.jpg)
Regulators across multiple continents made significant moves this week — from the UK finalizing its approach to financial risk checks, to fresh data revealing just how large Europe's illegal gambling market has grown, to Australia intensifying its crackdown on offshore operators and scam casinos.
UK Gambling Commission Lays Out Its Financial Risk Assessment Rollout
The UK's Gambling Commission has published details on how it plans to implement its Financial Risk Assessment (FRA) framework across all licensed operators. The rollout will happen in phases, designed to give both players and operators time to adjust without unnecessary disruption.
According to the regulator, the checks are expected to affect only a small percentage of players overall, positioning the framework as a meaningful step up from existing player-protection measures rather than a blanket restriction. In its early phase, the Commission says it will prioritize guidance over penalties, giving operators room to adapt before stricter enforcement kicks in — a strategy aimed at setting the initiative up for smoother long-term adoption.
You might also like: Gaming Corps Strengthens UK Presence Through New evoke Partnership
Prediction Markets Face New Tax Proposals in the US
Meanwhile, prediction markets continue drawing regulatory attention stateside. New Jersey has proposed a 9% tax on prediction market activity, though the bill still awaits finalization and a signature from Gov. Mikkie Sherrill. Industry players in the prediction markets space remain uneasy about this trend, arguing that their products should fall solely under the jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission rather than being subjected to a patchwork of state-level rules.
Europe's Illegal Gambling Market Surpasses €90 Billion
On the financial front, newly released data paints a troubling picture for European regulators. The illegal online gambling market across Europe grew by more than 10% year-over-year in 2025, pushing its total value past €90 billion.
Research from the European Casino Association points to a dual-layered problem: beyond the direct harm to consumers, governments are also losing significant tax revenue as gambling activity shifts toward unlicensed platforms. Researchers estimate the resulting fiscal shortfall at roughly €23 billion — a gap that continues to widen as the black market expands.
You might also like: KSA Slaps Another Fine on Unlicensed Offshore Operator, But Collection Remains the Real Battle
Australia Escalates Its Fight Against Offshore and Scam Operators
Australia has been especially active this week, deploying a multi-pronged strategy against illegal gambling activity. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) took action against MMA fighter Jamie Mullarkey over his promotion of an offshore gambling brand. Mullarkey cooperated quickly once contacted, removing the sponsored post in question.
Separately, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched a dedicated taskforce targeting online casinos operating as outright scams — platforms the regulator says are deliberately designed to lure paying customers, manipulate gameplay, and withhold winnings entirely. Losses tied to these scam operations reportedly reached the millions in 2025, prompting regulators to respond more forcefully as the schemes grow bolder.
North Carolina Legalizes and Taxes Prediction Markets
In the US, North Carolina passed a new budget introducing a 6% tax on prediction market transactions, while simultaneously legalizing the activity within the state. Under Gov. Josh Stein's approved budget, prediction markets licensed by the CFTC are now permitted to operate legally in North Carolina.
Responsible Gambling Spending Lags Far Behind Endorsement Budgets
A new report has renewed scrutiny of how the US gambling industry allocates its marketing dollars. According to the 5W Responsible Gambling Communications Audit 2026, celebrity and athlete endorsement spending outpaces responsible gambling communications by a ratio of 8 to 1 — a gap researchers argue reflects a serious imbalance in industry priorities.
Ohio Moves Toward Banning Credit Cards for Sports Betting
Ohio continues to explore stronger consumer protection measures, with the Ohio Casino Control Commission edging closer to a rule that would prohibit the use of credit cards for sports betting transactions, according to a spokesperson for the agency.
Michigan Regulator Splits From NCPG Over Kalshi Membership
Tension has also emerged between state regulators and national advocacy groups. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has broken ties with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) after the organization accepted prediction market platform Kalshi as a member. The MGCB, which has previously accused Kalshi of violating gaming laws, argues the move undermines the NCPG's own harm-reduction mission — a tension made more pointed by Kalshi's continued insistence that its product shouldn't even be classified as gambling.
Voice of the Industry
This week's roundup also highlights the latest episode of iGaming Horizon, featuring AI hosts Mike and Nate breaking down recent developments across the sector.
