News

Key Moments: Google will begin accepting ads for prediction markets in the United States starting January 21, 2026, but only from federally regulated operators. Only platforms authorized by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or registered brokerages with the National Futures Association are eligible, provided prediction markets are their primary business. Strict certification requirements and geographical restrictions will govern advertiser participation, while binary options and gambling-related products remain prohibited. Policy Shift: Google Eases Restrictions for Regulated Entities Google is set to introduce an important change to its advertising policy by permitting…

Key Moments Japan’s cabinet approved a draft budget that increases funding for the Casino Regulatory Commission by 5.4% for FY2026. The proposed budget for 2026 totals JPY3.91 billion (US$25.0 million), up from JPY3.71 billion in 2025. The commission’s staff count will rise to 168 by the end of FY2026, a net increase of one position from FY2025. Expansion in Casino Regulator’s Budget Japan’s cabinet approved a draft budget that increases 2026 funding for the Japan Casino Regulatory Commission by 5.4% year-on-year. The planned budget reaches JPY3.91 billion (US$25.0 million), up…

Key Moments: Spotlight Sports Group has introduced Smart View Tipping Feed and Racing Bet Builder as part of its 2026 Racing Innovation strategy. The new products aim to enhance operator capabilities and simplify betting for both experienced and new racing audiences. Spotlight Sports Group plans to present the new offerings at ICE Barcelona between 19 and 21 January. Racing Innovation Strategy Sets New Direction Spotlight Sports Group, known for its role in racing technology and media through Racing Post, has revealed two core products to lead its Racing Innovation blueprint…

Key Moments: Empresa dá Sorte has achieved significant revenue increases following the adoption of Optimove’s Self-Optimizing Campaigns. The Bahia Dá Sorte brand recorded a 90% improvement in email engagement after implementing the AI-powered strategy. Communications costs related to RCS have been cut substantially while maintaining campaign effectiveness. AI-First Campaign Strategy Enhances Multi-Channel Marketing Empresa dá Sorte has transformed its operational and marketing approach by leveraging Optimove’s Self-Optimizing Campaigns. This advanced system utilizes AI to interpret player data and dynamically select the most suitable communication method for each interaction. By doing…

Key Moments: Kambi has signed a multi-year agreement to provide its full sportsbook platform to Pickwin in Mexico Pickwin is set to migrate its operations to Kambi’s turnkey solution, including Bet Builder and managed trading services The partnership is “scheduled to launch imminently,” with no specific official timeline confirmed Strategic Partnership Boosts Pickwin’s Technology Platform Kambi has entered a multi-year arrangement with Pickwin, a Mexican gambling operator, to supply its complete sportsbook solution. This collaboration will replace Pickwin’s prior technology provider, enabling the operator to enhance its online sportsbook services…

Key Moments: PAYSTRAX acquired Nochex in 2025 Q3, bolstering its UK operations and payment capabilities. The company supports over 1,500 merchants and maintains a presence in six international offices. Settlement is available in 17 currencies with support for stablecoins, helping merchants manage costs and speed. Company Overview and Recent Expansion PAYSTRAX, launched in 2018, operates as a specialist payment card acquirer with a focus on risk management and complex industries. The company holds Payment Institution licenses in Lithuania and the United Kingdom, which allows it to provide regulated services across…

Key Moments: Macau’s last satellite casino, Landmark Casino, closed at midnight on 1 January 2026. This marked the end of all satellite casino operations. Eleven satellite casinos shut down in response to Law 7/2022. Most closed before the 31 December 2025 deadline. Gross gaming revenue reached MOP247.40 billion in 2025. This represented a 9.1 percent year-on-year increase and signaled a strong recovery. Closure of Satellite Casinos Reshapes Macau’s Gaming Landscape Macau has officially ended the operation of all satellite casinos after more than two decades. The closure of the Landmark…

Key Moments: Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal has introduced bill A.9343 to prohibit in-play sports betting in New York The proposed law would impact live wagering across all mobile and retail sportsbooks in the state New York currently applies a 51% tax rate on operator revenue for mobile sports betting Legislative Push to Restrict Live Betting Options A new legislative effort in New York aims to curtail one of the sports-betting industry’s fastest-growing segments. Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal has introduced bill A.9343, which, if passed, would ban all forms of in-play betting –…

Key Moments: Illinois state Sen. Patrick Joyce has submitted SB 2760, which would offset Chicago’s sports betting tax revenue by reducing the city’s allocation from the Local Government Distributive Fund. Chicago’s 10.25% tax on sports betting operators is set to take effect with the upcoming 2026 city budget, passing into law without the mayor’s signature or veto. The Sports Betting Alliance has publicly warned that the new city tax may push bettors toward unregulated, illegal markets. Legislative Efforts Target Chicago’s Sports Betting Tax Illinois legislators are stepping up efforts to…