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In the Market for Judicial Review: Circuit Split on CFTC Preemption Makes SCOTUS a Predictable Destination
FEATURED
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…
FAIR Treatment of Lost Bets
July 25, 2025
FAIR Treatment of Lost Bets
By: Avner Kronisch
Introduction On July 7, 2025, Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) introduced H.R. 4304, the Fair Accounting for Income Realized from Betting Earnings Taxation Act, commonly known as the FAIR Bet Act.[1] Two days later, Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced the Senate companion bill, S. 2230, titled Facilitating Useful Loss Limitations to Help Our Unique…
Reviving the Statute of Anne: Should Lawyers Mine Centuries-Old Statutes for Profit?
June 16, 2025
Reviving the Statute of Anne: Should Lawyers Mine Centuries-Old Statutes for Profit?
By: Robert Ward
For most of American history, state governments strictly prohibited nearly every form of gambling. In the last 100 years, however, many states have loosened gambling prohibitions in favor of a legal, regulated gambling industry. Still, remnants of strict, anti-gambling attitudes remain on the books in many states in the form of “loss recovery acts.” These centuries-old statutes allow a losing gambler to sue the winner…
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,…
