Prediction Markets Raising Predictable Questions of Regulation, Public Policy

Prediction Markets Raising Predictable Questions of Regulation, Public Policy

January 27, 2026

Prediction Markets Raising Predictable Questions of Regulation, Public Policy

By: John Mikuta

On January 3, 2026, the United States carried out a shocking military strike against Venezuela, resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.[i]  Maduro was taken from his home in Caracas and flown to New York, where he faces narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons possession conspiracy charges.[ii] While the strike surprised most of the world, a few traders on Polymarket seemingly anticipated that it would occur.  Polymarket, the “world’s largest prediction market,”[iii] is a platform where “people can bet on the outcome of future events” by buying and selling shares in the outcomes.[iv]  Polymarket allows users to trade on sports outcomes, economic data, business actions, pop culture, and—as relevant here—political events such as election outcomes and international…

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Real Experience. Real Results.

Stories of successfully resolved iGaming client issues and challenges.

Virginia Poised to Legalize iGaming

January 14, 2026

Virginia Poised to Legalize iGaming

By: Sara Dalsheim

There has been chatter for some time that Virginia will soon become the next state to join in on the fun of legalized iGaming. Today, House Bill 161 and Senate Bill 118 will be officially offered as proposed legislation (the bills were pre-filed on January 6, 2026). House Bill 161 will officially be introduced by Delegate (“Del.”) Marcus Simon proposing to amend and reenact the…

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The United Kingdom Institutes a Voluntary Code of Good Practice for Operators of Prize Draws

November 26, 2025

The United Kingdom Institutes a Voluntary Code of Good Practice for Operators of Prize Draws

By: John Mikuta

The United Kingdom has published a Voluntary Code of Good Practice for operators of prize draws and competitions (“PDCs”).[1]  The Code contains a wide range of key measures that operators are expected to implement to improve player safety and transparency.  Because the Code is voluntary, operators are not legally bound to abide by it.  However, dozens of operators and other relevant entities in the United…

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CFTC “Special Rule” Interpretation Led to an October Surprise

October 23, 2024

CFTC “Special Rule” Interpretation Led to an October Surprise

By: Robert Ward

On October 2, 2024, the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a decision that permitted KalshiEx LLC (“Kalshi”) to legally offer election contracts, which allow buyers to put down money based on their predictions as to party control of Congress and presidential election results.[1]  This decision, and the district court decision that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) sought to stay,…

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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…

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When Sports Bettors Win, So Does the IRS

October 7, 2024

When Sports Bettors Win, So Does the IRS

By: George Calhoun

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…

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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…

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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,…

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Articles and Presentations by Our Firm Attorneys

Prediction Markets Raising Predictable Questions of Regulation, Public Policy

Prediction Markets Raising Predictable Questions of Regulation, Public Policy
By: John Mikuta

Virginia Poised to Legalize iGaming

Virginia Poised to Legalize iGaming
By: Sara Dalsheim

The United Kingdom Institutes a Voluntary Code of Good Practice for Operators of Prize Draws

The United Kingdom Institutes a Voluntary Code of Good Practice for Operators of Prize Draws
By: John Mikuta

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