Legal Sports Report

Matt and Adam meet up for the annual gaming convention in Las Vegas and report back with their notes on the hottest discussion topics: will more sports betting brands ever launch in Florida (5:16), what's the next big thing for sportsbooks after same-game parlays (8:16), the issue that popped up the most at the show (19:39), and an update on the timeline for sports betting in California (23:40).

Legal happenings from around the US and UK lead the news around the sports betting landscape this week, including a disgraced former NFL employee suing FanDuel (00:46), the ongoing battle over the 2018 FanDuel sale (6:58), DraftKings winning a round against its former head of VIP (13:54), and a settlement between the SEC and DraftKings (18:26).

Lachlan Murdoch spoke this week about whether or not his company will exercise its option to purchase nearly a 20% stake in FanDuel before the opportunity expires. Plus, another opposition group appears to work against the Missouri online sports betting initiative (5:39), the industry pushes back against the latest version of a federal sports betting bill (10:04), and house rules remain important to read (19:05).

As Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season arrives, the crew discusses how many ads we'll see during the games, whether sportsbooks will send promos to retain existing customers while trying to recruit new ones, and which sports betting operators face the most important tests as the biggest time of the year arrives for their bottom lines.

A mysterious lawsuit challenging the online Missouri sports betting ballot measure appears, but no one is certain who is behind it. Plus, DraftKings goes shopping (7:21), an NFLPA lawsuit against the crown is even bigger than expected (13:58), a suit over alleged deceptive sportsbook marketing moves forward (17:53), and another illegal bookie meets justice (22:28).

Sealed court documents show that the NFL Players Association is suing DraftKings for a potential breach of contract, but which one? Plus, sportsbooks put millions more dollars into the effort to legalize sports betting in Missouri (6:18), Nebraska's chance at passing a bill in 2024 dies (9:10), the AGA wants regulators to look into sweeps (11:23), and Massachusetts gets serious about talking limits (15:58).

The plan for a DraftKings surcharge on winning bettors in high-tax states lasted just 13 days, as the company abandoned the idea shortly after FanDuel declined to match it. Plus, Missouri will vote on legalizing sports betting this fall (16:04), Nebraska might do the same (18:08), and Intralot might be in legal trouble in Washington DC (23:49).

Everything You Need To Know About DraftKings Surcharge (01:08), Legal Sports Report revenue analyst Eric Ramsey joins the pod crew to break down his analysis of how much money DraftKings could make by implementing a surcharge on winning bettors in higher-tax states. Also, a debate on whether legislators are to blame for high tax rates and whether FanDuel will follow the footsteps of DraftKings with its own fee (19:16).

A special legislative session in Nebraska is underway, with online sports betting legalization up for discussion. Plus, a Missouri ballot measure takes a key step (3:52), the latest poll on iGaming in New York shows support (7:09), and a move by PrizePicks raises questions about whether the company wants to buy or sell (12:46).

Superbook decided to end its US operations outside Las Vegas last week. Why couldn't one of the most recognized names in Las Vegas make more of an impact? Plus, a new entrant in sports betting and iGaming comes to PA (11:18), what comes next for VSiN after DraftKings sold it back (15:43), and a recap of the NCLGS Summer Conference in Pittsburgh (23:52).

With publicly traded operators in sports betting set to report earnings for Q2 2024, Matthew Waters joins the show to preview what to expect for PENN, DKNG, CZR, MGM, and others. Plus, what in the world is going on in Washington, D.C., where a budget snafu has the market on hold (24:51).

Two more brands decide to call it quits after trying to make a dent in the US sports betting market. What does it mean for the bigger players? Plus, the latest developments in the Jontay Porter NBA scandal (13:11), why a new acquisition shows Caesars is better understanding its situation (20:15), and a New Jersey legislator starting the long climb toward reversing a betting ban (26:25).

A wild lawsuit targeting DraftKings and a prominent professional sports bettor drops in New York, leading to larger discussion around how sharps get action down at sportsbooks. Plus, MGM makes a big purchase for its international business (13:34), DC finally moves past its sports betting folly (18:33), and UK election betting scandals offer a cautionary tale in the US (22:10).

The US Supreme Court chose not to hear a challenge to the Florida gaming compact that paved the way for Hard Rock Bet to launch. What could that mean for tribes in other states? Plus, Boyd shows interest in acquiring Penn (8:00), Massachusetts goes back to the limits discussion (12:57), and more states take action against a major offshore sportsbook (21:23).

