Author: Daniel Williams

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…

Key Moments: First, ATG has formally asked the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA) to examine Veikkaus’s actions during Finland’s shift to a licensed gambling market. Specifically, the complaint focuses on Veikkaus signing long-term sponsorship agreements ahead of the legal reforms planned for July 2027. Meanwhile, Veikkaus has denied any wrongdoing and insists it complies with competition regulations. ATG Files Complaint Against Veikkaus AB Trav och Galopp (ATG), a major Swedish gambling company, has submitted a request to the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA). In particular, the company is…

Key Moments: First, the NCPG introduced the 1-800-MY-RESET helpline, offering 24/7 access to free, confidential support for gambling-related issues nationwide. Additionally, the new number replaces the council’s former contact line as part of a broader effort to modernize services and make help easier to reach. Meanwhile, the existing hotline, 1-800-522-4700, will remain active while states transition, with promotion adjusted to meet state-specific rules. Modernizing Access to Problem Gambling Support The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has launched a new national helpline, 1-800-MY-RESET, to support people affected by gambling-related harm…

Key Moments: California has seen a surge in prediction market activity around the Super Bowl, despite its ban on legal sports betting Platforms like Kalshi are leveraging federal regulations to offer sports-based contracts, bypassing state gambling laws Regulatory uncertainty and mounting legal challenges are placing the future of prediction markets in question Alternative Betting Channels Gain Traction Although California continues to prohibit legal sports betting, the arrival of the Super Bowl has intensified interest in alternative wagering options. In particular, prediction markets have enabled state residents to participate in activities…

Key Moments: The Malta Gaming Authority has identified four websites that falsely claim to operate under its license. The regulator emphasized that these sites are not authorized to provide gaming services under Maltese law. Recent actions form part of the MGA’s ongoing effort to protect consumers and combat misuse of its brand. Websites Cited for False Licensing Claims The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) released a notice on 29 January 2026 announcing that four gambling sites are improperly associating themselves with the regulator. According to the statement, slotvocalnocasheu.vip, joypang-0907.com, nobet177.com, and…

Key Moments: Consultation documents from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport point to potential gambling licence fee increases of up to 30% Without new funding, the UK Gambling Commission expects its reserves to run out by 2026/27 Any revised fee structure would take effect from October 1, 2026, following industry consultation Fee Restructuring Under Consideration The British government is reviewing proposals to raise gambling licence fees, with increases potentially reaching 30%. According to newly published documents from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), officials are assessing several…

Key Moments: The draft amendment to the Polish Criminal Code proposes 3-month to 5-year prison terms for promoting illegal gambling or streaming prohibited acts online. The Civic Coalition announced the proposal in the Sejm, led by Monika Rosa, deputy chairwoman and head of the Sejm Committee for Children and Youth. The government plans to consult experts and organizations to refine regulations on online content violations. New Legislation Targets Online Gambling Promotion Polish lawmakers introduced a Criminal Code amendment to increase penalties for influencers who encourage illegal gambling or broadcast prohibited…

Key Moments: Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency officials have called on lawmakers to clarify what qualifies as illegal online gambling Senate Bill 112 is under review to establish a clear definition of “interactive games” and enhance enforcement authority No vote was taken on SB 112, while its House counterpart HB 295 is set for a hearing next week Push for Greater Legal Clarity Regulators from Maryland’s lottery and gaming sector are pressing legislators to define more explicitly what constitutes illegal online gambling within the state. They assert that current…

Key Moments: Sweden will enforce a new rule from January 1, 2027, focusing on player location rather than targeting criteria. BOS, representing licensed operators, supports the change but warns that broader issues threaten market competitiveness. A 2024 tax hike from 18% to 22% has raised concerns that players may shift to unlicensed gambling sites. Regulatory Shift Set for 2027 Sweden is revamping its approach to unlicensed online gambling enforcement. Starting January 1, 2027, authorities will focus on where the player is located, instead of whether the operator “targets” Swedish users.…

Key Moments: The NFL has added prediction markets to its list of prohibited Super Bowl advertisers. However, FanDuel and DraftKings will still promote their sportsbook platforms during the game. Meanwhile, 30-second Super Bowl ads have climbed to as much as $10 million for spots airing on NBC on Feb. 8. NFL Blocks Prediction Market Companies from Super Bowl Ads Super Bowl viewers hoping to see commercials from prediction market firms such as Kalshi and Polymarket will likely be disappointed. Under a newly updated NFL policy, the league now bars these…