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Rules Matter Even for the Pat McAfee’s of the World
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November 4, 2026
Rules Matter Even for the Pat McAfee’s of the World
By: Sara Dalsheim
Former NFL punter and now ESPN analyst/commentator Pat McAfee is constantly garnering attention for his flashy takes and fun interviews. Most recently, he has also gained the attention of college football fans and students via his weekly “Kicking Is Easy” contest segment on ESPN’s wildly popular “College Gameday” – where McAfee gives away $1 million, and sometimes even more, to one college student who successfully kicks a 33-yard field goal.[1] As is common with McAfee, the giveaway has started a lot of online chatter, because of both the large prize and the big personality connected to it. Questions have arisen such as what exactly is the prize, who pays the prize, and how is the participant is chosen, among…
Prediction Markets at a Crossroads: Licensing, Compliance, and Future(s)
October 20, 2026
Prediction Markets at a Crossroads: Licensing, Compliance, and Future(s)
By: Kyra Pulliam
Last week I had the honor of attending the inaugural PREDICT Conference hosted by DealFlow Events in New York City. This event should not be confused with the NEXTPredict Summit, taking place October 22-23, or Predict 2026, scheduled for December 7-9, both of which will also be held in New York. If the growing number of prediction market conferences borders on excessive, it is easy…
Problem Gaming or Problem Industry Players?
October 14, 2026
Problem Gaming or Problem Industry Players?
By: Michelle Cohen
Over the summer, I attended the National Council on Problem Gambling’s (“NCPG”) annual conference in Nashville. NCPG is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the harms associated with problem gambling. NCPG is a membership-supported organization whose members include major gaming companies, professional sports leagues, nonprofit organizations, and state government regulatory agencies. In Nashville, I learned from various stakeholders, including doctors, therapists, and individuals…
SAFEly symbolic?
October 14, 2024
SAFEly symbolic?
By: Sara Dalsheim
Last month two U.S. lawmakers, Rep. Paul Tonko D-N.Y. and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., introduced the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet Act (i.e., the SAFE Bet Act).[1] The Act sought to implement federal minimum standards for all sports betting operators throughout the United States. The lawmakers seemingly put forth the bill because of concerns that citizens are being subject to too many sports…
When Sports Bettors Win, So Does the IRS
October 7, 2024
When Sports Bettors Win, So Does the IRS
By: Ifrah Law
Sports betting and adjacent industries have exploded in the United States. One area that continues to cause confusion is the taxation of these businesses – both for the companies and the individual players. For individual bettors, the IRS has clear rules on gambling income that predate the recent explosion of the sports betting industry. In short, the proceeds from a successful sports wager are taxable…
Illinois Expanding Regulations over Gaming Ads
October 2, 2024
Illinois Expanding Regulations over Gaming Ads
By: Jordan Briggs
The Illinois Gaming Board (“IGB”) adopted a new proposed uniform advertising regulation for sports wagering, casino gambling, and video gaming operators at its September meeting. Sports wagering is already subject to certain advertising and marketing restrictions, captured in “Rule 340.”[1] IGB proposed amendments to strengthen Rule 340 for sports wagering, and, for the first time, proposed to extend Rule 340 to casino gambling and video…
Maryland Regulators Pick Away at Latest Fantasy Offerings
September 6, 2024
Maryland Regulators Pick Away at Latest Fantasy Offerings
By: Robert Ward
On August 29, just as football fans were gearing up for the 2024-2025 NFL season, the Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency issued a new round of proposed regulations for both sports betting and daily fantasy sports. The proposed sports betting regulations address a wide range of topics, from geolocation and multifactor authentication to wind-down procedures for sportsbooks.[1] The proposed daily fantasy sports regulations,…
New Sports Betting Options as NFL Season Takes Off
August 27, 2024
New Sports Betting Options as NFL Season Takes Off
By: Jake Gray
The 2024-2025 NFL season is fast approaching—kickoff is set for Thursday night, September 5th, between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs in which MVP quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes will duel it out for the fifth time. This is their first matchup since the Chiefs knocked the Ravens out of the playoffs in the AFC Championship Game for the chance to play in…
