Industry updates, leadership changes and stories from across the iGaming market
Dutch Trade Body Takes Meta to Court Over Illegal Gambling Ads
VNLOK is taking Meta to court over alleged illegal gambling ads on Facebook and Instagram, citing risks to Dutch market channelisation.
iGaming
Russia Moves to Shorten Blocking Timeline for Illegal Online Casinos
Russia online casino blocking could speed up under a new bill cutting orders from five days to two, as legalization debate continues.
UK Gambling Commission’s £26m Illegal Market Crackdown Puts Big Tech Under Pressure
UK gambling crackdown intensifies as the Gambling Commission deploys £26m against illegal sites and the BGC urges Big Tech to block black-market ads.
Messi Leads Kalshi’s AFA World Cup Campaign as Trading Volume Hits $5.1B
Messi amplifies Kalshi’s AFA World Cup campaign as the prediction market exchange reports $5.1B in opening-week notional trading volume.
H2 Gambling Capital: 2026 World Cup betting handle could reach $60bn
H2 Gambling Capital estimates that legal sportsbook wagers on the 2026 FIFA World Cup could reach around $60bn, with operator GGR projected at about $7.5bn.
Netherlands Weighs Tougher iGaming Rules on Ads and Deposit Limits
The Netherlands is weighing tighter iGaming rules on ads, bonuses and deposit limits as KSA data shows pressure from illegal operators.
GEO
Global Illegal Online Gambling Market Reached $5.9tn in 2025, GCI Says
A new report estimates the illegal online gambling market reached $5.9tn in wagers in 2025, with stricter regulation and aggressive offshore marketing driving more players to unlicensed platforms.
Reviews
KSA reports more than 4,600 illegal gambling ads to Meta in April
KSA reported over 4,600 illegal gambling ads on Meta platforms in April 2026, highlighting ongoing enforcement against unlicensed operators.
Marketing
GCGRA appoints Ciarán Carruthers as CEO
GCGRA has appointed Ciarán Carruthers as CEO as the UAE continues building its regulated commercial gaming market across operators, online gaming and suppliers.
DSWV warns Germany could lose €400m in World Cup betting to black market
DSWV warns Germany could lose up to €400m in World Cup 2026 betting turnover to the black market.
