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
U.S. State Lawmakers Seek Election Betting Bans
The two bills signal that state lawmakers are aware of the growing amount of election betting happening in the U.S.
Regulator Argues It Can Scrutinize Election Betting ‘Casino’
Depending on the appeals court's ruling, the status quo for wagering on U.S. election odds – currently permitted at Kalshi and other federally regulated exchanges – could remain in place or be disrupted.
Online Sports Betting Bill Introduced in Mississippi
Democratic Rep. Cedric Burnett introduced House Bill 682 this week, which was referred to the chamber's gaming committee.
Ontario Sports Betting Regulator Working on Plan of Attack for Unregulated Operators
An AGCO strategy for going after the unregulated market echoes the interest among operators and regulators in the United States.
Maryland Gov. Proposes Sports Betting Tax Hike
The budget proposal continues the trend of lawmakers in states with legal sports betting deciding to revisit their tax rates in the hopes of squeezing more out of the industry.
CFTC Reviewing Crypto.com’s Sports Event Betting Contracts
The CFTC’s review suggests that the regulator — even with its chairman about to depart — will not rubber-stamp every event contract.
Is Virginia Next to Send Cease-And-Desists to Offshore Sportsbooks?
Virginia regulators are mulling over what to do about the "big problem" of offshore betting sites.
FanDuel Hires Hint at Sports Betting, iGaming Targets
FanDuel’s parent company made it clear during an investor day last year that it plans to push for legalization or expansion in California, Florida, and Texas.
Donald Trump Jr. to Advise Kalshi As Prediction Betting Booms
Trump Jr.’s advice and standing with the incoming Trump administration looks like another win for Kalshi, which is federally regulated and still fighting for the right to offer election betting in the courts.
While Sports Betting Surges, Horse Racing Handle Sags
Overall sports betting is going up while horse racing wagers are going down, even though they have one major thing in common: widely available online gambling sites.
Florida Regulators Investigating Illegal Sports Betting, iGaming
During a meeting of the Florida Gaming Control Commission earlier this week, it was made clear that internet gambling operators doing business in the state without authorization remain a priority target for the regulator.
Minnesota Restarts Sports Betting Debate Focused on ‘Problems,’ Not Perks
The debate about legalizing event wagering is an annual thing in Saint Paul, and 2025 will be no exception.
CFTC Chair Exit Removes U.S. Election Betting Opponent
The departure of CFTC Chairman Rostin Behnam could signal a more open approach by the regulator toward event contracts, including those tied to elections and sporting events.
Trudeau Exit Triggers Interest in Canadian Election Betting
There is a large and growing interest in betting on politics, whether using the traditional odds of sportsbooks or via the buying and selling of event contracts with prediction markets. Canada is now a natural outlet for that interest.
Trudeau's Resignation Derails Progress of Canadian Sports Betting Bills
Prorogation will kill any bill that has yet to receive Royal Assent, including private member's bills focused on sports betting advertising and Indigenous gaming rights.
DraftKings Brings Sports Betting Into the Subscription Economy
After a turbulent NFL season for online bookmakers, DraftKings unveils a plan that could help smooth things out.
Virginia Could Consider iGaming, In-State College Sports Betting, in 2025
Virginia is one of several states with legal sports betting that forbids wagering on its colleges.
Could Ohio Be a Catalyst (Again) for Sports Betting Changes?
Taxes and college player props are two areas where Ohio has been a trendsetter.
Florida Sports Betting Year in Review
While 2024 cemented the Seminole Tribe's monopoly over sports betting in the Sunshine State, the door is open a crack for other operators.
California Sports Betting Year in Review
The groundwork is being laid for a seismic shift to legal gambling in the Golden State, albeit on the terms of California's gaming tribes.
