Derek Helling

Staff Writer

Derek Helling is a former staff writer at PlayUSA. He broke into covering the legal US gambling industry in North America in 2018 while PASPA still existed and the only reason anyone knew anything about the Federal Wire Act of 1961 was that Robert F. Kennedy made a big deal of it when he was JFK’s attorney general.

Within a broader scope of gaming, Helling focuses on reporting breaking news in addition to industry-related financial, regulatory, and technological updates. He loves to think about what’s next for the online gambling industry and the role that online gambling plays in society as a whole.

Prior to writing about gambling, Helling covered the business and legal aspects of sports for publications like FanSided’s flagship site, Ozy, and myriad other publications.

Helling completed his journalism degree at the University of Iowa. He authored a chapter on the economics of the National Football League in the Kendall Hunt textbook, Sport Finance.

PlayUSA article highlights

Sample stories for other publications

Chicago Sun Times: City can’t ignore new casino’s impact on people struggling with gambling
Advocacy for Fairness in Sports: Florida’s NIL Law Makes The State Another Predator For College Athletes’ Economic Interests
FanSided: 5 things to know about the Supreme Court PASPA ruling
FanSided: How NFL teams treat cheerleaders is no surprise
Ozy: The NBA 2K League Is Ready To Go Coast To Coast… To Coast
PlayIndiana: Indiana Sportsbooks Keep Adding Sports, But NWSL Remains On The Outs
PlayMA: The Saga Of First Light Casino Just Keeps Going
PlayTenn: TN Lottery Board Runs Sports Betting, But Arguably Knows Very Little About It

Podcast and video appearances

News Channel 20: Illinois’ tax revenues from legalized gambling go to education, infrastructure projects
She Plays: Sports Betting in Women’s Sports!
Locked on Yankees: Talking about the Lockout with Derek Helling
Beckett Live: Beckett Live Presents Sportswriter Derek Helling
Vegas Hockey Podcast: Derek Helling
The Biscuit: Episode 155 Derek Helling

Posts by Derek Helling:

Louisiana Bayou

Louisiana Regulators Swamp Bovada’s Operations

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has ordered Bovada to stop accepting paid plays from people within the state’s borders

Posted on: September 3, 2024 | | Derek Helling

Committee Men In Meeting With American Flag

Proposed Virginia Gaming Commission Might Facilitate Online Casino Regulation

The potential creation of a Virginia Gaming Commission might pave a smoother path for the future regulation of online casinos

Posted on: August 30, 2024 | | Derek Helling

Terms and Conditions

Lawsuit Challenging Online Gambling Ad Practice Might Have Limited Impact

A potential class action lawsuit alleging that DraftKings engaged in deceptive marketing is moving forward, for now at least

Posted on: August 29, 2024 | | Derek Helling

Sexy Woman With Top Hat Holding Gold Playing Cards

Pennsylvanians Can Now Access Live-Dealer Blackjack Games In Spanish

Evolution has officially launched live dealer blackjack games with Spanish-speaking croupiers for players in Pennsylvania.

Posted on: August 16, 2024 | | Derek Helling

Research Study

Paper: Gambling Disorder Treatment Effective For Improving Participants’ Attitudes Toward Life

A new paper shows a strong positive correlation between people with gambling disorders receiving treatment and improved life perspectives

Posted on: August 15, 2024 | | Derek Helling

Up and down markets

A Tale of Two Companies: Rush Street’s Success, Penn’s Struggles Involve Diverse Focuses

Q2 2024 earnings for Penn Entertainment and Rush Street Interactive show what different results are possible with different emphases

Posted on: August 12, 2024 | | Derek Helling

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