Author: Daniel Williams

Key Moments: Recent regulatory reforms have increased licensing costs and operational requirements for gambling operators in Italy. Major international brands, including Unibet and Betway, have exited the Italian market, leading to a more consolidated operator landscape. Stake has emerged as a leading platform, with Winamax expected to enter the Italian poker segment in the future. Market Transformation Following Regulation Changes The restructuring of Italy’s online gambling regulations has significantly altered the competitive environment. The introduction of greater licensing fees and stronger compliance requirements has resulted in a decrease in the…

Key Moments: Sweden’s gambling tax debate was reignited following the UK government’s recent decision to increase online gambling taxes. Online operators, represented by BOS, warned that higher taxes could push more players toward unlicensed platforms. ATG argued for differentiated tax rates based on risk and social impact, advocating a lower rate for horse racing and higher for online casinos. Renewed Tensions Over Swedish Gambling Tax Policy The recent move by the UK government to nearly double taxes on online gambling has reverberated across Europe, sparking fresh debate in Sweden regarding…

Key Moments: Citigroup reported that high-value mass-market players have led Macau’s gaming revenue growth in 2025 The average wager per premium mass player rose 6 percent year-over-year to HK$24,018 (approximately US$3,086) December’s total observed wager surged 18 percent year-over-year to HK$12.6 million, driven by major event programming Premium Mass Segment Drives Strong Results Macau’s gaming sector has registered impressive growth throughout 2025, with the premium mass segment playing a pivotal role. Citigroup’s latest annual table survey found that the majority of revenue gains came from high-value mass-market participants. This finding…

Key Moments: The Sports Betting Alliance has selected Joe Maloney, a former executive of the American Gaming Association, as its new president and CEO. Jeremy Kudon will shift to the role of chairman, concentrating on legislative strategy after serving eight years as president. The leadership transition occurs as SBA members and industry stakeholders confront disagreements over the role of prediction markets. Leadership Transition at the Sports Betting Alliance The Sports Betting Alliance has announced a pivotal leadership change, appointing Joe Maloney as its president and chief executive officer. Maloney, who…

Key Moments: Coinbase is preparing to introduce prediction markets and tokenized stocks at a showcase event on December 17 Tokenized equities will be issued internally by Coinbase, according to Bloomberg Tokenized-equity transfer volume increased 32% in the past 30 days, reaching $1.45 billion Coinbase’s Strategic Product Rollout Coinbase Global is reportedly getting ready to unveil prediction markets and tokenized stock offerings during its upcoming showcase event on December 17, as covered by Bloomberg and attributed to unnamed sources. This development signals Coinbase’s intent to move into rapidly expanding areas of…

Key Moments: Regulatory approaches to iGaming remain fragmented across Europe heading into 2026 Estimated total online gambling gross revenue in Europe is projected to surpass €27 billion as of 2025 Germany reported over €3.6 billion in online gambling GGR in 2024 following recent regulatory changes Regulation Shapes Competitive Dynamics As 2026 approaches, Europe’s iGaming sector reveals a patchwork of regulatory systems. Certain countries have embraced thorough oversight, issuing licenses to private operators for online casinos, poker, and sports betting. Italy stands out as a pioneer, having created one of the European Union’s…

Key Moments: DATA.BET has released an upgraded Bet Boost feature to enhance operator flexibility and player engagement worldwide. Notably, the new Bet Boost introduces multiple configurable bonus options that allow tighter promotional control. As a result, operators can tailor bonus mechanics to specific events, competitions, or customer segments. Enhanced Promotional Tools for Global Sportsbooks DATA.BET, a leading sportsbook technology provider, has unveiled a revamped Bet Boost product. Overall, the update gives operators more control over promotional campaigns and loyalty programs across global markets. Moreover, the system allows dynamic odds adjustments…

Key Moments: Matchbook is set to introduce its UK prediction market platform in January to test its technology ahead of a U.S. entry. The company anticipates obtaining U.S. regulatory approval as early as March, aiming to compete with established operators in the prediction market sector. The new UK platform will present contracts using percentage-based Yes/No probabilities, aligning with U.S. formats rather than traditional British fractional odds. January UK Launch as a Strategic Test Sports betting exchange Matchbook plans to roll out its new prediction market platform in the United Kingdom…

Key Moments: The Washington State Gambling Commission has publicly warned that providing event-based contracts online constitutes “unauthorized activity” within the state. Fanatics Markets has launched its prediction market product in 24 states, but does not hold a local partnership or operate sports betting in Washington. Washington regulators are closely watching ongoing legal cases that will influence the next steps for event-based contracts. Regulatory Signals for Online Prediction Markets The Washington State Gambling Commission has released a public notice cautioning that online event-based contract offerings by operators are viewed as unauthorized…

Key Moments: Fanatics launched Fanatics Markets on 3 December 2025. It left the American Gaming Association (AGA) one week later. Fanatics, FanDuel, and DraftKings all left the AGA over disputes about prediction markets. The AGA warned that prediction markets bypass state regulation, reduce tax compliance, and weaken consumer protections. Fanatics Launches Prediction Market Platform and Leaves AGA Fanatics introduced its new prediction-market platform, Fanatics Markets, on 3 December 2025. Within a week, the company exited the American Gaming Association (AGA). This followed similar exits by FanDuel and DraftKings in November.…