Author: Charles Shephardson
Charles Shephardson
Charles Shephardson is passionate about tech and iGaming. His work mainly covers the latest developments in the iGaming and blockchain space, with a focus on news stories, reviews and guides.
The SBC Summit is set to introduce a brand new Crypto and Blockchain conference track, spotlighting how the gambling industry is putting digital assets to practical use. The dedicated track will take place on Thursday, 1 October 2026, at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa in Lisbon, Portugal. Operators, payments leaders, fintech specialists, blockchain professionals and Web3 experts will all be brought together under one roof for the event. Sessions throughout the day will examine where blockchain technologies are delivering real-world value, the challenges surrounding their adoption, and what comes next for the industry. The Crypto and Blockchain track will feature…
Anthony Lee, the Conservative Party’s Director of Campaigning during the 2024 general election, has pleaded guilty to cheating offences under the Gambling Act 2005. His wife, Laura Lee, formerly Laura Saunders, also pleaded guilty to a cheating offence after placing bets using confidential information her husband passed to her. The UK Gambling Commission confirmed both pleas were entered on September 10, 2026, marking a significant development in one of the country’s most high-profile political betting investigations. Anthony Lee pleaded guilty to two offences of cheating, contrary to section 42(1)(a) and section 42(1)(b) of the Gambling Act 2005, according to the…
Playtech CEO Mor Weizer has drawn a firm line on the issue of licensed technology suppliers continuing to service unlicensed gambling operators around the world. The comments came during Playtech’s H1 earnings call, where Weizer and CFO Chris McGinnis also refused to address questions relating to the group’s ongoing litigation with Evolution AB in New Jersey courts. “We are not going to answer any questions on litigation,” Weizer stated. “I have lots to say, but I can’t, as we are under legal privilege and can’t take any questions.” With the so-called Spectrum litigation continuing to attract attention across the industry,…
Estonia’s hopes of becoming Europe’s next major iGaming licensing hub have taken another blow following a match-fixing scandal in the country’s second-tier football league. An Esiliiga fixture between FC Tallinn and Maardu Linnameeskond was abandoned on Thursday due to suspected betting fraud, raising serious integrity concerns. FC Tallinn, currently sitting in the relegation zone, had scored three goals in seven minutes to lead 4-2, including a penalty, before the referee called a halt to proceedings. Maardu Linnameeskond now face allegations of disciplinary breaches, including integrity violations, sports betting, match manipulation, and unreported misconduct, according to Estonian publication ERR. The incident…
Sunderland AFC has agreed a multi-year partnership with Shuffle, a crypto-focused online casino and sports betting platform that holds no UK Gambling Commission licence. The deal positions Shuffle as the club’s official sleeve partner, replacing LiveScore Bet, who occupied that spot on the Black Cats’ shirts throughout the 2025/26 Premier League season. Shuffle’s branding will make its competitive on-pitch debut this weekend when Arsenal visit the Stadium of Light in what promises to be a high-profile occasion for the club. Premier League rules introduced for the 2026/27 campaign prohibit gambling brands from appearing on the front of shirts, but betting…
The SBC Summit’s Web3 & Crypto Academy is part of the event’s premium Education+ programme, bringing together Web3 specialists, crypto experts and industry leaders under one roof. The Academy is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, at Sala Tejo, MEO Arena, giving attendees a structured environment to develop practical skills. The full-day event is designed to help professionals build a clear roadmap for Web3 and crypto adoption within their own organisations. Delegates will take part in expert-led workshops, case studies, live demonstrations, fireside chats, panels and presentations across a wide range of topics throughout the day. Sessions…
Playtech Plc has returned to bottom-line profitability in H1 2026, recording €113m in profits on the back of exceptional commercial execution across North and Latin America. The LSE-listed gambling technology group has reaffirmed its confidence in meeting all full-year 2026 financial and corporate objectives following a strong first-half performance. Group revenues reached €425m for the period, representing a 10% increase against 2025 comparatives of €387m across all core metrics. Revenue from the US and Canada delivered the standout result, surging 161% to €57m as Playtech’s American partnerships continued to bear fruit. Latin American revenue also performed strongly, growing 14% to…
Grupo Codere has delivered its seventh consecutive quarter of improved profitability, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup providing a significant boost to trading performance across the group. Group gaming revenue climbed 5.8% year-on-year to €352.5m in the second quarter, with adjusted EBITDA rising 14.1% from approximately €50.5m to €57.6m over the same period. The Spanish gaming operator credited the strong performance to its businesses in Argentina and Spain, describing both as “strong” contributors to the overall result. Codere Online, the group’s Nasdaq-listed digital division, recorded its strongest quarter in the company’s history during Q2, a milestone that underlines the growing…
Stake has been added to the blocked list register of Lagos and banned from all 24 states within the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria, effective immediately. The move comes despite what appeared to be a positive run of regulatory progress for Stake heading into 2026, with the operator securing licences in Denmark, Argentina, and Mexico. Those licensing wins had given the impression that Stake was rebuilding its reputation with regulators after a difficult period involving its US arm and its relationship with rapper Drake. The declaration from Nigerian authorities, however, makes clear that the company is still operating…
Newcastle United has agreed a new multi-year partnership with LeoVegas Group, naming BetMGM as its official betting partner across the UK and Europe. The deal builds on a relationship that first began in 2023, marking three seasons of collaboration between the Premier League club and the MGM-backed operator. BetMGM branding will feature prominently at St James’ Park through LED advertising boards and media walls positioned throughout the iconic stadium. Fans can expect a range of activations tied to the partnership, with the operator committing to deliver experiences designed to engage supporters throughout the season. Among the headline activations returning is…