World News.Week 18
🔎🌍 Player acquisition strategies: bonuses remain a key driver
Sports betting, casino, and lottery operators continue to actively use bonus models and CPA to attract new users. At the same time, competition for high-quality traffic is increasing, putting pressure on margins due to rising acquisition costs. The focus is shifting from traffic volume to traffic quality and player LTV. Read more
🇪🇺🔎 European bookmakers under pressure from taxes and advertising restrictions
Across Europe, the fiscal burden on betting operators is increasing, along with stricter advertising regulations. This reduces profitability and complicates marketing strategies. Rising taxes and restrictions may lead to market consolidation and the exit of smaller players. Read more
🔎🎰 What makes a successful online casino game in 2026
Top-performing online casino games today combine retention, UX, and engagement: fast gameplay, social mechanics, and personalization are key. Providers are focusing more on player retention rather than just acquisition. A game’s success is increasingly defined by retention metrics and time spent in-game, not just RTP. Read more
🇦🇷🎰 Betano — sponsor of the Argentina national team!
On April 29, the operator became an official regional partner for the 2026 World Cup. Plans include outdoor advertising, digital campaigns, and TV commercials. A large-scale entry into LatAm? Read more
World News.Week 17
🔎🇦🇺 Australian footballers under fire over illegal casino promotion
Former Brisbane Lions players Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson promoted the unlicensed Vegastars on social media and ran a giveaway worth ~$ 3.6K (Nine Network).
💸 Fines from ACMA: up to $ 42.6K for promotion, up to $ 1.77M for links. Read more
🏏🇹🇹 Arena365 signs Nicholas Pooran
The former West Indies captain and Indian Premier League star has been announced as an ambassador. The cricket wave in iGaming is gaining momentum! Read more
👍🇮🇹 Polymarket becomes title sponsor of Lazio
The prediction market platform signed a deal worth over $ 22M until the 2027/28 season (+ option). Logo debut — April 18 vs Napoli. Read more
👍🇫🇷 Weather scandal in Paris: hairdryer vs Polymarket
Météo-France filed a police report: a hacker allegedly heated a sensor at Charles de Gaulle Airport using a battery-powered hairdryer. Temperature spikes on April 6 (18:30, +4−6°C up to 22.5°C) and April 15 (21:30, up to 21.9°C) brought traders $ 14K + $ 20K on “high temperature” contracts.
🌡 The sensor was near a road; the second incident occurred after sunset. Platforms introduced geo-blocking for France (illegal jurisdiction). Read more
World News.Week 16
🛍 PopOK Gaming integrated with Stake
Crypto casino Stake added PopOK hits: Yo Dragon, Moonlight Angel, Mega Joker, Bonbon, Huga Chaga, Hot Muchacho, Sumo Baby, Mega Diamonds, Rico Toucano, Royal Flash, Octopus Life, Blazing Hot. Read more
🇳🇱 Fake iGaming brands exposed in the Netherlands
Casinonieuws uncovered ad campaigns for Virgil Casino and Bol Casino on social media, using well-known brands and redirecting users to unlicensed casinos. The accounts are linked to Vietnam, and one has already been banned by Meta. Read more
🍀 Soft2Bet launched 5 brands in Q1 2026
The company rolled out new projects in Sweden, Romania, and Denmark, expanded sports partnerships, and applied for a license in Canada. Plans include entering Spain and Portugal. Read more
🇳🇬 BC.GAME entered the Nigerian market
The operator obtained an LSGLA license and launched on a local domain, accepting deposits in naira. This is its second licensed jurisdiction after Kenya. Read more
World News.Week 14
💰 Spain: Codere up for sale at € 2B
Investment funds have put gambling holding Codere up for sale with an estimated valuation of around € 2 billion (Expansión). In 2024, 84 funds became shareholders after converting € 1.2 billion of debt into equity; the largest is Davidson Kempner (13.3%). Advisors: Jefferies and Macquarie. Timeline: indicative bids — mid-May, binding offers — early July, closing — by August. The process is at an early stage; a potential involvement of Codere Online is possible. No comments. Read more
💥 Cyprus: Explosion at iGaming businessman’s shawarma shop
In Limassol, on March 24, the entrance to The SHAWARMA by PUNIN (Old Port) was blown up. The owner is reportedly linked to a major iGaming holding; no injuries were reported. This is the second attack: previously, PUNIN WINE and four cars were set on fire (€ 1M in damages). The incident coincided with a court case over the murder of former FC Karmiotissa president Stavros Demosfenous (October), who was allegedly connected to the owner. Police are investigating. Read more
🇰🇭 Cambodia: “Gambling King” Lin Binwen killed
