SBC Summit Americas is set to debut an exclusive Prediction Markets Forum to analyze one of the most rapidly expanding and contentious sectors within the US wagering landscape.
Scheduled for Thursday, 11 June, on the Breakout Stage, the event will assemble operators, legal authorities, and market analysts to investigate the growth of prediction platforms, the integration strategies of major sportsbooks, and the regulatory hurdles defining the vertical’s trajectory. The four-part agenda will be moderated by Patrick Everson, a renowned sports betting analyst and FOX Sports contributor. The current explosion in prediction markets stems from the 2024 presidential election, which pushed event-based contracts into the cultural zeitgeist.
In the time since, industry titans like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics have initiated plans to enter the arena, while specialized platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket have expanded their reach through high-stakes athlete endorsements and professional league alliances. However, a surge in state-level litigation and regulatory crackdowns, coupled with inconsistent federal court decisions, has complicated the path to total compliance.
Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC:
“Prediction markets are poised to be a defining force in the 2026 American landscape. Yet, the ambiguity between financial instruments and conventional wagering is generating significant friction. This forum provides a vital platform for the architects of this sector to forecast the industry’s next moves.”
The forum begins with an foundational session titled Prediction Markets 101. Lead speaker Dan Zucker (President, Zucker Media Group) will detail the transition of event contracts from 19th-century risk management tools to a projected billion-dollar industry. He will further explain the operational mechanics of these markets, the drivers behind their rapid adoption, and their overall impact on the modern gambling ecosystem.
The previous year and a half has witnessed significant movement by US bookmakers into the prediction space. In the session, How Sportsbooks Are Entering the World of Event Contracts, panelists Dr. Laila Mintas (CEO, Dr. Mintas Consulting), David Huffman (COO, Sporttrade), and Dustin Gouker (Founder, The Closing Line) will discuss the motivations behind these corporate expansions and evaluate if localized state partnerships are the key to long-term success.
The discussion continues with A Question of Compliance and Integrity, focusing on the legal labyrinth facing US prediction markets. Legal expert Dan Wallach (Partner, Wallach Legal) will analyze the current governance of event contracts while addressing active lawsuits from state regulators and land-based gaming interests that challenge the vertical’s growth.
Focusing on the horizon, What’s the Future of Futures? will assess the permanent effects of these markets on the broader betting world. Speakers Ilya Beylin (Associate Professor, Seton Hall University), Robin D. Hanson (Associate Professor, George Mason University), and Chris Gerlacher (Industry Analyst, Prediction News) will weigh the implications of potential Supreme Court intervention and the ongoing tension between traditional operators and digital sportsbooks.
The subject will also take center stage on the Leaders Stage during the session “The Current State of Prediction Markets in the US.” Industry leaders Joshua B. Sterling (Partner, Milbank) and Alex Kane (CEO, Sporttrade) will examine the evolution of these products across North America and the reactions from the investment and regulatory communities.
The Prediction Markets Forum forms part of SBC Summit Americas’ two-day conference programme. Alongside the Breakout Stage, delegates can attend sessions covering sports betting and casino, payments and technology,regulation and compliance, affiliation, leadership, and player protection across North and Latin America.
Get Your Ticket to SBC Summit Americas:
VIP Pass– Our VIP Passes are available for just $700. You’ll have access to the full conference agenda, show floor, complimentary food at our Food Festival and our evening networking events!
Expo+ Pass: Includes access to the expo floor and all conference sessions (does not include access to evening networking events). Get Your Expo+ Pass at $95.
Complimentary Operator & Affiliate Passes: Operators and affiliates can apply for free passes for SBC Summit Americas, subject to approval. Apply for Your Complimentary Operator Pass| Apply for Your Complimentary Affiliate Pass.
