WORLD NEWS. WEEK 34

🚫 South Korea to Block Polymarket

South Korean authorities have decided to restrict access to prediction market platform Polymarket, classifying its activity as related to gambling promotion. Internet service providers will be required to block the website, although the exact date has not yet been announced. Polymarket challenged the decision, arguing that it does not operate a Korean-language version or support KRW payments, but the regulator rejected those arguments. Read more

🇧🇷 Brazilian Betting GGR Reaches R$20 Billion

In the first half of 2026, GGR generated by regulated betting operators in Brazil reached R$20.07 billion, up 15% year over year. During the same period, operators paid R$2.49 billion in federal taxes, while the number of active registered players reached 30.8 million. Around 5 million people currently have restricted access to betting platforms, including users enrolled in the voluntary self-exclusion system. Read more

🎯 Casinos Shift from CPA to the Attention Economy

According to Martin Varrand, constant CPA optimization can trap casino marketers in a cycle where operators pay to acquire players who do not generate enough value to cover acquisition costs. He argues that growing brands are increasingly focusing on audience attention, but this strategy only works when supported by a strong product, smooth onboarding, and solid retention. In that case, every new stream, post, or brand mention strengthens previous marketing efforts. Read more

🃏 Martin Hummel Plays Online Poker for 76 Hours Straight

Martin Hummel completed a 76-hour online poker marathon, exceeding his original 72-hour target and the previous record of 49 hours. He is now aiming for a new Guinness World Record for the longest online poker marathon. The entire attempt was livestreamed, with the footage used as evidence for Guinness verification. Read more