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This week’s iGaming developments were focused mostly on Europe. We saw expansion in European markets, continued consolidation, licensing activity, and growing scrutiny around youth gambling. Regulatory and operator moves defined much of the week’s news flow.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- Ireland activates gambling regulator with licensing and fining powers.
- UKGC moves to classify prediction markets as gambling products.
- Ontario iGaming posts record results for 2025.
- Genius Sports agrees $1.2bn acquisition of media group Legend.
- Studies and councils flag rising youth gambling concerns.
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Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
New Irish Gambling Regulator Takes Control of Licences and Fines, Gambling Insider
Ireland’s newly formed Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has officially begun operations and can now issue gambling licences to operators after a commencement order signed by the country’s Minister for Justice came into effect on 5 February 2026.
The regulator replaces the old framework and will oversee licence issuance, enforcement actions, complaints handling, and the ability to fine operators up to the greater of 10% of turnover or €20 million, as well as pursue criminal enforcement against illegal operators.
UKGC Would Classify Prediction Markets as Gambling Products, Next
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has indicated that prediction market products, platforms allowing users to trade outcomes of events, would fall under the UK’s existing gambling laws and require appropriate licensing if offered in Great Britain.
The regulator stated that such products, depending on their structure, would likely be treated as betting intermediaries and subject to compliance requirements on consumer protection, integrity, and crime prevention, rather than being classified as non-gambling financial instruments.
Operators Reject Proposed Player Protection Rules in Finland, iGB
Several operators, including SkillOnNet and Wildz Group, have pushed back against proposed player protection measures in Finland’s emerging licensed market, warning that overly strict rules could drive players toward unregulated gambling platforms.
Published by the Gambling Risk and Harm Assessment Group under Finland’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the draft proposals include a cross-operator loss limit register and requirements for tools such as deposit, loss, and playtime limits.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Genius Sports Makes $1.2bn Swoop to Acquire Sports Media House Legend, SBC News
Genius Sports has agreed to acquire sports media company Legend in a deal valued at $1.2 billion, strengthening its content, fan engagement, and data-driven offerings. The transaction is expected to close in 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Ontario iGaming Breaks Records in 2025, iGamingToday
Ontario’s regulated iGaming market reached new highs in 2025, with gross gaming revenue exceeding previous annual records as participation in online slots, table games, and poker climbed.
The province’s revenue performance was driven by a mix of new operator entries, promotional activity, and sustained engagement from existing players, resulting in a year-on-year increase compared with 2024 figures.
Svenska Spel Reports FY2025 Growth Despite Casino Cosmopol Shutdown, iGB
Sweden’s state-owned operator Svenska Spel reported financial growth for the full year 2025, driven by strong performance in digital gambling and sports betting despite the continued closure of its land-based Casino Cosmopol venues.
The company’s online casino and sports betting segments delivered increased revenue, offsetting the impact of the brick-and-mortar shutdown, contributing to an overall rise in annual turnover.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
Inplay Matrix Unveils AI Tipster Uncle Boris, SBC News
Inplay Matrix has launched Uncle Boris, an AI-powered betting tipster designed to generate real-time predictions and insights for sports bettors.
The tool uses machine learning and proprietary data analysis to offer recommendations across multiple sports and markets, and will be integrated into Inplay Matrix’s existing suite of predictive products. (sbcnews.co.uk
Digitain Secures UK Betting Licence and Full Sportsbook Certification, Yogonet
Gaming technology provider Digitain has obtained a UK betting licence from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) as well as full sportsbook certification, allowing the company to supply its platform and betting products in Great Britain’s regulated market.
The certifications cover compliance with UKGC requirements for fair play, responsible gambling measures, and technical standards.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
Study: Thousands of Kids Are Betting on Sportsbook Apps, Gambling Insider
A new report indicates that thousands of children in the United States are placing wagers on sportsbook apps despite age restrictions, with participation documented across multiple states.
The study highlights widespread access to mobile betting platforms among minors and raises concerns about the effectiveness of current age-verification measures within the industry.
Bradford Targets Youth Gambling Harm as Council Report Pegs Annual Cost at £13.7m, iGamingToday
The City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council in the UK has flagged youth gambling harm as a public health concern, publishing a report that estimates the annual cost of gambling-related harm to local services at £13.7 million.
The council’s analysis outlines impacts on health, social care, and policing, and sets out initiatives aimed at reducing gambling harm among young people through awareness campaigns and preventative measures.
- Around 50% of Finland’s online gambling expenditure is now flowing to offshore operators, Global Gaming Insider on LinkedIn
- Betsson reported FY25 revenue growth of 8% to €1.197bn, iGB on X
- Brazilian senators are hellbent on curbing gambling advertising, SBC News on LinkedIn
- UK betting shops see decline in activity while online slots revenue grows, Focus Gaming News on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- The myths and reality about tipsters, Bitcoin Forum
- 1win withdrawal pending for days, Reddit
- How will casinos face, Fake AI KYC’s verification? Bitcoin Forum
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