Sports Betting Industry News & Market Updates

Gambling regulators from Nevada and Ohio have both warned sportsbooks that they could lose their licenses if they decide to offer sports prediction markets. The warnings come just days after FanDuel announced it would be launching a non-sports prediction platform.

Fanatics Sportsbook has announced it has partnered with Boyd Gaming in Missouri, allowing it to apply for one of the market’s sports betting licenses. The deal will also allow the operator to open retail sportsbooks at Boyd’s two Ameristar casinos.

A recent poll revealed that California residents support legalizing sports betting as lawmakers and tribes work to negotiate a regulatory framework. The poll offers hope that the two sides can reach a deal to include sports betting in the November 2026 election.

Wisconsin’s Ho-Chunk Nation has filed a lawsuit against Kalshi, claiming its sports prediction offerings violate tribal and state gambling laws. The tribe also claims the low minimum age requirement for these markets is creating a dangerous problem gambling crisis for young Americans.

FanDuel announced it will begin offering prediction markets for the US economy later this year, but has not confirmed intentions to launch one for sports. The announcement makes it the first sportsbook to enter the new industry, beating top rival DraftKings to market.

Arizona’s Department of Gaming has sent out cease & desist letters to Fliff and Thrillzz social sportsbooks, ordering them to exit the market immediately. The regulator is threatening to bring felony charges against both industry-leading operators.

Kalshi has announced it will be offering spread, total, and pro bet markets through the Robinhood platform. All three markets will be live before the NFL and NCAA football seasons begin, despite mounting legal pressures on the industry.

ESPN Bet has announced a new $1 minimum bet requirement for all wagers placed in Illinois to help offset the revenue lost from recent tax hikes. They join BetMGM, Hard Rock Bet, and BetRivers, who have also raised their minimums this summer.

Circa Sports scored a massive victory today when the Missouri Gaming Commission awarded it with one of the state’s two untethered sports betting licenses. This allows the operator to launch in the state on December 1 without needing to establish an in-state partner.

Sportsbooks have been pushing for Illinois to confirm how it will tax new customer surcharges added by FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics over the summer. While operators insist the fees should not be subject to state taxes, reports suggest the state may disagree.