Steve Friess

Columnist

Steve Friess writes the State of Play column for PlayUSA twice a week. He's a veteran gambling-industry reporter who began covering Las Vegas in 1996 and covered the openings of resorts in Asia, Europe, and across the U.S. His bylines have appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, New Republic, Time, BusinessWeek, Newsweek, New York magazine, and many others. He, his husband, their children and three Poms live in Ann Arbor.

Posts by Steve Friess:

Responsible Gambling Bill Introduced

Steve Friess: The NCPG’s New Responsible Gambling Bill Is Long Overdue

Bill requires half of the 0.25% federal excise tax applied to the US legal sports betting handle be spent on combating problem gambling.

Posted on: January 12, 2024 | | Steve Friess

Steve Friess And State of Play 2024 Presidential Election

Steve Friess: Who I’m Betting Big On In The 2024 Presidential Futures Market And Why

For the past month, PredictIt’s 2024 presidential market has given better odds to Donald Trump. That’s an amazing opportunity to make money.

Posted on: January 2, 2024 | | Steve Friess

Steve Friess Game of Play eSports

Steve Friess: Is Competitive eSports The Next Big Thing In iGaming?

There is a patent making it possible for anyone in the US to integrate competitive eSports and money collection for wagering — and much more.

Posted on: December 20, 2023 | | Steve Friess

Steve Friess State of Play Las Vegas Raiders Stadium

Steve Friess: A’s Should Beware The Attendance Lesson Of The Lackluster Vegas Raiders

There’s a stubborn belief in Las Vegas that baseball is a good addition to the Strip. Trust me, it’s not. Just take a look at the Raiders.

Posted on: December 15, 2023 | | Steve Friess

Steve Friess State of Play 'Bookie' creator Chuck Lorre

Steve Friess: MAX’s ‘Bookie’ Is Not, Surprisingly, Horrible

"Bookie" isn’t great and it isn’t funny. But it’s also not brimming with obvious misunderstandings about sports, sports betting or gambling.

Posted on: December 8, 2023 | | Steve Friess

Steve Friess State Of Play Betting Against Michigan

Steve Friess: How I Ruined ‘The Game’ By Betting Against Michigan

He was certain the scandal-plagued University of Michigan would fall apart this weekend. His problem was that he put money on it. Oops.

Posted on: November 27, 2023 | | Steve Friess

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