Tribes, operators, leagues, and regulators competing to shape the market
In the U.S., online gaming frameworks aren’t developed in isolation — they’re negotiated openly by tribes, commercial sportsbooks, DFS/sweepstakes firms, lotteries, leagues, and public health advocates.
The new federal wildcard
In March 2025, Congress proposed the SAFE Bet Act, introducing minimum standards on advertising, affordability checks, and AI use in sports betting. This changes how lobbying operates at both state and federal levels.
Case study: California and the power of definition
- DFS legality: The California AG declared popular DFS formats illegal under state law.
- Tribes vs. commercial operators: Post-election, operators now explore tribal-led frameworks.
- Sweepstakes crackdown: AB 831 may ban sweepstakes-style casinos starting in 2026 — showing that definition is destiny.
Enforcement as policy: Arizona & Michigan
Both states escalated crackdowns on unlicensed sites, narrowing gray-area models that raise capital.
Why tribes are central
Tribal sovereignty remains a core lever. Sustainable legalization often requires revenue-sharing, co-governance, and tribal-first platforms.
Upcoming lobbying battlefields
- Advertising & affordability
- AI & personalization
- “Fantasy 2.0” product pivots
- Sweepstakes clarity
A practical, nonpartisan reform package
- Ad hygiene and voluntary limits
- Affordability “nudges” over blunt caps
- Transparent definitions of DFS vs betting vs sweepstakes
- Genuine tribal partnerships
- Support for enforcement against noncompliant sites
