“In 2026, we will continue the fight to protect the legal, state-regulated, and tribal gaming markets from illegal gambling”
Summary
Tres York, Vice President of Government Relations at the American Gaming Association (AGA), reflects on 2025 and outlines the AGA’s priorities for 2026. The legal, state-regulated and tribal gaming markets remained strong in 2025, with consumer demand high (over 134 million casino visitors) and industry revenue nearing $60 billion by Q3. The AGA highlights growing enforcement and legislative attention on illegal and unregulated operators, including sweepstakes casinos and the rapid expansion of prediction market platforms.
The AGA’s research shows the illegal market remains significant — roughly one-third the size of the legal market — prompting action from state attorneys general, regulators and Congress. Key 2025 developments included legislative bans on sweepstakes casinos in six states and multiple cease-and-desist letters and legal actions against prediction market platforms. Looking to 2026, the AGA will prioritise defending state and tribal sovereignty, pushing enforcement against illegal operators, contesting prediction markets treated as federal commodities products, and advancing industry-wide responsible gaming initiatives such as the “Play Smart from the Start” hub.
Key Points
- The AGA says legal gaming stayed resilient in 2025: 134+ million casino visits and industry revenue approaching $60bn.
- Illegal and unregulated offerings remain a large threat — estimated at about one-third of the legal market.
- Sweepstakes casinos drew major enforcement and six state bans in 2025, including in California and New York.
- Prediction market platforms expanded rapidly and are now a top regulatory battleground; nine states have issued cease-and-desist letters, with litigation ongoing.
- The AGA will prioritise protecting state and tribal authority, intensifying enforcement against unregulated operators, and promoting responsible gaming in 2026.
- AGA leverages research, advocacy and engagement with state Attorneys General, regulators and Congress to press for stronger action against illegal operators.
Context and relevance
This interview matters because it sums up the US gaming industry’s policy landscape heading into 2026. The clash between state-level gaming regimes and novel unregulated products (sweepstakes, prediction markets) is shaping enforcement priorities and legislative responses. For operators, regulators and suppliers, the piece outlines the likely focus areas next year — enforcement pushes, legal risk for licensees linked to prediction markets, and continued emphasis on responsible gaming.
It also highlights a broader trend: regulators and industry groups are increasingly using data and coordinated legal action to curb offshore and unlicensed offerings that undermine regulated markets and consumer protections.
Why should I read this?
Short and sharp: if you work in gaming, regulation or compliance, this tells you where enforcement pressure and policy fights will be in 2026. It flags prediction markets and sweepstakes as the hot issues — so you can plan legal, product and compliance moves now instead of reacting later.
Author note
Punchy and to the point — AGA is doubling down on enforcement and responsible gaming. If your business touches the US market, this interview is worth the three-minute read.
