Bill Simmons proxy betting case: Massachusetts regulator Jordan Maynard tells Congress proxy wagering "is illegal" and flags prediction markets
The hearing, titled "The Rise of Sports Gambling on College Campuses," was held by the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development of the House Education and Workforce Committee on November 11, with Rep. Michael Baumgartner presiding, according to the committee's notice. Witnesses were Maynard; Dr. Lindsey Mortenson of the University of Michigan; Dr. Daniel Durkin of the University of Mississippi; and Cindy Clouner of the Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery at Ohio State.
What the market is pricing
There is no Kalshi or Polymarket market on the Massachusetts proceeding, and BetG8 could not re-read prediction market prices in this run. The most relevant live prices are the listed sportsbook operators and a broker that offers prediction markets. Quotes are from Twelve Data at 16:47 UTC on November 12, 2026, during the US session:
| Stock, 16:47 UTC Nov 12 | Price | Change on day |
|---|---|---|
| Flutter Entertainment (FLUT), FanDuel parent | $84.09 | -1.6% |
| DraftKings (DKNG) | $19.20 | -2.3% |
| Robinhood Markets (HOOD) | $83.75 | -1.0% |
These are market prices, not predictions. A sum of $21,800 is immaterial to companies of this size, and the day's moves should not be read as a reaction to the testimony or the case.
The Massachusetts case
MGC staff completed a "preliminary review" and will investigate further before the matter returns to the commission, according to Covers. Commissioners want more detail on how FanDuel handled the situation, and enforcement staff have not ruled out any outcome. FanDuel said it reported the matter to the commission, voided the bets and took action against the account, Covers reported. Covers did not report a response from Simmons.
Under Massachusetts rules as described by Covers, sportsbook operators must use commercially reasonable methods to prevent proxy wagering, and the commission can assess civil administrative penalties on operators that fail to do so. The commission or an operator can also ban individuals found to have violated, or conspired to violate, the wagering law. Commissioner Eileen O'Brien said the previous week that a lack of appreciation that proxy betting is illegal had disturbed her, according to Covers.
In his testimony, Maynard tied proxy betting to underage gambling. Massachusetts requires bettors to be 21, he said, but young people still find ways to bet: "Some use a parent, a sibling, or an older friend's account, and this is known as proxy wagering," according to Covers.
Prediction markets at the hearing
Lawmakers also raised prediction markets, which allow people as young as 18 to trade, including on sports event contracts, while most states set the gambling age at 21, InGame reported. Maynard said the products "look exactly the same to the end user" and that his agency gets calls about businesses it does not regulate and has no way to help, according to InGame. He said there could be "a place for federal interaction, at least," suggesting minimum advertising standards as a possible floor.
Ranking member Rep. Alma Adams said prediction markets had "blown a hole straight through" state sports betting laws and that the CFTC should regulate them, InGame reported. Prediction market operators have argued in court that federal commodities law, not state gambling law, governs their contracts; that question is being litigated in several states.
What to watch next
The date of the commission's adjudicatory hearing and any staff findings on FanDuel's handling of the account. In Washington, watch for follow-up from the subcommittee, including on H.R. 1552, Baumgartner's bill on college athlete prop bets, and for any CFTC response on age limits or advertising.
Method and limits
Testimony quotes and case details come from Covers and InGame reporting on the November 11 hearing and the MGC memo; the witness list is from the committee's notice. BetG8 did not review the full hearing video or the memo. All allegations are attributed and unproven. Stock quotes are from Twelve Data at 16:47 UTC on November 12, 2026. BetG8 takes no position on the proceeding.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Bill Simmons accused of in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission alleges Simmons, who is based in California, placed proxy bets with FanDuel in Massachusetts through an acquaintance who was in the state. A memo said FanDuel reported 22 wagers totaling $21,800, according to Covers. No finding has been made.
Is proxy betting illegal?
Massachusetts Gaming Commission chair Jordan Maynard told Congress on November 11, 2026, that proxy wagering is illegal in Massachusetts, according to Covers. Rules differ by state.
What did Maynard say about prediction markets?
According to InGame, he said prediction market products look exactly the same to users as sportsbooks, that his agency cannot help callers about businesses it does not regulate, and that there could be a place for federal involvement such as minimum advertising standards.
Sources
- Covers, Massachusetts regulator testifies on proxy betting before Congress
- InGame, House subcommittee hearing on sports betting and college
- House Education and Workforce Committee, The Rise of Sports Gambling on College Campuses, hearing notice
- Twelve Data, FLUT, DKNG, HOOD quotes, read 16:47 UTC, November 12, 2026
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