Sports Betting News

The MLB Players Union has filed lawsuits against DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog, and bet365, alleging the illegal use of players' images. They claim the operators need a licensing deal to use those images, which the union has been cracking down on over the last month.

The AGA has come out strongly against the SAFE Bet Act, describing the proposed bill as a slap in the face to the efforts of states and their regulators. If passed, the bill would move almost all regulatory control over sports betting to the federal government.

Caesars Sportsbooks has been approved to launch 53 sports betting kiosks across Washington, D.C., replacing the ones previously operated by GameBetDC. The move is the result of sports betting expansion language included in the District’s 2025 budget.

Fanatics Sportsbook launched its platform in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, making it the fifth operator to go live in the market. Fanatics is now available in 22 markets across the US, making it one of the most widespread sportsbooks in the country.

Two lawmakers have proposed the SAFE Bet Act, which would completely overhaul the US sports betting industry. The proposal would reset the market, handing control over to the federal government. The bill would also add severe advertising restrictions and protections for bettors.

Circuit Court Judge Green has ruled that a lawsuit challenging a sports betting initiative lacked the evidence needed to keep it off the November ballot. That means residents will have a chance to legalize the industry in the upcoming election.

New York has reported a 29% year-over-year increase to their sports betting handle in August, a third of which was generated in the first week of the college football season. DraftKings led all operators for the first time since May with $526 million in wagers.

The IRS has sent out a press release warning bettors against using unregulated sportsbooks when wagering on the upcoming NFL season. They estimate that the illegal sports betting market in the US to be worth northwards of $700 million.

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement has levied a $33,000 fine against bet365 for offering unapproved betting options on its sportsbook. The wager in question revolved around events that were on tap delay, making them illegal under New Jersey law.

The AGA estimates that the NFL season will see around $35 billion in wagers, a 30% increase from last year. More states starting the season with legal sports betting, an expanded D.C. market, and Bovada's downfall are expected to lead to more wagers this season.