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In the Market for Judicial Review: Circuit Split on CFTC Preemption Makes SCOTUS a Predictable Destination
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September 1, 2026
In the Market for Judicial Review: Circuit Split on CFTC Preemption Makes SCOTUS a Predictable Destination
By: John Mikuta
The ongoing legal battle over whether the federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) or state regulators have the authority to regulate sports-related prediction markets is heating up. Last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit turned away a challenge by Kalshi, the largest prediction market in the United States, to the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s letter ordering it to cease and desist operations in the state of Nevada.[1] The Ninth Circuit held that the lower court did not abuse its discretion in concluding that Kalshi was not entitled to a preliminary injunction because it did not establish a likelihood that the federal Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”) preempts state gaming regulations. The Ninth Circuit’s ruling stands in direct…
A Ticket to Win: Are Travel Points a Thing of Value?
August 21, 2026
A Ticket to Win: Are Travel Points a Thing of Value?
By: Abbey Block
With the end of summer drawing near, many American families may be hoping to book a last-minute getaway. Some of those travelers may be hoping to take advantage of credit card points to book their trips on the cheap. Credit card points have become a ubiquitous part of American capitalism – particularly those offered by airlines, often referred to as “travel points.” According to the…
Advertising Prediction Markets? The CFTC Just Sent a Clear Message to Affiliates.
August 17, 2026
Advertising Prediction Markets? The CFTC Just Sent a Clear Message to Affiliates.
By: Kyra Pulliam
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), as well as the advertising affiliates and marketing partners that…
DraftKings Should Prevail in NFT-Securities Litigation
October 13, 2023
DraftKings Should Prevail in NFT-Securities Litigation
By: Jake Gray
In February 2022, we wrote about the extent to which NFTs could raise novel securities laws questions, invoking the case of Friel v. Dapper Labs and utility-based NFT offerings conjoined to ownership-based privileges associated with securities. A year later, in February 2023, a judge from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York denied Dapper Labs’s motion to dismiss, holding that the…
Surging Sportsbook Signups Illustrate Need for Ubiquitous Legal Gaming Markets
September 29, 2023
Surging Sportsbook Signups Illustrate Need for Ubiquitous Legal Gaming Markets
By: Sara Dalsheim
The kickoff of the NFL 2023-2024 season has held many surprises: drastically favored teams lost to their underdog opponents; surprise rookies broke out like Bijan Robinson and Puka Nacua; sports media outlets aggressively reported on the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce courtship; and much more. What has not been surprising, however, is the surge of signups on legal sports betting websites. Indeed, the influx of new users…
A Cautionary Tale Courtesy of Fortnite
September 21, 2023
A Cautionary Tale Courtesy of Fortnite
By: Steven Eichorn
A fast-growing segment of online gaming is the in-game purchase on (sometimes free) games/apps in exchange for virtual items. The virtual items can be mere cosmetic game enhancements, features that increase a player’s likelihood of success, and many other options. Because these virtual items are purchased with real world funds, companies must be vigilant in employing good practices such as clear and conspicuous disclosures of…
Navigating the High-Stakes World of Online Gaming Advertising: Policies, Permissions, and Enforcement
August 28, 2023
Navigating the High-Stakes World of Online Gaming Advertising: Policies, Permissions, and Enforcement
By: Sara Dalsheim
A top concern of online gaming regulators is the control and dissemination of advertising. In connection with these concerns sites like Meta, X (formerly known and commonly referred to as Twitter), and Google have released online gambling advertising policies and requirements. To run online gambling and gaming advertising on Meta / Facebook users are required to obtain written permission to promote online gambling and gaming.[1]…
G2E 2023: Outlook and Trends
August 16, 2023
G2E 2023: Outlook and Trends
By: Steven Eichorn
This year’s G2E (the premier gaming conference in North America), held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada (October 9-11, 2023 this year) is shaping up to once again be the premier conference for the gaming industry. The expected number of worldwide attendees from the global gaming industry is over 25,000 and it promises to once again bring together the entire gaming industry under one roof. It…
