Poker Pro Haralabos Voulgaris Clashes with DraftKings Co-Founder Over MA Sports Betting Rules

A heated social media exchange between DraftKings co-founder Matt Kalish and professional poker player Haralabos Voulgaris erupted over a new Massachusetts regulation requiring sportsbooks to inform bettors why their action has been limited.

The dispute began when a Massachusetts user shared a note from Fanatics informing him that his betting limits had been reduced due to concerns about potential arbitrage positions. Matt Kalish argued that limiting bettors' action is necessary to remain financially viable, as removing or limiting some players who are winning or engaging in arbitrage is part of attempting to remain a profitable business.

Haralabos Voulgaris countered that sports bettors aren't cheating but using their abilities to win, and that sportsbooks should embrace their role of extracting maximum value from customers. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission approved the new regulation in December 2025, which went into effect on Monday, requiring operators to inform bettors why their activity is limited. Haralabos Voulgaris suggested that prediction markets are a fairer way of allowing everyone to bet on markets, as these platforms allow sharps to place a bet without getting banned.