Sports betting company DraftKings launching PAC
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DraftKings launches political action committee as U.S. lawmakers intensify online gaming scrutiny
DraftKings has launched a new corporate political action committee (PAC) as regulatory scrutiny over the U.S. sports betting industry intensifies. The PAC, officially filed with the Federal Election Commission under the name DraftKings Inc. Political Action Committee, will be led by the company’s senior director of federal affairs. The move positions DraftKings among a small group of gambling companies with dedicated federal PACs. Others include MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and fantasy sports operator PrizePicks, which launched its PAC in 2023.
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DraftKings has launched a new corporate political action committee (PAC) as regulatory scrutiny over the U.S. sports betting industry intensifies. The PAC, officially filed with the Federal Election Commission under the name DraftKings Inc. Political Action Committee, will be led by the company’s senior director of federal affairs, Lauren Pfingstag Vahey, and senior vice president and deputy general counsel, Griffin Finan.
The move positions DraftKings among a small group of gambling companies with dedicated federal PACs. Others include MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and fantasy sports operator PrizePicks, which launched its PAC in 2023. DraftKings is also a member of the American Gaming Association, which operates its own PAC.
Since the Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports betting in 2018, the industry has rapidly expanded across 38 states and Washington, D.C., with US wagering reaching nearly $150 billion last year. However, the sector’s explosive growth has attracted closer attention from lawmakers and regulators, particularly around consumer protection, addiction risks, and market concentration.
In Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker recently signed a bill imposing a new per-transaction tax on sportsbooks, prompting backlash from operators. In response, DraftKings and FanDuel introduced a $0.50 transaction fee for bets placed in the state. The operators also argued that the increased tax burden could push bettors toward unregulated platforms.
At the federal level, calls for oversight have grown louder. The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the sports betting industry last December, though representatives from major operators were not invited. In a follow-up, Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Peter Welch (D-VT) urged the Federal Trade Commission to investigate possible antitrust issues surrounding DraftKings and FanDuel, which dominate the market.
Additionally, Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) reintroduced the SAFE Bet Act in March, proposing stricter national regulations on gambling advertising and consumer safeguards.
Though DraftKings’ PAC is a new step, the company has a history of political engagement. According to federal filings, it contributed $502,000 in in-kind donations to former President Donald Trump’s inaugural committee and spent $420,000 on federal lobbying in 2023.
Closing Bell
Toyota Center to replace 17,000 seats in major renovation…Pacers to host watch party for Game 6 at Morris Plaza. DraftKings enters electoral politics with new corporate PAC. Newly elected IOC President Kirsty Coventry “emphasised collaboration with stakeholders as a key priority for her tenure.” The Pacers are “hosting a watch party at Morris Bicentennial Plaza” outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game six of the NBA Finals tonight. The Rockets “expect to begin the project in October” and “complete it by the end of July 2026’ The new seats will “feature a black sports-weave material,” changing the venue’s current color scheme of red. The seating upgrade is “one of the recommendations’ from a facility condition assessment of Toyota Center, which found that the arena needs $635.81M “in maintenance over the next 20 years”.. The Pacers announced in a post on X that they are ‘hosting’ a watchparty at Morris bicentennial plaza during Game 6.
Toyota Center to redo 17,000 seats in major reno The current bowl seats — other than the suite seats — “are original to the building,” which opened in 2003. Getty Images Toyota Center “will undergo a major project” and “replace its 17,000 bowl seats.” The new seats will “feature a black sports-weave material,” changing the venue’s current color scheme of red. Toyota Center will “not lose any seating capacity” as a result of the project. The seating upgrade is “one of the recommendations” from Venue Solutions Group’s facility condition assessment of Toyota Center, which found that the arena needs $635.81M “in maintenance over the next 20 years.” The current bowl seats — other than the suite seats — “are original to the building,” which opened in 2003. The Rockets “expect to begin the project in October” and “complete it by the end of July 2026.” The project will “not cause any event schedule shutdowns” during the 2025-26 NBA season. The Rockets are “self-funding” the $10.5M project. In addition to the seat replacement, the team “will replace the retractable platforms on the north and south ends of the venue” (HOUSTON BUSINESS JOURNAL, 6/19).
