Interview with Frank Fahrenkopf: GGB Gaming Legacy Podcast
In the latest Gaming Legacy Podcast, Fahrenkopf sat down with GGB Editor at Large Roger Gros. Mr. Fahrenkopf discusses the formation and history of the AGA, but he also touches on some current issues in the gaming industry such as prediction markets and the state of politics in the U.S. Mr. Gros noted that when land-based gaming began to be legalized across the United States in the 1990s, casino executives realized the industry had no representation in Washington D.C. Accordingly, they turned to the former chairman of the Republican Party during the Reagan administration, Frank Fahrenkopf. Below is a link to the full podcast: https://ggbmagazine.com/articles/frank-fahrenkopf-former-president-ceo-and-founder-american-gaming-association/
MGCB Announces Court Agreement for Robinhood to Exit Michigan Market
On September 9, 2026, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) announced that Robinhood Derivatives, LLC has agreed to stop offering new sports-related event contracts to Michigan customers by the end of the day Wednesday, September 9th, and to close out any remaining customer positions by October 9, under a court-approved agreement.
The agreement marks another step forward in Michigan’s ongoing effort to ensure that sports wagering products are offered only through operators licensed and regulated under state law. It follows a preliminary injunction the Michigan Attorney General secured earlier this month against KalshiEX, barring that platform from offering, listing, or facilitating sports-related event contracts for anyone located in Michigan.
“This agreement is another win for Michigan consumers,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “Sports wagering products should only be offered by operators who are licensed, regulated, and held accountable under Michigan law. We’re pleased Robinhood has agreed to step back from offering these unregulated products while the courts continue to sort out the broader legal questions, and we’ll keep working with the Attorney General’s office to make sure Michigan consumers are protected.”
This agreement makes Robinhood the second sports-contract platform to withdraw its offerings from Michigan this year, following Kalshi, while the two companies’ federal court challenges continue. The agreement does not concede any party’s legal position — it preserves both sides’ rights and defenses, including Robinhood’s argument that its federally structured contracts are not subject to state regulation. The agreement will remain in effect until the Sixth Circuit appeals are resolved.
“Throughout this litigation, our priority has been protecting Michigan consumers from exploitative practices and ensuring betting in our state remains fair and regulated,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “I am proud of the dedicated attorneys in my office for securing an agreement that protects Michiganders while our case moves forward.”
G2E 2026 Announces Opening Day Key Note
On September 9th, the Global Gaming Expo, presented by the American Gaming Association (AGA) and organized by RX, announced the G2E 2026 Main Stage programming for Tuesday, September 29th. “We are thrilled to welcome an exceptional lineup of industry leaders and speakers to the G2E Main Stage,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “These conversations will bring together influential voices to share insights, spark meaningful conversations and discuss the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for our industry.”
Emmy-Award winning journalist and CNBC correspondent Contessa Brewer will guide the discussion on expansion both in Las Vegas and internationally, integrated resorts, technology, tourism and the forces shaping long-term growth. This candid executive conversation will explore the opportunities and challenges defining gaming’s next chapter.
Speakers include:
Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and President of MGM Resorts International
Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment
Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts
After the CEO discussion, Adam Greenblatt, CEO of BetMGM, will host legendary Hall of Fame hockey player Wayne Gretzky in a conversation to discuss the convergence of sports, digital innovation, sports betting and what it truly takes to achieve greatness.
Registration for the G2E at: globalgaming.com
AGA Estimates NFL Legal Wagering Slows as Prediction Markets Proliferate
The American Gaming Association (AGA) recently released a report that estimates that legal wagering on NFL games in the United States will total $29.5 billion in handle. The AGA, however, noted the growth of predication markets across the United States and their ability to siphon off revenue from legal sportsbooks.
The report noted that legal commercial betting handle has slowed significantly in the past year. Leading prediction market provider Kalshi has reported that sports wagers represent roughly 80% of their income. Kalshi indicated that approximately 4% of its users are 18-20 years old, which translates to an estimated $5.1 billion handle for customers who are not legally able to place sports bets under the existing regulatory framework for sportsbooks.
“These “prediction market” platforms are dangerously misleading consumers by marketing sports wagers as an investment, rather than what it is: entertainment,” AGA President and CEO Bill Miller noted. “Kalshi and other “prediction markets” say they don’t need to follow state- and tribal- regulated sports betting laws or pay state gaming taxes. Their defiance means consumers, including teenagers and freshmen, placing bets without the protections, oversight, and accountability that the legal market provides.”