A former executive at the American Gaming Association (AGA) is joining one of the other major gaming trade groups in the U.S.
Former AGA Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications Joe Maloney is joining the Sports Betting Alliance (SBA) as its next president and CEO following a major change for the AGA.
Kudon remaining with SBA as chairman
Maloney is replacing Jeremy Kudon as SBA president. Kudon will remain with the alliance, transitioning to chairman with a focus on overseeing legislative efforts. Kudon spent eight years in his role as president of the SBA. The alliance has a membership that currently includes bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics and FanDuel.
“We are thrilled to welcome Joe as president of the Sports Betting Alliance,” said Kudon. “His deep understanding of gaming policy, proven leadership in public affairs and established relationships make him an ideal leader during this crucial time for our industry.”
“We congratulate Joe Maloney on his new opportunity with the Sports Betting Alliance,” an AGA spokesperson told SBC Americas. “Joe was a valued member of the American Gaming Association leadership team, and we wish him continued success in this next chapter.”
In his new role as SBA CEO, Maloney is responsible for managing the coalition’s strategic partnerships while collaborating with operators, regulators and lawmakers to ensure compliance and integrity for members. Maloney will also leverage his experience as vice president of public affairs for the Washington Commanders.
“I’m honored to step into this role with the Sports Betting Alliance during such a critical moment for the industry,” said Maloney. “Legal, regulated sports betting and iGaming are delivering meaningful consumer protections, enhanced integrity monitoring and economic benefits to states, bringing activity once confined to the shadows into the light. I look forward to working with stakeholders throughout the country to continue strengthening the industry and ensuring its long-term success.”
SBA lacks unity of the AGA on PM issue
Maloney joins the SBA after FanDuel and DraftKings decided to resign from the AGA in November over conflicting stances regarding sports event contracts.
The AGA is taking an anti-prediction market stance as DraftKings and FanDuel also prepare to offer sports event contracts through their platforms. Both FanDuel and DraftKings landed partnerships and acquisitions to offer event contracts. The AGA also voiced concerns about partnerships between prediction markets and sports leagues, with CEO Bill Miller labeling the NHL’s deals with Kalshi and Polymarket as “deeply troubling” and “dangerous.” The NHL is the first major U.S. sports league to partner with a prediction market.
The SBA membership is not unified in its stance when it comes to prediciton markets. FanDuel, DraftKings and Fanatics are all actively involved or planning to be involved in the prediction market space. BetMGM, on the other hand, is staunchly against prediction markets. bet365 has not publicly voiced a stance on the vertical.
