Episode 53: David Rebuck takes aim at sweepstakes and prediction markets
Written by admin on September 17, 2025
Welcome back to the World Series of Politics! This week Brandt Iden and Brendan Bussmann are joined by David Rebuck, former director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, who has the proliferation of sweepstakes and prediction markets in the US firmly in his sights.
Director Rebuck was a pioneer in gaming expansion, overseeing the launch of both online gaming and sports betting in New Jersey. But are prediction markets and sweepstakes gaming highlighting the clash between innovation and regulation, or are the operators simply driven by greed?
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Sweeps and predictions facing a crackdown
On the issue of sweepstakes, the former regulator believes states need to follow New Jersey in simply banning the product, arguing tribal efforts in California are key to this process. The companies behind these products could have secured licences in the Garden State, he recalls, only they didn’t. In his eyes they’re getting what they deserve.
Predictions, however, could be a longer battle, according to Director Rebuck, and it could end up in the Supreme Court.
The gloves are off in this episode of the World Series of Politics!
