Geoff Zochodne
Geoff Zochodne
Geoff has been writing about the legalization and regulation of sports betting in Canada and the United States for more than three years. His work has included coverage of launches in New York, Ohio, and Ontario, numerous court proceedings, and the decriminalization of single-game wagering by Canadian lawmakers. As an expert on the growing online gambling industry in North America, Geoff has appeared on and been cited by publications and networks such as Axios, TSN Radio, and VSiN. Prior to joining Covers, he spent 10 years as a journalist reporting on business and politics, including a stint at the Ontario legislature. More recently, Geoff’s work has focused on the pending launch of a competitive iGaming market in Alberta, the evolution of major companies within the gambling industry, and efforts by U.S. state regulators to rein in offshore activity and college player prop betting.
Sport to bet on: Golf or NASCAR
Sports movie: Senna
Sports snack: Giant pretzel
Covers feature: Odds and betting lines
Nate Diaz over Donald Cerrone at UFC 141. I was in Las Vegas at the time and saw my bet win while watching the fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Best Betting Memory
Worst Beat
Canadian Senator Renews Push for National Sports Betting Ad Rules
Ontario Senator Marty Deacon has reintroduced legislation that would create national guidelines for advertising sports betting, an effort that previously prompted concerns from the legal gambling industry.
Illinois Hits Online Sportsbooks With Another Betting Tax
The new tax, effective July 1, will be 25 cents per wager for the first 20 million bets taken in the state in any given fiscal year, and then 50 cents per wager after that.
Have Sports Bettors Cooled on the NBA?
Eilers & Krejcik Gaming reported NBA betting handle declined approximately 10% this past season compared to the previous year, citing data from several states.
CFTC to (Finally) Hear Tribes’ Concerns About Sports Event Betting
“A big problem in all of the cases so far is there … hasn't been a tribal voice."
Canadian Lotteries Reviewing ‘National' Sports Betting Bids
Having the technology for a single sportsbook brand in several jurisdictions could make it easier for Canadian lotteries to hammer home the point that theirs are the only authorized iGaming sites in their respective provinces.
Offshore Sportsbook Bodog Hit With Manitoba Court Injunction
Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries had asked the court for the injunction, alleging Bodog was operating illegally and diverting business away from the government-owned company’s online gambling platform.
With Sports Betting in Mind, Fixed-Odds Horse Racing Gains Momentum in the U.S.
Former NFL quarterback Jake Delhomme is among those pushing for Louisiana to legalize fixed-odds wagering on horse racing, with some success so far.
Ohio Offers Costly Hopes for iGaming Legalization
Opponents concerned over the costs of potentially legalized iGaming in the Buckeye State highlighted them Thursday during a meeting of the Senate’s Select Committee on Gaming.
Alberta Sports Betting Poised For Another Oilers' Postseason Bump
This may be the last Edmonton Oilers' playoff run Play Alberta has as the Western Canadian province's sole authorized online sportsbook.
Maryland Governor Signs Sports Betting Tax Hike Into Law
That new tax rate for online sportsbook operators in Maryland may be higher than what it was but it is still lower than what it could have been.
Sports Betting, iGaming Operators Talk With British Columbia About Open Market
B.C. lobbying records suggest conversations about adding some private sector competition to the mix happened this year.
Alberta Passed a Sports Betting and iGaming Bill. Now What Happens?
The province must set up a new government corporation, draft and implement regulations, and put concerned stakeholders at ease.
Papal Upset Surprises Prediction Betting Markets
Cardinal Robert Prevost's longshot candidacy was highlighted by his next pope odds, which, indeed, were a thing.
U.S. Election Betting 'Here To Stay' As CFTC Has Kalshi Appeal Dropped
The court case that has now been brought to an end concerns election-related event contracts, not the sports ones that have irked state-level gaming regulators.
Alberta iGaming, Sports Betting Bill Passed By Legislature
Bill 48, the iGaming Alberta Act, passed third reading on Wednesday night in Edmonton.
Is Alberta’s Sports Betting Bill Silent on Responsible Online Gambling? Not Quite
Bill 48 doesn't say a lot about advertising or RG, and the provincial government says that's by design.
Good Stories and Spicy Odds Could Help Stoke Kentucky Derby Betting
Let's get ready to Run for the Roses.
Churchill Downs-Michigan Betting Battle to Persist Past Kentucky Derby
Earlier this month, a federal judge denied Michigan's motion to stay a preliminary injunction, which means TwinSpires can still take bets in the state on this Saturday's Kentucky Derby.
Alberta Moving Toward Passage of iGaming, Sports Betting Bill
Proposed changes to Bill 48, the iGaming Alberta Act, were rejected on Tuesday in Edmonton.
Churchill Downs Expecting Record-Like Kentucky Derby Results, Not Record
The historic nature of the 150th Derby and the cloudier economic backdrop are now something of a double whammy for Churchill Downs and the race's 151st edition.
