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The 62-minute hearing featuring Kalshi and a prominent lobbyist from the American Gaming Association provided a blueprint for the state’s evaluation of prediction markets next year. Before the calendar turns to 2027, though, stakeholders will monitor races for governor, attorney general and the US Senate on election night. The results in all three Texas races will likely have a major impact on the future of prediction markets inside the state.
Convened by Texas State Senator Bryan Hughes, the hearing in the Senate Committee on State Affairs examined the relationship between federally regulated derivatives markets and state-prohibited gambling. Research from Eilers & Krejcik Gaming in April found that 43% of activity from sports event contracts came from two states, Texas and California. A separate breakout of Texas activity alone is not publicly available.
At Tuesday’s hearing, AGA Vice President Tres York testified before the committee alongside Robert DeNault, head of enforcement and legal counsel at Kalshi. The AGA, one of the nation’s most strident critics of prediction markets, argued that an event contract on the Cowboys to beat the Giants does not differ fundamentally from the same wager placed at a sportsbook.
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Ahead of his departure Counsell said the Commission was developing a new strategy and ramping up its work to tackle illegal gambling, with Evans set to play a “pivotal” role as it also finalises measures from the Gambling Act review’s subsequent white paper.
Evans said she was commitment to enhancing “online safety” through “proportionate regulation with partnership and shared responsibility” involving regulators, industry participants and technology firms.
“She becomes chair at this incredibly important time, supporting a sustainable, thriving industry with the essential protections needed to prevent harm,” DCMS Secretary of State Lisa Nandy commented on the appointment.
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The Florida native—known on his driver’s license as Scott Thompson—was facing legal troubles, according to news reports.
Carrot Top’s legal team told TMZ that the comedian was the target of an extortion attempt in the weeks leading up to his suicide attempt, according to a Sept. 3 court filing obtained by the entertainment website. His attorney alleges that Brian Evans threatened to leak a sex tape involving the 61‑year‑old performer into the court docket unless he received a $500,000 payout.
In response, Carrot Top’s attorneys argued the messages were “a malicious threat to expose Thompson to disgrace… with intent thereby to extort money under the guise of litigation conduct.”