Insights < BACK TO ALL INSIGHTS
Advertising Prediction Markets? The CFTC Just Sent a Clear Message to Affiliates.
FEATURED
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 help solicit customers for these products. The CFTC makes one thing clear: the anti-fraud and anti-manipulation provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act apply to the marketing of event contracts. For affiliates that drive traffic to prediction markets, this guidance is a reminder that compliance is not limited to the operator. Marketing materials matter, and regulators…
CFTC Sends Message to Prediction Markets: You Are Not a Sportsbook
August 11, 2026
CFTC Sends Message to Prediction Markets: You Are Not a Sportsbook
By: John Mikuta
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 to refrain from engaging in misleading or deceptive practices when…
Nicole Kardell on Keeping iGaming Clients Nimble Amidst Ever-Evolving Privacy Regulations
August 3, 2026
Nicole Kardell on Keeping iGaming Clients Nimble Amidst Ever-Evolving Privacy Regulations
By: Ifrah Law
For iGaming companies, protecting customer privacy is paramount: Nicole Kardell acts as their guardian against federal, state and civil actions that could damage their reputations and profitability. Nicole performs on the leading edge of privacy law, helping to keep Ifrah’s clients in compliance with U.S. and international regulations governing the handling of customers’ confidential information. A certified privacy professional with expertise in European privacy law…
Top 3 Takeaways from North American Gaming Regulators Association’s Annual Training
June 9, 2025
Top 3 Takeaways from North American Gaming Regulators Association’s Annual Training
By: Abbey Block
Last week, members of the gaming industry from all corners of the country traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to attend the North American Gaming Regulators Association’s (“NAGRA”) Annual Training and Education Conference. The conference featured panels and presentations from leaders in the gaming industry, including regulators, responsible gaming advocates, legislators, and technological experts. For many regulators, the NAGRA conference offers an opportunity to gain perspective regarding…
Ohio, the Grass is Greener: Neighboring States Set the Example in iGaming
June 6, 2025
Ohio, the Grass is Greener: Neighboring States Set the Example in iGaming
By: Jordan Briggs
Ohio has a budget problem. This is not an uncommon problem among states right now, but Ohio has the opportunity to fix it without the major cuts other states are considering by introducing a new vertical—online gaming (iGaming). Neighboring states Michigan and Pennsylvania introduced iGaming several years ago and have recently recognized record revenues. iGaming in Michigan generated $451.4 million in tax revenue and fees…
CFTC Withdraws Specialized Guidance On Cryptocurrency Derivatives
March 31, 2025
CFTC Withdraws Specialized Guidance On Cryptocurrency Derivatives
By: Jake Gray
In line with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) transformation from cryptocurrency enemy to ally, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) is now following its sister agency’s lead. By withdrawing its specialized guidance on digital currency derivatives, the CFTC signals a more hospitable regulatory approach to the industry, one that recognizes the growing maturity and mainstream acceptance of digital asset markets. As of March 28,…
Sweepstakes Issues Draw Focus at Next.io Summit
March 27, 2025
Sweepstakes Issues Draw Focus at Next.io Summit
By: Jordan Briggs
Social casinos were one of the many hot topics at the Next.io summit in New York March 12-13, so much so that they got their own well-attended summit on March 11. Generally, there are three types of online social casinos: social casinos with no option to purchase any plays; social casinos with the option to purchase plays and the only thing a user can win…
YouTube Fills Federal Policing Void on Gambling
March 17, 2025
YouTube Fills Federal Policing Void on Gambling
By: Sara Dalsheim
The ultimate inhibitor of the regulated gambling industry is the illegal ever-present offshore market. The regulated industry has been consistently asking for assistance from law enforcement to assist them in stamping out the illegal market – that, unlike the regulated industry, is not required to abide by any of the mechanisms that protect consumers. The federal government has failed to answer the call, so the…
