SharpRank’s weekly updates on Compliance, Audit, Legislation, Ethics, & Regulation within the Sports Betting Industry.
Topics 3/6/25:
- YouTube Tightens Rules on Gambling Links to Unapproved Sites
- Polymarket Bettors Wager on Pope’s Future, Stirring Controversy
- Panda Interactive Escalates Lawsuit Against Sportradar, Genius Sports
- Woman-Owned Sportsbook Fights for Historic Horse Racing in Maryland
- Florida Lawmakers Push Gambling Ban Expansion, iGaming Implications Loom
- Nevada Gaming Regulators Send Warning to Kalshi’s Sports, Election Markets
YouTube Tightens Rules on Gambling Links to Unapproved Sites
YouTube announced a major policy update aimed at curbing gambling content, specifically videos that direct viewers to unapproved betting sites. The new rules prohibit links, images, logos, or verbal references to gambling platforms that don’t meet local legal requirements. Additionally, YouTube will age-restrict content promoting online casinos, preventing access for users under 18 or those not logged in. The changes, part of a broader content moderation effort, take effect on March 19 and are expected to impact gambling influencers and promotional content across the platform. The Full Story Here.Polymarket Bettors Wager on Pope’s Future, Stirring Controversy
The peer-to-peer betting platform Polymarket has sparked controversy by offering odds on Pope Francis’ future, including markets on whether he will step down or be replaced in 2025. With the pope currently hospitalized for respiratory issues, users have wagered over $710,000 on the outcome. Critics argue that such markets are morally questionable, while Polymarket continues to operate despite past regulatory crackdowns by the CFTC. Meanwhile, rival betting exchange Kalshi has opted not to offer similar wagers, avoiding regulatory scrutiny. The Full Story Here.Panda Interactive Escalates Lawsuit Against Sportradar, Genius Sports
Panda Interactive has escalated its legal battle against Sportradar and Genius Sports, accusing them of blocking competitors and coercing sportsbooks into using their platforms. Initially suing for patent infringement on low-latency, interactive sports streaming and betting technology, Panda now claims the companies are leveraging their exclusive sports league partnerships to restrict fair market access. Panda is seeking a court order to halt these alleged practices, while Sportradar denies wrongdoing and vows to defend itself vigorously. The Full Story Here.Woman-Owned Sportsbook Fights for Historic Horse Racing in Maryland
Alyse Cohen, owner of Long Shot’s OTB, is advocating for Senate Bill 982 and House Bill 1048, which would legalize Historic Horse Racing (HHR) machines in Maryland. Cohen argues that HHR, a skill-based betting format on past horse races, could revitalize struggling OTBs and generate $65 million in annual tax revenue. Opponents, including major casino operators, fear competition, but Cohen insists OTBs serve different markets and won’t cannibalize casino business. The Maryland General Assembly will hold hearings on March 5-6, with votes expected soon. The Full Story Here.Florida Lawmakers Push Gambling Ban Expansion, iGaming Implications Loom
Two bills introduced in Florida seek to extend the state’s gambling ban to include sweepstakes casinos, online casinos, and internet sports betting outside of the Seminole Tribe’s gaming compact. The bills define “internet gambling” and “internet sports wagering” broadly, potentially affecting existing and future online gambling operations. While the measures could limit unauthorized gaming, they may also clear the way for Hard Rock to expand into iGaming, making Florida one of the largest regulated online casino markets in the U.S. if approved. The Full Story Here.Nevada Gaming Regulators Send Warning to Kalshi’s Sports, Election Markets
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has ordered Kalshi to stop offering sports and election betting markets, arguing that such activity is illegal in Nevada without Gaming Commission approval. Kalshi, a CFTC-regulated prediction market, insists its operations comply with federal law and has vowed to seek a resolution. The dispute raises broader federal vs. state. The Full Story Here.Click here to read our latest blog post: Efficient Market Hypothesis in Sports Betting
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