Live
Reels & Real Money

Slots reviewed. RTP audited. Bonuses tested.

Insider

Sporttrade's Exit from the US Sportsbook Arena

As Sporttrade bows out of the US sportsbook market, Rhode Island takes legal action against prediction platforms Kalshi and Polymarket, while New Jersey's iGaming sector flourishes.

By Charlotte Mercer·25 May 2026·3 min read
Sporttrade Exits US Sportsbook Scene Amid Legal Hurdles

Sporttrade's Exit from the US Sportsbook Arena

The US sportsbook market is witnessing a notable shift, with Sporttrade marking its exit as the 25th brand to leave this competitive field. This decision underscores the persistent challenges that operators encounter in an increasingly crowded and legally intricate market. As the industry develops, various factors are contributing to these withdrawals, including regulatory obstacles and intense competition.

Rhode Island's Legal Actions

In a related turn of events, Rhode Island has initiated a lawsuit against prediction markets Kalshi and Polymarket. This legal maneuver highlights the heightened scrutiny that these platforms are facing as state regulators strive to clarify the legal parameters of gambling. The lawsuit raises significant questions regarding the future of prediction markets in the US, particularly in states still working on their regulatory frameworks.

Rhode Island's actions reflect a broader trend where states are taking a proactive approach to regulate emerging gambling formats. The outcome of this lawsuit could establish a precedent for how prediction markets are treated nationwide, potentially affecting both operators and consumers alike.

The Success of New Jersey's iGaming Sector

While some states are tightening their regulatory grip on gambling, New Jersey continues to excel in the iGaming domain. The state has reported remarkable growth in its online gaming revenues, breaking records this year. New Jersey's achievements can be attributed to its solid regulatory framework and the diverse array of gaming options available to players.

The iGaming market in New Jersey has attracted numerous operators, offering players a wide selection of games and betting opportunities. This variety not only enhances the gaming experience but also plays a crucial role in the state's revenue generation, which has become increasingly important for budgetary needs.

Regulatory Impact on the Sportsbook Market

The exit of companies like Sporttrade emphasizes how regulatory environments influence the sportsbook sector. Operators often face stringent requirements that can hinder profitability. As states continue refining their regulations, some operators may struggle to adapt, leading to further market exits.

Legal challenges from states such as Rhode Island could dissuade new participants from entering the market, further consolidating the industry. As competition heightens, only those operators capable of navigating the complex legal landscape are likely to endure.

The Future of Prediction Markets

The lawsuit targeting Kalshi and Polymarket raises essential questions about the future of prediction markets. These platforms provide a distinctive betting experience, enabling users to wager on various event outcomes. However, their legal status remains uncertain in many areas.

Should Rhode Island's lawsuit succeed, it may encourage other states to implement similar actions, effectively stifling the growth of prediction markets. This outcome could restrict consumer options and diminish the overall appeal of the betting environment.

Conclusion

As the US sportsbook landscape continues to transform, the exit of Sporttrade and the legal challenges confronting prediction markets serve as stark reminders of the complexities inherent in this industry. While New Jersey's iGaming sector thrives, the future for sportsbooks and prediction markets remains unclear. Operators must stay nimble and responsive to regulatory shifts to succeed in this ever-changing setting.

The next few months will be pivotal as states fine-tune their gambling regulations, and the fate of prediction markets hangs in the balance. Industry stakeholders will need to closely monitor these developments as they shape the future of gambling in the United States.

Some links in this article are affiliate links - we may earn a commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. 18+ - Gamble responsibly.

Related reporting

Casinos covered by our editors

Reviewed and tested in-house

Michael Rourke
Michael Rourke
Live Dealer Editor
4Casinos tested
8Years in the niche
Why trust us? Michael covers live-dealer studios, table-game integrity and the production-side mechanics of the casino industry. Eight years on a consumer-tech beat (much of it on streaming infrastructure) gave him the right instincts for the live-casino stack — studio provider, RTP, latency, dealer rotation. He logs into the live tables at every casino we recommend, plays real sessions and notes the friction the marketing pages will not. His remit: Evolution / Pragmatic Live / Ezugi quality, live-RNG fairness and chat-support response time mid-session. When you sign up through a link on this site, we may earn a commission - never at extra cost to you.