Quick Navigation
Compliance, profitability, and product innovation dominated this week’s iGaming headlines. Regulators continued tightening oversight across multiple markets, while operators and suppliers pushed ahead with expansion, technology upgrades, and stronger financial results.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- DraftKings posted a $21.1 million Q1 profit driven by higher revenue per user.
- Sweden introduced stricter rules on credit-funded gambling and self-exclusion checks.
- Entain entered a court-enforceable undertaking after more than 500 BetStop breaches.
- ChatBet launched WhatsApp-based betting services across Latin America.
- Connecticut lawmakers approved a new sports betting reform bill.
😄 Find out what happened in the industry last week, check out our previous iGaming Recap!
😎 Hear from the iGaming community with our Opinion Corner! We cover trending social media posts and provide our expert commentary.
Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
Meta Faces Dutch Gambling Ad Compliance Questions, iGB
A new study found that some gambling advertisements shown on Meta platforms in the Netherlands may have breached rules designed to prevent targeting users under 24. Researchers reviewed 277 gambling ads on Facebook and Instagram using Meta’s Ad Library and found that a minority appeared to violate Dutch restrictions.
The research also highlighted wider concerns about how effective platform targeting tools are under current advertising systems. Dutch law treats people aged 18 to 23 as a vulnerable group, and regulators continue to increase scrutiny on how gambling ads are delivered online.
Connecticut Lawmakers Approve Sports Betting Reform Bill, NEXT
Connecticut lawmakers approved HB 5229, a sports betting reform bill that now heads to Governor Ned Lamont for final approval. The legislation includes new measures around betting integrity, advertising restrictions tied to colleges, and a study into prediction markets.
Lawmakers also approved related provisions aimed at criminalizing the rigging of sports bets and misuse of confidential information connected to wagering. The reforms reflect growing concern among states over integrity risks as regulated betting markets continue to expand.
Entain Enters Undertaking After ACMA Finds Over 500 BetStop Breaches, iGB
Australia’s communications regulator found that Entain breached national self-exclusion rules more than 500 times through its Ladbrokes AU and Neds AU brands. The Australian Communications and Media Authority said the company opened accounts and provided wagering services to people registered with BetStop.
Following the investigation, Entain entered into an 18-month court-enforceable undertaking that requires remediation measures and improved compliance systems. The case adds to growing regulatory pressure on operators to strengthen responsible gambling controls and self-exclusion enforcement.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Genius Sports Maintains $1bn Revenue Outlook, SBC News
Genius Sports reaffirmed its expectation of reaching $1 billion in group revenue in 2026 following the completion of its acquisition of sports betting technology company Legend. The company said the deal strengthens its position across sportsbook solutions, trading technology, and customer engagement products.
Genius Sports said Legend’s technology will be integrated into its existing sportsbook ecosystem, including pricing, personalization, and betting engagement tools. The company reaffirmed expectations for 2026 group revenue and adjusted EBITDA targets following completion of the deal.
Light & Wonder Posts Modest Q1 Growth, iGamingToday
Light & Wonder reported modest revenue growth in the first quarter of 2026, driven primarily by its gaming machine operations and iGaming division. The company pointed to continued demand for digital gaming products and stable performance across its core business segments.
Executives said the company remains focused on expanding its digital footprint while continuing investment in content and platform development. Gaming machine operations remained the company’s largest revenue contributor during the quarter.
DraftKings Turns $21.1m Q1 Profit, NEXT
DraftKings posted a net profit of $21.1 million in the first quarter of 2026, with the company crediting higher average revenue per user as a key driver of performance. Revenue growth was supported by improved customer spending and continued engagement across sportsbook and iGaming products.
DraftKings reported stronger customer monetization and said average revenue per monthly unique payer increased year over year. The company maintained its full-year revenue guidance following the quarterly results.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
ChatBet Launches WhatsApp Betting in LatAm, SBC News
ChatBet launched a new betting platform built around WhatsApp conversations, targeting users across Latin America. The service allows players to place bets, receive odds, and interact with betting features directly through umessaging rather than traditional sportsbook apps or websites.
The company said the model is designed to match how users in LatAm already communicate and transact online. Users can interact with betting services directly through chat functions instead of downloading a standalone sportsbook app.
DATA.BET Expands Tennis Coverage With Infront Deal, European Gaming
DATA.BET announced a new partnership with Infront Bettor that will add official tennis data to its sportsbook offering. The integration expands coverage across professional tennis events and is aimed at improving live betting markets and data reliability.
The partnership adds official data coverage from ATP Tour and WTA events to DATA.BET’s sportsbook offering. DATA.BET said the integration is aimed primarily at improving live betting functionality and event coverage.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
Sweden Tightens Credit Checks and Self-Exclusion Rules, SBC News
Sweden introduced a new gambling compliance charter that strengthens restrictions on credit-funded gambling and upgrades the country’s self-exclusion system. From May 2026, licensed operators must prevent deposits linked to credit cards, loans, overdrafts, and buy-now-pay-later services.
The next phase of the reforms will begin in August with updated real-time verification requirements tied to Sweden’s Spelpaus self-exclusion platform. Operators will be required to connect to a new API infrastructure designed to improve monitoring and player protection compliance.
Argentina Pushes for Stricter Controls on Underage Online Gambling, iGamingToday
Argentina is moving toward stricter controls aimed at limiting underage online gambling and reducing youth exposure to betting content. Proposed measures include stronger advertising restrictions, tighter access controls for minors, and additional safeguards around online gambling platforms.
The push comes amid growing concern from lawmakers and regulators over rising gambling participation among young people. Proposed measures include restrictions on celebrity endorsements and tighter controls on gambling advertising seen by minors.
- In 2026, we aren’t just betting on games, Vladimir N. on LinkedIn
- BLACK MARKET BOOM Warning, Chris Fawcett on X
- Riau Islands police have dismantled a large online gambling operation, Batam News Asia on LinkedIn
- Lottomatica posted slight Q1 growth, iGB on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Do Casinos shadow-ban winners in 2026? Bitcoin Forum
- Illegal casinos taking money, Reddit
- Sportsbetting finals are more profitable than group stage matches, 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.
