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Regulation tightened on several fronts this week, but online gaming growth showed no sign of slowing. Courts challenged prediction markets, regulators scrutinized AI and player protection systems, and online casinos strengthened their position in Denmark.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- A Michigan judge ordered Kalshi to suspend its sports event contracts in the state.
- DraftKings launched its proprietary DKeX prediction market exchange.
- Entain’s Italian operations emerged as a possible next sale.
- The UKGC warned that AI and automated systems are still falling short on anti-money laundering compliance.
😄 Catch up on last week’s iGaming recap for the developments you may have missed.
😎 Read this week’s Opinion Corner for a sharper look at the debates, reactions, and industry trends behind the headlines.
Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
Judge Orders Kalshi to Suspend Sports Markets in Michigan, Gambling Insider
A Michigan judge has issued a temporary restraining order requiring Kalshi to stop offering sports event contracts in the state. The ruling followed a request from Attorney General Dana Nessel, who argued that Kalshi was operating as an unlicensed sports betting platform while avoiding the rules and taxes applied to licensed operators.
Kalshi must use an approved third-party geolocation provider to block Michigan users from accessing its sports markets. It could face fines of $120,000 for each day it fails to meet the requirement. The order remains in effect until July 13, while Kalshi has said it will challenge the decision.
Betfred to Pay £900,000 Over Player Protection Failures, iGB
Betfred’s online operator, Petfre, has agreed to pay £900,000 after the UK Gambling Commission identified significant weaknesses in its gambling harm prevention systems. The regulator found that its automated controls did not respond effectively to excessive spending, long playing sessions, and other risk indicators.
One system flaw prevented an account from being flagged again for seven days after an initial review. As a result, one customer lost £17,900 within 24 hours without receiving follow-up contact. The Commission acknowledged that Petfre cooperated with the investigation and introduced measures to address the failures.
North Carolina Budget Would Allow Gambling Loss Deductions, WRAL
North Carolina bettors could be allowed to deduct gambling losses from their state taxes under revised provisions in a proposed budget. The change would apply retroactively from January 1, 2025, and would remove North Carolina from the group of states that do not permit such deductions.
Sportsbooks would still be required to report customers who record at least $2,000 in annual winnings. The proposal would also increase the operator tax rate from 18% to 23% and introduce a 6% tax on prediction market platforms. It still requires approval from both chambers of the state legislature.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Online Casinos Become Denmark’s Largest Gambling Segment, iGB
Online casinos overtook lotteries as Denmark’s largest gambling segment in 2025. Online casino GGR increased by 12.1% to DKK4.31 billion, accounting for 38% of the market. Lottery revenue fell by 6.2% to DKK3.49 billion, reducing its share to 30%.
Denmark’s total gambling GGR declined by 1% to DKK11.5 billion, as sports betting revenue dropped by 11.5% and slot machine revenue fell by 6.8%. Online gambling generated 73% of all GGR, up from 70% in 2024, with mobile devices accounting for the same share of online revenue.
Groupe Partouche Revenue Rises as Online Gaming Grows 26%, NEXT
Groupe Partouche reported a 2.5% year-on-year increase in consolidated revenue to €109.5 million for the second quarter of its 2026 financial year. GGR rose by 1.9% to €182.1 million, while net gaming revenue increased by 1.7% to €84.5 million.
Online gambling was the strongest-performing area, with revenue climbing by 26% to €7.1 million. International GGR increased by 4.5% to €18.9 million, while French GGR rose by 1.6% to €163.1 million. A 14.8% increase in table games helped offset a 1.8% decline in French slot revenue.
Entain’s Italian Business Tipped as Next Possible Sale, iGamingToday
Entain’s Italian operations could become the group’s next major divestment following its agreement to reduce its stake in Entain CEE. Analysts at Rothschild & Co Redburn identified the business as a likely sale candidate as Entain looks to reduce debt and concentrate its portfolio.
The analysts estimated that a sale could unlock between £1.2 billion and £1.6 billion at a valuation of eight to nine times earnings. They expect the assets to attract interest from both strategic and financial buyers, although Entain has not announced a formal sale process.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
DraftKings Debuts DKeX Prediction Market Platform, Yogonet
DraftKings has launched DKeX, its proprietary prediction market exchange, within the DraftKings Sports & Casino app. The platform uses technology and a CFTC license acquired through the purchase of Railbird Technologies, giving DraftKings greater control over product development, content, and operating costs.
DraftKings Predictions recorded approximately $3.4 billion in annualized consumer volume and $11.3 billion in annualized total trading volume during the week ending June 21. The company expects further growth through new contracts, combination products, and increased interest surrounding the World Cup.
UKGC Questions Effectiveness of AI-Based AML Systems, European Gaming
UK Gambling Commission Enforcement Director John Pierce has warned that artificial intelligence and automated tools are too often failing to meet anti-money laundering requirements. He said operators must prove that such systems deliver effective compliance before introducing them.
The regulator also identified recurring problems including weak staff training, poor record-keeping, excessive reliance on financial thresholds and inadequate oversight of third-party providers.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
France Advances Betting Loss Caps for Young Adults, iGamingToday
French lawmakers have advanced plans to limit the sports betting losses of players aged 18 to 25 as part of a broader reform of professional sport. The proposal would allow gambling regulator ANJ to impose temporary loss caps on the age group for periods of up to one year.
Young bettors would also have to wait at least two weeks before increasing their deposit, stake, or loss limits. The measures are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, although the legislation must complete the remaining parliamentary process.
Croatia Expands Gambling Funding for Civic Programs, SBC News
Croatia plans to distribute more than €214 million to public-interest and social programs under a new framework for gambling-generated funds. The allocation represents a sharp increase from approximately €130 million in the previous funding cycle.
Around €144 million will come from projected gambling revenue in 2026, with another €70 million carried over from 2025. The money will support areas including sport, gambling addiction prevention and treatment, humanitarian services, disability organizations, culture, youth education, and civil society development.
- Austria moves to open its online gambling market to private operators, TheGamblest on LinkedIn
- Visualize Group to acquire gaming compliance and certification provider eCOGRA, Yogonet on X
- The Social Market Foundation has called for another round of tax hikes on UK gambling, SBC News on LinkedIn
- @Fanatics is making its first international move through a joint venture with Momentum Group in the UAE, iGB on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Can data models really beat sportsbook odds? Bitcoin Forum
- Are social casinos with real slot games rigged, Reddit
- NBA is not free from rig, Bitcoin Forum
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