An illegal online casino, 'Tesco Slots,' has been extensively using UK supermarket Tesco's branding to promote its services on Meta's platforms, seemingly aiming to deceive British consumers into believing Tesco has launched a gambling product. The deceptive advertising campaign is still active despite reports.
Google has implemented new, unconditional requisites for gambling and games advertisers seeking certification, effective September 14, 2026. This policy update, which was announced in June, enhances Google's existing Gambling and Games Policy across all markets, building on measures introduced earlier in March 2026.
The Chair of the Netherlands' gambling regulator, Michel Groothuizen of the KSA, has called for greater cross-border collaboration among European nations to combat the illegal gambling market. He highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the Netherlands in this fight, underscoring the need for a unified approach. This plea comes after the Netherlands' annual gambling committee debate, emphasizing regulatory concerns.
Bet365 is expanding its offerings in France by partnering with ZEturf to launch pari-mutuel horse racing betting markets. This collaboration will allow bet365 to provide tailored horse racing content to its French users, signifying a notable market entry for this specific product.
Online crypto casino Stake has reportedly blocked access to its services for users in Ireland following consultations with the newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority for Ireland (GRAI). This move aligns with the GRAI's implementation of a new licensing system and its efforts to establish a regulated gambling environment in the country.
FIRST.bet has appointed industry veteran Victor Arias as Vice President of LatAm and Regional Head of Commercial to spearhead its expansion in the region. Arias, formerly with Pragmatic Play, will lead the sportsbook tech provider's commercial strategy, leveraging his extensive experience in the burgeoning Latin American market.
Google has announced it will cease allowing affiliates and media platforms to use its ad services for gambling content and promotions targeting audiences in Croatia, effective October 7th. This significant policy change was confirmed through an update to Google's country-specific terms for its Ad services in Croatia. The move will revoke all existing gambling ad campaigns in the region.
A research consortium, Local Health and Global Profits (LHGP), is urging the UK's Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to broaden its proposed ban on unlicensed gambling sponsorship in sports to include all regulated operators. While supporting action against the black market, LHGP believes extending the ban is crucial for public health and reducing gambling harm.
Axom Gaming is expanding its operations across Africa, leveraging a strategic partnership with 888AFRICA to capitalize on the continent's growing iGaming market. This collaboration aims to secure a leading position in emerging African territories, highlighting significant investment and market entry strategies.
A football match in Estonia's second tier was curtailed due to suspected betting fraud, raising integrity concerns for the jurisdiction's ambition to become a major iGaming licensing hub. This incident highlights potential vulnerabilities in the market and could impact its regulatory reputation.
Sunderland AFC has signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with Shuffle, a crypto-centric online casino and sports betting platform that operates without a UK Gambling Commission license. This partnership is controversial given increasing scrutiny on football clubs promoting gambling and the platform's unlicensed status in the UK, raising questions about regulatory oversight. The deal highlights ongoing tensions between sports sponsorship and responsible gambling practices within the UK.
Playtech CEO Mor Weizer used the company's H1 earnings call to emphasize the industry's responsibility to cut off technology supply to illegal gambling operators, despite refusing to comment on ongoing litigation with Evolution AB in New Jersey. This stance highlights a critical issue for major B2B suppliers regarding market integrity and regulatory compliance. The refusal to discuss the Evolution litigation suggests its sensitivity and importance to Playtech.
German authorities have launched a major crackdown on an illegal gambling network, following a three-year investigation into heightened money-laundering risks flagged by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Eleven premises were raided, targeting an operation reportedly handling €6 billion in stakes. This initiative aims to combat criminal activities threatening the German economy and market integrity.
Two individuals closely associated with the UK Conservative Party, including its Head of Campaigning, have pleaded guilty to cheating offences under the Gambling Act 2005. Anthony Lee and his wife, Laura Lee, admitted to placing bets on the date of the 2024 UK general election using insider information. This development is part of a wider scandal involving bets made by political figures on the election timing.
France's Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU) is implementing a job cuts plan as part of a transformation of its horseracing network and pools system. While three out of four trade unions have signed the agreement, the French Democratic Confederation of Labour (CFDT) has raised concerns about 'commercial contradictions'.
BetMGM, part of LeoVegas Group, has secured a multi-year deal to become Newcastle United's official UK and European betting partner, expanding on their existing 2023 relationship. The agreement ensures prominent BetMGM branding at St James' Park, including LED advertising and media walls. This partnership strengthens BetMGM's presence through association with a major Premier League club.
Stake has been added to Nigeria's 'blocked list' and banned across all 24 states within the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN). The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) deemed Stake's operations in the country illegal due to a lack of relevant licenses. This action highlights a growing enforcement trend against unlicensed operators in African markets.
Grupo Codere reported its seventh consecutive quarter of improved profitability with Q2 gaming revenue up 5.8% year-on-year to €352.5m, driven by Codere Online's growth and strong trading during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Adjusted EBITDA increased by 14.1% to €57.6m, showcasing robust financial performance for the iGaming and betting operator.
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has issued a critical warning to regulators, stating that gambling platforms are increasingly being exploited for money laundering activities, particularly as black market operations expand. This alert signals a heightened focus on combating financial crime within the industry, especially in Europe, potentially leading to more stringent regulatory measures.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has reprimanded Smart Gravity, operator of top10onlinecasinoreviews.co.uk, for its 'Fast Signups and Mega Bonuses' promotion appearing in search results for 'help with gambling.' The ASA ruled that such advertising was irresponsible and likely to cause harm, breaching advertising codes.
Playtech reported H1 profits of €113 million (£97 million), marking a return to bottom-line profitability. This positive performance was primarily driven by strong trading and successful commercial partnerships in the US and Latin America. The gambling technology group reaffirmed its confidence in achieving its full-year 2026 financial and corporate objectives.
Playtech has stated that Evolution's commissioned 'Spectrum Report' corroborates key findings from the Black Cube investigation into Evolution's activities. This contradicts Evolution's prior assertion that the report exonerated them, deepening the ongoing dispute between the two major iGaming suppliers.
Bet365, one of the UK's largest gambling firms, announced job cuts impacting 340 employees (3% of its workforce), following similar moves by four other major UK operators. This decision is linked to recent tax increases and marks a concerning trend for the UK gambling industry.
Brazil's President Lula da Silva is reportedly considering a provisional measure to fast-track gambling reforms, potentially restricting the 'Bets' regime and not ruling out full gambling bans. Sources close to the President suggest this could happen within days, with the government aiming to control unregulated betting sites.
Olli Sarekoski, CEO of Finnish gambling monopoly Veikkaus, discusses the necessity of fair competition, implying that the current monopoly model is failing to retain players who seek international alternatives. He suggests a shift towards a licensed market could be beneficial for Finland, aligning with recent industry discussions about market liberalization. This indicates potential future regulatory changes in a significant European market.