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This week is defined by pressure from both investors and regulators. Europe continues to scrutinise marketing practices, while Brazil and New Jersey deliver eye-catching performance figures. Below is the full breakdown of what matters.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- Polymarket faces Dutch penalty over unlicensed operations.
- DraftKings and FanDuel apply for an Arkansas sportsbook licence.
- New Jersey posts double-digit iGaming growth in January.
- Stake secures Danish licence after turbulent year.
- Hub88 launches new real-time player analytics tool.
- UK gambling helpline referrals rise 48% year-on-year.
😄 Missed last week’s recap? Catch up with our previous iGaming News Recap.
😎 Visit our Opinion Corner to find out what’s trending in the iGaming online community.
Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
DraftKings and FanDuel Apply to Offer Arkansas Sports Betting, NEXT
DraftKings and FanDuel have formally applied for online sportsbook licences in Arkansas following the state Racing Commission’s decision to amend its rules to allow untethered mobile betting skins.
Previously, online betting was restricted to brands partnered directly with the state’s three licensed casinos. The applications mark the first major national operators to test the revised framework.
Romania Senate Approves 21+ Gambling Age Bill and Votes to Curb Betting Ads, iGamingToday
Romania’s Senate has voted to raise the legal gambling age from 18 to 21 and backed new restrictions aimed at curbing betting advertising, particularly near schools and public institutions.
The bill also includes tighter conditions on promotional campaigns and mandates stronger identity verification checks for players. Lawmakers framed the reform as a response to rising youth participation and growing public concern about gambling visibility.
Polymarket Faces Dutch Penalty Over Illegal Operations, iGB
The Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has imposed a penalty payment order against Polymarket for offering prediction market contracts accessible to Dutch consumers without a local licence.
The KSA stated that Polymarket’s services fell within the scope of Dutch gambling law because users could win money based on uncertain events.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Stake Launches in Denmark, SBC News
Stake has secured a Danish gambling licence and officially launched in Denmark, after a volatile year in which the crypto-focused operator faced regulatory scrutiny in multiple markets but still reported strong global growth.
Denmark’s strict licensing and advertising standards make it one of Europe’s more tightly controlled betting environments.
Betting Site Traffic Surges 237% in Brazil in 2025, iGamingToday
Brazil’s newly regulated betting market saw a 237% increase in betting site traffic during 2025, according to data cited in the report. The surge followed formal licensing and clearer legal frameworks, which encouraged major international operators to enter the market.
Analysts noted that regulation helped channel player activity toward licensed platforms, reducing grey-market dominance while accelerating overall market participation.
New Jersey Gambling Revenue Rises as iGaming Posts Double-Digit Growth in January, iGB
New Jersey reported higher total gambling revenue in January, supported by double-digit growth in online casino revenue. iGaming once again outperformed land-based casino and sports betting segments, reinforcing its role as the state’s primary growth driver.
State data showed that online operations accounted for a substantial share of total monthly revenue, highlighting the continued shift toward digital channels.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
QTech Games Wins Best Innovation at the 2026 BiG Africa Summit Awards, European Gaming
QTech Games was awarded Best Innovation at the 2026 BiG Africa Summit Awards. The company highlighted its mobile-first aggregation model and rapid content integration strategy as key factors behind the award.
QTech said the recognition reflects its growing distribution footprint and partnerships across the African iGaming ecosystem.
Hub88 Puts Efficiency Front-and-Centre With New Analytics Tool, SBC News
Hub88 has launched a new player analytics and reporting tool designed to help operators track performance, engagement, and revenue metrics more efficiently.
The system provides real-time data insights across titles and jurisdictions, allowing operators to optimise content selection and promotional strategy. Hub88 said the rollout is aimed at improving operational efficiency and decision-making as competition intensifies in regulated markets.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
Dutch Regulator Urges Caution Around Gambling “Normalisation”, SBC News
The Netherlands’ gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has warned against the continued “normalisation” of gambling in Dutch society, expressing concern over how betting is increasingly portrayed as mainstream entertainment.
The regulator pointed to marketing practices and widespread visibility that risk blurring the line between legal availability and social acceptability. KSA said operators must take greater measures for responsible gambling.
UK Gambling Helpline Referrals Jump 48%, iGamingToday
Referrals from the UK National Gambling Helpline into treatment services rose 48% year-on-year, according to the latest figures cited in the report.
The data suggests not only sustained demand for help, but also improved conversion into formal treatment pathways as the UK transitions toward a statutory levy funding model.
- Virginia House lawmakers voted down a bill to legalize online casino gambling, GamblingHarm.org on LinkedIn
- Polymarket hit with a nationwide class action lawsuit in the SDNY, tykqweri on X
- ROOTS research reveals a concerning shift in South Africa’s gambling landscape, Caxton Media on LinkedIn
- FDJ United reports 13.5% GGR drop at its online betting and gaming arm, iGB on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Be careful of new gambling platform with outrageous offers, Bitcoin Forum
- Is Riowex a scam? Reddit
- Should gambling ads during livematches include stronger responsible betting msgs, Bitcoin Forum
Keep up with news and trends in the iGaming industry. Gambling ‘N Go provides a recap each week. Join our spam-free newsletter to stay ahead. We are a GPWA-approved portal that supports responsible gambling. Check out our guides for beginners and experts to find trusted and reliable games, avoid scams, and responsible gambling practices.