In Sihanoukville, on March 24, 3−4 armed attackers assaulted Taiwanese national Lin Binwen (“Gambling King”, “Eel”); he suffered 29 injuries and died in hospital (Liberty Times). Lin was wanted in the “88 Club” case (Taiwan): underground banking worth $ 680M for illegal online gambling via PGTalk. The leader, Kuo Che-ming, was extradited in 2023 and sentenced to 12 years in May 2025; the case involved 20+ corrupt officials. Authorities are investigating links to casinos, money laundering, or disputes. Read more
🦄 SmartSoft integrates with Stake
The following titles are now available on Stake: JetX, Chicken Ways, Balloon, Genies Bonanza, Plinko X, Mariachi Coins, Multi Hot 5, Chicken Highway, MadSlot, Wilds and Gods, Cheesy Road. Read more
🎰 Streamer LORD launches Nobles Gaming
Dmitry Treputin (LORD) announced the launch of provider Nobles Gaming with a partner; release expected in a month. Portfolio: 10 games (slots, instant, crash). Already available: Knight’s Ascent, Knights Ascent Light, Inferno xCrazy Ultimate, Candy Bunny Cafe, Wild West Fortune, Greek Gods, Plinko. In development: Aztec Bonanza Fortune, Sweet Hot Reels, and a crash game featuring the streamer’s character. Read more
World News.Week 13
🇪🇸 Codere put up for sale for € 2B
Codere, Spain’s second-largest gambling operator after Cirsa, has hired Jefferies and Macquarie Capital to sell the company at a valuation exceeding € 2B ($ 2.32B). Indicative bids are expected by mid-May, binding offers in early July, with closing planned before the August holidays. Since 2024, Codere has been owned by 84 investment funds following a debt restructuring; the largest shareholder is Davidson Kempner (13.3%). The group operates in Spain, Italy, Argentina, Mexico, and across Latin America, including an online division listed on Nasdaq. Read more
🇲🇹 MGA investigates hack by “pseudo-researcher”
The MGA reported a breach of its internal system on March 17 by an individual posing as a security researcher; Maltese authorities are investigating. German activist Lilith Wittmann claimed responsibility, threatening to release data and referencing organized crime in Malta. Data of 304 licensees may be affected; MGA has promised further updates. Read more
🇪🇪 Estonia: advisor fired over casino tax typo
In December 2025, a typo changed “games of chance” to “games of skill,” exempting online casinos from taxes for 2026 (€ 4M in losses); it was corrected on March 1. A senior advisor with 30 years of experience was dismissed for the mistake and concealment (discovered it on January 5). Casinos voluntarily paid € 500,000. Read more
🖥🥩 xQc: $ 15M from a Stake stream on Kick
Streamer xQc revealed that his most profitable sponsored stream with crypto casino Stake brought in around $ 15M; max ad insert revenue was $ 57K, while a Call of Duty: Warzone deal reached $ 1M. Read more
World News.Week 12
🤝🇪🇸 K9Win — Sevilla’s Betting Partner in Asia
K9Win has become the official betting partner of Sevilla FC in the Asian market until the end of the season. K9Win branding will be displayed at the club’s stadium during matches, and users of the brand will gain access to VIP tickets as part of promotional activities. The deal value has not been disclosed. Read more
💪📱 “Inside the Manosphere” on Netflix: Stake and Rainbet Logos Unblurred
A documentary titled “Inside the Manosphere” by journalist Louis Theroux has been released on Netflix, focusing on Western masculine subculture and influencers. Throughout the film, the logos of crypto casinos Stake and Rainbet are clearly visible, along with the branding of the streaming platform Kick, owned by Stake. Twitch logos appear blurred; whether this was intentional remains unknown. No comments have been made by Netflix or the film’s author. Read more
🍀🇨🇦 Soft2Bet Prepares ToonieBet Launch in Alberta (Canada)
Soft2Bet has announced plans to launch its ToonieBet brand in Alberta, Canada, where a regulatory framework for iGaming is currently being developed. The operator already operates in the regulated Ontario market. Soft2Bet stated it is preparing for the technical requirements of the new jurisdiction, with the market launch expected after obtaining a license. Read more
📰🇮🇱 Polymarket: Journalist Threatened Over Bets on Iranian Missile Strike
Times of Israel military correspondent Emanuel Fabian reported receiving threats from Polymarket users over his coverage of an Iranian missile strike on March 10 near Beit Shemesh (according to the IDF and emergency services, it landed in an open area with no threat to life). More than $ 14 million was wagered on the outcome, and losing bettors who backed the “no strike” scenario demanded the journalist rewrite the report to state that the missile was intercepted.
