SharpRank’s weekly updates on Compliance, Audit, Legislation, Ethics, & Regulation within the Sports Betting Industry.
Topics 8/13/25:
- UFC Abandons Pay-Per-View in $7.7B Streaming Deal with Paramount+
- AGA, State AGs Unite to Crack Down on Sweepstakes and Offshore Gambling
- Fanatics Joins Race for Missouri Sports Betting License
- Bet365 Launches Sportsbook in Kansas
- ESPN Strikes Major NFL Media Deal, Gains Network, Fantasy, and RedZone Rights
- Coinbase to Add Tokenized Stocks and Prediction Markets for U.S. Users
- Ohio Moves to Ban Player-Specific Live Prop Bets
- Light & Wonder to Exit Nasdaq, Focus Solely on Australian Trading
UFC Abandons Pay-Per-View in $7.7B Streaming Deal with Paramount+
UFC is ditching its long-standing Pay-Per-View format in favor of an exclusive streaming partnership with Paramount+, which acquired rights to 13 marquee events and 30 Fight Nights for $7.7 billion. The agreement, hailed by UFC President Dana White as a way to make events more affordable and accessible, will also see some events simulcast on CBS. Paramount executives see the deal as a way to rebuild the company’s reputation while gaining access to UFC’s massive global audience.
AGA, State AGs Unite to Crack Down on Sweepstakes and Offshore Gambling
The American Gaming Association, supported by 50 state attorneys general, is pushing for a federal crackdown on illegal offshore gambling operations, citing billions in lost tax revenue and links to organized crime. AGA research shows most players view sweepstakes casinos as real-money gambling, with many spending regularly without regulated safeguards. The coalition urges the DOJ to replicate its 2011 “Black Friday” action against online poker sites, emphasizing the need for federal-level enforcement and payment processor accountability to shut down black-market operators.
The Full Story Here.
Fanatics Joins Race for Missouri Sports Betting License
Fanatics Sportsbook has applied for both online and retail sports betting licenses in Missouri, joining Circa Sports, DraftKings, Underdog, and FanDuel as applicants. Missouri’s new sports betting market will launch on December 1, with regulators able to issue up to 19 retail and 14 online licenses. The Gaming Commission will review presentations for untethered licenses on August 13 and announce winners on August 15. Several suppliers, including Sportradar and GeoComply, have also applied for licenses.
Bet365 Launches Sportsbook in Kansas
Bet365 has launched in Kansas, adding to a U.S. footprint that now spans 14 states. Known for its live betting features, sharp odds, and user-friendly interface, the operator joins a competitive Kansas market alongside DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, and ESPN BET. The launch comes with a promotional offer for new users, further positioning bet365 as a strong player in the state’s regulated online betting landscape.
The Full Story Here.
ESPN Strikes Major NFL Media Deal, Gains Network, Fantasy, and RedZone Rights
ESPN has entered a nonbinding agreement to acquire NFL Network, the NFL Fantasy platform, and rights to distribute RedZone to cable and satellite operators, while the NFL takes a 10% stake in ESPN. The deal aims to bolster ESPN’s upcoming $29.99/month streaming service and integrate NFL media assets for broader fan engagement. The NFL will retain control over other media properties, while ESPN will also secure rights to three additional NFL games per season.
Coinbase to Add Tokenized Stocks and Prediction Markets for U.S. Users
Coinbase plans to transform into an “everything exchange,” offering tokenized real-world assets, stocks, prediction markets, and more on-chain products for U.S. users before expanding internationally. The move positions Coinbase to compete directly with platforms like Robinhood and Gemini and comes amid more favorable U.S. crypto regulations. The company aims to integrate all tradeable assets into a single platform, leveraging new pro-crypto policies to broaden its services.
Ohio Moves to Ban Player-Specific Live Prop Bets
The Ohio Casino Control Commission is preparing a rule to prohibit player-specific micro wagers following a request from Gov. Mike DeWine, who raised concerns over bets on highly specific in-game events controlled by a single player. The move comes amid an investigation into two Cleveland Guardians pitchers for potential MLB betting violations. The ban could take effect in mid-September or later, pending the required public hearing and rule publication process. While the exact scope is unclear, certain prop bets like first-pitch outcomes could be prohibited, though broader live props such as next-drive results in football should remain. Ohio has a track record of proactive regulation, including prior bans on certain marketing terms and college player prop bets.
The Full Story Here.
Light & Wonder to Exit Nasdaq, Focus Solely on Australian Trading
Light & Wonder announced during its Q2 earnings call that it will withdraw from Nasdaq by the end of November, concentrating all share trading on the ASX after an extended consultation process. The move is supported by a $1.5 billion stock-buyback program, with $950 million remaining, aimed partly at facilitating the transition. CEO Matt Wilson cited continued earnings growth, international expansion—including into the Philippines—and stronger proprietary iGaming offerings as strategic drivers. Despite some sales decline due to new product rollouts and cautious operator spending, the company remains above industry averages, boosted by the success of titles like Huff ’n More Puff and integration of Grover Gaming. CFO Oliver Chow noted U.S. tax reforms will save the company $40–50 million annually, supporting long-term growth plans.
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