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This week, momentum continued to build around prediction markets and high-value betting products, while traditional online gambling showed early signs of strain. U.S. sports betting activity remained strong, but regulatory pressure and shifting public sentiment are already influencing operator strategy in more mature markets.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- Ohio sets a new sports betting handle record.
- Dow Jones signs an exclusive data deal with Polymarket.
- Kalshi rolls out a new VIP programme targeting high-volume traders.
- DraftKings partners with Mindway AI to strengthen responsible gambling controls.
- UK public sentiment toward gambling continues to decline.
😄 Visit the Dec 27, 2025–Jan 2, 2026 iGaming Recap to catch up on last week’s headlines.
😎 Interested in what the iGaming community is saying? Check out our Opinion Corner, where we take trending posts and provide our expert commentary.
Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
Virginia Eyes Online Casino Legalisation in 2026 Session, iGB
Virginia lawmakers have introduced legislation that would authorise online casino gaming and place oversight under the Virginia Lottery, according to the proposal. The bill would allow licensed operators to offer online slots and table games, while creating a dedicated regulatory framework and tax structure.
Supporters argue iGaming would generate new state revenue, while opponents warn it could expand gambling harm beyond existing betting channels.
Google Eases Prediction Markets Ads Policy, With Caveats, NEXT
Google has updated its advertising policy to allow limited promotion of prediction markets, provided platforms meet strict licensing and certification requirements.
Under the revised rules, advertisers must be authorised by Google and comply with country-specific regulations, with sweepstakes-style and unregulated markets still prohibited.
Maine Set to Become Eighth State to Legalise Online Casinos Under Tribal Bill, Gambling Insider
Maine is on track to become the eighth U.S. state to legalise online casinos after Governor Janet Mills allowed LD 1164, a bill granting exclusive iGaming rights to the state’s four federally recognised tribes, to advance without her signature.
The measure authorises tribes to partner with operators to offer online casino games statewide. Revenues would be shared between the tribes and the state, positioning iGaming as a new pillar of Maine’s gambling framework.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Ohio Sports Betting Shatters Handle Record in November, Gambling Insider
Ohio sportsbooks processed a record $1.15 billion in wagers in November 2025, surpassing the previous monthly high, according to state data cited in the report.
FanDuel and DraftKings continued to dominate the market, accounting for the majority of handle and revenue, while promotional spending remained elevated as operators competed for market share.
Dow Jones Signs Exclusive Prediction Market Data Agreement With Polymarket, Yogonet
Dow Jones has signed an exclusive agreement with Polymarket to use the platform’s prediction market data across its media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal.
Under the deal, Polymarket’s real-time odds and forecasts will be integrated into coverage of elections, economics, and global affairs. The partnership marks another step in prediction markets becoming a mainstream data source for major media organisations.
UK Online Gambling Market Shows Early Pullback as Bonus Cap and Tax Hike Near, iGamingToday
Data from the latest industry reports show that UK online gambling revenue has begun to slow ahead of the introduction of the upcoming bonus cap and remote gaming duty increases. Operators are reporting reduced promotional activity, with several major brands cutting back on bonus offers in anticipation of the new regulatory regime.
According to industry analysts, the combination of a tighter bonus landscape and a rising tax burden is already influencing customer acquisition strategies and operator margins.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
Kalshi Offers New VIP Program for High-Volume Accounts, Gambling Insider
Kalshi has launched a VIP programme aimed at high-volume traders, offering reduced fees, priority support, and customised trading limits for qualifying accounts.
According to the report, eligibility is based on trading volume and activity levels, with the programme designed to retain professional and institutional-style users as competition in prediction markets increases. Kalshi said the initiative targets users trading at scale rather than casual participants.
GR8 Tech Launches ‘Crypto Turnkey’ Platform to Capitalise on VIP Demand, SBC News
GR8 Tech has unveiled a new Crypto Turnkey sportsbook platform tailored to operators targeting VIP and crypto-first bettors. The solution includes crypto payments, high-stakes risk management, personalised bonuses, and fast settlement tools, according to the company.
GR8 Tech said the launch responds to growing demand for private, high-limit betting environments as crypto wagering continues to expand.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
DraftKings Partners With Mindway AI for Responsible Gambling, NEXT
DraftKings has partnered with Mindway AI to integrate GameScanner, a behavioural analytics tool designed to identify players at risk of gambling harm. According to the report, GameScanner uses AI-driven risk profiling combined with clinical expertise to flag problematic play patterns and support earlier interventions.
DraftKings said the partnership strengthens its responsible gambling controls as regulatory expectations around player monitoring continue to rise.
UK Public Increasingly Turned Off by Gambling, Study Suggests, NEXT
A new study cited in the report found that public sentiment toward gambling in the UK has continued to decline, with respondents expressing growing concern over advertising volume and gambling-related harm.
The research indicates that even non-gamblers are increasingly critical of the industry’s visibility and marketing practices. The findings add pressure on operators and regulators as the UK prepares for further reforms linked to the Gambling Act review.
- Online gambling has exploded in popularity since the pandemic, Rest of World on LinkedIn
- Online sports gambling is destroying a generation of young men, Dave Ramsey on X
- Veja has published a new investigation into Brazil’s online gambling market, Yield Sac on LinkedIn
- Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti ordered nearly 40 online sweepstakes casinos to shut down, iGB on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Tips for Rehabilitation Gambling Addicts, Bitcoin Forum
- Spinfinite Casino is a big scam, Reddit
- The Next Evolution of iGaming Business, 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.
