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Regulators took a tougher stance this week, from Sweden blocking an unlicensed operator to Minnesota targeting offshore betting sites. Meanwhile, market shifts continued, highlighted by the ESPN–PENN breakup and Macau’s economic rebound.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- Sweden banned CGG Entertainment for offering unlicensed online gambling.
- Slovakia’s president vetoed gambling amendments.
- PrizePicks introduced an Early Exit cash-out tool for fantasy players.
- Macau’s GDP rose 8.8% in 2024 as gaming and tourism recovered.
- ESPN and PENN ended their sports betting partnership early.
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Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
Sweden Bans CGG Entertainment for Operating Without a Licence, Gambling Insider
Sweden’s gambling regulator issued an immediate prohibition on CGG Entertainment Ltd for offering games in Sweden without a licence. The decision was prompted by evidence the platform was targeting Swedish players, such as displaying Swedish-language content and the Swedish flag, despite claims it had blocked Swedish users and payments.
Slovak President Blocks Gambling Amendments and Returns Bill to Parliament, SBC News
President Peter Pellegrini vetoed newly-approved amendments to Slovakia’s gambling law, citing concerns that the bill undermined local autonomy and failed to respect municipal decisions rejecting casinos. The legislation, which was fast-tracked through Parliament, has been returned to lawmakers for further review.
Minnesota Attorney General Orders 14 Illegal Betting Sites to Shut Down, iGB
The Attorney General for Minnesota issued letters to 14 offshore gambling sites, demanding they cease operations in the state. The crackdown is part of a push to tackle illegal sportsbooks and casino platforms operating without a licence, which the AG warned offer no protection for players.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Macau GDP Rises 8.8% in 2024 on Gaming and Tourism Recovery, Gambling Insider
Macau’s GDP expanded 8.8% in 2024, according to the city’s Statistics and Census Service, driven by rising gaming performance and a surge in tourism. Gross gaming revenue reached MOP 198.1 billion for the year, up 21.3% from 2023, while total visitor arrivals climbed to 34.2 million, nearly 80% of pre-pandemic levels..
ESPN and PENN End Sports Betting Partnership Early, FOX Business
ESPN and Penn Entertainment agreed to terminate their 10-year sports betting partnership early after the ESPN Bet platform failed to capture the market share originally projected. The two sides cited growth challenges and shifting strategies as reasons for the split. ESPN said it will explore new sports wagering opportunities, while Penn plans to refocus on markets where it holds stronger performance.
Light & Wonder Posts Record iGaming Revenue, NEXT
Light & Wonder delivered record quarterly iGaming revenue of $393 million in Q3 2025, up 13% year-on-year, driven by strong performance in the U.S. and Europe and new operator integrations. However, social casino revenue declined 6%, continuing a downward trend as players shift toward real-money wagering formats.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
Google to Show Prediction Market Data From Kalshi and Polymarket, iGB
Google is integrating real-time event probability data from platforms Kalshi and Polymarket into its Google Finance and search results as part of an AI upgrade. The feature will enable users to query future outcomes like “Will GDP growth exceed X%?” and view live market probabilities alongside historical trends. The rollout is expected to begin in the coming weeks.
PrizePicks Adds Early Exit Cash-Out Tool to Fantasy Platform, Yogonet
PrizePicks has launched an Early Exit feature, allowing users to cash out on a lineup before it fully concludes on selected sports and stat types. The update includes an interactive payout slider and a live “Pulse” tracker, giving players more control and strategic flexibility in managing their entries.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
National Lottery Heritage Fund Launches Paid Leadership Programme for Young Adults, National Lottery Heritage Fund
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has introduced its Future Heritage Leadership programme aimed at 18- to 30-year-olds. The 18-month initiative lets successful applicants shadow decision-making committees, attend board meetings, and receive training in heritage governance.
Svenska Spel Provides SEK 35 Million to Support Youth Sports Clubs, Gambling Insider
The Swedish state-owned gambling and lottery operator has channeled SEK 35 million (approx. €3 million) into its Gräsroten initiative to support youth sports across 9,000 associations in Sweden. Over 40% of the funding goes to football, followed by ice hockey, handball, and other disciplines. The programme aims to promote gender balance and ensure that local clubs across all 21 counties receive funding.
- France’s illegal online market now outstrips the regulated sector, SiGMA World on LinkedIn
- South Africa’s regulator has affirmed that online casino-style games are unlawful across all provinces, MinimumDepositCasinos on X
- A $1.5 billion sports betting partnership is over in the wake of the NBA gambling scandal, Brian Pempus on LinkedIn
- iGaming Deeply Unpopular with Indiana Voters, NAAIG_Official on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Is Sports Betting Here to Stay? Bitcoin Forum
- LUMINBET.COM IS A SCAM I THINK, Reddit
- Famous youtuber Coffeezilla says there is a gambling epidemic, Bitcoin Forum
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