Since 2018, the rapid legalization of sports betting (including online sports betting) has created a complex, state-by-state regulatory patchwork, rather than a unified national market. In this dynamic landscape, State Attorneys General (State AGs) have emerged as key regulators, filling the gaps left by the absence of a comprehensive federal framework.

At Hogan Lovells, our team is at the forefront of advising clients in the sports betting and entertainment industries on the legal and business risks of this evolving environment. We help gaming companies, technology providers, and media partners navigate complex state-level rules to ensure compliance with consumer protection statutes.

The expansive authority of State AGs has led to high-profile enforcement actions and lawsuits against operators, a direct result of rapid technological innovation and market growth, which has intensified regulatory scrutiny. States are now investigating everything from the classification of fantasy sports and prediction markets to the use of technology that can result in excessive gambling. Our team closely monitors these trends to help clients mitigate their legal exposure. We also provide strategic counsel on crafting business and marketing strategies with clearly defined compliance obligations, which helps to reduce the risk of future disputes.

Our experienced litigators, led by a former Attorney General and a Chief Deputy Attorney General, have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against a wide range of legal challenges. This includes cases involving deceptive marketing and unfair trade claims, unlicensed operations, security and data breaches, and other consumer protection allegations. We are also particularly adept at helping companies navigate and resolve inquiries from multiple State AGs at once. By leveraging our deep understanding of the legal and political dynamics that drive State AG enforcement actions, and collaborating with our cross-sector practice partners, we build strong defenses for our clients—from proactive relationship management and responding to civil investigative demands to settlement negotiations and courtroom advocacy.