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We are nearing the 10-year anniversary of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver writing a New York Times op-ed advocating for legal sports betting in the United States. Plus, the latest nuggets from campaign finance reports in the Missouri sports betting ballot battle (13:12) and why a new deal between Hard Rock Bet and Kambi bucks a recent industry trend (17:44).
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).
Last week's meeting of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission featured legal sports betting operators explaining what behaviors by bettors get their attention for potential limiting and banning. Plus, how a Michigan man made $2 million in fake deposits into an app (16:50) and early thoughts on how the NFL is handling sports betting advertising and integration in 2024 (20:00).
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).
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 (20:49).
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).
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).
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).
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 (7:34) and Nevada does better than you think it did on Super Bowl betting with the big game played in Las Vegas (17:26).
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 (11:37) and the unique setup for Super Bowl betting in Las Vegas (17:45).
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 (13:39) and one of the most notable partnerships to date, between LeBron James and DraftKings (19:58).
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 (11:14), a wild story about the Iowa sports betting investigation (15:38), the official launch date arrives in North Carolina (18:23), and Nevada takes another step into the present (22:50).
A new bill to address problem gambling drops in Congress, as well as iGaming legislation in New York (6:43) and sports betting license applications in Arizona (12:20). Plus, Pat Evans joins the crew to preview 2024 state-by-state legislation efforts throughout the country (18:02).
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. (14:30)
The Adelson family is making a major move into professional sports by buying controlling interest in the Dallas Mavericks, and the play likely means revived discussion of casinos and sports betting in Texas. Plus, California joins the list of states looking into the legality of fantasy sports (14:44), Unibet pulls the plug in North America (19:25), and North Carolina pushes back its launch date again (23:50).
A new challenge in a state court means Hard Rock Bet will not be coming back to Florida as soon as some hoped. Plus, the latest on the launch of online sports betting in Kentucky (13:27) and why a mysterious change to the law in North Carolina could slow down its path to online wagering (18:29).
What should happen when a sportsbook leaves up a line too long and bettors take advantage of the situation? Also, Fanatics begins streaming NFL games live inside its app (7:05) and Florida regulators crack down on Underdog, PrizePicks, and Betr for "illegal bets" (9:52).
Another court decision goes the way of those seeking legal sports betting in Florida, but one potentially large hurdle remains. Also, the crew reacts to a 9-11 promo in poor taste from DraftKings (4:40) and the latest scuttlebutt on social media around fantasy sports operators offering sports betting products (13:13).
As the NFL season starts, the crew highlights how the lines between legal, regulated sportsbooks and offshore competitors become blurrier for the media. Also, UFC takes a step to prevent future betting scandals (19:24) and the guys talk expectations for handle and revenue during the prime time of the sports calendar (28:07).
We had the latest update in the federal court case involving sports betting in Florida; are we any closer to actual bets being taken? We also look at Fanatics' plans for the start of NFL season (3:40), some fascinating data about sports betting commercials so far in 2023 (8:17), and the latest on the Kentucky launch (15:21).
State regulators are already talking about what to do with the next wave of sports betting advertising ahead of the 2023 NFL season. Also, the crew talks about whether the NFL is doing enough to educate players about gambling rules (14:27), which sportsbooks will launch next week in Kentucky (19:47), and why a small player in the US is weighing in on the ESPN Bet deal (23:56).
With the announcement of ESPN Bet now a week old, what has the crew heard from the rest of the industry about its chances? Plus, an update on Florida sports betting (16:40), the disappearance of No House Advantage (22:04), and an ode to the death of William Hill Nevada (26:25).
ESPN ended years of speculation about its sports betting future by announcing a partnership with PENN Entertainment for ESPN BET. The deal not only brings the global media brand into the US sports betting market, but it also ends the run of Barstool Sportsbook as well. Enjoy a full episode of talk about the future of ESPN BET.
Fantasy sports companies offering prop-style products are facing a fresh wave of scrutiny from state gaming regulators who compare the products to sports betting. Also, what's going on with the Iowa college betting investigation (22:38), the NFL's ask to a congresswoman on offshores (30:00), and earnings season producing profits (36:21).
Former LSR reporter and Eilers & Krejcik analyst Brad Allen joins the crew to recap the past few weeks of news and look forward to the future of the US market. What the PointsBet acquisition means for Fanatics (3:03), the shuttering of PlayUp (12:02), DFS prop betting rants (15:17), and the top storylines of the legal era (26:25).
Just when it looked like Fanatics would buy PointsBet, DraftKings came in with a bigger offer. The crew talks about how the competition will play out, plus Ontario looking at betting sports betting ads (14:39), a Congresswoman looking for answers (19:30), Ohio looking for more money (22:27), and Bally's looking for a total do-over (25:45).
Sportsbooks and state regulators must adjust to a new reality in which a Saudi wealth fund essentially owns the PGA Tour, as well as a team golf product no one truly understands. Also, why an integrity expert believes we should expect more NFL betting probes (13:49) and how North Carolina legalizing online sports betting apps could affect its neighbors (25:09)
An Indianapolis Colts player allegedly placed dozens of bets on NFL games, but the crew says to be careful lumping together all football betting issues. Also, when Can't Lose definitely loses (10:16), how North Carolina crossed the legislative finish line (19:09), and why Texas might need major help to get there (23:16).
Legal online sportsbooks appear to be coming to NC after a bill faces just a few formalities, but a launch could be far off. We also talk about an update on college betting bans (5:30) and the latest call for the feds to get involved in stopping offshore sportsbooks (9:54).
A new study sheds light on how many young people participate in some kind of gaming activity, and it should be read closely to understand what it means. Plus, Fanatics pulls a marketing offer (10:52), new info about a DraftKings account hack (19:36), and why Minnesota sports betting legislation failed (21:41).
The LSR team takes a look back and forward five years after the date the federal sports betting ban fell in the US Supreme Court. We also talk about Fanatics acquiring PointsBet (24:40), DraftKings' CEO talking parlays (35:00), and Texas sports betting is dead as a doornail (41:18).
KFI's Tech Reporter Rich DeMuro returns for 'Tech Tuesday'! Google IO is happening tomorrow (what is that?), Twitter is planning on doing some housekeeping, and Apple recently launched a bunch of games to play as part of their Apple Arcade. Then, bets are booming. Americans have spent an unbelievable amount of money on sports betting in the last 5 years!