Quick Navigation
This week, iGaming was defined less by one headline than by a broader shift: gambling is being treated more openly as a public policy issue, not just a regulated entertainment market. Public health agencies moved deeper into gambling harm prevention, and enforcement bodies targeted illegal betting networks.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- Illinois officially recognized gambling disorder as an addiction.
- Brazil opened a public consultation on new betting licensing rules.
- FDJ United reported a 4.5% H1 revenue decline.
- BetMGM’s Q2 performance was hit by prediction market pressure.
- Wales pledged £1.4 million for reducing and de-normalising gambling harms.
😄 Not up-to-date with the industry? Read last week’s iGaming Recap to catch up.
😎 Interested in what the community is saying? Visit our Opinion Corner for a closer look behind the headlines.
Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
Illinois Recognizes Gambling Disorder as Addiction, Gambling Insider
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed Senate Bill 2749, officially recognizing gambling disorder as an addiction under state law. The change took effect immediately after his July 24 signature and allows the Illinois Department of Human Services to expand gambling-related outreach, training, prevention, treatment, and recovery programs.
The bill passed with broad bipartisan support, 100-11 in the House and 57-0 in the Senate. It directs the state to work with schools and colleges, run a toll-free hotline and website, award local program grants, and require licensed gambling businesses and sportsbook operators to display a problem gambling statement.
Brazil Opens Consultation on Betting Licensing Rules, iGB
Brazil’s Secretariat of Prizes and Bets has opened a public consultation on new regulations for betting operator licensing. The consultation will help shape a decree revising the rules and conditions for authorizing sports betting and online gaming businesses in the country.
The consultation runs for 45 days, from July 27 to September 9, and is open to individuals and legal entities through the Portal Brasil Participativo. The move follows Brazil’s first authorization cycle and comes amid wider pressure for more transparency in the licensing process, including plans to publish more than 25,000 related documents.
Turkey Freezes Thousands of Accounts in Illegal Betting Probe, iGamingToday
Turkish authorities froze 6,314 bank accounts during the FIFA World Cup final as part of an investigation into suspected illegal betting activity. The operation was carried out in Istanbul and targeted financial channels believed to be linked to unlicensed betting networks.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office coordinated the action with cybercrime units from the Istanbul Provincial Police Department. Authorities also identified 19 offshore financial entities allegedly connected to illegal betting websites, while judicial proceedings have started against 23 suspects.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
FDJ United Reviews Portfolio After H1 Revenue Decline, SBC News
FDJ United reported a 4.5% year-on-year revenue decline for the first half of 2026, with revenue falling to €1.782 billion from €1.867 billion. GGR also slipped 1.3% to €4.314 billion, as weaker conditions in the UK and Netherlands weighed on performance.
The company has launched a review of its online betting and gaming market portfolio, as well as non-core assets. Its online betting and gaming GGR remained stable at €702 million, but revenue fell 7.4% to €431 million, which FDJ attributed to tax increases in France, the UK, the Netherlands, and Romania.
BetMGM Q2 Slows as Prediction Markets Pressure Growth, Gambling Insider
BetMGM reported second-quarter net revenue of $711 million, up 3% year-on-year, while adjusted EBITDA fell 14% to $74 million. The operator’s results came in below expectations, with prediction market competition, customer-friendly betting outcomes, and higher player reinvestment weighing on performance.
iGaming remained the strongest part of the business, with net revenue rising 8% to $483 million and accounting for close to 70% of group revenue. Online sports revenue was flat at $228 million, while retail revenue dropped 97% after large winning wagers from high-end customers.
Rush Street Lifts Guidance Again After Record Quarter, NEXT
Rush Street Interactive raised its full-year guidance again after delivering another record quarter. The update continues a strong run for the operator, which has benefited from growth across its online casino and sports betting operations.
The company’s latest guidance increase suggests confidence in continued momentum through the second half of the year. Rush Street has also been expanding its North American footprint, including its recent Alberta launch, while maintaining a focus on profitable player growth.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
BetMGM Looks to Expand AI Leadership, NEXT
BetMGM is hiring for senior artificial intelligence roles after CEO Adam Greenblatt signaled broader plans for the technology. The move suggests the operator is preparing to make AI a larger part of its product, operations, and customer engagement strategy.
The hiring push comes as major betting and gaming companies look for ways to use AI without creating new compliance, data, and responsible gambling risks. For BetMGM, the next step will be turning executive-level interest into practical tools that can improve efficiency and support growth across its online casino and sportsbook business.
BETBY Expands in Brazil Through NGX Partnership, SBC News
BETBY has strengthened its presence in Brazil through a new agreement with NGX. The deal gives the sportsbook supplier another route into the country’s regulated betting market as operators continue building out local platforms and content.
The partnership adds to BETBY’s wider Latin American expansion strategy. Brazil remains one of the region’s most important opportunities for sportsbook suppliers, especially as licensed operators look for localized products, stronger technology partners, and platforms built for a competitive regulated market.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
Brazil Launches Online Gambling Harm Awareness Campaign, iGamingToday
Brazil’s Ministry of Health has launched a national awareness campaign warning the public about the risks of online gambling. The initiative will continue beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is being delivered through Brazil’s Unified Health System.
The campaign includes a digital self-assessment tool available through the Meu SUS website and app. Users who show moderate or high gambling-related risk are directed to specialist mental health telecare, while lower-risk users receive educational information and guidance.
Wales Funds Community Projects to Reduce Gambling Harms, iGB
Public Health Wales has announced a two-year funding programme to support community-led gambling harm prevention projects. The Gambling Harms Voluntary Sector Grant Fund will provide up to £700,000 per year, with individual organisations able to apply for grants of up to £75,000 annually.
Applications open on August 31 and close on October 19, 2026. The fund will support charities, voluntary groups, community organisations and social enterprises working in Wales, with a focus on higher-risk groups. Eligible projects include campaigns to de-normalise harmful gambling behaviours, outreach services, support for people affected by someone else’s gambling and new prevention approaches.
- Russia’s illegal online gambling market has fallen to its lowest level in eight years, iGamingToday on LinkedIn
- Australia just became the first country to lose access to a casino that doesn’t even use real money, Aakash Gupta on X
- Will Estonia’s tax cuts be eclipsed by stricter marketing rules? SBC News on LinkedIn
- Cambodian regulators shut down 72 casinos following fraud inspections, Yogonet on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Crypto gambling platforms have better cash out systems than the local ones, Bitcointalk
- Hard rock Sportsbook suspended me, r/onlinegambling
- Casino scam you believe people should be aware of, Bitcointalk
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.
