Legal digital sports betting in Nebraska seems to be at a standstill as lawmakers are divided on the issue. Governor Jim Pillen, who was traditionally against gaming, now supports an expansion to increase state tax revenue. However, no firm adjournment date has been set for the special session, which began on July 25. Legal sports betting was limited to in-person wagering after voters legalized “games of chance” in 2020, but there is a push to add digital gambling to the mix to benefit property-tax relief in the state.
FanDuel, a popular sports betting platform, is facing a lawsuit in federal court in California for allegedly sharing consumer data with TikTok before customers can make decisions about data sharing. The lawsuit claims that TikTok uses “fingerprinting” to collect data from anonymous sources and then sends targeted ads to consumers. FanDuel’s parent company, Flutter, is not the only company facing legal action for using TikTok software, as other companies like DraftKings and WebMD have also been sued.
DraftKings recently missed earnings expectations but defended its decision to introduce a winners’ tax starting in January. The company believes that consumers will be willing to pay the fee for a better product and experience. DraftKings aims to reach $1 billion in EBITDA by 2025, and other operators may follow suit in implementing similar fees. However, Rush Street Interactive CEO Richard Schwartz has stated that his company will not be going down that road.
In other news, ESPN sports betting reporter David Purdhum signed a contract extension, ensuring his coverage of sports betting news in the U.S. will continue. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement required bet365 to reimburse bettors over $500,000 for shifting odds without approval. PrizePicks announced a CEO change, with Mike Ybarra replacing Adam Wexler, though the reason for the change was not disclosed. Additionally, the US Attorney’s office in Southern California arrested four individuals for running a cock-fighting ring, and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission canceled a meeting to discuss bet limits with operators.
These developments in the world of sports betting highlight the complexities and legal issues surrounding the industry. As the landscape continues to evolve, both consumers and operators will need to navigate these challenges to ensure a fair and transparent betting environment for all involved.
