DraftKings creates committee to lobby gambling industry interests

DraftKings Political Action Committee (PAC)

In June 2025, the leading American sports betting company DraftKings filed an application with the Federal Election Commission to create a corporate political committee (PAC) — Political Action Committee.

Lauren Pfingstag Vahey, Senior Director of Federal Affairs, was appointed as the head of the committee, and Deputy General Counsel Griffin Finan was appointed as a senior adviser.

In 2024, DraftKings spent $420,000 on federal lobbying, and the company previously transferred $502,000 to Donald Trump's inaugural committee.

The PAC will allow the formation of political alliances directly. The company will be able to support candidates and organizations ready to develop the industry, establish a balance between regulation and market freedom, and implement measures to protect players.

DraftKings will also receive:

• Access to political campaign financing.
• The ability to promote beneficial legislative initiatives.
• Reduced risk of over-regulation and taxes.
• Increased competitiveness against unlicensed US gaming operators.

DraftKings is one of the first gaming platforms to create its own PAC. Prize Picks, MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment and the Association of American Gaming Operators have previously taken similar steps.

DraftKings' entry into the US political arena means the company is ready to more actively influence legislative processes.

Why Now?

• Increasing Government Pressure. Since the legalization of sports betting in 2018, the industry has faced new levels of public and regulatory scrutiny. In 2024, betting volume in 38 states and the District of Columbia alone exceeded $150 billion.
• State Tax Attack. In Illinois, Governor JBPritzker imposed a special tax on each bet, forcing DraftKings and FanDuel to impose an additional 50-cent fee on each wager. DraftKings argues that this will lead to players leaving for illegal platforms.
• Antitrust Pressure. The US Senate has initiated hearings on consumer protection, and Senators Mike Lee and Peter Welch have asked the Antitrust Committee to investigate DraftKings and FanDuel.

The creation of the PAC is not just a tool, it is a powerful signal: DraftKings is ready not only to follow the rules, but to shape them.

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