Author: Daniel Williams

Key Moments: Polymarket has partnered with GRID. It now integrates live streams, stats, and interactive esports features. Prediction markets increasingly rely on fast, official data. As a result, they now resemble sportsbook infrastructure. Bernstein projects major growth. Volumes could reach $240 billion in 2026 and $1 trillion by 2030. Deepening Integration of Live Data in Esports Prediction Markets Polymarket has taken a major step by partnering with GRID, an esports data platform. The deal adds live data and interactivity to its esports hub. This integration brings server-level data, real-time statistics,…

Key Moments: Researchers have found that the current £150 monthly deposit threshold may prioritize intervention over individual autonomy Nearly half of participants without gambling-related harm still exceeded the threshold during a year-long study The optimal deposit limit shifts between £39 and £716 depending on the targeted policy objective Research Explores Impact of Deposit Triggers A recent study published in Addiction has examined the UK’s £150 monthly deposit trigger for online gambling, questioning whether the threshold achieves an appropriate balance between consumer safety and personal rights. By analyzing a year’s worth…

Key Moments: The CFTC filed a lawsuit on 23 June against the state of Kentucky regarding prediction markets regulation. Kentucky imposed a new “special transaction fee” on CFTC-regulated markets, prompting federal legal action. Kentucky previously filed lawsuits against prediction market operators, alleging illegal gambling activity. Federal and State Clash Over Prediction Market Oversight The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has announced it initiated a lawsuit on 23 June against the state of Kentucky, aiming to halt the state’s actions to close CFTC-registered contract markets using state-specific regulations. The conflict arose…

Key Moments: Gambling tax revenue in New South Wales is projected to climb from $3.8 billion in 2025-26 to $4.7 billion by 2029-30 Pokies in pubs and hotels are on track to generate approximately $2.2 billion in tax revenue by 2029-30, up from $1.6 billion in the current year Key recommendations on cashless gaming and account-based systems remain pending, despite expert and regulatory advice Forecasts Signal Growing Financial Reliance on Gambling The latest New South Wales budget papers reveal that gambling tax revenue is on track to post sharp gains…

Key Moments: ACMA determined that SBS violated gambling advertising restrictions during its Tour de France coverage in July 2025 An advertisement for Crown Resorts aired during a prohibited period and did not meet the dining or entertainment exception SBS contested the ruling, asserting the commercial focused solely on culinary, hospitality, and accommodation features Regulatory Decision on Broadcast Advertising The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has concluded that SBS breached advertising regulations by airing a Crown Resorts commercial at an unauthorized time during its live Tour de France broadcast in…

Key Moments: The cabinet granted initial approval to the draft Gambling Prevention Act, 2026 on June 18. The new bill aims to repeal the Public Gambling Act of 1867 and modernize regulation for the digital era. Authorities have targeted online betting by suspending 21,725 accounts linked to gambling-related transactions. Key Moments Date Event June 18 Cabinet gives in-principle approval to proposed Gambling Prevention Act, 2026 Recent enforcement Bangladesh Bank suspends 21,725 accounts linked to betting activity Government Moves Toward Major Legislative Change Bangladesh is on the verge of making sweeping…

Key Moments A House bill, titled the “Stop Lawmakers From Predicting Act,” would ban members of Congress and their families from trading prediction markets tied to political or government events. In addition, the proposal sets penalties of at least $2,000 or 10% of transaction value. It also requires forfeiture of any profits, which would go to the U.S. Treasury. Moreover, the bill follows recent Senate action that blocks similar activity for senators and staff. Overall, it reflects growing concern about insider trading risks. New House Proposal Targets Political Betting by…

Key Moments Russia’s Federation Council has approved a bill to cut online casino blocking times to 48 hours, with only presidential approval remaining. The reform aims to streamline a multi-step process involving the Federal Tax Service and Roskomnadzor that officials call slow and outdated. While regulators push for faster enforcement, the Ministry of Finance has reportedly floated a plan to legalize a limited number of online casinos with a 30% tax on annual profits. Regulators Move to Accelerate Website Blocking Russia is preparing to give regulators a far quicker tool…

Key Moments: Ad fraud has emerged as a significant but under-recognized issue amid the surge in betting activity around the FIFA World Cup 2026 Independent audits have found that large portions of gambling operators’ digital ad spend may not reach real consumers Major sporting events like the World Cup intensify risks of inefficient marketing spend and compliance concerns The Overlooked Impact of Ad Fraud on Gambling Operators While the gambling industry faces ongoing scrutiny from politicians targeting advertising and regulators focusing on consumer welfare, a less visible challenge continues to…

Key Moments: SkillOnNet has introduced Octoplay’s Malta-licensed slot games across its UK-facing casino brands, including PlayOJO, Genting, SpinGenie, and MegawaysCasino. The rollout is set to reach additional markets later in 2026, following initial launch in the UK. Octoplay’s recent commercial activity includes going live with bet365 in the UK in May 2026 and its entry into the Michigan market in December 2025. Rollout of Octoplay Slots on SkillOnNet’s UK Platforms SkillOnNet has made the slots portfolio from Gameshop Limited, operating as Octoplay, available on its UK-focused casino sites. The launch…