Pacers to host Game 6 watch party at Morris Plaza The Pacers are “hosting a watch party at Morris Bicentennial Plaza” outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Getty Images The Pacers announced in a post on X that they are “hosting a watch party at Morris Bicentennial Plaza” during Game 6 of the NBA Finals tonight. Tickets for the watch party “will be $20” and were available for purchase starting at 2pm ET today. The proceeds “will go to the Pacers Foundation.” There is “a four-ticket limit per person” when purchasing. Tickets “will get fans general admission access” to the watch party that will “show the game on two large screens.” Food and drinks will also be available for purchase and there will be “giveaways throughout the night” (FOX59.com, 6/18). Tickets for Game 6 tonight are “still available from Vivid Seats (from $363), SeatGeek (from $425), StubHub (from $424) and Ticketmaster (from $453.10)” (MLIVE, 6/19).
DraftKings launches new corporate PAC DraftKings is “one of the first major sports betting platforms to start a corporate PAC.” Getty Images DraftKings is “jumping into electoral politics with a new corporate PAC.” The PAC will be led by DraftKings Senior Dir of Federal Affairs Lauren Pfingstag Vahey and SVP & Deputy General Counsel Griffin Finan. DraftKings is “one of the first major sports betting platforms to start a corporate PAC.” PrizePicks started a PAC in 2023, and MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment as well as the American Gaming Association — which DraftKings belongs to — also “have their own federal PACs” (POLITICO, 6/18).
New IOC boss Coventry focused on collaboration Newly elected IOC President Kirsty Coventry “emphasised collaboration with stakeholders as a key priority for her tenure.” AFP via Getty Images Related stories Kirsty Coventry wins presidential election, becomes first woman to lead the IOC Kirsty Coventry made history as the first woman elected IOC president Newly elected IOC President Kirsty Coventry “emphasised collaboration with stakeholders as a key priority for her tenure” in remarks made today ahead of her official takeover next week. Her approach is “expected to differ from her predecessor’s,” as Thomas Bach was “known for the rapid speed and volume of his decision-making and concentration of power.” Coventry, the first woman and the first African to lead the IOC, said that the IOC would “hold a two-day workshop for its members, starting on June 24, the day after the handover ceremony, as part of ongoing discussions with stakeholders on key issues” (REUTERS, 6/19).
Qualcomm adds deal with DeChambeau’s LIV team Charles Howell III and other Crushers players had the Qualcomm logo on their apparel at LIV Golf Virginia. Getty Images Qualcomm this week confirmed it has a deal with LIV Golf player Bryson DeChambeau and his team, Crushers GC. DeChambeau first had the Qualcomm logo on his sleeve at the PGA Championship last month, and other Crushers players had it on their apparel at LIV’s event in Virginia recently. Don McGuire, the CMO of Qualcomm Inc., spoke at an event in Cannes this week and confirmed the company has a team deal with Crushers. The team earlier this year signed an apparel deal with Reebok. LIV plays its next event next week at Maridoe Golf Club in Carrollton, Texas.
CFP format discussions appear to have reset During two days of closed-door meetings at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., the CFP staff “proposed changes to strength-of-schedule metrics utilized by the selection committee.” Getty Images Talks around a new format for the CFP appear to have gone “back to the starting line” after a proposal introducing “new tweaks to metrics utilized by the selection committee effectively reset discussions amongst executives.” During two days of closed-door meetings at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., the CFP staff “proposed changes to strength-of-schedule metrics utilized by the selection committee.” Sources said the new metrics “would place more emphasis on nonconference scheduling, effectively making the difference between eight and nine conference games negligible, a touchstone for the SEC’s criticism of the selection process.” If instituted, the new metrics “could strengthen the SEC’s resolve to stick with eight conference games, fueling momentum for a CFP that includes less automatic qualifiers and more at-large berths — an option the Big Ten has been reluctant to consider.” The deadline for a decision is Dec. 1, and a “temporary, one-year format for 2026 is not on the table right now” (CBSSPORTS.com, 6/19). RELATED: SEC, Big Ten still divided on future of CFP format
Fox acquires Mexican sports platform Caliente TV Fox Corp. has “acquired Caliente TV,” a Mexican sports broadcasting platform, as the company “aims to expand its sports programming and attract more customers to its streaming services.” The company did not disclose the amount or terms of the deal. In addition, longtime broadcast exec Carlos Martinez, who has worked at Turner, Discovery and Fox, “has been chosen as” EVP & Managing Dir of Latin America for Fox Corp. With the acquisition, Fox said that it “will have a broader portfolio of original sports content.” Fox is “bulking up its sports content as streaming becomes the top way for viewers to watch TV” and plans to “launch its own direct-to-consumer streaming service, Fox One, later this year” (CNBC.com, 6/19).
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Around the World….
Tottenham Hotspur have been fined £75,000 (US$100,770) by the Football Association following “homophobic chanting by their fans” during a 3-0 win at Manchester United last September (BBC.com, 6/19).
Social Scoop….
