Speaking Engagement

Aug 5, 2025

Michelle Cohen to Moderate Panel on Prediction Markets at Saratoga Racing and Gaming Conference

Ifrah Law Member Michelle Cohen will moderate a panel entitled “Predicting the Future of Prediction Markets: Will they Go or Grow?” at the prestigious Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 4:00pm.

Prediction wagering markets represent a new frontier that could significantly impact the traditional gaming ecosystem. Representing a diverse range of perspectives, panelists will discuss the nuances of this evolving regulatory and competitive environment and whether the predictions market offers opportunity for collaboration or a threat to state-regulated gaming.

The Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga serves as the premier forum for industry decision-makers, stakeholders, and gaming patrons to analyze trends and discuss critical issues affecting both New York and national markets. Details on Michelle Cohen’s panel are below:

Monday, August 11, 2025 | 4:00pm – 4:50pm
Predicting the Future of Prediction Markets: Will they Go or Grow?

Licensed, regulated gaming operators already face pressure from a rapidly expanding array of unregulated competitors. In 2025, yet another vertical – prediction wagering – offers the potential to further upend the status quo. Do such operators, regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), represent a challenge or a dire threat to operators that are regulated by states? This panel of professionals offers a view from the trenches of this increasingly complicated competition for gambling dollars.

Moderator: Michelle Cohen, Partner, Ifrah Law; Advisor and Counsel, iDEA Growth

Speakers:

• David Aron, Special Counsel, Lowenstein Sandler
• John Berlau, Senior Fellow & Director of Finance Policy, Competitive Enterprise Institute
• Saam Hafezi, Regional Director (North America), Play’n GO
• Chris Stearns, Representative, Washington
• Tres York, Vice President Government Affairs, American Gaming Association