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This week, we see a mix of legal pressure, advertising scrutiny, and new market moves. Prediction markets stayed in the spotlight, while regulators in Europe tightened their focus on gambling ads, data rules, payments, and player protection.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- Kalshi sued Minnesota over its new prediction market ban.
- bet365 entered France ahead of a major betting cycle.
- Spain moved to restrict celebrity and influencer gambling ads.
- Illegal gambling ads on Meta reached millions of Dutch users.
- PAGCOR launched a 24/7 gambling support helpline.
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Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
Kalshi Sues Minnesota Over Prediction Market Ban, Gambling Insider
Kalshi filed a lawsuit against Minnesota after the state enacted the nation’s first outright ban on prediction markets. The company argues the new law conflicts with federal authority granted to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which regulates event contracts and derivatives markets.
The lawsuit comes just days after Minnesota signed legislation making it a felony to operate, advertise, or process payments for prediction market platforms. Kalshi said the state is attempting to regulate federally approved financial products, while Minnesota officials continue arguing that the platforms function as unlicensed gambling services.
French Regulator Releases Updated GDPR Guide for Gambling Operators, NEXT
France’s gambling regulator ANJ, working alongside data protection authority CNIL, released an updated GDPR compliance guide for licensed gambling operators. The 59-page document covers player data collection, consent requirements, profiling practices, anti-money laundering obligations, and responsible gambling monitoring.
The guidance also clarifies that labeling a player as a problem gambler could qualify as processing sensitive health-related data under GDPR rules. Regulators said the update is intended to help operators better navigate overlapping compliance obligations tied to gambling regulation and European privacy law.
Spain Targets Celebrity and Influencer Gambling Ads, European Gaming
Spain launched a public consultation on proposed gambling advertising reforms that would restrict the use of celebrities, influencers, and public personalities in gambling promotions. The consultation is part of a broader push by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to tighten user protections in online gambling.
The proposed measures would also place stricter limits on customer acquisition bonuses and online advertising visibility. Regulators said the reforms are aimed at reducing exposure among minors and vulnerable users as Spain revisits advertising restrictions previously challenged in court.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
bet365 Launches in France Ahead of World Cup Betting Push, iGamingToday
bet365 officially entered the French market as the operator prepares for increased betting activity tied to the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The launch gives bet365 access to one of Europe’s largest regulated betting markets after years of focusing on other international regions.
The company received approval from France’s gambling regulator and is entering a market already dominated by major local and international brands. Industry analysts expect sportsbook competition in France to intensify significantly ahead of the World Cup cycle.
Illegal Gambling Ads on Meta Reached 38 Million Dutch Users, iGB
New research found that illegal gambling advertisements shown through Meta platforms reached an estimated 38 million Dutch users over a one-year period. Researchers identified thousands of ads promoting unlicensed gambling operators across Facebook and Instagram despite existing restrictions.
The study claimed many of the ads used affiliate-style tactics, misleading branding, and redirect links to bypass moderation systems. The findings have increased pressure on both Meta and Dutch regulators to strengthen enforcement against illegal gambling promotion online.
Prediction Market Combo Bets Linked to Larger Losses Than Parlays, NEXT
New analysis found that combo-style prediction market bets may lead to larger average losses than traditional sportsbook parlays. Researchers said the products encourage higher-risk behavior by allowing users to combine multiple event contracts into a single position with amplified payouts.
The report comes as prediction market operators continue expanding combo-style products similar to sportsbook betting formats. Critics argue that the mechanics closely resemble gambling products while operating under financial market regulations instead of gaming laws.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
Armenia Introduces Payment Blocks to Protect Gambling Reforms, SBC News
Armenia approved new measures allowing authorities to block payment transactions connected to unauthorized gambling operators. The reform is part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s updated gambling framework and limit access to unlicensed platforms.
Under the new system, banks and payment providers will be required to prevent transfers linked to black-market gambling activity. Officials said the payment restrictions are designed to improve enforcement as Armenia continues tightening oversight of its regulated gambling sector.
BGaming Launches Quests Daily-Mission Retention Tool, European Gaming
BGaming introduced a new feature called Quests, a daily-mission system designed to increase player retention and engagement for online casino operators. The tool allows operators to create task-based activities that reward players for completing gameplay objectives.
The company said Quests can be customized with different reward structures, progression mechanics, and promotional campaigns. BGaming described the product as part of a wider push toward gamification-focused retention systems within online casinos.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
UK Gambling Commission Delays Deposit Limit Rollout, SBC News
The UK Gambling Commission delayed the implementation timeline for mandatory deposit limit requirements as debate continues around affordability checks and consumer protections. Regulators said operators will receive additional time to prepare systems tied to the new rules.
The measures are part of the UK’s wider gambling reform process following the white paper review. Industry groups and lawmakers remain divided over how strict financial risk controls should become, particularly around customer affordability assessments.
PAGCOR Launches 24/7 Gambling Support Helpline, iGamingToday
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation launched a new 24/7 helpline aimed at helping individuals dealing with gambling-related problems. The service will provide immediate support, counseling referrals, and information on responsible gambling resources.
PAGCOR said the initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen player protection and mental health support within the country’s regulated gambling sector. Officials also encouraged operators to increase visibility of responsible gambling tools and support services.
- Online betting among university students is increasingly becoming more than a financial issue, Mindset Reformative Project on LinkedIn
- Ksa is launching a new campaign ahead of the World Cup, NEXT on X
- Austria moves towards online gambling liberalisation, iGamingBusiness on LinkedIn
- Gibraltar is making a strategic push into prediction markets, Gambling Insider on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Google staff charged with using inside data to make $1.2m on bets on Polymarket, Bitcoin Forum
- Be extra careful playing at slotocash! Reddit
- Indonesia blocks Polymarket after bets on president’s exit, Bitcoin Forum
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