Administration officials are sharply criticizing the American Gaming Association for hiring former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie as a strategic adviser amid a regulatory fight over prediction markets. The AGA, the leading trade group representing commercial and tribal gaming interests, is opposing sports-related contracts offered through federally regulated prediction markets.
American Gaming Association recently enlisted Chris Christie to focus specifically on sports-related event contracts. Christie, a longtime critic of President Trump and former presidential candidate in 2016 and 2024, has publicly challenged federal regulators overseeing prediction markets.
Multiple Trump administration officials, speaking anonymously, criticized the decision, describing Christie as unpopular within the administration. Officials argued that the gaming industry is taking a political risk by aligning with a figure viewed as hostile to president trump’s agenda.
The regulatory battle centers on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which asserts exclusive jurisdiction over commodity derivatives markets, including prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket. Several lawsuits contend that these markets violate state gambling laws.
CFTC Chair Michael Selig stated in a February 17 press release that the agency has sole regulatory authority over such products. He said the lawsuits attempt to restrict Americans’ access to event contracts and undermine federal oversight. Selig emphasized that event contracts function as commodity derivatives used to hedge risks and manage portfolio exposure.
In remarks reported by Politico, Christie argued that sports event contracts are bets rather than investments and accused the CFTC of disregarding states’ rights. He contended that wagers on specific sports outcomes should comply with state gambling regulations.
The dispute unfolds as several major gaming platforms, including FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics, have distanced themselves from the AGA while exploring their own prediction market ventures.
Christie’s history with the gaming industry includes serving as the lead plaintiff in the legal challenge to the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled the federal law unconstitutional, allowing states to legalize sports betting nationwide.
Administration officials argue that while president trump’s team is prioritizing innovation and regulatory clarity, the AGA’s move could complicate negotiations. The White House has not issued a formal statement on the matter, and the AGA did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication.
