Sports & Gaming
The Future of DFS in California After the State Declares Paid Contests Illegal

On July 3, 2025, the California Attorney General issued an advisory opinion declaring all paid daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests illegal under California law. This ruling puts the future of DFS in California—one of the nation’s largest markets—in jeopardy and raises concerns about potential ripple effects in other states. While some states have issued similar negative opinions, their impact has varied, with courts or legislatures sometimes overturning or clarifying DFS legality.


Sports & Gaming
Sports Betting Bills “Adjourned Sine Die” In The Lone Star State — What Is Next For Texas?

Texas wrapped up its 2025 legislative session with several sports wagering bills left on the table. This blog covers when the next chance will be to legalize sports wagering in Texas and what the industry should do in the meantime.


Sports & Gaming
Sports Betting & Fantasy Sports Regulation Map

A map displaying the overlap between sports betting and fantasy sports regulation in the US presented by VW Partner Kevin Vela at the SBC Summit Americas in May 2025.


Sports & Gaming
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!


Sports Law
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.


Name, Image, Likeness
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.


Fantasy Sports & Gaming
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.


Fantasy Sports & Gaming
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.


Sports & Gaming
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 […]


Name, Image, Likeness
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.