Episode 53: David Rebuck takes aim at sweepstakes and prediction markets
Summary
This World Series of Politics podcast episode features Brandt Iden and Brendan Bussmann in conversation with David Rebuck, the former director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. Rebuck — who helped bring online gaming and sports betting to New Jersey — discusses the rapid spread of sweepstakes and prediction markets across the US and explains why he thinks regulators should act.
He argues sweepstakes platforms should be banned in states that follow New Jersey’s lead, noting some operators could have obtained licences in New Jersey but chose not to. On prediction markets, he says the fight will be longer and may ultimately reach the Supreme Court. The episode adopts a combative tone: innovation versus regulation, with operators’ motives questioned.
Key Points
- David Rebuck, former NJ gaming regulator, critiques the proliferation of sweepstakes and prediction markets in the US.
- Rebuck believes sweepstakes should be banned in states that adopt New Jersey-style rules; he highlights tribal efforts in California as influential.
- Some sweepstakes firms could have sought New Jersey licences but didn’t — Rebuck views this as a factor in his hardline stance.
- Prediction markets present a more complex legal battle and could end up before the US Supreme Court.
- The episode frames the issue as a clash between regulatory safeguards and operators pushing product innovation (or profit-seeking behaviour).
Context and relevance
This discussion matters to regulators, operators, tribal governments and policy watchers. If states follow Rebuck’s approach, companies offering sweepstakes-style gaming could face bans, licence refusals or tougher enforcement — shifting market dynamics and legal risk.
Prediction markets pose constitutional and statutory questions that could set nationwide precedents if litigated to higher courts. The episode therefore flags developing legal and political trends that could reshape US gaming regulation and operator strategies.
Why should I read this?
Short version: it’s sharp, useful and saves you the time of trawling legal filings. If you care about where US gaming regulation is heading — especially the next fights over sweepstakes and prediction markets — this episode gives a blunt, experienced view from someone who helped build the current regulatory model. Worth a listen if you want the headlines without the legalese.