Author: Daniel Williams

Key Moments: Penn Sports Interactive has been fined $15,000 by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The penalty followed comments by ESPN host Rece Davis during College GameDay in March 2024. The MGC cited policies against misleading advertising and marketing within sports betting promotions. Details of the Fine The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) imposed a $15,000 penalty on Penn Sports Interactive after ESPN host Rece Davis described a sports bet as a “risk-free investment” during the firm’s College GameDay in March 2024. The comment came as Davis discussed betting opportunities with sports…

Key Moments: Santa Catarina winners received more than R$155.9 million from Loterias Caixa in 2025 Mega-Sena drove major payouts, including a record R$52 million prize for a Concórdia group Unclaimed prizes amounting to over R$250 million were directed to Brazil’s higher education loan fund as of August 2025 Extensive Lottery Wins Spread Across Santa Catarina In 2025, Santa Catarina emerged as Brazil’s “lucky state,” with data from Loterias Caixa showing that 91 winners from 51 cities shared a combined R$155.9 million. These payouts reached communities across the region, from Itapiranga…

Key Moments: Genting Berhad has announced an RM6.74 billion ($1.6 billion) cash offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Genting Malaysia Bhd. Genting’s proposal values Genting Malaysia at a premium of up to 22.9 percent over its six-month average share price. The transaction is set to close by the end of 2025, pending regulatory approval from the Securities Commission Malaysia. Details of the Acquisition Proposal Genting Berhad has put forward a conditional voluntary cash offer totaling RM6.74 billion ($1.6 billion) to acquire the remaining equity in Genting Malaysia Bhd that…

Key Moments: Private sector representatives have voiced strong opposition to the proposed increase in ad valorem duty on internet gaming from 30% to 50%. Industry stakeholders cautioned lawmakers that raising the tax could expand unregulated gambling and reduce legal sector employment and investment. The Finance Committee is expected to begin review of the 2026 economic package, including this proposal, next week. Business Community Raises Concerns Over Tax Proposal The government’s proposal to elevate the ad valorem tax rate on online gambling from 30% to 50% has triggered a wave of…

Key Moments: Six casino operators have jointly pledged MOP120 million (US$15 million) to sponsor the Macau Grand Prix in November Each operator is contributing MOP20 million, collectively funding a significant part of the event’s MOP240 million budget Casino investments in non-gaming projects have increased, aligning with government strategies for economic diversification Unified Industry Support for Major Sporting Event Macau’s six leading casino operators have combined resources, pledging MOP120 million (equivalent to US$15 million) as sponsorship for this year’s Macau Grand Prix, scheduled for November. Galaxy Entertainment Group, Melco Resorts &…

Key Moments: Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ: HOOD) has signaled openness to acquiring prediction market companies, according to a company executive. The firm currently partners with Kalshi in the event contracts arena and holds $4.2 billion in cash as of June 30. Polymarket’s estimated $9 billion-$10 billion valuation may place it out of reach, but Kalshi’s $5 billion valuation could make it a more feasible target. Robinhood Considers New Moves in Prediction Markets Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ: HOOD) is exploring opportunities to deepen its involvement in the rapidly expanding prediction market sector. The…

Key Moments: Glasgow City Council hosted a major Gambling Summit in September, uniting key organizations to tackle gambling-related harms. The Scottish Government has supported a harm-reduction approach, while Glasgow continues to advocate for meaningful legislative change from Westminster. New statutory levies on gambling are expected to bring only limited funds to Glasgow, despite an annual local cost of over £15 million. Summit Drives Collective Action Against Gambling Harms Glasgow City Council recently hosted the “Standing Strong for a Safer Scotland” Gambling Summit, building on efforts first launched at a development…

Key Moments: Crypto-based betting has been driven by demands for instant access, verifiable fairness, and privacy. Stake and Cloudbet have increased user loyalty and transaction volumes by integrating cryptocurrency payments. The global crypto gaming market has surpassed 80 billion USD, although adoption rates differ by region. Five Transformational Shifts in Bet Processing The rise of digital currencies and blockchain technology is fundamentally altering how online gambling operates. This shift responds to three primary player demands: the need for instant access to funds, verifiable trust in outcomes, and enhanced privacy protection.…

Key Moments: Kalshi reported expansion to over 140 countries and secured more than $300 million in Series D funding The company’s latest funding round values it at $5 billion, more than double its previous $2 billion valuation in June Kalshi’s platform achieved more than $1 billion in trading volume in a single week, pushing annualized volume over $50 billion Massive Funding Round and Global Reach Kalshi has revealed its expansion to over 140 countries, bolstered by over $300 million in new Series D capital. The funding round, co-led by Sequoia…

Key Moments: The Dutch online gambling sector reported €600 million in gross gaming revenue for the first half of 2025, down from €697 million in the prior six months The licensed market saw a drop in its share of total bets from 51% to 49%, with player participation rising to 5.7% of Dutch adults Average monthly player losses decreased to €119, as new deposit limits were introduced Regulatory Actions and Market Dynamics The autumn monitoring report from Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling regulator, highlights a complex landscape in the country’s…