EndGame: Updates On Sportsbook PACs, Corruption Sentencing, And Tribal Gaming Oversight

InGame The U. S. sports betting world moves quickly and unpredictably in 2026.

In order to properly take stock of it all, we offer InGame’s “EndGame,” an end-of-week compilation of the top storylines, some overlooked items, and all the other news bits from this past week that we found interesting . Sportsbooks join to power PAC funding If money talks when it comes to state legislation, top sportsbook operators are attempting to send a message loud and clear on their behalf. Axios published an exclusive report that DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics, and bet365 have collectively contributed $48 million to Win for America, a super PAC funneling major contributions to state PACs involved in primary election campaigns and lobbying efforts in states across the U.

S. Axios noted that the spending is intended to boost legalization efforts in major states such as Texas and Georgia that don’t yet have sports betting, counter the moves in various legalized states to raise taxes or otherwise stifle the industry, and offset the challenge from the rising prediction market sector that eludes the state taxes and other requirements faced by traditional sportsbook operators. “These organizations seek candidates who will thoughtfully approach regulation and ensure legal sports betting can continue to support communities through billions in tax revenue and jobs across America,” a Win for America spokesperson told Axios .

Date scheduled for Jalen Smith sentencing Jalen Smith, one of the main recruiters of players in an NCAA point-shaving indictment revealed in January, will be sentenced in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on June 25. Smith, 30, pleaded guilty in March to bribery in sporting contests, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and an unrelated gun charge. He was among 26 individuals indicted, including players for NCAA men’s basketball teams as recently as last season.