The Buss fam owned 66% of Lakers / Walter’s side owned 27% / Randoms owned 7%.
Walter offered 4.8b for 48% more (10b valuation). Buss fam said yes, kept 18%.
So Walter’s side paid 1.35b in 2021 for 27%, then 4.8b for 48% = 6.15b total for a 75% majority.
It’s not that crazy. — Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) June 19, 2025
Stanley Cup champion JD Martinez. pic.twitter.com/ARE4GJX1Tz — Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) June 19, 2025
“He’s fully intending to be out there tonight. He’s going to gut it out.”@ShamsCharania gives an update on Tyrese Haliburton ahead of Game 6 of the NBA Finals ✍️ (via @PatMcAfeeShow) pic.twitter.com/QOz8Zfl4UI — NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 19, 2025
Work to do in Indy 💪
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📲 Postgame show live on Thunder app, Thunder YouTube, Channel 52 in OKC, and FanDuel Sports Network App pic.twitter.com/MUJqvfQfOL — OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) June 19, 2025
PUBLIC PLEA: I (foolishly) said we would SHUT DOWN the @FTFonFS1 YouTube Channel if we don’t get to 1,000,000 subscribers by the end of the Finals.
We are currently at 998,560… and the Finals could end tonight! Please subscribe & if you’re already subscribed, tell a friend! — nick wright (@getnickwright) June 19, 2025
Daily Download….
Actor Owen Wilson joined Nate Burleson at Liberty National Golf Club to discuss new Apple TV+ series, “Stick.”
Daily Digit….
DraftKings launches Political Action Committee
DraftKings has launched a Political Action Committee (PAC) just in time for sports betting to come under more regulatory focus. Last year, senators began to raise the issue of FanDuel and DraftKings having a potential duopoly over the sports betting industry. The escalation of its Washington influence operation comes as Congress considers clamping down on sports betting — an industry that has mostly avoided federal regulation. And with many voices beginning to become critical of how sports betting has rapidly gained such a prominent foothold in American life, the industry’s major players may face an uphill battle.
Sports betting has swept over much of the country over the last few years in the states that have legalized the practice with DraftKings and FanDuel leading the way.
But after years of immense growth, pressure is building as the tides begin to swing back against the industry. Recently, the state of Illinois launched a new tax on sports betting that FanDuel passed on to consumers to the tune of a 50 cent fee for each bet placed. Last year, senators began to raise the issue of FanDuel and DraftKings having a potential duopoly over the sports betting industry. And those inside and outside sports are beginning to note the negative effects of its proliferation.
With all of those headlines, the latest development in the industry doesn’t come as a shock.
DraftKings has launched a Political Action Committee (PAC) just in time for sports betting to come under more regulatory focus.
.@DraftKings also donated $502k to Trump’s inauguration. The escalation of its Washington influence operation comes as Congress considers clamping down on sports betting — an industry that has mostly avoided federal regulation. — Kenneth P. Vogel (@kenvogel) June 18, 2025
This is just the latest step in DraftKings beginning to ramp up its political activity. According to Politico, DraftKings spent over $400,000 in political lobbying last year in addition to the donation to Donald Trump’s inauguration.
With DraftKings taking this step, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see FanDuel take a similar step since the two behemoths own so much of the sports betting marketshare. Other companies like MGM or Caesar’s have other gambling interests that sports betting is just a part of. It’s a similar tale for ESPN Bet which is intertwined between Penn Entertainment and Disney.
But it’s a different ballgame when it comes to DraftKings and FanDuel because of their marketplace domination. And whether it’s fighting off potential scrutiny on the pair having a duopoly, increased taxation on bets as we’ve seen in Illinois, or increased regulatory activity, these companies are seeing the writing on the wall when it comes to more of a spotlight being shined on their business practices.
And with many voices beginning to become critical of how sports betting has rapidly gained such a prominent foothold in American life, with some even calling it a public health crisis, the industry’s major players may face an uphill battle in trying to hold on to the gains that it has made in the long run.
DraftKings First Sportsbook To Launch Federal PAC
The PAC will be led by DraftKings’ senior director of federal affairs, Lauren Pfingstag Vahey, and senior vice president and deputy general counsel, Griffin Finan. DraftKings has already been active in lobbying for increased legalization and decreased regulation in the betting industry. It spent approximately $420,000 on lobbying efforts last year, as well as donating over $500,000 to President Trump’s inauguration. As of now, 39 states offer legal sports betting, and lobby groups are adding pressure on the remaining states to follow. The AGA is estimated to have spent almost $2 million in 2024 on federal lobbying. The company was also part of the SBA campaign opposing recent tax increases in Illinois. As one of the leading sportsbooks in Illinois, DraftKings is in the latter camp and will charge customers $0.50 for every bet they place.
