Indonesia's anti-money laundering agency, PPATK, has identified Jakarta and its metropolitan area, Jabodetabek, as the epicenter of illegal gambling in the country. This declaration highlights a significant challenge for Indonesian authorities in combating illicit gaming operations. The increasing prevalence of illegal gambling could lead to more stringent enforcement and potential changes in national policy.
Indonesian police have dismantled a major international online gambling network, arresting over 300 foreign nationals, predominantly Vietnamese, in West Jakarta. Four Indonesian citizens were also apprehended in connection with the operation of nearly 150 alleged gambling sites.
South Korean police are investigating allegations of rigged blackjack games at an unnamed, small casino in Jeju, following a tip-off from provincial officials. The investigation centres on claims that the casino manipulated games to ensure customer losses.
A group of 17 Democratic Senators is petitioning a Senate subcommittee to prevent the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) from using federal funds for legal battles against states regarding prediction market operators. This push comes as numerous states have attempted to regulate prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket under their gambling laws, challenging the CFTC's jurisdiction.
An Illinois gambler is suing DraftKings, alleging that the company's platform constitutes a "defective product" that fosters gambling addiction. The plaintiff claims to have lost over $2 million and experienced suicidal ideations as a result of his gambling on the platform.
A Russian gambling industry leader has criticized lawyer Ivan Kurbakov's proposal to fine individuals using illegal online casinos. While online gambling is forbidden in Russia, using these sites is not currently a criminal offense, and Kurbakov's call represents a potential toughening of enforcement.
Maryland's State Elections Administrator, Jared DeMarinis, warned residents against participating in election prediction market trades, stating such activity constitutes illegal wagering and could lead to prosecution. This warning follows residents making illegal wagers on recent primary races.
The CFTC has sued Kentucky in an escalating legal battle over the state's attempts to regulate prediction markets, following Kentucky's lawsuits against Kalshi and Polymarket. This is the ninth state the CFTC has taken action against as it seeks to assert its authority in this area.
The Armenian government has revoked the operating license of Shangri La Casino, the nation's largest casino, citing irregularities found during a March 2026 inspection. This move comes amid deepening political tensions between the ruling party and opposition factions in Armenia, suggesting a politically motivated decision.
Members of the Lucchese crime family have pleaded guilty to running an illegal gambling operation in New Jersey, involving illegal poker, a sportsbook, and gaming rooms. Eight individuals admitted to their involvement, with the Attorney General announcing the pleas.
Chinese authorities have initiated a significant crackdown on illegal World Cup gambling, resulting in multiple arrests across the country. This enforcement action follows warnings from courts and police regarding potential penalties for involvement in illicit sports betting, indicating a heightened focus on combating underground operations.
Meta is reportedly developing a prediction market application, internally codenamed 'Arena,' with the potential to compete with existing platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. This initiative, reportedly commissioned by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, signifies a move by a major tech company into the prediction market space.
Sweepstakes casino operators are withdrawing from Iowa and Indiana as new state laws targeting their operations come into effect. Iowa's new legislation empowers the Racing and Gaming Commission to issue cease-and-desist letters to illegal operators, specifically mentioning sweepstakes games.
Armenia's National Assembly approved new gambling regulations, effective January 1 next year, that will ban 'at-risk' individuals from online casinos and impose stricter betting limits. This move aims to tighten controls on online gambling within the country.
A Kyrgyz developer is accused of building an illegal casino complex, hotel, and restaurants on a site in Bishkek that was designated for a sports center. Prosecutors discovered the unauthorized structures during an inspection, leading to an investigation into the violation of land use agreements and potential illegal gambling operations.
Minnesota authorities have filed a court document accusing former President Donald Trump of attempting to regulate prediction markets for personal benefit, as part of their ongoing legal dispute with Kalshi, Polymarket, and the CFTC. This development escalates the state's efforts to challenge the prediction market industry.
Russia's Federation Council has approved a law to expedite the blocking of online casinos, with final approval pending from President Vladimir Putin. This legislation, already passed by the State Duma, will significantly reduce the time needed to issue access-blocking orders.
Indonesian authorities are preparing to tackle a surge in illegal soccer betting as World Cup fever grips the nation. The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) noted that soccer betting now dominates illegal online wagers in the country following the World Cup kickoff.
US Congressman Bryan Stiel has introduced a bill, the Stop Lawmakers From Predicting Act, aimed at prohibiting lawmakers from trading in politics-related contracts on prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. This legislative effort seeks to address concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest for elected officials participating in such markets.
Prediction market platform Kalshi blocked Betr COO Alex Ursa after he created a slot-like interface using Kalshi's API, highlighting a potential convergence between prediction markets and casino-style gaming. This incident suggests gambling companies like Betr may be exploring new ways to expand their iGaming offerings beyond traditional sports betting.
The Ukrainian government is poised to ban soldiers from online gambling, with the proposal backed by the Cabinet of Ministers. This measure addresses widespread concerns about gambling addiction among military personnel.
Chinese courts and law enforcement have issued a public warning against World Cup betting and illegal sports wagering, highlighting recent cases where individuals involved in soccer betting rings received jail sentences. The authorities emphasized the legal risks of participating in such activities for Chinese residents.
Kentucky's Attorney General is suing prediction market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket, alleging they are operating illegal sportsbooks and misleading consumers about their authorization to offer sports wagering in the state.
South Korea recorded its highest-ever gambling addiction rates in 2025, according to a 10-year study by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. This increase occurred while the number of alcoholics in the country simultaneously dropped to a 10-year low.
Ivory Coast World Cup player Elye Wahi was arrested weeks before the tournament on allegations of spot-fixing, specifically for deliberately receiving a yellow card in a French Ligue match. This incident highlights the ongoing concerns about integrity in sports betting, even at the highest levels of football.