Author: Daniel Williams

Key Moments: Ireland’s Gaming Regulation Board (GRAI) is scheduled to begin issuing operator licenses on February 5, 2026 The transition will see online operators eligible from July 1, 2026, and land-based operators from December 1, 2026 GRAI will gain authority to impose penalties up to €20 million or 10% of revenue and introduce additional consumer protections Licensing Timeline and Transition Process Ireland’s revamped licensing regime for gambling operators will commence under the oversight of the Gaming Regulation Board (GRAI) on February 5, 2026. The system will allow for the licensing…

Key Moments: BetMGM updated its user terms to explicitly ban harassment of athletes, coaches, teams, or league personnel. As a result, violators may face account suspension. Meanwhile, more than $122 million in progressive jackpots have been awarded to players in 2025, underscoring BetMGM’s focus on entertainment. Additionally, BetMGM reported a 35 percent year-on-year net revenue increase for the first half of 2025, maintaining a strong position in iGaming and sports betting. Clear Rules to Promote Integrity in Sports Wagering BetMGM has unveiled revised user terms that clearly prohibit abusive or…

Key Moments: Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has begun accepting online gambling license applications Ontario-licensed operators are prioritized for expedited market entry Major companies, including PointsBet, RSI, and several large U.S. brands, are preparing for launch Alberta’s New iGaming Regulations Set the Stage The online gambling landscape in Alberta is undergoing significant changes as the province initiates its official licensing process. Businesses holding Ontario licenses now have the opportunity to apply for entry, with AGLC giving them priority in the application process after publishing the new rules on January…

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…