Sports Betting Alliance Names Former AGA SVP as President, CEO

• The Sports Betting Alliance today announced Joe Maloney will serve as new president and CEO
• Current President Jeremy Kudon will assume the role of chairman
• Maloney previously served as the senior vice president of the American Gaming Association

The Sports Betting Alliance will have a new president.

The SBA today announced Joe Maloney will serve as the organization’s president and CEO. Maloney most recently served as a senior vice president for the American Gaming Association. Current SBA president Jeremy Kudon will move into the role of chairman, leading the organization and overseeing its legislative efforts throughout the U.S.

“We are thrilled to welcome Joe as President of the Sports Betting Alliance,” Kudon said in a released statement. “His deep understanding of gaming policy, proven leadership in public affairs, and established relationships make him an ideal leader during this crucial time for our industry.”

Thorough Gaming Experience

According to the SBA, Maloney has more than two decades of experience in sports, gaming, and technology related to his new role. As senior vice president of the AGA, he played a central role in shaping the public’s view around legal and regulated gaming.

In his new role, Maloney will oversee the association’s industry communications, strategy development, and strategic partnerships.

“I’m honored to step into this role with the Sports Betting Alliance during such a critical moment for the industry,” Maloney said. “Legal, regulated sports betting and iGaming are delivering meaningful consumer protections, enhanced integrity monitoring, and economic benefits to states, bringing activity once confined to the shadows into the light. I look forward to working with stakeholders throughout the country to continue strengthening the industry and ensuring its long-term success.”

During his time at the AGA, Maloney expanded the association’s responsible gaming platform, “Play Smart from the Start,” helping to set a new standard for transparency and public awareness in legal gaming.

Prior to his time at the AGA, Maloney serviced as vice president of public affairs for the Washington Commanders.

Move Comes After AGA Changes

The move comes nearly three weeks after both FanDuel and DraftKings withdrew from the AGA, basing their decision to leave association on their entry into the prediction markets.

FanDuel and DraftKings views on prediction markets differ wildly from the AGA’s.

DraftKings and FanDuel are both gearing up to offer prediction market contracts – including sports event contracts – to users before the year is out. The companies have noted they will not offer sports event contracts in states where sports betting is legal, and will do so in a way that is thoughtful of all stakeholders involved.

A DraftKings spokesperson told Sports Betting Dime in a released statement that its plans “no longer fully align” with the AGA’s direction.

“As the company’s business strategy evolves – including with prediction markets – DraftKings determined that its plans no longer fully align with the AGA’s direction in certain areas and have decided to relinquish its membership.”

FanDuel’s own prediction market service, FanDuel Predicts, will be launched in December as a standalone app. Similarly to DraftKings, a FanDuel spokesperson said in a released statement to Sports Betting Dime that its vision regarding the prediction markets is not in line with the AGA.

“FanDuel has built our business by maintaining strong industry partnerships. We value the spirit of collaboration that comes with these relationships. But as we expand into prediction markets, we recognize this direction is not aligned with the American Gaming Association’s current priorities for its member operators. After thoughtful consideration, we have decided to step back from our AGA membership at this time. FanDuel has always been the company that moves quickly, from daily fantasy to mobile sports betting to prediction markets. We build what consumers want and we operate with an unwavering commitment to integrity.”