The UK Gambling Commission has extended the deadline for betting companies to implement new deposit limit policies by three months. This decision comes amidst ongoing debate and pending regulatory decisions regarding gambling affordability in the UK.
Bet365 has officially launched in France after receiving approval from the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This entry is a significant development for the regulated French online betting market.
Finland's open betting market is set to launch on July 1, 2027, transitioning from a monopoly system after President Alexander Stubb signed the Gambling Bill into law in January 2025. Despite the legislation, industry stakeholders still have numerous questions regarding the market's implementation and operational details. Operators are encouraged to begin preparations for the new regulatory landscape.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled against OddsChecker for two Instagram posts featuring footballers Haaland and Kane, deeming them in breach of advertising standards. Conversely, a complaint against a Betway advertisement was not upheld. This event underscores ongoing scrutiny of gambling advertising content and compliance in the UK.
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) has acquired a 5.3% stake in Flutter Entertainment, making it a significant new shareholder in the world's largest online gambling company. This investment highlights growing institutional interest in major iGaming operators.
Better Gambling Forum (BGF) and SBC Events & Media have formed a strategic partnership to promote BGF's Responsible Gambling 3.0 framework, particularly across North America. This collaboration aims to leverage SBC's platforms to drive engagement and implement practical player protection solutions.
Armenia is implementing a new compliance framework for gambling licensees starting May 1st, including payment locks and stricter controls on digital betting and advertising. These measures aim to enhance player protection and financial oversight within the Armenian iGaming market.
Spain's gambling regulator, the DGOJ, has initiated legal action against prediction market operators Polymarket and Kalshi for allegedly operating without the necessary licenses in the country. This move follows similar actions from other European regulators, highlighting growing scrutiny of these platforms. The DGOJ published a notice in Spain's Official State Gazette regarding the disciplinary proceedings.
Hedge funds reportedly generated $2.3 billion by short-selling publicly listed online gambling companies in 2026, according to a Financial Times report. This news follows recent claims made by Muddy Waters and Callisto related to betting technology provider Sportradar.
Brazil's 'Bets Law' is facing an overhaul due to intense political bargaining among congressional parties, with the future of online and land-based gambling regulations uncertain. The original provisional measure that shaped the regulated gambling market is likely to undergo significant changes, potentially leading to a more comprehensive and sustainable regulatory framework.
Buenos Aires City Lottery (LOTBA) initiated the first block against a predictions market platform in South America, targeting Polymarket two months ago. This action highlights Argentina's unique regulatory approach within the large Latin American gambling market, particularly concerning the 'grey area' of prediction markets.
Åland-based operator Paf reported record financial results in 2025, with revenue increasing 12% to €214.5m and profit reaching €57.2m. The company also announced that its total distributions for societal benefits have surpassed €527.9m, highlighting its commitment to public welfare alongside strong business performance.
The Belgian Gaming Commission has issued a strict warning to iGaming operators regarding bonus offers, advertising, and football-related sponsorships leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The regulator plans to aggressively monitor these activities to ensure compliance during the high-traffic period.
GamCare has appointed Chris Thornton as its new Director of Operations, tasked with overseeing the delivery and performance of its national and regional services, including the National Gambling Helpline. This appointment comes as demand for gambling harm support services increases across the UK.
Crystal Palace will replace its gambling front-of-shirt sponsor NET88 with US-based AI firm Temporal from the 2026/27 season, ahead of the Premier League's voluntary ban on gambling company sponsorships. This move follows other clubs, like AFC Bournemouth, in securing new sponsors as the ban approaches.
Lithuania's Gambling Control Authority has confirmed that mandatory player cards will be the principal reform in its gambling law overhaul, with full implementation by 2029. This mechanism is seen as a new central control following recent amendments to the country's gambling regulations.
The UK Gambling Commission has confirmed that a decision on whether to implement Financial Risk Assessments (FRAs) as part of its affordability checks is still pending. A meeting was held to discuss the next steps, indicating ongoing deliberation regarding this significant regulatory change for the gambling industry.
Billionaire Kenneth Dart has increased his stake in Flutter Entertainment to 27.6% of voting rights, making him the single largest private shareholder. This continued accumulation of shares by Dart, through his investment company, further consolidates his influence over the global gambling giant.
Spanish gaming operator CIRSA achieved record net operating revenues of €623m in Q1 2026, an 8% year-on-year increase, driven by strong retail and online performance. The company also reduced its debt by over €500m, signaling strong financial health and growth.
An EU committee is considering a proposed 1% EU-wide levy on gambling revenues, put forward by Romanian politician Victor Negrescu. While the prospect is not yet certain, the proposal will be debated by the Budgets Committee of the European Parliament next week.
ChatBet, an AI-powered betting solution operating via WhatsApp and Telegram, is being rolled out in Latin America, showing strong results for early adopters in improving player acquisition and retention. This technology allows bettors to place wagers through messaging apps, offering a new performance channel for operators.
Better Collective has secured a global expansion of its partnership with X (formerly Twitter) for its AI-powered betting platform, Playbook, following strong Q1 2026 financial results. The company believes Playbook can become a core platform for sports bettors worldwide.
The UK Gambling Commission has again stated that new financial risk assessment proposals are not 'affordability checks' and will have minimal impact on most British bettors. This follows widespread criticism of the proposed measures.
Stats Perform's Martin Popov discusses how stream delay significantly impacts in-play betting revenue for sportsbooks and iGaming operators, noting that in-play is the largest revenue segment in the US market. Reducing latency is crucial for maximizing this growing revenue stream.
Stats Perform's Product Director Martin Popov discusses the significant financial impact of stream delay on in-play betting revenue, especially as live betting becomes the dominant segment in regulated markets. Reducing latency can substantially improve profitability for sportsbook and iGaming operators.