James Okonkwo
Legal & Regulatory Analysis Writer
Policy analyst by profession, gambling regulation specialist by focus. I spent six years at the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board before moving to D.C. to study gambling policy across all 50 states. I explain what the law actually says – no spin, no advocacy.
About James
I grew up in West Philadelphia and went to Howard for undergrad and law school. I was interested in regulatory law from the start – how rules get made, who makes them, and who they really serve. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board gave me six years of inside experience watching the sausage get made.
When sports betting went legal federally in 2018, I saw an opportunity to study gambling policy at scale. I’ve since testified before state legislatures in PA, NJ, VA, and MI as an expert witness. My analysis is non-partisan – I present multiple perspectives and acknowledge uncertainty when it exists. The regulatory reality is usually more nuanced than headlines suggest.
My Expertise
Legislative Process
Sports Betting Law
Tribal Gaming
Compliance
What I Don’t Cover
Betting strategy, casino game guides, and operator reviews aren’t my focus. I analyze regulation and policy, not how to pick winners or find the best bonuses. For player-focused content, check out our other writers who specialize in those areas.
