Key policy issues for sports betting in 2026

What’s ahead for U.S. sports betting—markets, regulation, and policy changes

The last twelve months had seen the rise of sports prediction market contracts, changes in betting options and gambling taxes, and the stubborn persistence of unlicensed operators. Between the possibility of new regulation, legislation, and ongoing lawsuits, it was clear the next twelve months might bring just as much change as the last.

What, exactly, was on the horizon for American sports betting? To find out, the American Institute for Boys and Men held a webinar on February 3 at 1pm ET. Earlier that month, in partnership with Arnold Ventures, AIBM launched a new hub to coordinate research and advocacy on gambling and to serve as a resource for lawmakers, regulators, journalists, advocates, and the industry itself. To explain what the next year had in store, AIBM was joined by Brianne Doura-Schawohl (Campaign for Fairer Gambling), Chris Grove (Acies Investments), and Steve Ruddock (Straight to the Point Consulting). The conversation was moderated by AIBM’s Jonathan D. Cohen.