Brazil confirms prediction markets are illegal, initiates site blocking
Brazil’s National Monetary Council has officially excluded prediction markets from its derivatives and betting framework under Law 14.790, with 28 platforms already blocked. Here is what the CMN resolution means for global operators and LATAM market entry strategy.
CFTC Draws the Line: Federal Preemption vs. State Overreach in Prediction Markets
The CFTC has sued New York and filed an amicus brief in Massachusetts to assert federal preemption over state gambling enforcement on prediction markets. Here is what the legal escalation means for operators, tribal sovereignty, and the national regulatory framework.
VICI Properties has closed its $1.16 billion acquisition of Golden Entertainment’s casino real estate portfolio on April 30, 2026.
VICI Properties closes $1.16B Golden Entertainment acquisition. Seven Nevada casino properties, $87M annual rent, 30-year master lease. Stephen Crystal analyzes the regional REIT consolidation wave.
Meet with Stephen Crystal in Miami | May 4–8, 2026
Stephen Crystal will be in Miami from May 4–8, 2026, connecting with gaming leaders, operators, suppliers, investors, and innovators across the LATAM gaming ecosystem. As LATAM continues to expand across sports betting, iGaming, payments, compliance, technology, and fan engagement, SCCG Management remains focused on helping companies build the right relationships, enter new markets, and identify […]
Meet with Stephen Crystal in Monterey CA! Attending The SportsCar Championship | May 1-4, 2026
SCCG Management is shifting into high gear as Stephen Crystal heads to the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for the Monterey SportsCar Championship, taking place May 1-4, 2026, in Monterey, California. Stephen will be attending alongside SCCG’s partners at CoinsPaid Solutions, connecting with industry leaders, partners, and innovators across gaming, payments, technology, sports, and entertainment. […]
Kambi’s 100% AI-Traded World Cup Plan Signals the Next Era of Sportsbook Automation
By Stephen Crystal Kambi’s latest update may be remembered as one of the clearest signals yet that sportsbook trading is entering a new phase. The regulated B2B sportsbook supplier reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of €43.5 million, up 4.9% year-over-year, while adjusted EBITA excluding acquisition-related items increased 63.5% to €5.7 million. Operating profit also improved sharply […]
World Cup iGaming Surge Defense: Why Security Is Becoming the Industry’s Top Priority
The World Cup iGaming surge defense is becoming a defining priority as platforms prepare for unprecedented global traffic during the 2026 tournament. With rising demand comes increased security risk, pushing operators to adopt smarter, more adaptive technologies that balance seamless user experience with continuous protection.
CFTC Wisconsin Prediction Markets Lawsuit Highlights Expanding Regulatory Dispute
The CFTC has sued Wisconsin, intensifying a legal battle over who controls prediction markets. The agency argues these platforms fall under federal derivatives regulation, while Wisconsin claims they operate as illegal sports betting under state law.
Rush Street Interactive’s Record Q1 Surge Shows Why iCasino Is Outperforming Sports Betting as EBITDA Jumps 81%
By Stephen Crystal Rush Street Interactive’s Record Q1 of 2026 was not just a strong earnings report. It was a clear signal about where the economics of regulated online gaming are moving. RSI reported record quarterly revenue of $370.4 million, up 41% year-over-year, along with record net income of $26.2 million, up 134%, and record […]
California Cardrooms Blackjack Ban Lawsuit: Tribal Gaming Exclusivity and Local Economic Impacts
California cardrooms file lawsuit over the blackjack ban, challenging tribal gaming exclusivity. Analysis of regulatory impacts on local economies and operators.