Jessica Welman serves as the New Markets Director for the Play-branded network of sites, which includes Play Illinois. Since 2008, she has been reporting on gambling, collaborating with notable platforms such as the World Poker Tour, World Series of Poker, Bluff Magazine, and The Big Lead, among others.

Previously, she held the position of editor-in-chief for PlayUSA, PlayPennsylvania, PlayIndiana, and PlayTenn. Throughout her career as a writer and editor, she covered numerous state online gambling launches.

Welman, a University of Southern California film school alumna, furthered her education by obtaining a masters in communication and culture from Indiana University. While she is knowledgeable in all aspects of gambling news, her specialty lies in her insights on Academy Awards betting.

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Here’s a glimpse of some of Welman’s work:

National publications quoting Welman

• CNBC: For the First Time, Betting on The Oscars is Legal in the US and it Probably Won’t be the Last Time
• NPR.org: The Indicator From Planet Money: Wagering on The Oscars
• The Wall Street Journal: Oscar Betting is Becoming More Popular in the Mainstream

Stories written on Illinois gambling

• William Hill App Launches in Illinois Just in Time for Cubs-Indians Betting
• Pritzker Eliminates Need for In-Person Sportsbook Registration Until Sept. 19