South Korean prosecutors are set to try two individuals extradited from the UAE who are accused of masterminding illegal gambling platforms with an estimated value of $3.5 billion. The defendants remain unnamed in the South Korean press due to legal restrictions.
The European Casino Association reports that the illegal online gambling market in the EU reached €91.6bn in 2025, an increase of 14% year-on-year. This uncontrolled market resulted in an estimated €22.9bn in lost tax revenue for EU member states.
The Dutch Supreme Court has ruled that gambling contracts made between online operators and customers prior to the 2021 legislative changes cannot be declared void. This decision effectively dismisses claims against companies that operated in the Dutch market before the new regulations came into force.
St8 has expanded its partnership with Octoplay, making Octoplay's full portfolio of casino games available to operators in Ontario and the UK. This agreement strengthens St8's content offering in two key regulated iGaming markets.
Soft2Bet has appointed Ryan Collinge as its new Executive Vice President of Group Business Development and Strategic Partnerships. Collinge brings extensive experience in global sales, commercial strategy, and business development from both start-up and multinational gaming backgrounds.
Russian lawmakers from the State Duma’s Committee on Budget and Taxes report that nearly 13 million Russians, or 12% of the adult population, suffer from severe gambling addiction. These compulsive bettors are reportedly staking 21% of their monthly income on gambling activities. This raises significant concerns about public health and potential regulatory responses in Russia.
Nederlandse Loterij, the largest gambling operator in the Netherlands, has appointed Ageeth Bakker as its new Chief Financial and Risk Officer (CFRO), effective November 1, 2026. Bakker will be responsible for strengthening the company's internal financial structures.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has criticized a report by the Social Market Foundation (SMF) suggesting a doubling of Machine Games Duty (MGD). The BGC argues that such a measure would harm jobs, local communities, and high streets, indicating the SMF's analysis does not accurately reflect the UK's land-based betting and gaming market realities.
iGaming solutions firm PopOK has secured a sponsorship deal for Botswana's premier horse racing event, the TT Cup Challenge. This move marks PopOK's entry into the emerging African betting and gaming market, where the regulator is actively encouraging new businesses.
The Gambling Authority (KSA) in the Netherlands is increasing scrutiny on the effectiveness of deposit means testing for online gambling, aiming to prevent players from wagering beyond their financial limits. Licensed operators will face stricter requirements to demonstrate how they assess and enforce these financial capacity checks for their customers.
The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is intensely monitoring gambling advertisements during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having reviewed over 13,000 campaigns in the first month. This heightened scrutiny is attributed to continuous improvements in the regulator's monitoring capabilities, ensuring compliance with advertising standards during major sporting events.
DraftKings reportedly lost up to $50 million on World Cup group stage matches due to bettors winning big, according to Bank of America analysts. This significant payout represents a substantial portion of their estimated $1.1 billion total betting handle for the tournament. The losses highlight the volatility and potential financial impact of major sporting events on sportsbook operators.
Brazil's iGaming sector generated BRL 6 billion in revenue during the first half of the year, representing an 86% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This significant growth highlights the expanding iGaming market in Brazil and its increasing contribution to public funds.
The Australian government is maintaining its stance on new gambling regulations, including advertising restrictions, set to be implemented in January 2027, despite ongoing criticism. Additionally, Sportsbet has been cleared following an AML investigation.
The German Joint Gaming Authority (GGL) announced the upcoming publication of its 2025 activity report, highlighting the effectiveness of its supervisory measures and enforcement actions against illegal gambling. In 2025, the GGL shifted its focus from license issuance to systematizing supervision and permitting for legal operators, demonstrating its evolving regulatory approach in the German market.
The Catawba Nation plans to build two more casinos in North Carolina, expanding its gaming operations beyond its current US$1.2bn Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort under construction. This signals a significant expansion of tribal gaming in the state.
Christian Hochgrebe has been appointed the new Chairman of the Administrative Board of Germany's gambling regulator, the GGL. This leadership change comes as Germany prepares for a significant review of its national gambling framework, with the annual rotation reflecting the country's constitutional framework.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) commented on the temporary restraining order issued against Kalshi, which immediately halted the prediction-market platform from offering unlicensed internet sports betting to Michigan residents. This action underscores the MGCB's commitment to enforcing licensed and regulated sports betting operations within the state.
Bulgaria is facing legislative uncertainty within its gambling sector as a delayed 2026 Budget, including a new rule for gambling affiliates, heads to the National Assembly for approval. This follows a period under a caretaker government that lacked budget approval powers.
Industry experts predict a significant influx of traditional financial (TradFi) firms into the $44 billion prediction market sector in the coming months, following pioneers like Cboe and Schwab. This expansion could see more established financial institutions offering binary outcome contracts, broadening the landscape of these markets.
Prediction market operators, including major players like Kalshi, Crypto.com, Robinhood, and Coinbase, accuse states and casino lobbyists of colluding to restrict their event contract offerings. The Coalition for Prediction Markets highlights instances where regulatory communications mirrored language drafted by casino lobby groups, suggesting coordinated efforts to shut down their operations.
Brazilian Senator Carlos Portinho is actively pressuring the Chamber of Deputies to advance legislation passed by the Senate regarding the regulation of sports betting advertising. He urged Senate President Davi Alcolumbre to discuss these proposals, emphasizing the need for progress on bills aimed at controlling betting advertisements.
Tim Miller, on his departure from the Gambling Commission, highlighted a 'disconnect' between the regulator and the industry concerning Financial Risk Assessments (FRAs). He indicated more information would be released in September, emphasizing his commitment to concluding policy changes before leaving.
A new trade body, the Prize Competition Council, has been established in the UK to promote self-regulation within the prize draw sector. This initiative follows the recent implementation of a voluntary code focusing on player protection.
Betano, owned by Kaizen Gaming, has secured a three-year deal to become Tottenham Hotspur's official training wear partner, commencing for the 2026/27 season. This partnership further expands Betano's presence in sports marketing, including in-stadium branding.