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Read Full BioFanDuel has bolstered its lobbying power with the appointments of Shailagh Murray as Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Jonathan Nabavi as Vice President of Federal Affairs.
In a statement, Christian Genetski, President of FanDuel, stated that the company must play a crucial role in policy discussions that will shape the online gaming industry. He added,
“Shailagh and Jon bring decades of experience navigating difficult policy issues in a thoughtful, collaborative manner. We are confident they are the right leaders to work alongside key stakeholders to grow our industry responsibly and sustainably.”
Who are the New Hires?
Murray began her career as a journalist for The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post before transitioning into a government role.
She served as a senior advisor to President Obama. Before that, she was a deputy chief of staff and communications director to then-Vice President Joe Biden. Most recently, she was Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at Columbia University.
Murray brings a combination of high-level government connections and experience in managing complex public narratives. That could be critical for FanDuel, as online gambling becomes more mainstream and faces heightened regulatory scrutiny.
Nabavi joins FanDuel from the NFL. There, he led public policy and legislative strategy, including efforts related to sports betting policies. He represented the NFL before the US Congress, the White House, other federal and local government agencies, and foreign governments and institutions.
Previously, Nabavi served as counsel to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. He was also a senior adviser to multiple Members of the House of Representatives.
His knowledge of sports betting policy and legislative process will help FanDuel to navigate state and federal regulations effectively. Additionally, he can help the operator engage with sports leagues and policymakers.
Why Do These Hires Matter?
By recruiting high-profile insiders with deep government connections, FanDuel is signaling its intent to shape the regulatory future proactively rather than merely adapting to it.
While regulation is primarily state-driven, there is increasing discussion of federal oversight on issues such as advertising standards, consumer protections, and responsible gaming measures. Additionally, with prediction markets sparking significant policy debate, many would argue this is a pivotal period for U.S. sports betting.
Recently, Jordan Maynard, the chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, warned that the US gambling industry is becoming a “highway without speed limits.” He cited the lack of national-level regulatory oversight.
These strategic appointments by FanDuel will deepen its relationships with federal and state policymakers. While the operator does not use the word “lobbying,” with hires like Murray and Nabavi, it aims to influence legislation, regulatory structure, and public policy.
Their backgrounds in government and NFL policy leadership make them well-suited to advocate with lawmakers and regulators.
FanDuel Follows Efforts By Rivals
The move aligns with broader industry trends. Rivals like DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM have also strengthened their government affairs teams to secure favorable legislative outcomes.
Recently, DraftKings launched a Political Action Committee (PAC), becoming the first major sports betting operator to do so.
DraftKings stated that the PAC aims to enhance the player experience. However, its creation coincided with growing regulatory scrutiny, antitrust concerns, and state-level tax hikes, including those in Illinois.
The creation of the PAC allows DraftKings to employ a dual strategy. It can leverage both traditional lobbying and direct political contributions to influence policy outcomes.
Meanwhile, rivals like BetMGM and Caesars’ parent companies have had PACs for a long time. MGM Resorts created one in 1994, while Caesars Entertainment did so in 1989.
While FanDuel has not established a PAC, it has been active in lobbying and making direct contributions to political organizations. With the appointments of Murray and Nabavi, the operator has added two experienced executives who will support these efforts.