The PAC will be led by DraftKings’ senior director of federal affairs, Lauren Pfingstag Vahey, and senior vice president and deputy general counsel, Griffin Finan.
Although it is the first sports betting company to lead a PAC, there is precedent in the gambling industry, with fantasy sports operator PrizePicks launching one in 2023. Additionally, major casino operators like MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and the American Gaming Association (AGA) – of which DraftKings is a member – all operate federal PACs.
DraftKings has already been active in lobbying for increased legalization and decreased regulation in the betting industry. It spent approximately $420,000 on lobbying efforts last year, as well as donating over $500,000 to President Trump’s inauguration.
Additionally, as part of the AGA and Sports Betting Alliance, DraftKings contributes significantly to the lobbying efforts of both groups. The AGA is estimated to have spent almost $2 million in 2024 on federal lobbying.
Lobby groups key to legalizing sports betting
The AGA was a key organization in reversing the PASPA ruling in 2018, which led to the legalization of sports betting. As of now, 39 states offer legal sports betting, and lobby groups are adding pressure on the remaining states to follow.
DraftKings reportedly spent over $5 million on lobbying in 2021, primarily in New Jersey and Massachusetts. This led to Massachusetts legalizing sports betting in a favorable way for the Boston-based company. In New Jersey, it prevented stricter regulations around promotions and advertising from being introduced.
The company also successfully pressured Arizona regulators to weaken proposed rules that would have banned the use of the word ‘free’ in promotions requiring users to make a deposit. Additionally, the company supported New York’s high tax rate, which has seen major sportsbooks dominate the largest market in the country.
Failed efforts to expand sports betting
Not all lobbying efforts have been successful, however. There have been big efforts to legalize Texas and California sports betting in particular, given the potential market size of the populous states.
DraftKings was part of a huge spending campaign to support Prop 27 in 2022 in California, but despite spending almost $100 million together with other sportsbooks, FanDuel, and BetMGM, 82% of Californians voted against legalizing sports betting in the state.
Efforts are ongoing to soften the stance of residents, and together with the Sports Betting Alliance, DraftKings is trying to work with tribal leaders in California to pave the way for more opportunities.
DraftKings also remains active in pushing for legalization in Texas. In late 2024, the company hired a Texas-based Government Affairs Specialist to bolster efforts for legalizing sports betting in the state.
The company was also part of the SBA campaign opposing recent tax increases in Illinois. The effort looks to have failed with the state announcing a $0.25 or $0.50 tax on every bet, depending on the size of the operator. As one of the leading sportsbooks in Illinois, DraftKings is in the latter camp and responded to the new regulation by announcing it will charge customers $0.50 for every bet they place.
The move to tax every bet also looked to add pressure to Illinois lawmakers to rethink their strategy. DraftKings said it would remove the charge if the surcharge is reduced by the state. With the introduction of a PAC, the company is looking at one more way it can pressure lawmakers and regulators into creating a favorable betting industry.
College Football National Championship Odds 2026: Texas, Ohio State Lead Georgia, Penn State, Oregon
Texas and Ohio State are the co-favorites at our best college football betting sites ahead of their Week 1 clash as the opening Big Noon Kickoff game on FOX. The Longhorns are right there with the defending champion Buckeyes because of the hype surrounding new starting QB Arch Manning. His performance in Columbus on Saturday, Aug. 30, could have a massive impact on both the college football championship and Heisman markets. For entertainment purposes, we asked ChatGPT, a popular large language model chatbot, to analyze historical trends and college football stats before predicting the winner of this year’s college football national championship. Our AI prediction projects Ohio State to win the College Football Playoff National Championship. Bet $5+ and win $200 in Bonus Bets, if your bet wins (within 72 hours). Claim $200 with our team of experts. Each product featured on our website has been meticulously researched and selected by our team-of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission.
The Longhorns are right there with the defending champion Buckeyes because of the hype surrounding new starting QB Arch Manning, the Heisman Trophy odds favorite. His performance in Columbus on Saturday, Aug. 30, could have a massive impact on both the college football championship and Heisman markets.
📊 Live college football national championship odds 2026
Our 2026 college football national championship odds update in real time based on the odds from our best sports betting apps.
📈 College football national championship betting insights
College football betting insights via BetMGM.