The new president of the NCAA made an interesting comment about the legalization of sports betting in the United States this week at a conference. Also, the crew talks about what the legislative prospects look like for Texas in 2025 (8:02) and an analyst's thoughts on what tiers sports betting operators fall into in the US (12:08).

Another legislative session comes to a quiet end for people hoping for sports betting to become legal. Then, the crew dives deep into the failed Massachusetts roundtable on sports betting limits (8:11), as well as laying out a path for an informed and productive discussion on how to strike compromise between bettors and books (11:32).

The crew leads off their discussion with the latest from the Minnesota sports betting debate, then talks about this year's SBC (0:49), which topics were hottest on the floor (4:46), and how responsible gambling could shape future discussions throughout the North American sports betting and iGaming industries (10:09).

Comments from Caesars CEO Tom Reeg at a recent gaming conference raise the specter of federal regulation around responsible gambling. Also, the crew talks about a win for DraftKings in court (9:50), a major concern for a Las Vegas casino in the Ippei Mizuhara gambling scandal (15:50), and a familiar fate for sports betting legislation in Mississippi (22:20).

Ohio reverses course and grants an NCAA request to ban college player prop betting. Is that where the push for more restriction starts or where it ends? Plus, the latest on pick'em game bans around the country (11:05), a legislative roundup from a number of states (11:31), and what a DFS deal in Texas means for the future there (22:03).

PrizePicks and Underdog this week relaunched pick'em games in Florida as peer-to-peer instead of against the house. Is that model the future for the controversial games? Plus, why one analyst sees upside for Penn in ESPN Bet (6:40), Entain and MGM aligned on the future of BetMGM (13:05), and Minnesota going from promising to puzzling once again (17:40).

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the ultimate punishment to Jontay Porter for his activities around sports betting and his performance. Did the system work as planned? Plus, why Georgia sports betting legislation failed on a familiar path (13:20), whether Alabama sports betting still has any chance to pass, and the latest on Shohei Ohtani (16:05).

The crew brings a busy two weeks of sports betting news into focus with the latest on gambling investigations around Shohei Ohtani and Jontay Porter. Plus, a glimmer of hope for online sports betting in Mississippi (19:40) and a handful of suggestions for better ways to handle college player props than enacting outright bans (22:10).

The NBA will allow customers who purchase its League Pass streaming product to opt in for added betting-related content, and the crew wants to know why some people think it means the sky is falling. Also, how to make good responsible gambling tools even better (11:27) and the latest on a federal bill to regulate sports betting (17:56).

After integrity monitors flagged suspicious betting activity around Temple men's basketball, the crew noticed something that most others did not: a system functioning well. Plus, what an NFL employee spent his stolen millions buying (11:14), ThriveFantasy looking ready to close up shop (13:59), and why Eric Ramsey thinks North Carolina is definitely a top-10 market (18:09).

Alabama appeared to be one of the most promising states for legalizing sports betting in 2024, but political wrangling led to unexpected roadblocks. Also, why 888 might be on its way out of the US market (4:00), the latest twist in the case against Iowa State student-athletes (12:33), and the North Carolina launch you've all been hearing about (14:07).

Apple launches a native sports app on its devices featuring odds integration from DraftKings, so what does it mean for the global sports betting industry? Also, Florida and New York take major action on fantasy sports pick'em games and Nevada does better than you think it did on Super Bowl betting with the big game played in Las Vegas

One of the wildest stories of the legal US sports betting era explodes into the news, as DraftKings accuses its former head of VIP of stealing secrets to bring to Fanatics. Also, the NFL commissioner talks about employees fired for gambling and the unique setup for Super Bowl betting in Las Vegas

LSR analyst Eric Ramsey rejoins the podcast to discuss his Super Bowl revenue and handle projections throughout the legal US sports betting market. Also, a promising step forward in Georgia and one of the most notable partnerships to date, between LeBron James and DraftKings

The new app on the block made waves with unusually generous limits and boosts for the NFL Divisional Playoffs and the crew speculates about why. Plus, the latest California sports betting effort quietly dies, a wild story about the Iowa sports betting investigation, the official launch date arrives in North Carolina, and Nevada takes another step into the present

A new bill to address problem gambling drops in Congress, as well as iGaming legislation in New York and sports betting license applications in Arizona. Plus, Pat Evans joins the crew to preview 2024 state-by-state legislation efforts throughout the country.

