Michigan’s Online Casinos Shine as 2026 Begins, While Sportsbooks Lose Momentum

Michigan’s Online Casinos Shine as 2026 Begins, While Sportsbooks Lose Momentum

Key Moments: Total online gambling revenue in Michigan reached $356.3 million in January 2026, up 7.6% year-over-year Gross iGaming receipts soared to $298.3 million, a 20.2% rise compared to January 2025 Gross online sports betting receipts dropped by 30.1%, settling at $58 million Strong Performance for Online Casinos As the new year kicked off, Michigan’s digital casino sector powered the state’s gambling industry. Online casino revenues climbed to $298.3 million in January 2026, marking a significant 20.2% increase over January 2025. Enthusiasm for digital slots and blackjack remained high, contributing…

Read More

Gambling Stocks Hit Hard as Prediction Markets Expand and UK Tax Hike Approaches

Gambling Stocks Hit Hard as Prediction Markets Expand and UK Tax Hike Approaches

Key Moments: Major US and UK gambling companies have experienced substantial share price declines in early 2026. Rapid growth in US prediction markets, along with upcoming regulatory shifts, is fueling investor concerns. The UK’s Remote Gaming Duty will rise from 21% to 40% starting April 1, 2026. Market Downturn Impacts Leading Gambling Firms Investor sentiment has shifted sharply against several high-profile gambling companies in early 2026. This change reflects the rapid growth of prediction markets across the United States. For instance, Flutter Entertainment, the parent company of Paddy Power and…

Read More

Pennsylvania Gambling Revenue Surges in January, Exceeding Expectations

Pennsylvania Gambling Revenue Surges in January, Exceeding Expectations

Key Moments: Pennsylvania’s January gaming revenue climbed to $590.6 million, marking an 11.6% increase year-over-year Sports betting revenue soared by 38.6%, even as the overall handle declined 10.4% from last year Total tax revenue generated reached $249.9 million, fueling state funding for education and local initiatives Strong Start to the Year for Pennsylvania Gaming Pennsylvania’s gambling sector kicked off the new year with a remarkable revenue boost, as reported by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). January’s total reached $590.6 million, reflecting an 11.6% increase compared to the same month…

Read More

Web3 Gamers Demand Merit-Based Systems Over Economic Speculation

Web3 Gamers Demand Merit-Based Systems Over Economic Speculation

Key Moments: Nearly 30 percent of surveyed Web3 gamers prioritized Pay-to-Win concerns ahead of token inflation or market instability More than half of respondents, or about 52 percent, stated that effort should determine reward within games The 2025 Blockchain Game Alliance report indicated blockchain gaming investment fell to $293 million, down from $4 billion in 2021 Player Priorities Revealed in New Survey A recent survey from 51 Games studio shows that Web3 gamers are more concerned with fairness in gameplay than with market volatility surrounding in-game tokens. Out of over…

Read More

Malta’s Evolving Sports Strategy Signals Growth for the Betting Industry

Malta’s Evolving Sports Strategy Signals Growth for the Betting Industry

Key Moments: Malta’s investments in sports infrastructure and international events have begun to impact sectors beyond athletics, including gaming and tourism SportMalta is focused on inclusivity and broad participation, leading to increased engagement and ongoing investment in facilities and programs Opportunities for convergence between sports, iGaming, betting, and entertainment are emerging through high-profile events and new partnerships Strategic Investments Influence Betting and Gaming Malta has established itself as a prominent center for iGaming and digital entertainment, and its latest strategic focus on the sports sector is expanding that influence. Significant…

Read More

Connecticut Moves to Raise Age Limit and Tighten Controls on Prediction Markets

Connecticut Moves to Raise Age Limit and Tighten Controls on Prediction Markets

Key Moments: Legislature reviewed HB 5038 to raise the minimum age for prediction-market users from 18 to 21 Bill proposes stricter age verification, location checks, and marketing restrictions on platforms State regulators ordered several major firms to cease unlicensed prediction-market operations Legislative Push for Higher Age and Stricter Marketing Connecticut lawmakers are considering a new proposal that would increase the minimum age for prediction-market platforms from 18 to 21. The measure, outlined in HB 5038 and discussed by the General Law Committee on February 18, aims to address rising concerns…

Read More

Dutch Gambling Regulator Pursues €60,000 in Unpaid Fines from Lottery Foundation

Dutch Gambling Regulator Pursues €60,000 in Unpaid Fines from Lottery Foundation

Key Moments: The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has started legal action against Stichting het pad der natuurenergie to recover €60,000 in unpaid fines. The foundation failed to provide financial transparency for its licensed lottery. As a result, enforcement measures were taken and the case referred to the Public Prosecution Service. This step is part of a wider crackdown. Recently, Adventure One QSS Inc. also faced penalties for unlawful gambling activities. Enforcement Measures Intensify Over Unpaid Fines The Netherlands Gambling Authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), is recovering €60,000 in fines from Stichting het…

Read More

Polymarket Introduces Mandarin Platform to Reach Global Chinese Audience

Polymarket Introduces Mandarin Platform to Reach Global Chinese Audience

Key Moments: Polymarket has launched a Chinese-language site and brought in Mandarin-speaking staff China-specific prediction markets have gone live, generating significant trading activity No licensing updates or official mainland China expansion announced yet Polymarket Targets Chinese-Speaking Participants Crypto-based prediction market Polymarket, headquartered in New York, has launched a Mandarin-language version of its website and expanded its team with Mandarin-speaking personnel. This development highlights the company’s growing interest in attracting Chinese-speaking users internationally. The Chinese interface is accessible using a dedicated “/zh” URL, and the platform has begun offering contracts focused…

Read More

Finland’s Gambling Overhaul: Implications for Malta-Licensed Operators

Finland’s Gambling Overhaul: Implications for Malta-Licensed Operators

Key Moments: Finland’s Parliament has approved a Gambling Act, replacing the monopoly with a license-based market. Licensed operators can apply starting next month. Market entry is possible from July 1, 2027. Malta license holders targeting Finnish players must obtain a Finnish license under the new rules. Introduction of New Finnish Gambling Regulations Finland has taken decisive action to reform its gambling industry. Parliament recently endorsed major changes. This transition abandons the longstanding monopoly. In its place, licensed operators can now compete in online casinos and fixed-odds betting markets. However, Veikkaus,…

Read More

New Jersey Sports Betting Handle Surpasses $1 Billion While Revenue Dips

New Jersey Sports Betting Handle Surpasses $1 Billion While Revenue Dips

Key Moments: New Jersey sportsbooks processed over $1 billion in wagers for the fifth consecutive month in January Sportsbook revenue dropped 6.5% year-over-year to $114.2 million, with a hold percentage of 10.7% Total gaming revenue climbed 5.9% to $586.4 million, fueled by continued iGaming growth Sports Betting Performance Remains Strong Amid Revenue Decline New Jersey’s sportsbooks recorded more than $1 billion in bets during January, maintaining a streak that has now reached five consecutive months. The vast majority of wagers were placed through online and mobile platforms, while physical sportsbook…

Read More