Polymarket, a prediction market platform, has been banned in the Czech Republic for operating as an unlicensed gambling platform. The Ministry of Finance has ordered internet service providers to block access within 15 days, adding the Czech Republic to a list of European countries cracking down on such platforms.
Ireland's Gambling Regulators Alliance of Ireland (GRAI) has launched a new campaign urging parents to identify early signs of underage gambling. This initiative follows research indicating that children who gamble are twice as likely to develop gambling-related problems as adults, highlighting the importance of parental awareness and early intervention.
While the FIFA World Cup is projected to generate billions in wagers, industry experts suggest its financial contribution to annual operator Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) may be relatively small. However, operators believe the event yields significant non-financial benefits, such as customer acquisition and brand visibility, extending beyond immediate revenue.
The Rank Group has increased its full-year underlying operating profit expectations to at least £76m, exceeding analyst forecasts, following a 6% rise in net gaming revenue to £834.1m for the 12 months ending June 2026. This positive outlook signals strong financial performance for the operator.
Evoplay has entered the Austrian iGaming market through a partnership with win2day, Austria's only licensed online gambling provider. This collaboration marks Evoplay's official entry into the country.
The CEO of Zeal Network stated that stricter regulation in the UK prize draw sector would be beneficial for the company's expansion, particularly highlighting the involvement of SevenCanyon (a company Zeal acquired) in developing a voluntary code for the industry. This suggests Zeal is looking to leverage regulatory clarity to grow its presence in the UK market.
The Social Market Foundation (SMF) is advocating for problem gambling to be integrated into national public health policies in the UK, elevating its status to that of alcohol and drug abuse, and smoking. This move follows their recent call for increased Machine Gaming Duty and aims to reform the current post-initial crisis problem gambling services.
The Rank Group plc has permanently appointed Richard Harris as its CEO. Harris has served as the company's CFO for four years and as Interim CEO since January 2026.
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee has formally questioned the Gambling Commission regarding its proposed Financial Affordability Assessments. The letter seeks clarity on the evidence and methodology supporting these controversial new measures. This indicates potential legislative scrutiny of the Commission's plans.
AMLA, the EU's central anti-money laundering body, has invited gambling licensees to participate in a consultation on risk profiling and risk-based supervision. This initiative aims to improve coordination and consistency in the fight against money laundering across the EU.
Caesars Entertainment has launched its full suite of online gaming platforms, including Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, Caesars Palace Online Casino, and Horseshoe Online Casino, in Alberta, Canada. This multi-platform offering is now available to players aged 21 and older in the province. The launch represents a significant market entry for Caesars in the Canadian iGaming landscape.
DraftKings has launched multi-state internet poker between Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, following approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board. This expansion allows players in these states to compete against each other, significantly increasing player pools and game variety.
Alberta has officially launched its iGaming market, with several major operators entering the Canadian province. This marks a significant expansion of regulated online gambling in Canada.
Brazil's federal government is set to implement stricter regulations on sports betting advertising, mandating prominent health warnings across all media formats. The new rules aim to curb advertising impact and will be enforced with tougher penalties for non-compliant licensed operators.
Brazilian lawmakers and health experts are expressing serious concerns about the widespread sports betting and online casino advertising, warning it normalizes gambling and contributes to debt and mental health issues. A new bill has been proposed to implement a nationwide ban on such advertisements.
Brazil's Ministry of Finance has blocked 2.8 million welfare beneficiaries, including recipients of Bolsa Família and BPC, from accessing licensed betting platforms. This action enforces a Supreme Federal Court ruling prohibiting the use of social-programme funds for gambling, impacting 10.4% of all beneficiaries.
Sportsbooks face significant geofencing challenges in preventing mobile sports betting on college campuses due to the complex, interwoven nature of campus boundaries with public and private areas. This issue requires adaptable digital mapping to accurately comply with regulations and avoid inadvertently blocking legitimate betting or allowing illicit activity.
MGM Resorts stock saw a pre-market rise following reports that media mogul Barry Diller is pursuing an $18 billion takeover, aiming to acquire a 51% stake in the casino operator. This potential acquisition could significantly alter the ownership and direction of one of the industry's major players.
Tonybet has been granted an iGaming license for Alberta, Canada, marking its entry into the province's newly regulated multi-operator online gambling market. This makes Alberta the second Canadian province, after Ontario, to introduce such a competitive iGaming framework.
PENN Entertainment has expanded its Canadian online gaming presence by launching TheScore Bet Sportsbook & Casino in Alberta. This move also includes theScore Casino and Hollywood Casino platforms, broadening their reach in the province.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) is exploring 'all options' to prevent the implementation of strict Financial Risk Assessments (FRAs) by the Gambling Commission. These assessments, announced on July 7, aim to introduce the most stringent level of customer financial checks in the UK betting industry.
Arizona has issued cease-and-desist orders to five operators, including BetOpenly and Bookmaker, alleging promotion of gambling, illegal control of an enterprise, and money laundering. This action targets unlicensed gambling activities within the state.
Russia's State Duma passed a bill imposing significant fines on casinos that accept bets from individuals on the new self-prohibition registry. This move aims to strengthen protections for gambling addicts who have opted out of gambling.
Pragmatic Play has entered the newly regulated Alberta market, making its full portfolio of slots, including popular titles like Gates of Olympus, available to players in the province. This marks a strategic expansion for the provider into an emerging Canadian iGaming jurisdiction.
Bet365 has officially launched its online sportsbook and casino products in Alberta, expanding its Canadian operations beyond Ontario. This move marks the operator's entry into another regulated Canadian province and is accompanied by a partnership with the CFL.