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
Michigan’s Rules for Horse Race Betting Unconstitutional, Judge Says
The ruling is a victory for TwinSpires, which is trying to fight off Michigan’s statutory requirements for taking bets on horse races run outside the state.
Iowa’s Proposed Crackdown on Proxy Sports Betting Picks Up Steam
The legislation is intended “to protect the public from falling victim to deceptive practices,” the Iowa Department of Public Safety says.
Online Sportsbooks Strike Back After Tough NFL Season
The Super Bowl helped online sportsbooks get off to a hot start in 2025.
Sports Betting, iGaming Operators Expect Alberta Launch in 2025
But the provincial government still has work to do, including in the Alberta legislature.
Robinhood Pushing for ‘Regulatory Clarity’ After Sports Betting Pause
“I think prediction markets are the future,” Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev said Wednesday.
Michigan, TwinSpires Double Down in Horse Racing Dispute
The legal and regulatory battle is a challenge to the status quo for online wagering on horse racing in Michigan – and one the local gaming authorities appear intent on winning.
Oklahoma Lawmakers Advance Sports Betting Bills
One is a “trigger bill” that would set up a referendum on sports betting if legislators fail to act.
The True State of US Sports Betting (Part VI): The Wish List
If better is possible, what does that look like?
CFTC Says Sports Betting Laws An Issue for Prediction Markets
Prediction markets represent new competition for state-regulated sportsbooks, which are only available where local lawmakers have approved them.
The True State of US Sports Betting (Part IV): Whither the Winners?
The debate around "limiting" sports bettors is something you can do when you legalize and regulate sports betting, and it might be the type of conversation that should be had more often.
Mississippi House Passes Online Sports Betting Bill — Again
But getting through the House – which voted 89-11 in favor of the bill – was arguably the easy part.
The True State of US Sports Betting (Part III): Gambling Isn't Ruining the Game
If betting ruins sports, it’s been ruining them for a long time.
Super Bowl Betting May Near $2B After ‘Customer Friendly’ NFL Season: Covers
Record TV ratings, the Florida effect, and a "customer friendly" season could all contribute to even more Super Bowl wagering than what's already been forecast.
Can Online Sports Betting Cash Sway Mississippi Casino Operators?
Some Mississippi lawmakers are hoping a "Retail Sports Wagering Protection Fund" will help get casino operators over their fears of mobile betting.
Kalshi Set to Expand Sports Betting-Like Contract Offerings
A filing from Kalshi indicates the prediction market plans on ramping up its sports trading business even further, as it follows the company's recent launch of Super Bowl and other futures-like contracts.
What Will Ontario’s Snap Election Mean for Sports Betting and iGaming?
Premier Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservatives are the polling favourites (and on at least one oddsboard) to win yet another Ontario election, which could impact gaming-related policies.
New York Eyes Crack Down on Sweepstakes Gambling, Sports Betting Ads
“Anybody who has been watching sporting events these days could say that there is a blurring between the pre-event discussions and what is sports betting promotion."
Iowa Bill Banning Proxy Sports Betting Advances
The introduction of the bill last week caused a bit of a stir in the #gamblingtwitter ecosystem.
A Fight Over Horse Race Betting in Michigan Keeps Getting Bigger
The legal and regulatory disagreement is growing and getting noticed by others outside of Michigan, which suggests the fallout may spill beyond the state.
Kalshi Launches Sports Betting-Like Contracts Ahead of Super Bowl, March Madness
The prediction market suggested earlier in the week that it was preparing to roll out event contracts tied to the outcome of various professional and college sports championships.
