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This week, the iGaming industry saw a historic development with Minnesota becoming the first US state to ban prediction markets, immediately triggering a legal fight with the federal government. The US centered around compliance, regulation, and consumer protection, while internationally the focus shifted toward financial performance and black market growth.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- Minnesota became the first US state to ban prediction markets.
- The federal government sued Minnesota over the new prediction market law.
- Brazil’s betting market generated more than R$1 billion in Q1 federal revenue.
- A new report estimated the global gambling black market reached $5.9 trillion in 2025.
- Kalshi and NCPG launched a $2 million trader safety initiative.
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Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
Minnesota Becomes First State to Ban Prediction Markets, NPR
Minnesota became the first US state to officially ban prediction markets after Governor Tim Walz signed legislation making it a felony to operate, advertise, host, or process payments for prediction market platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
The law takes effect on August 1 and includes a broad definition covering contracts tied to sports, elections, weather, entertainment, and world events. The legislation also extends liability to services that help users bypass restrictions, including VPN-related activity.
Federal Government Sues Minnesota Over Prediction Market Ban, ABC News
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission sued Minnesota just days after the state enacted the nation’s first prediction market ban. The federal agency is seeking an injunction to block the law before it takes effect, arguing that federally regulated event contracts fall under the CFTC’s exclusive jurisdiction.
The lawsuit claims Minnesota’s law improperly criminalizes federally regulated derivatives markets, including weather-related contracts used by farmers and businesses for hedging purposes. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison defended the law by arguing these platforms pose addiction and player protection risks.
Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill Targeting Gambling Ads Seen by Children, NEXT
A bipartisan group of US senators introduced new legislation aimed at restricting gambling advertisements that target or appeal to children. The proposed bill would ban gambling ads during live sports broadcasts and limit the use of celebrities, athletes, and cartoon-style branding in gambling marketing.
Lawmakers behind the proposal argued that sports betting advertising has become too visible to minors since the expansion of legalized betting across the US. The bill also calls for stricter warning labels and additional research into the impact of gambling advertising on young audiences.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Brazil Betting Industry Generates Over R$1 Billion in Federal Revenue, iGamingToday
Brazil’s regulated betting market generated more than R$1 billion in federal revenue during the first quarter of 2026, according to figures released by the Ministry of Finance. The revenue came from licensing fees, taxation, and regulatory payments tied to the country’s newly structured betting framework.
Officials said the results reflect strong early activity following market regulation, with dozens of operators now active under the new system. Authorities also indicated that enforcement against unlicensed betting platforms will remain a priority as Brazil continues formalizing the sector.
Swedish Online Gambling Growth Offsets Wider Market Declines, NEXT
Sweden’s online gambling sector posted growth in the first quarter of 2026, helping offset declines across land-based casinos and retail gaming segments. Data released by Sweden’s gambling regulator showed online casino and sports betting revenue increased year over year despite weaker results in other parts of the market.
State-run Casino Cosmopol and land-based gaming operations continued to struggle, while online gambling remained the country’s largest gambling segment by revenue. Regulators also noted continued focus on channelization and player protection measures within the licensed market.
Global Gambling Black Market Reached $5.9 Trillion in 2025, iGB
The global gambling black market reached an estimated $5.9 trillion in annual betting turnover during 2025, according to a report from the Global Consumer Institute. The study warned that illegal operators continue expanding rapidly across online gambling, sports betting, and offshore casino markets.
Researchers estimated the black market generated around $820 billion in gross gaming revenue globally, fueled by weak enforcement, inconsistent regulation, and rising consumer migration toward unlicensed platforms.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
GR8_TECH Unveils Coding-Inspired Rebrand, SBC News
GR8_TECH introduced a new brand identity built around coding-inspired visuals and messaging as part of a wider repositioning strategy. The company said the rebrand is designed to highlight its focus on technology, modular solutions, and product development for the iGaming industry.
The updated branding includes a redesigned visual system and messaging framework centered on flexibility and scalability. GR8_TECH said the changes reflect its evolution from a traditional sportsbook supplier into a broader technology-focused platform provider.
Xtremepush Launches XpertOS AI-Driven CRM Platform, European Gaming
Xtremepush launched XpertOS, a new agentic CRM platform designed specifically for iGaming operators. The system uses AI-driven automation to manage customer engagement, retention campaigns, and personalized player communication across multiple channels.
The company said the platform is capable of autonomously analyzing player behavior and triggering marketing actions in real time. Xtremepush described XpertOS as a move toward more automated CRM systems that reduce manual campaign management for operators.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
UK Gambling Commission Defends Financial Risk Checks, SBC News
The UK Gambling Commission pushed back against criticism that its proposed financial risk assessments are simply “affordability checks by another name.” Regulators said the system is intended to identify financially vulnerable players using targeted checks rather than broad spending limits.
UKGC executive Tim Miller argued the industry has mischaracterized the policy debate and said the checks would not affect consumer credit scores. Early pilot results released by the regulator indicated the assessments were more targeted and less disruptive than critics had claimed.
Kalshi and NCPG Launch $2 Million Trader Safety Initiative, NCPG
Prediction market platform Kalshi and the National Council on Problem Gambling announced a new $2 million, two-year initiative focused on trader health and safety. The partnership will fund research, public education, and responsible trading resources tied to prediction market activity.
The announcement marks one of the first major responsible gambling-style initiatives connected specifically to prediction markets. NCPG said the program will explore behavioral risks associated with event-based trading while developing support tools and educational campaigns for users.
- South Africa’s online gambling boom is putting pressure on regulators to modernise the law, BRICS Africa Channel
- A new Iowa law gives clarifies the state gambling regulator’s powers against unlicensed gambling, NEXT.io
- Parliament to discuss online gambling levy to fund next EU budget, Euractiv
- Evoke has extended the deadline for Bally’s Intralot to announce whether it intends to make a potential acquisition offer, iGB
Stories from iGaming Forums
- More markets does not equal to more opportunity, Bitcoin Forum
- 96% RTP Slots Can Still Be Complete Trash, Reddit
- Key Areas to Focus for a Safe Betting, Bitcoin Forum
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