AGA and IGA Step Up Fight Against Prediction Markets in Congress

The Indian Gaming Association and American Gaming Association are intensifying their push in Washington to block the spread of sports betting prediction markets. The AGA is coordinating efforts with state officials, attorneys general, policymakers, and other industry stakeholders, arguing that prediction platforms threaten market integrity and established regulatory authority.

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Last week, AGA vice president of government relations Tres York joined an IGA webcast to outline the next steps. The following day, AGA appeared alongside IGA Chair David Bean ahead of a closed hearing before the House Agriculture Committee, which oversees the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the body that has sanctioned prediction markets.

Jason Giles, IGA’s executive director, described the session, “About 16 members showed up, about a third of the committee, and it was a good discussion. Of the folks testifying, four were in the bag for prediction markets, and the NFL representative did their NFL wishy-washy thing. 

“It was up to the AGA’s Chris Cylke (senior vice president of government relations) to cut through all the euphemisms and sophistry and magic tricks these guys are trying to lay on Congress.”

York has faith in the Supreme Court

York pushed back strongly against the arguments made in favor of prediction markets. “Some folks were trying to pull the wool over these members’ eyes and give them a total crock that hopefully not all of them are buying,” he said. 

He pointed out that with sports betting legalized in 40 states, many House members will see the impact directly in their own states, especially when reduced tax revenue threatens funding for schools or infrastructure. 

He also stressed the scale of opposition already in play. “Fifteen states are now in active litigation against them, and 40 state AGs have signed onto an amicus brief opposing sports gambling through prediction markets,” York explained.

He argued that Congress never intended to legalize nationwide sports betting back in 2010 when it updated the Commodity Exchange Act. “If Congress really intended to legalize nationwide sports betting in 2010 (as proponents of prediction markets claim), then why did we spend six years trying to overturn PASPA? If this is what Congress intended 16 years ago, why did it take someone 15 years to realize what Congress did? The answer is, it was never Congress’s intent.”

York believes lawmakers respect that reasoning and expects the Supreme Court to weigh congressional intent when the issue eventually reaches it. He dismissed the idea of treating sports wagers as financial derivatives, saying, “The entire concept of betting on LeBron James recording 12 rebounds as a financial derivative is completely ridiculous. Everyone who has open eyes and isn’t taking a lot of money knows that.”

Victor Rocha noted that the issue is breaking into mainstream coverage, with media highlighting contradictions in the prediction market argument. Giles expressed frustration that hearings remain behind closed doors, unlike the open session where CFTC Chair Michael Selig spoke. 

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David Bean added that Congress remains divided, with some members “already drinking the Kool‑Aid” in support of prediction markets, while others remain undecided. He urged tribal leaders to keep pressing lawmakers from both parties. 

“Prediction markets are not only eroding tribal sovereignty, but also eroding state sovereignty”

Bean made clear that the fight is about more than just gambling regulation. “Our message is prediction markets are not only eroding tribal sovereignty, but also eroding state sovereignty as well,” he said. 

He explained that the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act created a framework overseen by both the National Indian Gaming Commission and state partners, and that Indian gaming has long emphasized consumer protection, game integrity, and benefits to tribal communities. 

“They’re disrespecting tribal and state sovereignty and the framework we’ve established over the last four decades in attempting to protect the industry and consumer and grow in a good way,” Bean added. “We’re saying that this is complete and blatant disrespect for tribal sovereignty and we’re not going to have it.”

Giles noted that prediction market operators are trying to reshape public opinion, running television ads to counter concerns about underage gambling, money laundering, and insider trading. 

York recalled how quickly the industry expanded: “(Prediction markets) just kind of exploded last year and while everyone was trying to get their breath and figure out what’s going on, they ran amok. That’s when you saw advertising and hiring 15‑year‑old influencers and crazy stuff that you would never get away with in any state if you were being regulated appropriately.”

They also pointed out that the pushback from state attorneys general triggered coordinated efforts by prediction market operators. “Fifteen states are now in active litigation against them, and 40 state AGs have signed onto an amicus brief opposing sports gambling through prediction markets,” he said. 

He added that bills are now being introduced in Congress to control prediction markets. “A lot of bad press has come out against these guys. They have an unlimited amount of resources and spend an incredible amount of money on lobbying. They created the coalition because of the pressure they’re feeling.”

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Source: CDC Gaming