This week saw a flurry of regulatory activity targeting gambling advertising and prediction markets, with the UK launching AI ad monitoring and New Mexico suing Kalshi. Meanwhile, Bally’s Intralot’s proposed acquisition of Evoke promises to reshape the industry landscape.
For a full breakdown of how casino licensing affects players, see our guide to casino licensing and regulation.
Regulation & Policy
- AI monitoring of gambling ads to launch in the UK — The UK’s Committee of Advertising Practice will launch an AI-based monitoring system on June 11 to scan social media for gambling ads violating the CAP Code. The initiative aims to improve compliance with advertising standards.
- Greek government lays out proposed overhaul of gambling regulations — The Greek Ministry of Finance and National Economy has introduced an omnibus bill to overhaul gambling regulations. The government aims to become the first European nation with a specific legislative framework targeting illegal gambling as a criminal and economic threat.
- Chile announces mechanism to tax offshore gambling operators — Chile’s Internal Revenue Service has introduced a mechanism requiring offshore online gambling operators to register and pay taxes on revenue from Chilean players. The resolution targets operators without a physical presence in the country.
- US lawmakers seek FTC review of prediction market marketing and consumer messaging — Nine Democratic US House representatives have asked the FTC to review prediction market marketing practices, citing concerns that operators may be promoting their offerings as gambling. The request seeks to clarify consumer messaging and regulatory oversight.
- UK gambling adverts under more regulatory pressure – but could it be progression? — The UK’s advertising regulators have launched a new compliance initiative targeting gambling ads on social media that may appeal to under-18s. The move increases scrutiny on operators but is viewed by some as a progressive step toward tighter regulation.
- Prediction Market Concerns in South Korea as Trader Scoops $160K in Mayoral Election Contract — Lawyers in South Korea have warned that trading on prediction markets could violate gambling laws after a Polymarket user profited $160,000 from a Seoul mayoral election contract. The incident has raised regulatory concerns about the legality of such platforms in the country.
- MGA urges bookmakers to tighten monitoring ahead of 2026 World Cup — The Malta Gaming Authority has advised licensed operators to enhance monitoring protocols ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Malta joins regulators in South Africa, France, and the Netherlands in issuing similar warnings about the upcoming tournament.
- The VPN dilemma: A regulatory loophole or gambling’s red herring? — The UK Gambling Commission faces challenges in measuring illegal gambling due to increasing VPN usage, which obscures the true scale of the black market and complicates enforcement efforts.
Deals & Acquisitions
- Bally’s Intralot CEO talks evoke LSE delisting, debt control and global shakeup — Bally’s Intralot CEO Robeson Reeves discussed the proposed acquisition of Evoke, which would be one of the largest M&A deals in the UK gambling sector. The merger aims to consolidate global operations and address debt management. The deal is expected to reshape the industry landscape.
- Bally’s Intralot Agrees to Acquire Evoke, Including William Hill & 888 Brands — Bally’s Intralot has agreed to acquire Evoke, the parent company of William Hill and 888 brands. Evoke shareholders will receive 0.537 shares in Bally’s Intralot per share, valuing the deal at £243.1 million.
Product Launches
- Onlyplay presents its latest video slot, Liberty Rush — Onlyplay has launched Liberty Rush, a 5×3 video slot themed around American symbols and celebration. The game offers fast-paced action and rewarding gameplay.
- What is Kalshi’s New ‘Bloomberg Terminal’ & Who Gets to Use It? — Kalshi is piloting a new interface for highly engaged traders, allowing management of multiple positions in event contracts. The product, described as Kalshi’s answer to the Bloomberg Terminal, is reportedly being tested with select users.
- bet365 embraces gamification in World Cup planning — Bet365 is incorporating gamification features into its World Cup trading operations ahead of the 2026 tournament. The bookmaker joins other operators in launching marketing campaigns for the event.
- EGT made its first installation in Iceland — EGT has completed its first installation in Iceland at Casino Haspenna in Reykjavik, the country’s largest gaming venue. The casino operates under a license from Happdraetti Haskola Islands.