To pressure him, users fabricated chat screenshots, attempted bribery through colleagues, and issued threats including personal details about his family and residence. One individual claimed readiness to spend up to $ 900,000 on harassment. Polymarket has blocked the accounts involved and shared data with authorities; Israeli police are investigating. Read more
🎰🇧🇷 1xBet Signs UFC Fighter Carlos Prates as Ambassador
1xBet has signed Brazilian UFC welterweight fighter Carlos “The Nightmare” Prates as a brand ambassador, strengthening its regional presence and sports-focused PR content. Read more
World News.Week 11
🤝🥊 bet365 — New UFC Betting Partner in the U.S. and Canada
UFC and bet365 have signed a multi-year agreement making the operator the official betting partner of the promotion in the U.S. and Canadian markets, replacing DraftKings.
The bet365 brand will be integrated into broadcasts of all 43 annual UFC events (13 numbered events and 30 Fight Nights), with real-time display of odds and other betting elements during the broadcasts. Read more
☄🇺🇸 MLS Issues Lifetime Bans to Two Players Over Betting
Major League Soccer has handed lifetime bans to midfielder Derrick Jones (ex-Columbus Crew) and winger Yaw Yeboah (ex-Los Angeles), finding that during the 2024−2025 seasons they placed bets on football matches, including games involving their own teams.
The investigation identified an incident when, while still at Columbus Crew, both players bet on Jones receiving a yellow card in the October 19, 2024 match — he did receive the yellow card. No evidence of match manipulation was found, but the players were charged with sharing insider information with third parties. Read more
🇧🇪🥩 Eden Hazard Becomes New Ambassador for Crypto Casino Stake
Crypto casino Stake has signed former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder Eden Hazard as a global brand ambassador ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The partnership will focus on campaigns around the tournament, with Hazard helping expand Stake’s presence in football through digital activations and fan content, leveraging his multi-million social media audience. Read more
🧚♀️ 1win and the “Evacuation” of VIP Clients from Dubai
On March 8, operator 1win launched a media campaign amid Iran’s large-scale strike on the UAE and the partial suspension of operations at Dubai International Airport, claiming it had chartered all available private jets in the UAE to evacuate its VIP clients who were unable to leave on commercial flights.
