Geoff Zochodne
Geoff Zochodne
Geoff has been writing about the legalization and regulation of sports betting in Canada and the United States for more than three years. His work has included coverage of launches in New York, Ohio, and Ontario, numerous court proceedings, and the decriminalization of single-game wagering by Canadian lawmakers. As an expert on the growing online gambling industry in North America, Geoff has appeared on and been cited by publications and networks such as Axios, TSN Radio, and VSiN. Prior to joining Covers, he spent 10 years as a journalist reporting on business and politics, including a stint at the Ontario legislature. More recently, Geoff’s work has focused on the pending launch of a competitive iGaming market in Alberta, the evolution of major companies within the gambling industry, and efforts by U.S. state regulators to rein in offshore activity and college player prop betting.
Sport to bet on: Golf or NASCAR
Sports movie: Senna
Sports snack: Giant pretzel
Covers feature: Odds and betting lines
Nate Diaz over Donald Cerrone at UFC 141. I was in Las Vegas at the time and saw my bet win while watching the fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Best Betting Memory
Worst Beat
The Two Solitudes of Canadian Sports Betting
There are two Canadas when it comes to gambling on stuff over the internet: Ontario and Alberta – and then everyone else.
New York Regulator Hints Sweepstakes Casino Crackdown Coming
“I am concerned by the rise in the so-called sweepstakes casinos, wherein it may appear that online prizes are being offered for free when they are not,” the chair of the New York State Gaming Commission said.
Why There May Be More Betting on the Canadian Election Than Ever Before
Regulated and unregulated sportsbooks at home and abroad, as well as new “prediction markets” offshore and in the U.S., make it more possible than ever to wager on Canada’s federal election.
Maryland House Turns Attention to Anti-Sweepstakes Casinos Bill
The bill is part of a growing trend in the U.S., as lawmakers and regulators are becoming more aware of online sweepstakes casinos and sportsbooks.
Maryland Lawmakers Agree to Water Down Sports Betting Tax Hike
What’s on the table now is a decent-sized step back from the tax hike that was initially tossed out by Maryland's governor, which could mean a sizable chunk of change saved for operators.
Ides of March Madness: Prediction Markets, Sweeps Make States' College Sports Betting Rules Irrelevant
Betting on college sports is happening in new and different ways, with or without permission from state lawmakers and regulators.
Not So Sweet 16: New Jersey’s Sports Betting Rules May Cause March Madness Hassles
The state bans wagering on any college sport or athletic event that takes place within its borders.
March Sadness: Why New Yorkers Can’t Bet St. John's
Under the state’s sports betting law, it is prohibited to bet on “a sport or athletic event in which any New York college team participates regardless of where the event takes place.”
Enter Robinhood: Prediction Markets Offering March Madness Betting
The move by the popular trading platform highlights how de facto sports betting is being offered more and more by prediction market apps and sites.
Which States Allow March Madness Betting in 2025?
Trying to get a bet down on the NCAA men's basketball tournament can be trickier than you think. Here's a state-by-state guide on where you can wager on March Madness.
Legal iGaming in New York: ‘Not If But When,’ Senator Says
While Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. has proposed several gaming-related bills this session, he says it is Gov. Kathy Hochul who ‘drives the bus’ on legislation.
AGA Boss Has Doubts About Federal Push Into Sports Betting Oversight
The concerns voiced by the American Gaming Association come as more and more federally regulated sports event contracts continue to trade.
NCAA Official Says College Players Betting on Themselves Becoming More Common
The comments from an NCAA director come as professional and college sports continue to grapple with the integrity concerns legal and illegal wagering pose.
BC Lottery Says Alberta’s Sports Betting Plans May Worsen Unregulated Issues
The warnings highlight the tension that has been created in Canada following the launch of Ontario’s competitive iGaming market in April 2022.
Legal Sports Betting Flops Again in Georgia
The Georgia House of Representatives did not pass two online sports betting-related measures on Thursday in Atlanta, dooming another effort to legalize wagering in the southern state.
Georgia House Committee Passes Sports Betting Bills, But Timeline Tightens
Thursday is the deadline for the Georgia House to pass two laws that represent the state’s best chance for legalizing sports betting in the near future.
Ohio Warned Sports Betting Tax Hike Will Also Hurt Bettors
The Sports Betting Alliance told lawmakers “Bob and Betty Buckeye” will feel the pain of another proposed doubling of the state’s tax rate for sportsbook operators, not just gambling companies.
New York Joins the Anti-Sweepstakes Casino Movement
The introduction of an anti-sweepstakes bill in New York highlights the growing concern lawmakers and regulators have with sweeps, as well as their increasing willingness to do something about it.
DraftKings CEO Bullish About Sports Betting, iGaming Legalization
The comments come as a lot of legislation is circulating in state legislatures right now that could help DraftKings' CEO Jason Robins' predictions about legalization come true.
Georgia’s Legal Sports Betting Efforts Coming Down to the Wire (Again)
Even if the state's House passes sports betting-related legislation by Thursday, it won’t give the Senate a lot of time to discuss it or make any changes.
