Certainly a writer loves getting a big scoop or scoring an interview with a big name, but sometimes the stories that stick with us the most are ones that barely registered on our readership’s radar. Some are learning experiences, while others miht have provided memorable and teachable moments we will think back on for years to come.
So, let’s take a break from debating the newsiest news of the year and reflect on what eachmember of the SBC Americas editorial team chose as their favorite story to write from 2025 were.
Tom Nightingale: The price of business in Illinois going up…and up
The Illinois per-wager tax and the industry’s response to it were fascinating. We were in uncharted waters with that particular tax move, and hearing sportsbooks of all sizes discuss why they reacted in the way they did really shone a light on their thinking. And following how the tax and those sportsbook responses have affected Illinois’ handle and revenue numbers will continue to be interesting.
On a separate topic, it’s always great to interview a wide range of folks to get different perspectives. A particular highlight was chatting with Carnegie Mellon professor and self-professed stats nerd Ron Yurka about using a fake sportsbook to educate students.
Jessica Welman: The little horse court case that could
I know I have complained in other places about the amount of legal reading and writing this job can entail, but there was one legal case that I found more enjoyable than the rest. Following the battle between the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) and Churchill Downs over advance-deposit wagering (ADW) was one that fascinated me personally and challenged my reporting skills on a professional level.
While my peers focused on the impact of prediction markets on the federal vs. state gambling debate, I dove into this case, which approaches the same question through a different law, the Interstate Horse Racing Act. It even resulted in a field trip for me across the river to watch oral arguments in the Sixth Circuit Courthouse in Cincinnati.
The Circuit Court sided with Churchill Downs last week, which means the app can stay online in Michigan as the actual court case moves forward. Given how thoroughly Churchill has won at every stage of this battle so far, it seems like major upheaval in the world of ADWs could be on the horizon next year.
Justin Byers: The NCAA and the moving sports betting target
The NCAA was the gift that kept giving in 2025. The governing body of college sports had to initiate several investigations related to gambling-related infractions by student-athletes in 2025, but the organization’s initial approval and then rescission of a proposed rule that would have allowed professional sports betting by student-athletes and staff was my favorite story to cover this year.
The process of proposing and approving new NCAA bylaws provided a framework for how the NCAA implements policies, allowing for a comprehensive outlook on how the organization conducts business. The pro sports betting saga also provided evidence of how quickly things can change at the NCAA, solidifying the dynamic nature of both the sports and gambling industries. A highlight was also seeing how NCAA committees, staff, student-athletes, coaches and campus leaders perceive sports wagering and how it relates to their daily lives. The story also showcased the NCAA’s willingness to embrace change.