The owner of 1win partially confirmed the action on his Telegram channel “Owner 1win”, stating that the company did arrange private flights for VIP clients from different countries, but denied the claim that all available jets in the UAE had been booked. Read more
World News.Week 10
⚡️ Bloomberg has identified signs of view and engagement inflation in streams by Adin Ross, Drake, and other streamers promoting Stake. Read more
👍 The Philippine authorities have abandoned plans to ban Telegram after reaching an agreement with the platform to strengthen oversight of illegal content. Read more
🇫🇮 Finland has opened the application process for online gambling licenses, with the launch of the regulated market scheduled for summer 2027. Read more
💼 Allwyn has cancelled its € 217 million acquisition of Novibet after objections from the Greek regulator, which expressed concerns about potential monopolization of the online betting and casino market. Read more
World News.Week 9
😁🥩 Drake switches from sports betting to casino as part of his partnership with Stake
• The rapper posted a video on Instagram playing Stake roulette with friends at a restaurant
• Caption: “quitting sports betting, sticking to what I know”
• 7.7M views, $ 100M/year contract with Stake, 3 lawsuits over illegal gambling
Read more
⚡️🛬 Aviator by Spribe: € 160B in bets in 2025
• The crash game processed 60M players/month, 400,000 bets/minute
• 90% of the crash games market, target — 100M players within 2 years
Read more
⚫️🇧🇷 Novibet becomes title sponsor of Santos FC
• Contract: $ 6.7M/year + bonuses up to $ 16.3M
• Logo debuted on February 26 on the kit vs Vasco
Read more
🕶️🇬🇭 Super Group + MrBeast: chickens for Ghana
• CEO Neal Menashe and the blogger distributed chickens to farmers for breeding
• Beast Philanthropy: a sustainable alternative to cocoa farming
Read more
🎬🏈 Radcliffe in NBC series about an NFL scandal
• “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins” — mockumentary with Tracy Morgan
• Pilot: 5.8M viewers, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes (Radcliffe’s first perfect score)
Read more
🌐🇧🇷 Brazil launches regulated prediction markets
• First legal prediction market for professional investors
Read more
World News.Week 7
🥩 Drake lost $ 1M in BTC on Stake due to the Super Bowl
The rapper placed a bet on the “New England Patriots” in the crypto casino Stake (odds 2.95, potential payout $ 2.95M). But the “Seattle Seahawks” dominated 29−13 and claimed the NFL-2025 title. Drake ends up in the red — classic high-roller drama! 💸 Read more
🇪🇨 1xBet — sponsor of Ecuador’s champion until 2028
1xBet signed a deal with Independiente del Valle: logos on match and training kits, stadium LED boards, and the club’s digital platforms. Becoming the main sponsor of the reigning champions is a strong move in LatAm! Read more
🇹🇯 Parimatch — title sponsor of Tajikistan football for 3 years
Agreement for 2026−2028 covering the top league, Super Cup, and National Cup. Parimatch strengthens its presence in Central Asia — are we expecting traffic growth from the region? Read more
🦌🇺🇸 Giannis Antetokounmpo invested in prediction platform Kalshi
The Milwaukee Bucks NBA star became a shareholder in Kalshi — the first professional basketball player with a stake in such a platform. Prediction markets are gaining momentum in the U.S. 📈 Read more
World News.Week 6
⚽️🇧🇷 Esportes da Sorte in Brazil signed a FIFA sponsorship for World Cup 2026 broadcasts on SBT and N Sports. The brand will get exposure across TV, streaming, and digital. Brazilian football under betting! Read more
⚽️🇲🇽 Caliente. mx became the first exclusive betting sponsor of CONCACAF club competitions (men’s and women’s Champions Cup) for 2026−2027. Mexico strengthens its position in North and Central America! Read more
🏈🇺🇸 Fanatics Sportsbook in the US launched a provocative Super Bowl ad. Model Kendall Jenner jokes about the “Kardashian curse” and teaches how to “bet on the right guy.” Hype incoming! Read more
⚡️🔥 Genius Sports announced the acquisition of Legend, a major global digital sports and gaming media network, in a deal of up to $ 1.2 billion ($ 900 million upfront + up to $ 300 million deferred). The move aims to create a powerful sports and betting media group with a massive audience and advanced fan-monetization technology. The deal is expected to close in Q2 2026. Read more
World News.Week 5
📱 Meta launches ads on Threads
On January 21, Meta announced a global rollout of advertising on Threads: static ads, video, carousels, dynamic ads from product catalogs, and app ads. Reach — 400 million users. Read more
🎮 Epic bans loot wheels in Fortnite
Starting January 20, map creators can no longer monetize loot wheels (e.g. Steal the Brainrot for 100 V-Bucks). The goal is to protect minors from gambling-like mechanics. Read more
🥩 Stake becomes exclusive partner of X Games League
Stake has partnered with XGL: live odds on Kick from Aspen (January 23−25). The partnership includes the Athlete Fund and Alt Sports Data. Read more
🔄🔍 Google tightens iGaming advertising rules in EMEA
From March 23 — stricter compliance checks and bans for violations. Subdomains and free hosting are prohibited. Read more
⚡️ BGaming x PokerStars
Full game portfolio (including Merge Up and Gemhalla+) for Flutter. Strengthening presence in casual and high-volatility segments. Read more