- Protected: FA CHAI Gaming launches Revolver Hare slot — FA CHAI Gaming has launched a new slot game titled Revolver Hare. The game is now available for players.
Across the Industry
- Horse Racing at a Crossroads with Computer-Assisted Wagering — New York is implementing changes to horse racing regulations amid concerns about computer-assisted wagering. The Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course highlights the sport’s struggle to attract recreational bettors.
- Prediction market roundup: Polymarket severs ties with Santos amid insider trading probe — Polymarket has cut ties with George Santos following an insider trading investigation. The move comes amid a week that also saw a New York bar place a $5,000 bet on the Knicks.
- CardPlayer Reporter Provides Rare Look Into Seoul’s (Mostly Illegal) Poker Scene — CardPlayer reporter Michael Kaplan published an article detailing Seoul’s underground poker scene, which operates mostly illegally. The piece describes private games involving celebrities and wealthy businessmen in secret locations.
- Massachusetts issues consumer advisory ahead of World Cup — Massachusetts authorities issued a consumer advisory ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning the public against using illegal online gambling operators. The advisory was jointly released by the Attorney General’s Office, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, and the State Lottery Commission.
- Maryland casino revenue decreases in May — Maryland’s six casinos generated $170m in combined revenue in May, a 3.7% decrease year-on-year and a slight drop from April’s $172.2m, according to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming.
- 1xPartners presents manual to help affiliates monetise football traffic — 1xPartners, the affiliate program of 1xBet, has released a free manual for affiliates to optimize football traffic during the 2026 World Cup. The guide provides strategies for audience engagement and monetization during the tournament.
- 2026 Belmont Stakes Betting Guide: Odds, Post Positions & Predictions — The 158th Belmont Stakes will take place on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course, with post time at 7:04 p.m. ET on FOX. The race is run over 1-1/4 miles this year before returning to 1-1/2 miles at Belmont Park in 2027. Renegade is the 2-1 morning-line favorite.
- Singapore police probe 30 suspects in illegal online gambling investigation — Singapore police are investigating 30 suspects in connection with illegal online gambling and financial crimes. The operation uncovered links to unlawful gambling activities.
- Soft2Bet wins two EGR B2B Awards for mobile and casino software innovation — Soft2Bet won two EGR B2B Awards for Innovation in Mobile and Innovation in Casino Software at the 2026 ceremony. The awards highlight the company’s platform and mobile solutions for operators.
- New Mexico files lawsuit against Kalshi — New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed a lawsuit against Kalshi and KalshiEX, alleging the prediction platform unlawfully offers online sports betting in the state.
- Russian Far Eastern Gambling Zone Green-Lights Plans to Build $273M Casino — Russian authorities have approved plans for a $273 million casino complex in the Far Eastern gambling zone. The project, developed by Samson Group, will include a 75,000 sqm facility with an 800-room five-star hotel.
- 1spin4win calls on the igaming community to support children’s healthcare in Kenya — 1spin4win has launched United for Impact, a charitable initiative supporting children with cancer and CNS-related conditions in Kenya. The slot provider is inviting the wider igaming community to contribute to the cause.
- Spanish La Liga Soccer Club Owners Allegedly Wagered Over $1M Against Team at Kalshi — Owners of a Spanish La Liga soccer club allegedly placed a $1 million bet against their own team on Kalshi, winning after a 1-0 victory. The wager was made through Game Point Capital, as reported by Semafor.
- UK gambling industry generated £4.5 billion in GGY during Q4 2025, says Gambling Commission — The UK Gambling Commission reported that the gambling industry generated £4.5 billion in gross gambling yield (GGY) during Q4 2025, a 2.27% increase from £4.4 billion in Q4 2024.
- New Mexico Sues Kalshi, Says It ‘Looks and Quacks Like a Sportsbook’ — New Mexico’s Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against prediction market operator Kalshi, alleging it operates as an unlicensed sportsbook. The state claims Kalshi’s sports event contracts violate state gambling laws. This follows a separate federal challenge from four New Mexico tribes.