An olive branch from sportsbooks to California tribes (3:46). When MLB-affiliated reporting indicated Shohei Ohtani was joining the Blue Jays, baseball odds shifted dramatically - and it turned out incorrectly, when he landed with the Dodgers.

Sports betting earnings calls are filled with talk of profitability and efficiency, but what has it taken for some sportsbooks to get closer to being in the black? The crew also looks at the return of official league data talk (12:58), positive signs for a Minnesota bill (18:33), and a throwback to the days of DFS (20:14).

What are the prospects for a new House bill that would end sportsbook advertising as we know it? Also, FanDuel stock might become available in the US (15:40) and the lessons to be learned from the Caesars/William Hill app crashes on Super Bowl Sunday in Nevada (21:35).

Houston's favorite bedding salesman gives one of the most ridiculous takes of the legal US sports betting era, so the crew finally must speak his name. Also, LSR projections for Super Bowl handle and a shift in strategy for Barstool Sportsbook.

A hearing in New York featured sportsbook executives pleading for a lower tax rate and hinting at consequences if they don't get their wish (0:49). The crew also looks at the revamped PointsBet-NBC deal and Intralot's latest struggles with sports betting, this time in Ohio (8:28).

New York has made a lot of money from online sports betting, but help for problem gamblers does not appear to be adequately funded; can that change this year (1:00)? We also talk about whether athletes under the age of 21 should be able to get endorsement deals from sports (12:18), and Bally's pulls back on its online gambling staffing (17:45) despite a lot of spending in the sector in recent years.

A bill again emerges in New York to increase the number of online sportsbooks in the state (1:00). Jerry Jones opines about the legalization of sports betting in Texas (8:24); we talk about what that means and the climate for expanded gambling in the Lone Star State. The latest on the UFC betting scandal (14:55); and we run through staff predictions for 2023 (22:33).

The state of Ohio is regulating how sportsbooks market to customers far more seriously than any other jurisdiction (0:52); could that have repercussions around the US? We also take a look at Bet365's entrance into Pennsylvania (7:16) and the latest as Texas considers legalizing sports betting (18:37).

We take a look at how the NFL and sportsbooks dealt with the Bill-Bengals game (4:22). Ohio went live with online sports betting a minute after New Year's Eve (12:39)... and after Ohio State lost in the college football national semifinal. Barstool Sportsbook is officially coming to Massachusetts (21:23).

DraftKings CEO Jason Robins ignited the sports betting community on Twitter with his comments about bettors seeking profit. Brad Allen joins the crew to discuss the situation, plus Nevada tops $1 billion and Florida stays on hold.

A federal court ruling says the compact that legalized sports betting in Florida needs to come off the books, so where does that leave things? We also speculate on the launch of New York sports betting, talk about ESPN's potential foray into gambling and the records we saw in October for wagering activity.

We now know who will be taking bets in New York but when will the state launch online betting? We also break down the latest news from DraftKings and Penn National/Barstool Sportsbook, as well as updates in Florida, Minnesota, and Ohio.

We break down where we think everything is heading in New York as operators decide if they approve of the state's tax rates. We also talk about the Tennessee minimum hold rule continuing to haunt us as we approach Halloween. And the DraftKings-Entain deal is officially going nowhere, so what's next?

We know more about what online sports betting in New York could look like, and it may come with a 64% tax rate on revenue. We also go over updates on sports betting in Connecticut and Florida, plus an important move by the NFL and the NCPG when it comes to responsible gambling.

With the report that Adam Schefter could be a target of Caesars Sportsbook, we break down what that means for the legal betting industry in in the US. We also see if Florida launched, how Connecticut sports betting is going, and we talk a lot about curling.

Connecticut and Louisiana now have retail sportsbooks, but we're still waiting for online betting. We also chat about what happened at the gambling conference G2E, the latest on DraftKings and Entain, and the legal wrangling in Florida.

Regulators warned of potential issues from the flood of gambling promotions and commercials in the US, something that the UK is familiar with. We also break down Arizona's huge opening week, sports betting arrives in Washington and is close in Connecticut, and more legal shenanigans crop up in Florida.

The LSR crew takes stock of the meteoric rise of American sports gambling heading into another NFL season, which will be the biggest yet in the US market. We also tell you whether to expect a launch in Arizona tomorrow and the latest on the Sportradar IPO.

The Arizona sports betting law is under threat of lawsuits ahead of a launch that is supposed to happen next week. We also talk about the Wyoming online sports betting launch, what's going on with legalization in Florida and California, and the NFL gets in even deeper with gambling.