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
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.
Fight Over U.S. Election Betting Will Continue in 2025
The debate over allowing political punters to buy and sell election-related contracts is poised to rage on in Congress, the courts, and before a federal regulator next year.
The Biggest Sports Betting and iGaming Stories of 2024
A referendum in Missouri, high-profile betting scandals, and crackdowns on an offshore sportsbook and college player prop wagering are just a few of the big stories of 2024.
Trump, Taxes, and Traditional Media: A Sports Betting and iGaming News Roundtable
Covers asked the proprietors of two widely-read industry newsletters to join us in giving their thoughts about the gaming industry in 2024 and beyond.
U.S. Senate Starts a Sports Betting ‘Discussion’ — But Where Will it Go?
That lack of consensus could carry over into the next Congress, which will begin early next year and serve alongside a different president.
Longshot Sports Betting Bills Filed in Texas, South Carolina
The stage is set for a pair of legal sports betting holdouts to again ponder legalization.
For the Sports Betting Industry, It Feels Like 2022 All Over Again
It feels a bit like 2022 all over again. And if that’s the case, the sports betting industry could be in for some changes in the New Year.
U.S. Senators Want DraftKings, FanDuel Investigated for 'Possible Anticompetitive Conduct'
The letter is a shot across the bow of the duopoly that has formed in online sports betting in the U.S.
Ontario’s Niagara Plan Could Fulfill the Promise of Single-Game Sports Betting
The case for building an "absolutely sick" sportsbook in the "Las Vegas of the North."
Robinhood’s Sports Betting Dreams Face a Challenging Reality
Robinhood is interested in sports betting. DraftKings is interested in election betting. It won’t be easy for either company.
Ontario Lottery Stepping Up Online Casino Efforts Amid Private-Sector Competition
A competitive OLG is important for Ontario because the agency provides a greater percentage of its revenue to the province than private-sector operators.
5 Takeaways from Ontario’s Big DFS, Poker, and iGaming Court Case
Are paid DFS contests coming back to Ontario? Time will tell.
Ontario Court Reserves Decision on DFS, Poker with International Players
When it is delivered, the decision could be significant for online gamblers in Canada’s most populous province and beyond.
Canadian Lotteries Push Back on Ontario’s Plan for DFS, Poker with Global Liquidity
Wednesday was the second day of arguments for the Ontario government’s reference to the provincial Court of Appeal regarding online gambling, DFS, poker, and pooled liquidity.
Ontario Argues Daily Fantasy Sports, Poker with Foreign Players Would Be Legal
The highly anticipated hearing for Ontario's reference to the Court of Appeal regarding online gambling, DFS, poker, and pooled liquidity has begun.
Ontario’s DFS, iGaming Reference Set for its Day in Court
Canada’s most populous province believes online gamblers should be allowed to play in daily fantasy contests and poker games that include bettors from abroad. Others disagree.
Massachusetts Inching Toward Action on Sports Bettor Limiting
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will seek data from sports betting operators on bettor limiting in the Bay State.
Ohio Fines DraftKings $425K for College Player Prop Betting, Funding Violations
Ohio prohibited college player prop betting earlier this year, although some lawmakers want to undo that ban.
Sports Betting Ad Bill Caught Up In Canada’s Legislative Standstill
Gambling-related bills are arguably a lower priority for lawmakers even on quiet days in a legislature, which may be few and far between in Canada's House of Commons whenever the legislative logjam is broken.
