SharpRank’s weekly updates on Compliance, Audit, Legislation, Ethics, & Regulation within the Sports Betting Industry.
Topics 9/17/25:
- Better Collective Launches AI Tool ‘Playbook’ to Boost Betting Engagement
- House Panel Blocks FAIR BET Act on Gambling Loss Deductions
- NCAA Probes 13 College Hoops Players for Betting on Own Teams
- Massachusetts AG Sues Kalshi, Calling ‘Prediction Markets’ Illegal Sports Betting
- EveryMatrix Inks Record Casino Aggregation Deal With Bet365
Better Collective Launches AI Tool ‘Playbook’ to Boost Betting Engagement
Better Collective has launched Playbook, an AI-powered betting platform designed to simplify wagering and increase user engagement across its U.S. brands, including Action Network and VegasInsider. Initially piloted during the Super Bowl, Playbook uses image recognition and smart deeplinks to turn betting content or social tips into pre-filled betting slips directly within sportsbook apps. The product signals a strategic shift for the affiliate from focusing solely on customer acquisition to long-term retention, offering sportsbooks more value through higher engagement. Despite recent layoffs and declining revenue, CEO Jesper Søgaard said the launch demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation and growth. Playbook is debuting in the U.S. ahead of the NFL season, with plans for rollout in additional global markets.
House Panel Blocks FAIR BET Act on Gambling Loss Deductions
The U.S. House Rules Committee has blocked the FAIR BET Act, introduced by Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), which sought to restore the full 100% deduction for gambling losses removed by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The current 90% cap means gamblers may still owe taxes even when their net losses exceed winnings. Titus argued the rollback unfairly burdens both recreational and professional gamblers, noting that illegal operators gain an edge since they don’t pay federal handle taxes. While Titus and other lawmakers, including Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, continue to push related measures, Republicans defended the cap as protecting federal revenues. Industry groups like the American Gaming Association support restoring full deductions, viewing it as essential for fairness.
NCAA Probes 13 College Hoops Players for Betting on Own Teams
The NCAA has opened investigations into 13 men’s basketball players from Arizona State, Eastern Michigan, Temple, New Orleans, North Carolina A&T, and Mississippi Valley State after uncovering evidence they wagered on games involving their own teams. Allegations include point-shaving and betting both for and against their squads, with some cases substantiated through text and social media messages. The probe follows permanent eligibility bans for players at Fresno State and San Jose State earlier in the week. Arizona State confirmed former player BJ Freeman was involved, while Temple’s Hysier Miller was linked to point-shaving before transferring to Virginia Tech. Suspicious betting accounts tied to this probe are also connected to federal investigations into NBA-related wagers on Jontay Porter and Terry Rozier. NCAA President Charlie Baker stressed the enforcement team’s aggressive stance, warning that legalized betting is fueling more risks for student-athletes and calling for stronger restrictions, including eliminating prop bets.
Massachusetts AG Sues Kalshi, Calling ‘Prediction Markets’ Illegal Sports Betting
Massachusetts sued Kalshi in Suffolk Superior Court, alleging the CFTC-regulated exchange is offering moneylines, point spreads and over/unders to Bay Staters under the guise of event contracts without a Massachusetts Gaming Commission license. The complaint says Kalshi’s model evades state consumer protections (age 21+, deposit/wager limits, RG tools), noting the platform permits 18–20 year-olds and markets via TV, social media and Robinhood. Citing fresh AGA polling that most Americans view sports event contracts as betting, Campbell seeks an order to stop Kalshi’s MA sports markets pending the case; MGC’s chair praised the action as prediction markets expand into sports without taxes or protections.
EveryMatrix Inks Record Casino Aggregation Deal With bet365
EveryMatrix signed its largest content aggregation deal to date, supplying bet365 with access to more than 40 premium providers through SlotMatrix, the world’s biggest aggregation hub offering 37,000+ games. The partnership spans key regulated markets including the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and Mexico, with more territories to follow. Backed by acquisitions like Fantasma Games and a new leadership team, SlotMatrix has been ramping up aggregation and in-house development. EveryMatrix CEO Ebbe Groes called the bet365 deal a “must-have” milestone for Tier 1 operators, while bet365 hailed the collaboration as a major step in its customer experience strategy.
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