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This week feels like the industry is tightening from every angle at once. Regulators tightened their grip, new data sparked fresh debates, and payments innovation continued to push forward. It’s a mix of pressure and progress that’s becoming harder to separate.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- Nevada moves closer to a full injunction against Kalshi.
- IBIA reports 70 suspicious betting alerts in Q1.
- UKGC faces backlash over problem gambling data.
- Paysafe launches crypto payments in the U.S.
- Lithuania proposes mandatory player cards.
😄 Catch up on last week’s headlines with our previous iGaming Recap!
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Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
IBIA reports 70 suspicious betting alerts in Q1 2026, NEXT
The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) reported 70 suspicious betting alerts in the first quarter of 2026. The alerts were identified through IBIA’s monitoring network, which tracks activity across regulated operators and flags unusual betting patterns linked to potential match-fixing or corruption.
Football and tennis continued to account for the largest share of alerts, consistent with previous trends. IBIA noted that the data reflects activity within regulated markets and emphasized that increased alert volumes are partly driven by improved monitoring systems and broader operator participation rather than a direct rise in manipulation cases.
Nevada Court Extends Kalshi Ban, Signals Preliminary Injunction, Gambling Insider
A Nevada judge has extended a ban on prediction market platform Kalshi and indicated a preliminary injunction is likely, preventing the company from offering event-based contracts in the state. The ruling supports regulators’ view that Kalshi’s products function as gambling and therefore require a state license.
The court also ordered Kalshi to implement geofencing measures by early May to block Nevada users. The case is part of a broader legal battle across the U.S., where states argue prediction markets fall under gambling laws, while Kalshi maintains they are federally regulated financial instruments.
UKGC May Have Misled Policymakers Over Problem Gambling Survey Data, NEXT
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has been accused of potentially misrepresenting research findings related to its Gambling Survey for Great Britain, according to a report by consultancy Regulus Partners. The report alleges the regulator used mixed or inconclusive study results to justify loosening guidance on how problem gambling data should be interpreted.
Critics argue the survey may overestimate problem gambling rates and that internal communications showed researchers did not support removing key warnings about using the data for population-wide estimates. The UKGC rejected the claims, stating it stands by its methodology and guidance, which it says were developed with expert input.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Two-thirds of UK Bettors Oppose Stricter Affordability Checks, iGB
A new YouGov poll commissioned by the Betting and Gaming Council found that 65% of UK bettors would refuse to provide financial documents such as bank statements or payslips to continue betting. The findings highlight strong resistance to proposed affordability checks, with industry groups warning the measures could push customers away from licensed operators.
The data also reflects broader opposition to the policy, with earlier Gambling Commission research showing 77% of respondents were against financial risk checks. Industry stakeholders argue that mandatory document-based checks could create friction for users and increase the risk of bettors turning to unregulated markets.
Ukraine Gambling Sector Produces €395 Million Following Major Reforms, iGamingToday
Ukraine’s gambling sector generated €395 million following sweeping regulatory reforms, signaling strong growth since the country re-legalized and restructured the industry. The reforms introduced a clearer licensing framework and helped shift activity into the regulated market, boosting transparency and state revenue.
The growth reflects Ukraine’s broader push to modernize its gambling industry after years of prohibition, with reforms aimed at attracting investment and reducing illegal operations. Despite ongoing challenges, including competition from the black market, the regulated sector continues to expand and position itself as a key regional market.
NBA Signs PrizePicks Deal, Gambling Insider
The NBA has signed a multi-year agreement with PrizePicks, naming the company its official daily fantasy sports partner. The deal allows PrizePicks to use NBA branding, team marks, and player imagery through a separate agreement with the National Basketball Players Association.
The partnership comes amid ongoing integrity concerns tied to betting-related products, particularly those resembling player prop wagers. Regulators in several states have challenged PrizePicks’ model, while the NBA continues to balance commercial expansion in gaming with scrutiny over gambling-related risks.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
Lithuania Proposes Mandatory Gambling Player Cards From 2029, iGB
Lithuania has proposed introducing mandatory gambling “player cards” from January 1, 2029, requiring all players to use a personalized card to access both online and land-based gambling services. The system would link all activity to an individual’s identity, allowing authorities to track deposits and winnings across operators while gradually eliminating cash payments.
The reform is part of a broader effort to strengthen responsible gambling measures, with regulators gaining expanded oversight powers and operators given a three-year transition period to upgrade systems.
Paysafe Launches Pay with Crypto for US iGaming Market, European Gaming
Paysafe has launched “Pay with Crypto,” a new payment solution for iGaming and daily fantasy sports operators in the U.S., allowing players to fund accounts using cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. The product, powered by MoonPay, enables users to connect their crypto wallets and make deposits that are automatically converted into U.S. dollars for gameplay.
The launch comes as demand for crypto payments grows, with Paysafe citing data showing that around 70 million American adults own cryptocurrency and strong interest among players in using it for transactions. The solution also offers operators flexible settlement options and integrates into Paysafe’s broader payment ecosystem, which includes cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
OHID Reveals First Recipients of £25m Gambling Harm Prevention Grants, SBC News
The UK’s Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) has announced the first recipients of funding from the new statutory gambling levy, which allocates around £25.4 million to prevention efforts. Among the biggest recipients are GamCare, which received £4 million, YGAM with £3 million, and BetBlocker with £1.12 million, alongside other national and local charities, trusts, and support groups.
The funding marks a major shift from the previous GambleAware-led system, with OHID now overseeing the prevention share of the levy while NHS England handles treatment funding and UK Research and Innovation manages research funding.
France Demands Further Efforts to Reduce Problem Gambling by 2027, iGamingToday
France’s national gambling regulator, l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has called for stronger action from operators despite progress in reducing excessive and underage gambling. A recent review found that while prevention measures have improved, additional efforts are needed to meet targets for lowering problem gambling rates by 2027.
The regulator highlighted ongoing risks, including high levels of problem gambling and rising participation among minors. Estimates suggest around 1.17 million people in France exhibit problematic gambling behavior, with a significant share of industry revenue linked to high-risk players.
- Online gambling regulators are caught in a trap of their own making, Andrew Tottenham on LinkedIn
- Betsson AB expects that its revenue for Q1 will be €285m, NEXT on X
- South Africa launches verification portal to tackle illegal gambling, iGB on LinkedIn
- Ohio Republican lawmakers propose legislation to ban online sports betting, Yogonet on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Government workers cannot play but politicians can own a casino? Bitcoin Forum
- 1win Review, Reddit
- Three Polymarket traders made timely bets on US-Iran ceasefire, Bitcoin Forum
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