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Gambling on Skill: Enforcement of Gambling Laws Against Skill Games in Outlier States
FEATURED
March 10, 2026
Gambling on Skill: Enforcement of Gambling Laws Against Skill Games in Outlier States
By: Jordan Briggs
In many states, people can legally pay entry fees to participate in a skill game and win cash prizes. For most states that allow participants to wager on their own skilled gameplay, the analysis for whether a certain game qualifies as a legal skill game turns on whether the game is one of chance or of skill. Each state has its own test to determine if a game is chance or skill, but these tests fall into three categories. The most common test is the “predominant factor” test, which recognizes that all games have some element of chance but hinges on whether skill dominates the contest. If factors like superior knowledge, dexterity, and practice contribute largely to the outcome (i.e.,…
CFTC Plants the Flag on Regulating Prediction Markets
March 4, 2026
CFTC Plants the Flag on Regulating Prediction Markets
By: John Mikuta
On February 25, 2026, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), the governmental body primarily responsible for overseeing prediction markets, took a significant step toward consolidating its authority to oversee trading activities on prediction-market platforms.[1] The CFTC’s Division of Enforcement issued a “Prediction Markets Advisory” describing two enforcement actions brought by Kalshi, the world’s largest prediction market.[2] Both enforcement actions involved trades by Kalshi users who…
Jeff Ifrah Talks iGaming M&A: Opportunities, Strategies, and Smart Plays
February 18, 2026
Jeff Ifrah Talks iGaming M&A: Opportunities, Strategies, and Smart Plays
By: Ifrah Law
One of the best-known power players in iGaming, Jeff Ifrah is both the team captain and the founding MVP of Ifrah Law’s nationally ranked Online Gaming and Sports Betting practice. His strength as a litigator is matched by his depth as a business strategist and counselor. A respected dealmaker, Jeff has helped to incubate, structure and advise on many of the industry’s game-changing M&A transactions…
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…
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…
Following in Florida’s Footsteps: Hub-and-Spoke Sports Betting Could Be Coming to Wisconsin.
October 28, 2025
Following in Florida’s Footsteps: Hub-and-Spoke Sports Betting Could Be Coming to Wisconsin.
By: John Mikuta
Statewide online sports betting may soon be coming to Wisconsin. Last week, a bipartisan group of Wisconsin legislators introduced a bill, LRB-4723/1, which would legalize online sports betting in the state.[1] If the bill is enacted into law, Wisconsin would become the 32nd state to allow online sports betting statewide. Wisconsin has not yet enacted any statewide sports betting legislation. In fact, Wisconsin’s Constitution generally…
As Predicted, Prediction Markets Dominate G2E Discussions
October 13, 2025
As Predicted, Prediction Markets Dominate G2E Discussions
By: Sara Dalsheim
Every year at the biggest gaming conference in the world, G2E, there is one topic on everyone’s lips. In past years, these topics have been legalized online sports wagering, daily fantasy sports, legalized iGaming, expansions of legalized online gaming, social gaming, and sweepstakes casinos. This year it was no different; the topic being – prediction markets. With the growing popularity of exchanges such as Kalshi…
Practice, Study Hall and Sports Betting? NCAA Set to Allow College Athletes to Bet on Professional Sports
October 10, 2025
Practice, Study Hall and Sports Betting? NCAA Set to Allow College Athletes to Bet on Professional Sports
By: Michelle Cohen
First came the name, image, and likeness deals, and now…sports betting. Following a trend of eliminating certain restrictions on collegiate student-athletes, the NCAA’s Division I Administrative Committee just approved a proposal that removes the ban on student-athletes and athletic department staff engaging in sports betting on professional sports. Division II and Division III officials must also adopt the proposal before it can become effective. Assuming…
