Top Gambling News Stories for Wednesday August 19, 2026

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Prediction Markets

The Legal War Over Prediction Markets Is Getting Crazier

Wednesday August 19, 2026 (9:31 am EDT)

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has gone to war with the state regulators trying to rein in the industry’s sports gambling interests. Leaping to the rescue of Kalshi, Polymarket, and similar enterprises is the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, a federal agency charged with overseeing the nation’s derivatives markets. Under its commissioner Michael Selig, the CFTC has argued that it has the exclusive authority to regulate prediction markets via federal law. It filed a separate lawsuit against New York in April that also sought to stop the state from punishing Kalshi and other prediction markets for offering sports-related bets. Earlier lawsuits sought to stop gambling regulators in Arizona, Connecticut, and Illinois from enforcing their own laws against sports prediction markets. How can the CFTC intervene on behalf of prediction markets? Federal law exclusively allows the agency to regulate derivatives contracts and the markets where they can be bought and sold. (read more from The New Republic here)

Prediction Markets

Trump Administration Attempts to Stop States From Regulating Prediction Markets

Wednesday August 19, 2026 (9:31 am EDT)

“There are no conflicts of interest,” insists the White House, despite family stock holdings and non-enforcement of regulatory ban on gaming contracts.

Trump administration attempts to stop states from regulating prediction markets

“There are no conflicts of interest,” insists the White House, despite family stock holdings and non-enforcement of regulatory ban on gaming contracts.

via @_shanryan @ny1https://t.co/z88wHvaGRA

— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) August 19, 2026

Little League World Series

Little League World Series Wednesday Games and Odds

Wednesday August 19, 2026 (9:17 am EDT)

Today, 1:00 PM

Nicaragua -127
Dominican Republic -103

Today, 3:00 PM

Alabama -475
Washington +325

Today, 5:00 PM

Canada +1075
South Korea -4000

Today, 7:00 PM

New Jersey -175
Massachusetts +136

Gambling News

BetMGM Launches Progressive SideBet Jackpots Across 200+ Casino Games, Featuring a Mega Jackpot Starting at $500,000 and Growing Daily

Wednesday August 19, 2026 (9:17 am EDT)

BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, announced the launch of BetMGM Jackpots in Michigan, a new optional progressive SideBet Jackpot feature that gives online casino players additional opportunities to win while playing eligible casino games. BetMGM expects to expand SideBet Jackpots into additional markets throughout the summer and fall, subject to regulatory approvals.  "iGaming continues to be the growth engine of our business, fueled by product innovation and differentiated player experiences," said Oliver Bartlett, BetMGM’s Vice President of Gaming. "SideBet Jackpots expands the ways players can engage with our casino offering while creating additional opportunities to win across a growing network of games. It's another example of how we're investing in product enhancements that help distinguish BetMGM Casino."

Little League World Series

2026 Little League World Series Betting Volume is Off the Charts

Wednesday August 19, 2026 (9:17 am EDT)

How popular is LLWS betting you ask?   BetOnline Brand Manager Dave Mason revealed that "English Premier League futures went up in late May. LLWS futures went live yesterday (Monday)... Chelsea has taken the most tickets to win EPL. California has the most bets to win USA bracket... There are more bets on California than Chelsea."

Poker Crime

Poker Dealer Accused of Sparking San Diego California Wildfire

Brandon Glasgo, 30, was taken into custody on Monday morning in connection with the Sorrento fire near San Diego.  He was booked on a felony charge of arson of forest land.  Glasgo had worked as a poker dealer at the Jamul Casino Resort west of the city of San Diego from 2019 to 2020. 

Little League World Series

Little League World Series Betting Odds 2026

Wednesday August 19, 2026 (8:44 am EDT)

Our coverage of this year's Little League World Series newly released betting odds by BetOnline was  the most popular in terms of overall audience intent and engagement.  The opening odds appear below as well.  On Tuesday, BetOnline, for the first time ever, released player prop bets for this year's LLWS.

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• Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher