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.
Rush Street dips toe in prediction waters
While a bevy of sportsbook operators have shown ready willingness to move into prediction market space to meet the competition head-on, Rush Street Interactive has moved a tad slower — not to say that it’s abstaining altogether.
On Rush Street’s quarterly earnings call Wednesday, CEO Richard Schwartz disclosed that the company had applied for designated contract market registration with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). He described the move as one of “strategic flexibility” — a protective step rather than preparation for launch in the sector.
“As we have stated previously, we continue to operate with a casino-first focus and do not intend to lean into crowded sports-focused prediction market space,” Schwartz told the analysts on the call. “The prediction markets landscape is highly dynamic and we will continue to monitor developments in this space, and this filing ensures we have the flexibility to navigate all possible outcomes as we look to the second half of 2026.”
Rush Street is owner of the Rivers Casinos in multiple states, with the BetRivers brand as its sportsbook, and its view of prediction markets thus far has been more akin to the hands-off approaches of MGM Resorts and Caesars than of sportsbook operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel. Schwartz said on the call that BetRivers’ operations have yet to see much impact from the spread of sports prediction markets.
Startup eager to analyze prediction markets
Speaking of prediction markets, as we inevitably do, a new media company has formed to give traders in the field a platform for news and analysis.
Axios reported this week that the company called Eventual is launching in partnership with Polymarket. The startup is founded by former prediction market blogged turned podcast producer and writer Alex Keeney. Polymarket is the exclusive data partner in addition to launch sponsor.
The article said Eventual provides a twice-weekly live video show in which Keeney hosts top prediction market traders and founders, investors, policymakers, and journalists. It also has a Substack newsletter and daily articles on its website.
In a press release, Keeney said, “Prediction markets are a powerful tool for understanding our future. But they need skilled humans to translate their insights.”
Hennen admits guilt in one case
While Shane Hennen has not admitted to a role in the basketball betting scandals in which he is charged, he pleaded guilty in federal court in New York Tuesday to his involvement in rigged poker games, Front Office Sports reported.
Hennen is to be sentenced Jan. 21, 2027, for one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He admitted to taking part in the rigged poker games in Manhattan, which prosecutors say were run by organized crime figures. Former NBA coach Chauncey Billups was also among the many defendants charged in the case, but he has not pleaded guilty.
Meanwhile, Hennen remains a defendant in scandals that rocked both NBA and college basketball with allegations that players manipulated their performance in return for payoffs. He is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bribery in sports.
Odds and ends
- Politico reports that Gabriel Perez, a White House staffer accused of using inside information to place bets on Kalshi, has lost his job. Perez is reportedly under CFTC investigation for using advance knowledge of President Donald Trump’s speeches to win more than $100,000 based on what specific words or phrases the president would use.
- Add Hard Rock Bet to the list of online gaming operators that will no longer accept credit cards as a means for customers to deposit funds. SBC Americas reported that the Seminole-owned brand’s move “reflects a broader industry shift toward promoting responsible gaming and encouraging the use of alternative payment methods, such as debit cards, bank transfers, and digital wallets,” according to a Hard Rock spokesperson.
- Tuesday is the day that Caesars will take over operation of the storied Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas, CDC Gaming noted. Caesars plan to expand wagering options and access, including the installation of betting kiosks. The deal to have Caesars take over operation of the sportsbook was announced in April.
ICYMI
Sixth Circuit Judge To Kalshi: What’s So Bad About Being Regulated By States?
Prediction Markets Still Legal In Minnesota, But Kalshi At Risk Of New York Ban
CFTC Rule Proposal: In-House Market Makers Allowed, But They Can’t Take A Side
Robinhood Says Rothera Will Take Most, But Far From All, Prediction Market Flow
Fanatics Buys DCM, DCO From BGC
Underdog’s In-House Prediction Market Exchange Off To Fast Start, Has First Million-Dollar Day
Underdog Sold To IG Group Holdings For $1.3 Billion With Upside
