USA
NFL shows that sports betting is going nowhere, the ROGA and the RGC are launching responsible gambling certifications aiming to exceed state expectations with select partners, Lottery.com is relaunching, FanDuel launched a P2P fantasy product and the NCAA banned three college basketball players as a result of a federal betting probe.
TL;DR: A Bite-sized Overview:
- Sportsbooks Brace For NFL Revenue Surge: DraftKings and BetMGM predict record betting volumes with $30 billion projected.
- ROGA and RGC Launch Responsible Gambling Certification: Program for eight operators aims to enhance responsible gaming standards.
- Lottery.com Relaunches in the US: Partners with PA, MI, and VA lotteries, introducing a new engagement platform.
- FanDuel Debuts FanDuel Picks: Peer-to-peer fantasy platform launches in 17 states with up to 1,000x payouts.
- NCAA Bans Three Basketball Players: Permanent bans for gambling violations spark calls to eliminate prop bets.
Sportsbook Profits in for Greatest NFL Season Yet
DraftKings CEO Jason Robins told CNBC that betting was surging toward the NFL season opener, with expectations of record numbers. BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt reported a 30% rise in preseason volume and record weekly revenue, with stable bet sizes and session frequency. He noted that 60% of sports bettors also wager in online casinos. Both companies exceeded Q2 expectations, with DraftKings reporting $1.51 billion in revenue and BetMGM raising guidance twice.
ROGA and RGC Launch Responsible Gaming Certification for Major Operators
The Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA), representing 90% of the US legal sports betting market, has partnered with the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) to introduce a certification program for eight major operators, including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and PENN Entertainment’s brands.
The program employs a data-driven framework to assess self-exclusion tools, player support, staff training, and marketing, with the objective of exceeding state requirements for responsible gaming in the US.
The certification aims to enhance transparency and player trust. ROGA’s Dr. Jennifer Shatley emphasized its role in promoting evidence-based standards, while RGC’s Sarah McCarthy highlighted its foundation in decades of responsible gaming expertise. Building on ROGA’s initiatives, such as the “Know Your Play” campaign and VIP guidelines, the program, set for finalization soon, underscores the industry’s commitment to accountable gaming amid the growth of prediction markets.
Lottery.com Relaunches in the US with State Affiliates and Rewards Program
The SEGG Media Corporation announced the relaunch of Lottery.com to the US market via affiliate partnerships with state lotteries in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Virginia, alongside a new nationwide rewards platform. Targeting digital-first players, the relaunch capitalizes on the booming growth of online lotteries, with Pennsylvania surpassing $1 billion in online sales within two years, Virginia generating $807 million in its first year, and Michigan reaching $613 million in fiscal year 2019.
Later this year, they plan to introduce a new rewards program, which is expected to boost engagement through promotions, unique experiences, and deliver community benefits from lottery proceeds. SEGG Media COO Gregory Potts cited the $1.7 billion.
FanDuel Debuts Peer-to-Peer Fantasy Platform FanDuel Picks in 17 States
FanDuel launched FanDuel Picks, a peer-to-peer fantasy sports platform in 17 states, stripped of their leading sports betting product. FanDuel Picks is available in:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Texas, Utah
- Wisconsin.
Users pick three to six athletes, predict "more" or "less" on stats like touchdowns, and compete for pooled prizes, with payouts up to 1,000 times the entry fee. New users depositing $5 get $60 in bonus funds.
NCAA Bans Three Basketball Players for Gambling Violations
The NCAA permanently banned three former men's basketball players, Mykell Robinson and Jalen Weaver from Fresno State, and Steven Vasquez from San Jose State, for betting on their own games, manipulating performances, and sharing insider information during the 2024-25 season. Suspicious prop bets, flagged by Fresno State and a Nevada integrity monitor, revealed Robinson and Vasquez, former roommates, planned underperformance in a January game, placing $2200 in bets for $15950 in winnings. Robinson made 13 daily fantasy bets on his stats, earning $618, while Weaver admitted to a $50 parlay on teammates' stats, winning $260.
Non-cooperative Robinson and Vasquez, and cooperative Weaver, were released from their teams. The bans, announced September 10, tie to a wider probe of 13 players from six schools, linked to a federal gambling ring in Pennsylvania. NCAA President Charlie Baker pushed for eliminating prop bets to reduce integrity risks, with no penalties for schools or staff.