News

Key Moments Netflix has appointed Ian Hunter as its first executive to oversee betting advertising partnerships. Advertising remains a central growth objective for Netflix, which reported $45.3 billion in revenue for the 2025 financial year. Enhanced regulatory scrutiny on gambling ads in Europe creates both challenges and opportunities for platform operators. Event Details Senior Hire Ian Hunter joins Netflix’s London office with a mixed background in social media and gambling (The Stars Group, Snap Inc.). Financial Performance $42 billion in membership revenue and $45.3 billion in total revenue for the…

Key Moments: Operators now face greater challenges adapting their platforms post-licensing, rather than obtaining market approval WiseGaming streamlines multi-market operations with a modular, API-first, and cloud-based platform Brazil remains WiseGaming’s main focus, while Peru, Chile, and Colombia present new regional opportunities Adapting to Local Markets: The New Hurdle Securing a gambling license is increasingly seen as just the starting point for companies entering new jurisdictions. The more substantial challenge, according to WiseGaming, comes after approval, when operators must customize platforms to fit local regulations, payment preferences, and player behaviors –…

Key Moments: The European Court clarified the standards for judging Google Ireland’s liability in a €2.2 million penalty case over gambling ads on YouTube. The proceedings now return to the Italian Council of State for assessment following the European Court’s July 16, 2026 judgment. The outcome will depend on whether YouTube’s handling of content was technical and passive or involved active content management. Background of the Dispute The ongoing legal battle between Google Ireland and the Italian Communications Authority (AGCOM) revolves around a substantial €2.2 million fine related to gambling…

Key Moments: Peter & Sons signed a content distribution agreement with Hollywoodbets UK on July 23, 2026. The partnership expands the studio’s UK presence and supports its planned move into South Africa. Hollywoodbets UK has operated under a UK Gambling Commission license since 2019. Strategic Partnership Strengthens Market Reach Peter & Sons has strengthened its UK presence by signing a distribution agreement with Hollywoodbets UK. Announced on July 23, 2026, the deal gives Hollywoodbets UK players access to the studio’s full portfolio of casino games. As a result, Peter &…

Key Moments: NASPL and WLA urged governments to regulate prediction markets under gambling laws rather than financial rules. Lottery groups warned that unchecked prediction markets could weaken consumer protection and sports integrity. Both organizations called for equivalent safeguards regardless of how regulators classify these products. Lottery Associations Push for Stronger Oversight The North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) and the World Lottery Association (WLA) urged governments to regulate prediction markets as gambling activities instead of financial derivatives. They argue that event-based prediction markets closely resemble traditional gambling…

Key Moments ONDISS launched FIRST’s sportsbook technology with City Center Online, adding online sports betting to a leading regulated .bet.ar operator. The agreement gives FIRST access to Argentina through the ONDISS platform, reinforcing ONDISS’s role in connecting international suppliers with regulated operators. The partnership followed the Santa Fe Lottery’s authorization of online sports betting, positioning City Center Online among the first .bet.ar operators to offer the product in the province. Strategic Launch in Argentina’s Regulated Market On 23 July 2026, ONDISS broadened its footprint in Latin America’s regulated online gaming…

Key Moments: Kalshi raised its federal lobbying expenditures to $1.8 million in the first half of 2026, surpassing its total outlay from 2025 The American Gaming Association committed $1.39 million to lobbying so far in 2026, increasing its spend by approximately 30% over the same period in 2025 Congressional investigations into insider trading on prediction platforms remain ongoing, with Kalshi and Polymarket offering contrasting responses to House investigators Lobbying Efforts Surge Amid Regulatory Debates Prediction markets have become the focal point of an intense lobbying campaign in Washington, with both…

Key Moments: Yggdrasil’s online casino games have been launched on Caesars’, Horseshoe, and Caesars Sportsbook online platforms in Michigan and New Jersey The initial title available is Valley of the Gods, with more games planned for release on Caesars’ platforms in the coming months The company’s debut in the United States follows several years of strategic preparation and earlier agreements in North America and Latin America Yggdrasil Enters US Digital Casino Markets Yggdrasil, a Malta-based supplier of iGaming content, has officially entered the regulated United States online casino market. This…

Key Moments: The trading card market has rapidly expanded, blurring lines with high-stakes gambling activities. Online platforms now sell digital “repacks” resembling instant-win casino mechanics, with minimal consumer protection. Regulators have so far shown limited response to these emerging risks, focusing attention elsewhere. Trading Cards Evolve Into High-Stakes Markets Earlier this year, the explosive growth of the trading card industry in the United States was highlighted, emphasizing the hobby’s similarities to gambling. The surge in popularity of Pokémon, sports, and other collectible cards since the COVID pandemic has driven prices,…

Key Moments: Spain has initiated a public consultation on amending its Remote Gambling Act, with new measures under consideration. The government has approved cross-operator deposit limits, commencing a test phase on September 25 and aiming for full adoption by March 25, 2027. The 2026 Gaming in Spain Conference in October will focus on major regulatory changes, including the new deposit limits and emerging product categories. Regulatory Overhaul on the Horizon A recent Gaming in Spain webinar convened industry leaders and legal experts to dissect the significant regulatory and commercial changes…