Betr and MIXI Intensify Battle for PointsBet
There is an intense battle for the acquisition of PointsBet between two parties: Betr and MIXI. MIXI is seeking control through a cash offer, which has already received unconditional support from PointsBet’s board, while also increasing its stake to more than one-third. Meanwhile, Betr has presented a competing share-swap offer, emphasizing its potentially higher value and strategic synergies.
Greece Targets €1.6 Billion Illegal Gambling Market
The Greek government has taken decisive legal action to combat the illegal gambling market, estimated at €1.6 billion annually and spanning both online and land-based platforms. These measures aim to recover lost tax revenues of €500 million and address a growing social issue, particularly among young adults.
UK Horse Racing Cancels Fixtures in Protest of Proposed Tax Hikes
The British horse racing industry, led by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), has taken the unprecedented step of canceling scheduled races in protest against the UK government’s proposed tax increases. Brant Dunshea, Chief Executive of the BHA, emphasized that these tax changes, which would merge different betting levy rates, threaten the future of the sport and thousands of jobs.
India Moves to Ban Real-Money Online Gaming
India is planning to introduce a comprehensive ban on all forms of real-money online gaming, regardless of whether they are based on skill or chance. The proposed regulations aim to address gambling addiction, financial harm, and other potential abuses. The draft law includes strict penalties for both operators and advertisers of such services, including prison sentences and heavy fines.
Online Slots Reach Record GGY Despite Decline in Betting Activity
The UK Gambling Commission’s data for the first quarter of the 2025–2026 financial year presents a mixed picture of the gambling sector. Despite an overall decline in betting activity, both online and retail, online slot machines achieved a record Gross Gambling Yield (GGY). A decrease in the number of active player accounts and shorter average session lengths were also observed, suggesting shifts in user behavior, potentially linked to the introduction of new stake limits in online slot games.
NBA and NBPA Push for Stricter Rules on Prop Bets
The NBA, together with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), is pushing for stricter restrictions on prop bets, which involve wagering on specific player statistics. This move comes in response to growing concerns over game integrity following scandals involving players such as Jontay Porter, who received a lifetime ban. Additionally, the players’ union has highlighted the issue of athletes being harassed by bettors, leading to calls for broader bans to protect both the integrity of the sport and player well-being.
Illegal Gambling Still Accounts for Nearly a Third of U.S. Gaming Market
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has revealed that illegal gambling still accounts for nearly one-third of the U.S. gambling market, resulting in more than $15 billion in annual tax losses for states. The report highlights the growing popularity of illegal online gaming, unregulated skill machines, and the ongoing issue of illegal sports betting as the main drivers.
Arizona Regulator Cracks Down on Unlicensed Gambling Sites
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has taken firm action against unlicensed gambling operators, ordering four companies to immediately cease operations. These entities had been offering betting and lottery-style games to state residents without the required license.
Kalshi Opposes Nevada’s Discovery Demands in Federal Court Dispute
Kalshi is opposing Nevada’s demands for access to records in an ongoing court case that will determine whether federal regulations on contract markets take precedence over state gambling laws. The company argues that the state’s requests to review a wide range of its business information, including communications with federal regulators, go beyond the scope of the case and represent an attempt to undermine the oversight of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
New Jersey Gambling Revenue Hits $606M in July
New Jersey gambling revenue reached $606.2 million in July, marking a significant year-over-year increase. The main driver of this growth was online casinos, which set a record with $247.3 million and now dominate the state market, with FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM leading the way.
