Prediction Market Deadlines, Sorsby Hearing Lead the Gambling Stories to Watch This Week

Prediction markets remain the gambling industry’s dominant legal storyline heading into June, with multiple court deadlines scheduled this week. Elsewhere, a closely watched NCAA gambling case heads to court Monday as Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby continues his fight for eligibility.

Several gambling-related bills also await action from governors in Louisiana, Illinois, and Colorado.

Here are the gambling stories to watch this week.

Prediction Market Litigation Advances

Motion to Dismiss Due in CFTC’s Connecticut Case

Following last week’s telephone hearing, Connecticut defendants face a June 3 deadline to file their motion to dismiss the CFTC’s lawsuit challenging the state’s prediction market legislation.

Kalshi’s response is due by June 24.

What to watch:

How Connecticut responds to the CFTC’s claims that federal law preempts the state’s restrictions on prediction markets.

Ohio’s Response Due in Kalshi Appeal

Ohio’s response brief is due June 4 in Kalshi’s appeal before the Sixth Circuit. The company filed its brief on May 5, while the CFTC filed an amicus brief in Kalshi’s support on May 12.

The appeal follows an April ruling by the Sixth Circuit denying Kalshi’s request for an injunction pending appeal, allowing Ohio’s enforcement actions to remain in place while the case proceeds.

What to watch:

Ohio’s appellate arguments and additional filings, including arguments by the CFTC.

Kalshi Response Due in Ho-Chunk Nation Lawsuit

Another Kalshi litigation that faces a deadline this week is the case against the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin.

Earlier this month, a federal judge allowed the Ho-Chunk Nation’s Indian Gaming Regulatory Act claims against Kalshi to proceed, while dismissing separate RICO and Lanham Act claims. Following the ruling, the tribe moved to amend its complaint, while Kalshi separately sought an interlocutory appeal of portions of the decision.

Kalshi’s response to the tribe’s amended complaint is due on June 5.

What to watch:

Kalshi’s response to the tribe’s amended allegations and additional filings to challenge portions of the court’s May ruling.

Possible Updates Elsewhere

Additional developments could emerge in several other cases at any point.

Minnesota is emerging as a key state, as the CFTC and Kalshi separately sued the state after it enacted two bills banning prediction markets.

In New York, Kalshi moved to consolidate multiple lawsuits under a single judge, while the state alleged “gamesmanship.” Response by the court to Kalshi’s request could come at any point.

Elsewhere, Washington state could pursue a TRO or other emergency relief in state court after the Ninth Circuit denied Kalshi’s motion to stay after a federal court sent the case back to state court.

What to watch:

Any new filings, hearings, or regulatory statement updates in the rapidly evolving legal landscape.

Brendan Sorsby and NCAA Head to Court

Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is scheduled to appear in court Monday as he seeks a temporary injunction against the NCAA.

Last week, the NCAA ruled Sorsby permanently ineligible over gambling violations. The quarterback has publicly acknowledged his gambling addiction and stated he completed treatment.

According to court documents, Sorsby acknowledged placing bets on Indiana football games in 2022 while he was a member of the Hoosiers. Court filings submitted by the NCAA argue that Sorsby was aware of the gambling rules when the wagers were placed.

The NCAA said allowing Sorsby to play this season would have “broad-ranging and destabilizing ramifications” since it would allow someone who wagered on his own team to continue playing.

What to watch:

A favorable ruling could allow Sorsby to play during the 2026 season and potentially influence future challenges to NCAA gambling-related eligibility decisions.

Legislative Watch

Gubernatorial Decisions in Louisiana, Illinois, and Colorado

While legislative sessions are winding down across the nation, several gambling-related bills await gubernatorial decisions after passing in the Legislature.

In Louisiana, Gov. Jeff Landry could soon act on HB 513, SB 325, or SB 339, covering topics such as NIL agreements, banning bettors who abuse athletes, and background check requirements in the gambling industry.

In Illinois, lawmakers approved SB 2749 last week, sending it to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk. The measure would expand gambling disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives.

Meanwhile, in Colorado, lawmakers approved SB 131, a responsible gambling measure, and SB 163, a regulatory oversight bill, in late May. Since the session ended, Gov. Jared Polis has 30 days to make a decision.

What to watch:

Whether either governor signs, vetoes, or takes no action this week.