Prediction Markets, Sweeps Bills, and UFC Betting Scrutiny Lead Gambling Stories to Watch This Week

Prediction markets remain at the top of the gambling stories to watch this week, with Kalshi facing another court deadline, Minnesota emerging as a possible new front in the CFTC’s state-by-state fight, and several state bills nearing final action.

Here are the gambling stories to watch this week.

Prediction Markets

Hearings and Rulings

Kalshi’s lawsuit against Iowa reaches a procedural checkpoint, with the company’s deadline to file a motion for a preliminary injunction set for May 11. Iowa’s response is due July 10, with Kalshi’s reply due July 31.

Another state to watch in the broader legal battle over prediction markets is Minnesota. Semafor reported last week that CFTC Chair Mike Selig is monitoring Minnesota and other states advancing legislation that would ban or regulate prediction markets.

Notably, the CFTC’s previous lawsuits were against states with Democratic Governors and Attorneys General, such as Minnesota. Meanwhile, several Republican-led states involved in prediction market litigation or advancing legislation, such as Utah, Iowa, and Tennessee, have not yet faced comparable federal action.

Also, at any point this week, new rulings could emerge across other states. One highly anticipated decision is from the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in the consolidated case between Kalshi, Robinhood, and Crypto.com against the State of Nevada.

What to watch:

• Whether Kalshi files its Iowa preliminary injunction motion on Monday.
• Whether the CFTC takes formal action involving Minnesota.
• Potential developments in other ongoing state disputes, including a decision by the Ninth Circuit.

Prediction Market Bills

The reported interest by Selig in Minnesota stems from two separate prediction market bills. Last Friday, a conference committee approved language prohibiting certain prediction markets in SF 4760 and sent the omnibus public safety bill back to both chambers for final votes.

Additionally, the Senate passed SF 4511 in late April, with the measure awaiting action in the House. The bill would prohibit certain prediction market contracts tied to real-world events, such as sports, politics, and death.

In Tennessee, SB 1992, which introduces a new offense targeting manipulation tied to prediction markets, has passed both chambers and was signed by both legislative speakers. It now awaits the final steps before possible action by Gov. Bill Lee.

Last Friday, Pennsylvania also introduced a bill targeting prediction markets. HB 2497 would create a framework for “event outcome prediction wagering” and impose duties on the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and Department of Revenue.

What to watch:

• Advancement of either Minnesota bill.
• Whether Tennessee formally transmits SB 1992 to the governor.
• Whether Pennsylvania schedules early committee action on HB 2497.

Sweeps And Other Gambling Bills

Sweepstakes casino bills remain active across several states.

Bills Awaiting Governor’s Decision

Last week, four states sent sweeps-related bills to the governors’ desks.

Tennessee’s SB 2136 and Oklahoma’s SB 1589 directly target the dual-currency payment systems used by sweepstakes casinos. Meanwhile, Iowa’s SF 2289 and Louisiana HB 53 would give state regulators greater enforcement tools to target unregulated gambling operations.

What to watch:

Whether governors in Tennessee, Oklahoma, Iowa, or Louisiana act on the bills.

Louisiana’s HB 883 Awaits Senate Floor Vote

Separately from HB 53, Louisiana lawmakers have advanced HB 883, a measure that directly targets dual-currency sweepstakes platforms.

The House passed the bill unanimously last month, and it now awaits a final vote in the Senate.

What to watch:

Whether the Senate votes and passes HB 883.

Colorado Sports Betting Bills Await Formal Enrollment

The Colorado Legislature passed two sports betting-related bills last week, SB 163 and SB 131.

SB 163 creates a broader structural overhaul of the state’s gambling regulatory framework. SB 131, meanwhile, introduces restrictions on push notifications, advertising and promotional language, and limits on deposits.

What to watch:

Final enrollment and governor action.

Earnings, Integrity, and Golf

Aristocrat Leisure Reports H1 2026

One of the industry’s major content suppliers, Aristocrat Leisure, reports its half-year 2026 results on May 13.

What to watch:

• Financial performance
• Updates on new partnerships, games
• Mentions of the Light and Wonder lawsuit.
• Commentary on interactive gaming growth.

UFC Betting Integrity Questions

Last weekend’s UFC 328 drew attention to more than the results. After a major odds shift on Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley, sportsbooks reportedly closed certain prop markets.

Just hours before the fight, Buckley reportedly moved from roughly a +250 underdog to as high as a -220 favorite at some sportsbooks.

The questionable shift in odds follows earlier UFC scrutiny after Dana White confirmed betting irregularities contributed to the last-minute cancellation of Michael Johnson vs. Alexander Hernandez at UFC 324.

What to watch:

Whether UFC or integrity monitors provide more clarity on the betting movement.

Truist Championship Provides Another Major Betting Event

The PGA Tour also has the Truist Championship this week, giving sportsbooks and prediction markets another major golf market to monitor.

What to watch:

Golf betting and event trading volume, and sportsbook promotions around the Truist Championship.