John Holden, Author at Legal Sports Report

Analysis: New Sportradar Report Chronicles Match-Fixing In 2021

One of the goals of regulating markets is to shine a light on corruption and the sports betting market is no different. Indeed, despite years of nonsensical and disingenuous objections from the major American sports leagues, a regulated market makes it far easier to protect sports integrity than an unregulated market. This is because regulated […] Read More

Posted on: May 3, 2022 | | John Holden

Opinion: Digging Deeper On DOJ Bust Of California Illegal Bookie Ring

Federal authorities issued a press release late last month announcing the resolution of a series of cases stemming from what the feds dubbed “an illegal gambling operation that involved current and former professional athletes, some of whom assisted with the business and others who placed large bets on games.” The announcement notes that the conspirators […] Read More

Posted on: April 13, 2022 | | John Holden

Opinion: So An NFL Player Walks Into A Sportsbook …

The news that Atlanta Falcons and former University of Alabama star receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games while away from the team last November for mental health reasons is disappointing for fans of the league. The same could be said for those hoping that league-wide gambling education programs were effective. […] Read More

Posted on: April 12, 2022 | | John Holden

Opinion: Will Ontario Sports Betting Gamble Pay Off?

Ontario will launch a privatized iGaming and competitive market for sports betting on April 4. There has been a great deal of hype around the launch. By most accounts, the regulatory work of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is showing itself to be among the most competent in at least North America, if […] Read More

Posted on: March 29, 2022 | | John Holden

DraftKings Files Motion To Dismiss Securities Suit From Short-Seller Report

Late last month, DraftKings filed a motion to dismiss an amended complaint in litigation surrounding securities laws. The litigation stems from a class-action lawsuit filed in July 2021 alleging that DraftKings violated federal securities laws. In particular, the lawsuit alleged that DraftKings made false or misleading statements about the company’s relationship with SBTech. The case […] Read More

Posted on: March 22, 2022 | | John Holden

Opinion: Is Ontario Ready For Sports Betting Launch Next Month?

The Ontario launch of sports betting and iGaming is slated for an April 4 launch, but whether it happens on that day is something of an open question. There appear to be mounting efforts to challenge Canada‘s largest province’s intent to privatize two aspects of its gaming market. At the moment, the plan calls for a […] Read More

Posted on: March 8, 2022 | | John Holden

Opinion: About That Dormant Commerce Clause In Arkansas Sports Betting

The Dormant Commerce Clause is a fairly complex area of constitutional law somehow recently thrust into an Arkansas sports betting discussion. Despite that, it has recently become en vogue for various groups to suggest that various laws violate the Clause, including this month in Arkansas sports betting. The NCAA, for instance, asserted that California’s name, […] Read More

Posted on: February 25, 2022 | | John Holden

Opinion: Tribal Sports Betting Storylines To Watch

Last year saw US sports betting handle rise, and the number of states offering legal sports betting increased to more than half the country. However, while the volume of betting increased, the market for operators continued to consolidate. It’s a trend unlikely to stop moving forward, mainly as states like New York use sports betting […] Read More

Posted on: February 24, 2022 | | John Holden

Opinion: Odds Are Super Bowl Won’t Make Brian Flores Story Go Away For NFL

The week before the Super Bowl, former Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores filed a lawsuit against the NFL and three of its teams. Flores’ suit makes clear that despite the Rooney Rule, the NFL has failed to create an equitable system. The class-action lawsuit alleges discrimination under Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of […] Read More

Posted on: February 9, 2022 | | John Holden

Opinion: Where’s The Ceiling For US Sports Betting Revenue?

In May 2022, we will mark the fourth anniversary of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) being struck down by the Supreme Court and the subsequent expansion of full-scale regulated US sports betting outside Nevada. While we have mercifully moved on from many mainstream media outlets citing handle as though it is revenue […] Read More

Posted on: February 3, 2022 | | John Holden