Why It Matters

PrizePicks is doubling down on federal advocacy as Congress and regulators intensify scrutiny of sports gaming. The daily fantasy sports company paid Penn Avenue Partners $50,000 in Q3 2025, adding a powerful firm to an already extensive lobbying operation. This marks a strategic shift from in-house advocacy to external counsel.

By the Numbers

PrizePicks has spent $1.43 million across 34 lobbying disclosures since entering federal advocacy. The company previously terminated its $420,000 in-house lobbying operation in mid-2025.

Current external firms:

Penn Avenue lobbying team: Jay J. Sulzmann, former Legislative Director for Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA), and Timothy Farrell Hannegan, a veteran corporate lobbyist.

Broader Context

The sports gaming industry faces mounting federal pressure. Consumer protection concerns are rising as the market explodes post-PASPA. Lawmakers are questioning regulatory boundaries between state and federal oversight. Professional leagues and tribal nations are actively lobbying on related issues.

The Agenda

Penn Avenue’s mandate is broad: “Provide advice and counsel on matters impacting the daily fantasy sports platform.” No specific legislation is targeted. The engagement appears defensive, preparing for potential federal regulation of the DFS space.

Competitive Landscape

The industry is mobilizing aggressively. DraftKings lobbies on “sports gaming issues.” The NFL advocates on sports betting matters. The American Gaming Association works on illegal offshore sportsbooks. Tribal nations like the Agua Caliente Band lobby on gaming sovereignty issues.

Between The Lines

Congress is taking targeted action. The H.R.1552 – PROTECT Student Athletes Act would ban proposition betting on college athletes. Rep. Paul Tonko reintroduced the SAFE Bet Act for federal sports betting standards.

Rep. Dina Titus warns against CFTC prediction market authorization. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sen. Mike Lee question sports entertainment market consolidation. The CFTC Chairman Brian Quintenz nomination hearing explored digital market regulation.

The Bottom Line

PrizePicks is preparing for inevitable federal oversight of daily fantasy sports. The multi-firm strategy suggests the company expects complex regulatory challenges ahead. Penn Avenue’s expertise in highly regulated sectors positions PrizePicks for whatever federal framework emerges.

All data used in this article came from Legis1. Request a demo to learn more!