New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James have initiated legal action against Polymarket. The lawsuit alleges that Polymarket's prediction market platform operates as an unlicensed gambling business within the state. This marks a significant regulatory challenge to prediction market platforms in the US.
South Korea has expanded its Tourism Promotion and Development Fund loan program to include casino operators for the first time since 1998. Revised guidelines allow operators to borrow up to KRW15 billion (US$11 million) for construction, expansion, and renovation projects. This initiative aims to support the development of integrated resorts and boost tourism infrastructure.
The UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is proposing a ban on betting firms offering bets on the new Powerball UK lottery. This initiative seeks to align Powerball UK with existing National Lottery products and prevent unauthorized betting on its outcomes. A consultation period has been opened to gather feedback on the proposed ban.
The Star Gold Coast's casino licence suspension has been deferred by the Crisafulli Government until March 31, 2027. This extension allows The Star to continue progressing commitments outlined in its remediation plan, based on advice from the Special Manager. The deferral ensures continued operation while compliance efforts are ongoing.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has criticized a UK House of Lords committee's call for a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising. The BGC argues such a ban could weaken consumer protection rather than strengthen it. They maintain that Britain already has stringent regulations governing gambling advertising.
UK political parties are debating new gambling policies, with a Conservative proposal suggesting welfare payments be restricted from use on gambling, alcohol, and cigarettes for Universal Credit claimants. The Labour Party has labeled this plan as "unworkable," highlighting divergent views on social welfare and gambling regulation.
Chile's telecoms regulator, Subtel, has directed six internet service providers to block an additional 37 domains, subdomains, and mirror sites linked to online betting and gambling platforms. This action is part of an ongoing court-backed DNS-blocking process targeting unauthorized gambling operations in the country.
Palmerbet is under scrutiny for failing BetStop self-exclusion controls, allowing a self-excluded player continued access for 18 months. This highlights issues with the operator's accurate personal information provision for self-excluded individuals.
Bulgaria's ruling Progressive Bulgaria party has proposed a draft Gambling Act reform, which includes a near-total ban on all forms of gambling advertising. This legislative change, currently under public consultation, could significantly impact gambling operators and affiliate marketing in the region.
Over £20,000 was seized in an illegal gambling operation in Manchester, UK. This intelligence-led effort was conducted by the City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Richard Bradley of Poppleston Allen advocates for greater unity among UK gambling trade bodies, including the BGC and Bacta, to strengthen lobbying and communication efforts. This call comes amid renewed discussions on potential tax rate increases for the industry.
RiskCherry, a Malta-based independent test lab, has expanded its global coverage to 24 iGaming markets. The company secured regulatory approvals in five new jurisdictions within three months, including Santa Fe in Argentina. This expansion strengthens RiskCherry's position in regulated online casino game testing.
Germany's Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) celebrated its five-year anniversary in Halle. The event brought together representatives from politics, administration, science, and international regulatory bodies. Discussions focused on the authority's establishment and future direction for gambling regulation.
A recent São Paulo court ruling against bet365 in Brazil has highlighted complexities surrounding bookmakers' use of sports data and its impact on customer dispute resolution. The court ordered bet365 to pay out seven bets on two Italian Serie A matches, underscoring the challenges of data sourcing and agreement in the sports betting industry.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has intensified his criticism of the betting industry during his address at the United Nations General Assembly. This comes as the Brazilian government prepares a provisional measure aimed at restricting gambling advertising and potentially prohibiting online casinos. The move signals a potential tightening of regulations for the sector in Brazil.
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has adopted a firmer stance on prediction markets, issuing a warning about potential financial, emotional, and relationship harms. This move follows months of criticism regarding the organization's prior handling of Kalshi's membership. NCPG board president Derek Longmeier emphasized the real-world harm experienced by individuals involved in these markets.
The Dutch Gambling Authority (Ksa) has issued new guidance regarding account closures for online gambling operators. The Ksa emphasizes that it must be as straightforward as possible for players to close their accounts upon request. This directive aims to enhance player protection and control over their gambling activity.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has suspended the operating license of Targetlocal, trading as Ken Howell's Sports betting. This suspension follows inquiries that identified significant anti-money laundering (AML) failings within the company. The action underscores the UKGC's strict enforcement of AML compliance.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is imposing restrictions on 'mention market' contracts within prediction markets. The CFTC is clarifying when event contracts, particularly those based on personal statements or interactions, are permissible. This move aims to regulate the expanding prediction market landscape and mitigate associated risks.
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) released a statement from its Board President addressing the potential for gambling-related harm from the growing prediction markets. The NCPG is developing a strategic approach to mitigate these risks and advocate for consumer protection. This highlights increasing concern over the responsible growth of this market segment.
Brazil's government is reportedly considering significant restrictions on online betting, potentially including a ban on digital casino games, as President Lula addresses the issue in his reelection campaign. Government sources indicate anticipated action against betting platforms, with Lula's allies suggesting he favors severe or total prohibitions.
A technical study by the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) suggests that banning licensed online casinos in Brazil could double the size of the illegal market. The report indicates a significant increase in clandestine platforms if regulated options are unavailable.
Bulgaria's Prime Minister Roumen Radev announced public consultations on amendments to the country's Gambling Act. The proposed changes will introduce significant restrictions on gambling advertising. These texts, to be published today, are expected to include a near-complete ban on advertising.
The US Commodity Futures Tarding Commission (CFTC) has issued a warning to prediction market operators regarding event contracts based on an individual's words or actions. The CFTC's Division of Market Oversight states that such 'mention market' contracts carry an elevated risk of manipulation. This advisory covers contracts settling on whether a person says specific words, attends an event, or appears publicly.
Deutsche Bank predicts that Rank Group will be significantly impacted by a potential increase in UK Machine Games Duty (MGD). The bank suggests that land-based operations will bear a heavier burden from this tax hike compared to online segments.