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:

Light bulb with question marks

PlayAGS Takeover Creates Questions For US Online Casino Providers

Online casino games provider PlayAGS has tentatively accepted a takeover bid, creating questions for the industry.

Posted on: May 13, 2024 | | Derek Helling

Vote Sign

How 2024 Elections Could Shape Gambling’s Future

Elections on various levels are happening across the US in 2024 and many of them could have implications for the nation's gambling industry.

Posted on: May 10, 2024 | | Derek Helling

thoroughbred racing jockeys dirt track kentucky

2023 Kentucky Derby Brings New Betting Record As Issues Loom In Horse Racing

The 2023 Kentucky Derby saw a record amount of money bet on the event but it was bittersweet in light of recent horse deaths

Posted on: May 10, 2024 | | Derek Helling

the safety of thoroughbred racing horses has been in the news a lot

Equine Safety Continues To Dominate Conversations As Preakness Approaches

The 2023 Preakness Stakes will run without one of the betting contenders and safety issues continue to dominate horse racing conversations

Posted on: May 9, 2024 | | Derek Helling

2023 World Series Of Poker Begins With Online Events In Store

The 2023 World Series of Poker has begun and this year's event includes some can't-miss opportunities for both fans and players

Posted on: May 9, 2024 | | Derek Helling

Seneca Nation, Gov. Hochul To Negotiate New Gaming Compact Amid Changes In New York Gambling

Seneca Nation, Gov. Hochul To Negotiate New Gaming Compact Amid Changes In New York Gambling

Negotiations on a new Seneca gaming compact are underway, as the landscape looks very different in New York now.

Posted on: May 9, 2024 | | Derek Helling

andy beshear answers question during interview

Beshear, Others Place First Legal Bets At Kentucky Sportsbooks

Land-based sportsbooks around the state of Kentucky began taking bets from customers on Thursday morning including some high-profile guests

Posted on: May 9, 2024 | | Derek Helling

Kentucky Launches Online Sports Betting

Legal Online Sportsbooks Accept First Bets In Kentucky

Legal online sports betting in Kentucky is officially underway as licensed sportsbooks commenced their business in the state

Posted on: May 9, 2024 | | Derek Helling

university of louisville american football players and mascot run onto a field

Here’s What To Expect When Kentucky Legal Online Sports Betting Begins Thursday

Legal online sports betting will be available in Kentucky for eligible people on Sept. 28 and here is everything you need to know

Posted on: May 9, 2024 | | Derek Helling

welcome offer fanduel sportsbook maryland registration

FanDuel Is Welcoming Online Sportsbook Registrations In Maryland

FanDuel Sportsbook Maryland has launched its app in the state and offers a bonus for those who register online

Posted on: May 9, 2024 | | Derek Helling

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