Future Of Betting Rests With AI, Prediction Markets & Supreme Court, Experts Say
As the world’s second oldest profession – gambling’s DNA intertwines between risk, reward and uncertainties. The pace of transformation in the space appears poised to accelerate to “ludicrous speed” in 2026, thanks to AI, the continued rise of prediction markets, a future Supreme Court ruling, and the shifting political will.
BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt has a simple ask:
“I hope, over time, sense will prevail.”
That could be a monstrous ask.
Bonus Code: BOOKIESBRP1500
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See http://BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
BetMGM remains a holdout among legacy sports betting operators when it comes to adopting and embracing prediction markets. The reason makes sense – the company has multiple retail casinos throughout the country, including those in states such as Massachusetts that are currently in litigation against prediction market operators.
“Sense will prevail which means the interests of consumers will be protected. Unfettered, not just constrained, innovation,” Greenblatt said Tuesday while speaking at the Next.io 2026 Summitt. “The interests of states will be protected. We pay a lot of money to states. Over the next 12 months we will see more iGaming and the trend toward more iGaming adoption accelerate. We’ll see some states really embracing it and live the Pennsylvania story, which makes $188 million in tax from sports betting. And how much from iGaming? $1.05 billion. So where’s the money?”
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, (800) 327-5050 or visit http://gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 3/15/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: http://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos . Ends 3/8/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
Legacy Operators Battle On Multiple Fronts
How fast are the times changing.
"In one year, since a federal judge's ruling, Kalshi has gone from an lemonade stand to an $11 billion valuation," said Prime Sports co-founder Joe Brennan. "But if you take away their sports trades, they may be at a $1 billion valuation."
Beyond the coffers of state your favorite state treasury, the money’s also in prediction markets. As entities like Polymarket and Kalshi flirt with valuations in the tens of billions of dollars, legacy betting operators fear/risk/fight from being left behind.
Meanwhile, states are considering bills that would limit types of wagers or ban them all together. The pace of legalization in both the sports betting and iGaming space has slowed to zero since the end of 2024.
”I think we’ll see more states opening up for iGaming. Not to the same extent as sports betting. But we are seeing progress," said Jeremy Kudon, President of the Sports Betting Alliance.
The possibility of prediction markets offering casino-like wagers – something Bookies.com reported as a possibility as early as last December – is just one avenue that prediction markets may take. The adaption of AI across all of society and culture – including in the betting and prediction space – may well make sharps of us all, experts say.
Sportsbooks are moving toward agent-generated “make my parlay” offerings that automatically generate the best priced plays for a customer based on their given preferences.
“If everybody is a sharp, then no one is a sharp,” said Meredith McPherron CEO – Drive By DraftKings. She sees a broader cultural shift primarily being driven younger consumers who want “agency over everything in their lives” and thus will welcome AI in helping that make those choices.
Promo Code: BOOKIES
Must be 21+ to participate (18+ in KY). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, IA, KY, KS, LA, MD, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA). Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ). Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). CALL 1-877-770-STOP (LA). Must be present in LA (select parishes). Licensee partner Amelia Belle Casino. Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.
'Speculation' Goes Beyond Anything Gaming Related
And in her mind, the “gaming space” means a lot more than casinos, sportsbooks or prediction markets.
“We have to broaden our view of speculation,” said said.
And the pace quickens.
“It’s happening in weeks,” Greenblatt said. “Not months or years.”
McPherron sees speculation spreading to each purchase one makes. And not simply limited to betting operators or prediction markets. “It’s everywhere in commerce. The likes of 'Pop Mart.' Robinhood has mystery boxes. Your suddenly part of something. You get this as a benefit. Retail. Fintech. Collectibles.”
21+. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY (excludes NY). Apply promotion in bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager (min odds -200) daily for 10 consecutive days starting day of account creation. FanCash rewards will equal the qualifying wager amount (max $100 FanCash/day). FanCash issued under this promotion expires at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, incl. FanCash terms, apply—see Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling Problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER, 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-888-532-3500 (VA).
Investor Sees Supreme Court Ruling In Favor Of Prediction Markets
Unlike many of his peers at the Next.io Summit, Ehrenberg did not shy away from making a call as to what the Supreme Court will rule when it ultimately makes the call.
“The currently seated justices are very light-touch from a regulatory perspective. Under the CFTC, you can construe prediction markets as being an appropriate application. A lot of the pushback is of the states wanting to protect their turf. But the reality is that it’s a federal issue and not a state issue. Which, of course is being litigated,” Ehrenberg told Bookies.com after the panel.
His firm specializes in sports franchise and sports-related venture capital investments. Ehrenberg is member of the ownership groups of Alpine F1 Racing, the Miami Marlins, and Real Salt Lake.
The current state-by-state framework has been the subject of continual criticism by newcomers to the gaming space since PASPA was overturned in 2018. Ehrenberg is not a fan.
“It should have been federal from the beginning.”
Unfortunately, no one can rewind history.
Nor can one slow its pace moving forward.
Must be 21+ to participate. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, KY, MI, NJ, OH, PA, IL, TN, VA, VT), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-522-4700 (WY), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV). GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
About the Author
BetMGM Bonus Code BOOKIESBG150: Bet $10 Get $150 – NBA March 10, 2026 
Fanatics Sportsbook Promo: Bet $5, Get $200 in FanCash Immediately (Mar. 10) 
Top Social Casinos for March 10, 2026: Best 10 Social Casinos Online US 
Trey Hendrickson Next Team Odds: Colts Lead Updated Board After Bengals Let Star EDGE Hit Free Agency 
Cheltenham Free Bets For Ireland 2026: Best Cheltenham Festival Betting Offers For Day 2 
LeoVegas Cheltenham Festival Free Bets March 2026: Get up to £100 in Free Bets
Comments