah Law
One of the best-known power players in iGaming, Jeff Ifrah is both the team captain and the founding MVP of Ifrah Law’s nationally ranked Online Gaming and Sports Betting practice. His strength as a litigator is matched by his depth as a business strategist and counselor. A respected dealmaker, Jeff has helped to incubate, structure and advise on many of the industry’s game-changing M&A transactions…
Ifrah Law Interviews David Purdum on Sports Integrity
March 22, 2024
Ifrah Law Interviews David Purdum on Sports Integrity
By: Jake Gray
The stakes have never been higher for sports leagues and athletes to maintain the integrity of their contests. The mere possibility of thrown games, points shaven, or dishonest referee calls turns many bettors into pseudo-detectives, scrutinizing outcomes on behalf of their lost wagers. We interviewed David Purdum, an investigative journalist who writes on the sports betting industry for ESPN, for his thoughts on sports integrity…
Are Lottery Courier Services the Next Big Thing?
March 19, 2024
Are Lottery Courier Services the Next Big Thing?
By: Steven Eichorn
On February 15, 2024, DraftKings announced that it would acquire lottery app Jackpocket (which is a lottery courier services provider- i.e. it enables customers to obtain lottery tickets such as PowerBall and MegaMillions directly from their mobile app) for about $750 million in cash and stock. The company said it would pay about 55% of the consideration in cash and the remainder in common stock….
Investment Giant Clears State Regs, Gains Major iGaming Equity Stake
March 4, 2024
Investment Giant Clears State Regs, Gains Major iGaming Equity Stake
By: Jeff Ifrah
The world’s largest alternative asset manager was poised to make a major move in the iGaming space by investing in a leading geolocation company. The financial pathway for the envisioned investment was clear, but a transaction would require multiple state-level approvals. Ifrah Law drew on its deep experience in gaming law and working with regulators nationwide to lower the client’s approval burden and keep the…
When Gamers Become Plaintiffs – Arbitration Clauses for the Win
February 23, 2024
When Gamers Become Plaintiffs – Arbitration Clauses for the Win
By: Michelle Cohen
Online businesses, including gaming companies, frequently include arbitration clauses in their “terms and conditions” or other policies when consumers register for their services. These clauses notify users that disputes will be subject to private arbitration by an appointed neutral arbitrator, usually the American Arbitration Association or JAMS. Businesses favor arbitration for several reasons, including reduced costs of litigation, expediency, confidentiality, and requiring that matters be…
Fast-Paced, Multi-Pronged Partnership Deal Lets London Financial Giant Access U.S. iGaming Market
February 15, 2024
Fast-Paced, Multi-Pronged Partnership Deal Lets London Financial Giant Access U.S. iGaming Market
By: Jeff Ifrah
A global payment processor—#11 on CNBC’s 2022 Disruptor 50 list—sought out Ifrah Law for a pathway into payment processing for regulated sports betting operators in the U.S. iGaming market. Ifrah Law mapped a licensing and compliance strategy, kindled a partnership with one of America’s biggest sports brands, and orchestrated a seamless entry into the lucrative payment processing realm for leading companies in regulated sports betting….
