Greg Small’s New Role at Fliff
Greg Small, the Executive Director of the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC), has announced his resignation effective September 20. This news was shared by Governor Eric Holcomb, who praised Small’s contributions to the IGC. Small will be joining Fliff as the head of legal and government affairs, a move he described as an “exciting opportunity” on his LinkedIn page.
Small’s Tenure at the Indiana Gaming Commission
Small joined the IGC in 2015 and served as general counsel before being appointed executive director in September 2021. He succeeded Sara Gonso Tait in this role. During his tenure, Small played a crucial role in overseeing the state’s gaming landscape, which includes 12 casinos and two racinos. Notably, Churchill Downs Inc. recently opened a new casino in Terre Haute in April.
Interim Leadership at the IGC
With Small’s departure, Dennis Mullen, the current general counsel of the IGC, will step in as the acting executive director effective September 23. Mullen will continue to serve as general counsel while taking on this additional responsibility.
Indiana’s Sports Betting Success
Indiana has been a pioneer in the sports betting industry, being one of the first states to legalize sports betting following the repeal of PASPA. Since its launch in September 2019, Indiana’s sports betting market has generated $17.5 billion in handle, $1.5 billion in operator revenue, and $146.9 million in state tax revenue. This success underscores the effective leadership of the IGC under Small’s guidance.
About Fliff
Fliff describes itself as a “social sportsbook” that reimagines sports predictions as a “free-to-play social game.” The platform offers promotional games where players can acquire prizes and gift cards. Fliff is available in every U.S. state except Washington, with restrictions applying to players from Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, and Tennessee.
Legal Challenges and Opportunities
Fliff has faced legal challenges, including a $7 million lawsuit alleging the illegal operation of a sports betting platform. The case moved to arbitration in January. Despite these challenges, Fliff continues to grow and innovate in the social betting space.
California’s Sports Betting Landscape
California remains the largest state by population without legalized sports betting. There has been little progress towards a partnership between commercial operators and tribal casinos, which is necessary for potential legalization by the Super Bowl in 2027. Last year, tribal operators successfully defeated a ballot initiative for mobile wagering by commercial operators without tribal backing.
Fliff’s Future Prospects
With Greg Small joining Fliff, the company is poised for significant growth and development. Small’s expertise in legal and government affairs will be invaluable as Fliff navigates the complex regulatory landscape of the gaming industry. His experience at the IGC will likely help Fliff address its legal challenges and expand its market presence.
Conclusion
The move of Greg Small from the Indiana Gaming Commission to Fliff marks a significant development in the gaming industry. Small’s leadership and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to Fliff’s growth and success. As Fliff continues to innovate in the social betting space, it will be interesting to see how the company evolves and addresses the challenges and opportunities ahead.
