Derek Helling is a freelance journalist who resides in Kansas City, Mo. He is a 2013 graduate of the University of Iowa and covers the intersections of sports with business and the law.
As one California pastor arrested on suspicion of operating an illegal gambling ring could soon discover, it doesn’t pay to play outside of the confines of the law. Across the nation, law enforcement is cracking down on such operations, and that recently hit home for Californians. Just days before Los Angeles police raided a ring […] Read More
As Global Poker continues to grow, so do opportunities for those who believe they have what it takes to compete on the stage to prove it. The announcement of a live tour set to begin in the City of Angels is an example of such. Starting Oct. 17, the Card Player Poker Tour will have […] Read More
Although Los Angeles’ WNBA team hasn’t displayed much dominance during the regular season in 2019, it’s hard to forget the pedigree the franchise has when considering the Sparks’ playoff odds. The reputation that players like Candace Parker have built is considerable. The Sparks get the benefit of a first-round bye and at least one home […] Read More
Senior quarterback K.J. Costello probably wants to end his career for the Cardinal with his best season. According to the 2020 Stanford College Football Playoff odds, that likely won’t include a national title. The Cardinal need better balance on offense and to find answers to question marks in the defensive front seven if Stanford is […] Read More
Cal was a program on the rise in a loaded Pac-12 North last season. Legal sportsbooks around the country don’t expect the Bears to come charging out of hibernation, going by the 2020 Cal College Football Playoff odds. Cal does return most of its starters from one of the conference’s best defenses in 2018. Without […] Read More
A review of the 2020 USC College Football Playoff odds shows that while sportsbooks expect the Trojans to improve, dramatic improvement isn't likely. Read More
Rams Pick 'Em technically isn't gambling, so it's legal in California despite the fact that it works exactly like an in-game proposition bet. Read More