General Update on Pick’em Contests
For our Fantasy Sports and Gaming clients, VW Senior Attorney Blake Hart has provided an update on the evolving situation with Pick’em contests!
A Guide to the 2023 MLS Superdraft
The Major League Soccer (MLS) Superdraft is the main path for top college soccer players to enter the professional game in the US. joining MLS. This guide will help you navigate through the process of being drafted.
A State Law Approach to Student Athlete Name, Image, and Likeness Rights: A Guide for Interpreting Each States’ Legislation
The purpose of this article is to update and summarize the existing and differing state legislation currently in place regarding student athletes’ name, image, and likeness rights.
Texas DFS Bill – H.B. 393
H.B. 393 seeks to legalize fantasy sports contests by amending the Texas Penal Code’s definition of “bet” to exclude prizes or awards won in a fantasy sports contest. The language is mostly consistent carve-out language but there are two key additions which could have a material effect on contests currently being offered in the state.
Texas Sports Betting Bill – H.B. 1121
A recent bill authorized by Representative Harold Dutton of Houston on January 12, 2021 seeks to legalize sports betting in Texas. The bill aims to allow authorized permit holders to offer sports betting through their designated electronic platforms.
Texas Amendment Would Open Door For Commercial Casinos
On February 8, 2021, San Antonio Democratic Senator Roland Gutierrez filed Senate Joint Resolution 36 (SJR 36 or hereafter, the “Amendment”) in an effort to amend the Texas Constitution and thus pave the way for commercial casinos in Texas. If […]
The Name, Image, and Likeness Legal and NCAA Regulatory Landscape
The purpose of this article is to summarize the name, image, and likeness legal landscape, and the rights athletes would have to commercialize their right of publicity depending on what is ultimately legislated.
NAIA Passes Name, Image, and Likeness Legislation
As college athletics awaits the NCAA’s proposed modifications to its name, image, and likeness legislation, the NAIA has become the first intercollegiate athletics governing body to pass legislation permitting athletes compensation for the use of their name, image, and likeness. […]
IRS States That DFS Operators Are Liable For Excise Tax
A recent IRS Internal Memorandum has ruled that DFS operators must pay federal excise taxes on entry fees, a viewpoint that, if enforced, could have widespread effects on the fantasy industry.
Maintaining Sponsorship Partnerships During COVID-19 and Beyond
Colleges and universities should make ensure they have a solid understanding of how COVID-19 may impact each sponsorship agreement and potential concerns each sponsor may have.