Lottomatica Group plans to merge with Cirsa Enterprises through an all-share transaction, as detailed in a prospectus issued to Borsa Milan investors. This significant deal aims to create outright market leadership for the combined entity in both Italy and Spain. The transaction will enhance the platform for accelerated growth.
Lottomatica Group announced its intention to merge with CIRSA Enterprises through an all-share transaction, as detailed in a prospectus issued to Borsa Milan investors. This deal aims to combine the businesses to establish market leadership in Italy and Spain.
Dutch online gambling trade body VNLOK has warned policymakers against a hasty advertising ban, emphasizing the risk of boosting the illegal gambling market. This caution comes ahead of a key parliamentary debate on potential reforms that could further restrict licensed operators in the Netherlands. The industry body urges consideration of the wider implications for consumer protection and market channeling.
The UK Gambling Commission has suspended the operating licences of two betting operators, Bet St George and BresBet, following a series of enforcement actions against other companies. Nic Brereton is involved in both businesses. This move signals continued regulatory scrutiny within the UK iGaming sector.
Sweden's Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) has urged regulator Spelinspektionen to reconsider certain regulatory proposals. While supporting modernization of responsible gambling and tech infrastructure, BOS is pushing for a careful review of some specific measures to ensure effective implementation.
Alea is set to launch a new sportsbook solution, expanding its product offering to become a complete iGaming betting company. CEO Alex Tomic emphasized the necessity of a unified casino and sportsbook offering to remain competitive in the modern industry.
SBC and the Gaming Regulators Africa Forum (GRAF) have established a strategic partnership to enhance regulatory dialogue and collaboration within Africa's growing gaming markets. This collaboration includes SBC's support for the GRAF 2026 Conference, aiming to foster knowledge exchange among regulators.
Superbet, Romania's largest gambling firm, is committing to protect its employees and repurpose venues affected by new municipal gambling bans in the country. The company will retain staff and adapt its physical locations instead of closing them down and making redundancies, in response to ongoing regulatory changes impacting land-based operations.
Bally's Intralot reported adjusted net debt exceeding €1.6bn in H1 2026, an increase of €135m year-over-year. This significant debt figure comes as the company proceeds with its acquisition of Evoke, parent company of William Hill and Mr Green.
The Brazilian betting industry is facing a "political storm" despite generating a significant £1.2 billion in tax revenue for 2026 so far. Both the President and a major opposition party are scrutinizing the sector, highlighting ongoing regulatory challenges and potential instability in this key emerging market.
Industry leaders from Genius Sports, SIS, and Coolbet discuss the growing importance of 24/7 content in modern sports betting. They examine how operators are balancing scale, integrity, and engagement to keep bettors entertained between major events. This trend highlights the evolution of always-on betting from a niche offering to a core sportsbook strategy.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal has ordered a review of the reduction in income from online gambling, citing concerns over fiscal and budgetary shortfalls. The Riigikogu (parliament) is tasked with re-evaluating the tax reduction that was sanctioned in December 2025 as part of the Reform-Eesti 200 budget. This move signals a potential reversal or modification of tax policies affecting licensed online operators in Estonia.
Maarten Haijer is stepping down as Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) at the end of August. Pierre Tournier will take over as interim Secretary General, marking a significant leadership change for the prominent EU iGaming trade body.
Political opposition to Brazil's newly regulated sports betting market is intensifying, with legislators reportedly planning measures that could halt its operation within 180 days. This indicates a significant threat to the burgeoning legal market, despite recent legislation establishing it.
Sportradar has expanded its partnership with prediction market platform Polymarket, providing premium data, streaming, and integrity services for over 20 sports leagues. This agreement enhances Polymarket's offerings to its US customers, including access to high-profile global sports competitions.
Ukraine's gambling regulator, PlayCity, has launched a tender to develop an automated system to enforce a gambling ban for military personnel. This initiative aims to streamline the verification process and restrict military members' access to gambling activities across the country. The move is part of broader efforts to enhance player protection and responsible gambling measures.
GamCare has secured a £16 million reserve to safeguard its frontline services during the transition to the UK's statutory levy on gambling harms. This buffer aims to ensure continuous support for the gambling harm treatment sector, as detailed in the charity's Trustee Report 2025/2026.
Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has proposed increasing Machine Gaming Duty (MGD) to help address the winter fuel crisis. This suggestion, made during a BBC interview, highlights a potential political move that could impact the iGaming and betting industry's retail sector, specifically affecting revenue from gaming machines.
Entain, a leading iGaming operator, is expected to be demoted from the FTSE100 to the FTSE250 index during the upcoming quarterly review by FTSE Russell. This potential downgrade reflects a decline in the company's market capitalization, placing it among the companies most likely to exit the blue-chip index.
Allwyn reported a significant boost in Q2 2026 revenue, with its acquisition of PrizePicks contributing an additional €231m from daily fantasy sports operations. This acquisition highlights sports and gaming products as key growth drivers for the company.
A University of Nottingham study revealed significant differences in gambling sponsorship visibility between the Premier League and the World Cup. Gambling brands appeared in 32.6% of Premier League YouTube highlights compared to only 1.5% for the World Cup, likely due to FIFA's stricter stance on betting sponsorship. This highlights contrasting approaches to gambling advertising in major football events.
Belarus is considering a draft ban on online gambling advertisements, as reported by The Telegraph Agency of Belarus. While not a primary European gambling market, such discussions periodically surface on the country's political agenda. If approved, this move would impact the operational landscape for betting and gaming companies in Belarus.
GiG Software plc is planning a strategic return to the B2C market by acquiring an 80% stake in 888AFRICA from evoke for approximately €16.4m. This acquisition will be funded through a directed share issue and convertible loan agreements totaling €8.5m. The move signals a significant M&A activity and a shift in GiG's business model.
Altenar is actively opposing Sportradar's attempts to move their ongoing US data rights lawsuit from the US District Court for the District of New Jersey to private arbitration. This legal battle concerns the control and use of data from US professional sports leagues, a critical component for sports betting operations. Altenar believes Sportradar is trying to avoid public scrutiny and a judgment in the US court system.
UK MPs are reportedly raising concerns with the Gambling Commission regarding the background of Allwyn UK's new interim CEO, Phil Walker. The MPs, known for gambling reform advocacy, are questioning Walker's previous tenure at William Hill. Allwyn recently won the contract to operate the UK National Lottery.