Ryan Butler

Senior News Analyst

Ryan is a Senior Editor at Covers reporting on gaming industry legislative, regulatory, corporate, and financial news. He has reported on gaming since the Supreme Court struck down the federal sports wagering ban in 2018. His work has been cited by the New York Daily News, Chicago Tribune, Miami Herald, and dozens of other publications. He is a frequent guest on podcasts, radio programs, and television shows across the US. Based in Tampa, Ryan graduated from the University of Florida with a major in Journalism and a minor in Sport Management. The Associated Press Sports Editors Association recognized him for his coverage of the 2019 Colorado sports betting ballot referendum as well as his contributions to a first-anniversary retrospective on the aftermath of the federal wagering ban repeal. Before reporting on gaming, Ryan was a sports and political journalist in Florida and Virginia. He covered Vice Presidential nominee Tim Kaine and the rest of the Virginia Congressional delegation during the 2016 election cycle. He also worked as Sports Editor of the Chiefland (Fla.) Citizen and Digital Editor for the Sarasota (Fla.) Observer.

Favorites

Team: Florida Gators (football, basketball and everything else)
Sport to bet on: Football
Sports movie: Remember the Titans
Sports snack: Chips and Dip
Covers feature: News coverage

Largest bet of my life hitting: Pregame Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 over Colorado Avalanche in 2022 Stanley Cup Finals Game 3 hit even after the Lightning gave up the first goal.

Best Betting Memory

Losing a six-leg +1000 single-game parlay in the 2024 NFL Divisional Round between Kansas City and Buffalo by one leg: James Cook rushing yards Over. Cook missed the Over 61.5 yards prop – after entering the fourth quarter with 67 yards.

Worst Beat