Author: Daniel Williams

Key Moments: A research report indicated new prediction market users incurred faster and larger losses than users on traditional sportsbooks. Kalshi challenged the accuracy and impartiality of the data, retracting an initial “extortion” allegation against the data provider. Regulatory scrutiny has intensified as prediction market operators assert they fall under federal commodities rules, not state gambling laws. User Losses Exceed Those on Sportsbooks, Report Claims An equity research analysis by Citizens analysts found that typical users of prediction markets lost about 7% of their staked funds within 90 days, compared…

Key Moments: The UK Gambling Commission has indicated that platforms like Kalshi, Robinhood, and Polymarket may require a gaming mediator license to operate legally in Great Britain. Differing regional regulations mean companies federally approved in the US may still be considered unlicensed operators under UK law. Failure to comply with UK requirements can lead to criminal sanctions and reputational damage for operators serving British customers. UK Regulator Examines Prediction Market Legality The UK’s Gambling Commission has signaled that well-known US-based prediction markets could be classified as gambling, requiring a gaming…

Key Moments: Stakelogic has announced a collaboration with Gran Madrid Casino Online to enhance its footprint in Spain’s regulated iGaming sector. Gran Madrid Casino Online will introduce a curated suite of Stakelogic slot games through the Light & Wonder aggregation platform. The initial offering features notable titles, including Candy Links Bonanza 2, Book of Adventure Super Stake Edition, and Book of Jones Golden Book. New Partnership Targets Regulated Spanish iGaming Stakelogic has unveiled a strategic partnership with Gran Madrid Casino Online, reinforcing its commitment to expanding within the regulated Spanish…

Key Moments: The Senate Committee on Science and Technology approved Bill 3,563/2024. The proposal bans all advertising and sponsorship linked to sports betting and online gambling. Additionally, the bill establishes strict penalties for violations. These include fines of up to R$10,000,000 and permanent license revocation. Moreover, betting on election outcomes is explicitly prohibited. Infractions may result in fines ranging from R$50,000 to R$500,000. Comprehensive Ban on Betting Promotion Advances The Senate Committee on Science and Technology (CCT) has approved Bill 3,563/2024. Overall, the proposal seeks to eliminate all forms of…

Key Moments: Nevada Gaming Control Board initiated a civil case against Coinbase Financial Markets, Inc. on February 2, 2026. Regulators assert that Coinbase’s event contracts function as sports betting and require state licensing. A previous Polymarket restraining order strengthens Nevada’s position as Coinbase prepares to challenge the state’s move. Regulators Target Event Contracts in Legal Battle The Nevada Gaming Control Board has filed a civil enforcement action in Carson City District Court against Coinbase Financial Markets, Inc., stating that the company has been facilitating unlicensed sports-related wagering through its app…

Key Moments: House Bill 161 moved forward in Virginia’s House General Laws gaming subcommittee with a close 5–4 vote on February 3 The Senate’s companion bill previously passed its committee by a 9–6 vote and is awaiting Senate Finance Committee review Legislation proposes a 15% tax on gross gaming revenue and allows each land-based casino up to three mobile partnerships Subcommittee Vote Propels HB 161 Forward House Bill 161, which would legalize and regulate online casino gaming in Virginia, narrowly advanced in the House General Laws gaming subcommittee following a…

Key Moments: Ireland’s Gaming Regulation Board (GRAI) is scheduled to begin issuing operator licenses on February 5, 2026 The transition will see online operators eligible from July 1, 2026, and land-based operators from December 1, 2026 GRAI will gain authority to impose penalties up to €20 million or 10% of revenue and introduce additional consumer protections Licensing Timeline and Transition Process Ireland’s revamped licensing regime for gambling operators will commence under the oversight of the Gaming Regulation Board (GRAI) on February 5, 2026. The system will allow for the licensing…

Key Moments: BetMGM updated its user terms to explicitly ban harassment of athletes, coaches, teams, or league personnel. As a result, violators may face account suspension. Meanwhile, more than $122 million in progressive jackpots have been awarded to players in 2025, underscoring BetMGM’s focus on entertainment. Additionally, BetMGM reported a 35 percent year-on-year net revenue increase for the first half of 2025, maintaining a strong position in iGaming and sports betting. Clear Rules to Promote Integrity in Sports Wagering BetMGM has unveiled revised user terms that clearly prohibit abusive or…

Key Moments: Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has begun accepting online gambling license applications Ontario-licensed operators are prioritized for expedited market entry Major companies, including PointsBet, RSI, and several large U.S. brands, are preparing for launch Alberta’s New iGaming Regulations Set the Stage The online gambling landscape in Alberta is undergoing significant changes as the province initiates its official licensing process. Businesses holding Ontario licenses now have the opportunity to apply for entry, with AGLC giving them priority in the application process after publishing the new rules on January…

Key Moments: MyStake N.V. has transferred its Curacao license management to GTW B.V., affecting brands previously operated by Santeda International B.V. British media reports revealed that a notable share of UK consumer gambling expenditures in 2025 originated from MyStake. GAMRS raised concerns about practices affecting at-risk players, such as challenging account closure and unsolicited advertising. License Transition and Operational Adjustments Amid heightened regulatory scrutiny in the United Kingdom, MyStake N.V., the parent of MyStake and additional online gambling entities, has shifted its Curacao licensing arrangements. This transition, which now assigns…