James Okonkwo

Legal & Regulatory Analysis Writer

Washington, D.C.
Member since 2024

About James

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 work on gambling policy research. I’ve read more gaming compacts, regulatory frameworks, and legislative proposals than anyone should have to — and I actually enjoy it.

I grew up in West Philadelphia and went to Howard for undergrad and law school. Regulatory law fascinated me from the start: how rules get made, who makes them, and who they really protect. Gambling regulation is particularly interesting because it sits at the intersection of consumer protection, tax policy, tribal sovereignty, and interstate commerce.

I explain what the law actually says — no spin, no advocacy. If a state’s regulations are consumer-friendly, I’ll say so. If they’re designed to protect incumbent operators, I’ll say that too. My job is to help you understand the legal landscape so you can make informed decisions about where and how you gamble.

Areas of Expertise

State Regulations
Tribal Gaming Law
Licensing Requirements
Consumer Protection
Tax Policy
Interstate Commerce
Regulatory Compliance
Legislative Analysis

What I Don’t Cover

Betting strategy, picks, or odds analysis — that’s not my expertise. I also avoid advocacy for or against gambling expansion. My role is to explain the rules as they exist, not to argue what they should be. For actual betting advice, check our other writers.