Highest ticket percentage
Texas: 12.3%
Ohio State: 10.2%
Penn State: 8.8%
Highest handle percentage
Texas: 19.7%
Ohio State: 12.9%
Penn State: 10.6%
Biggest liability
Texas
Clemson
Penn State
🤖 College football national championship AI prediction
For entertainment purposes, we asked ChatGPT, a popular large language model chatbot, to analyze historical trends and college football stats before predicting the winner of this year’s college football national championship. Our AI prediction projects Ohio State to win the College Football Playoff National Championship.
🖥️ AI college football national champion prediction: Ohio State (+600)
Pictured: Ohio State safety Caleb Downs celebrates a play against Western Michigan. Photo by Adam Cairns / Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
🏈 Elite returning core: Despite losing several players to the NFL, Ohio State returns arguably the best pair of young stars in college football: All-Americans Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs
🏈 Favorable QB transition plan: Julian Sayin, the five-star redshirt freshman, steps in at quarterback, and the Buckeyes have built a plug-and-play system around their signal-caller, with Sayin drawing rave reviews from spring camp
🏈 High-stakes tests build playoff readiness: Ohio State opens with Texas, plays Penn State in November, and finishes the regular season at Michigan, three likely top-15 opponents – while that’s a brutal draw, it offers playoff-quality preparation
🤔 Betting takeaway: ChatGPT’s AI prediction would mean Ohio State (+600 via FanDuel) repeating as college football national champions. ChatGPT is a large language model and not specifically designed for predicting sporting events, so these projections should be viewed as entertainment or a supplementary data point for your college football betting research.
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🎯 AI long shot college football national championship prediction
🔱 Arizona State (+12000)
🏈 Big 12 champ with a favorable schedule: Arizona State enters the season as the defending conference champs, and their 2025 schedule is notably advantageous, as they avoid matchups against conference heavyweights Kansas State and BYU
🏈 Returning offensive talent: The Sun Devils retain key offensive players, including quarterback Sam Leavitt and wide receiver Jordan Tyson, who are both viewed among the best in the nation at their positions
🏈 Momentum from a breakthrough season: Building on their success from making last year’s CFP, Arizona State’s recent achievements have elevated the program’s profile, and with a blend of seasoned players and strategic advantages, they are well-positioned to make a significant impact in the national championship race
🔢 College football national championship opening odds
Odds via DraftKings.
Ohio State (+450)
Texas (+500)
Georgia (+550)
Oregon (+750)
Penn State (+900)
Alabama (+1200)
Notre Dame (+1600)
Clemson (+2000)
LSU (+2000)
Tennessee (+2000)
Miami (+2500)
Ole Miss (+2500)
Michigan (+3000)
Texas A&M (+3500)
South Carolina (+4000)
Florida (+6000)
Oklahoma (+7000)
USC (+7000)
Auburn (+8000)
SMU (+8000)
Arizona State (+9000)
Kansas State (+9000)
Colorado (+10000)
Florida State (+10000)
Louisville (+10000)
North Carolina (+10000)
Iowa State (+12000)
Utah (+12000)
BYU (+15000)
Indiana (+15000)
Nebraska (+15000)
Virginia Tech (+15000)
Arkansas (+20000)
Boise State (+20000)
Illinois (+20000)
Iowa (+20000)
Missouri (+20000)
Syracuse (+25000)
Baylor (+25000)
Georgia Tech (+25000)
Kansas (+25000)
NC State (+25000)
TCU (+25000)
Wisconsin (+25000)
Kentucky (+30000)
West Virginia (+30000)
💰 College football national championship betting history
Year Team Preseason odds 2025 Ohio State +325 2024 Michigan +800 2023 Georgia +350 2022 Georgia +600 2021 Alabama +300 2020 LSU +2500 2019 Clemson +400 2018 Alabama +250 2017 Clemson +700 2016 Alabama +700 2015 Ohio State +4000 2014 Florida State +1600
❓ College football national championship FAQs
Who is favored to win the 2026 college football championship?
Ohio State and Texas are co-favorites to win the 2026 college football national championship. Their odds (+600) imply a 14.29% probability that one of them will win it all, according to our odds calculator.
Who won the college football championship last year?
The Ohio State Buckeyes won last year’s CFP National Championship, defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 34-23 in Atlanta.
When will the college football championship be decided?
The 2026 college football national championship will be decided on Monday, Jan. 19.
Where will the college football championship take place?
The 2026 college football national championship will be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Who has won the most college football championships?
Yale has won the most college football championships with 18. Alabama ranks second with 16 total victories, and the Crimson Tide’s three championships in the college football playoff era also stand as the most.
🏈 College football odds pages
💵 Best college football betting sites:
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Source: https://thehill.com/business/5360035-sports-betting-company-draftkings-launching-pac/