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High Wire Act
FEATURED
September 22, 2026
High Wire Act
By: James Trusty
The federal statute known as the Wire Act (18 U.S.C. § 1084) has had a tumultuous history. For many years, the DOJ interpreted it to include restrictions on both sporting events and non-sporting contests. That changed dramatically in 2011, when the Office of Legal Counsel (“OLC”), responding to states seeking clarification before establishing state lotteries, published an analysis of the Wire Act. After a thorough analysis of the text and legislative history of the Wire Act, OLC concluded that Congress intended the Wire Act to apply only to sports-based gambling activity. 35 Op.O.L.C. 1(2011).[1] In reaching that conclusion, OLC found that Congress had clearly and directly focused upon off-track betting on horse races, as well as the expected negative effect…
Robert Ward on Helping iGaming Clients Outmaneuver Lawsuit-Obsessed Adversaries
September 8, 2026
Robert Ward on Helping iGaming Clients Outmaneuver Lawsuit-Obsessed Adversaries
By: Ifrah Law
Today’s iGaming companies face new litigation threats as expansive consumer protection statutes spark lawsuits with sky’s-the-limit aspirations, sometimes backed by private funders. Clients of Ifrah Law have a staunch defender in Robert Ward – an agile litigator and case tactician who responds to the changing state of play with creative legal defenses and efficient case-closing strategies. Robert draws on federal clerkship experience and appellate defense…
In the Market for Judicial Review: Circuit Split on CFTC Preemption Makes SCOTUS a Predictable Destination
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…
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…
Betting on Technology: Bipartisan Proposal for Requiring Facial Recognition to Keep Minors from Wagering Online
July 29, 2026
Betting on Technology: Bipartisan Proposal for Requiring Facial Recognition to Keep Minors from Wagering Online
By: Lauren Scribner
“As every parent knows, when you tell a kid not to do something, they almost always end up trying to do it,” said Congresswoman Kristen MacDonald Rivet (MI-8) about the recently introduced bipartisan “Facial Recognition to Protect Children Act” (“proposed Act”).[1] She continued, “[k]ids under the age of 18 shouldn’t be making bets, but now it’s just a few taps away on their phones. Our…
Kim Conroy on Unleashing Litigation’s Maximum Potential in High-Stakes Cases
June 29, 2026
Kim Conroy on Unleashing Litigation’s Maximum Potential in High-Stakes Cases
By: Ifrah Law
With first-chair trial experience and a record of success in complex disputes across federal and state courts and in arbitrations, Kim Conroy is Ifrah’s cross-firm coach for crafting and executing complex litigation strategies. She teams up with both senior and junior lawyers to strengthen their cases with procedural insights and time-tested tactics. Kim also is called upon to assist with bet-the-company cases involving institutional and…
Massachusetts Explores iGaming Legalization: Opportunities, Risks, and Next Steps
June 26, 2026
Massachusetts Explores iGaming Legalization: Opportunities, Risks, and Next Steps
By: Katie Kovalsky
Massachusetts Explores iGaming Legalization: Opportunities, Risks, and Next Steps As states consider legalizing iGaming, legislatures must consider not only whether to legalize but also how the industry should be regulated. While legalization presents opportunities for increased tax revenue and consumer protections, it also raises concerns about responsible gaming, youth exposure, and enforcement against illegal operators. Massachusetts is one state currently evaluating this decision. A bill…
Sunshine, Strategy, and Handshakes: Reflections on SBC Summit Americas 2026
June 23, 2026
Sunshine, Strategy, and Handshakes: Reflections on SBC Summit Americas 2026
By: Amanda Holi
There is something irreplaceable about the energy of a live industry event, and this year’s SBC Summit Americas in Fort Lauderdale delivered. From June 9–11, the Broward County Convention Center became the epicenter of the gaming, sports wagering, and iGaming worlds. While the South Florida sunshine was a welcome backdrop, the real heat was inside the convention center, where industry professionals gathered to discuss everything…
