Author: Charles Shephardson

Swivel Gaming CEO Michael Pedersen believes the combined revenue of four emerging gambling verticals has already overtaken the US iCasino market in 2026. Speaking on the NEXT.io Podcast, Pedersen put US iCasino on track to generate between $12bn and $13bn in annual gross gaming revenue for the full year. By contrast, he estimates that sweepstakes, prediction markets, card rips, and advanced-deposit wagering together are generating the equivalent of between $15bn and $20bn in 2026. Pedersen was clear that these sectors should no longer be dismissed, stating that they are “no longer a small niche in the corner” of the broader…

Linebet has confirmed the renewal of its partnership with former professional footballer Djibril Cisse, extending the deal into a third consecutive year. Under the renewed agreement, Cisse will continue to serve as Linebet’s Global Brand Ambassador, maintaining one of the more high-profile sponsorship relationships in the iGaming sector. The collaboration has grown significantly since its inception, moving well beyond the boundaries of conventional ambassador activity to deliver a range of targeted experiences. Over two years, Linebet and Cisse have combined live events, exclusive content, television exposure and personalised fan engagement to create a partnership with genuine reach and impact. One…

The New York Times published a major investigation this week into how DraftKings deploys artificial intelligence to determine which customers receive betting promotions. The investigation found that the same data powering those promotional decisions could potentially be used to identify gamblers at risk of developing serious problems. Reporters based their findings on interviews with more than 40 former DraftKings employees, as well as internal research, presentations, Slack messages, and betting records. At the centre of the investigation is a machine-learning model that DraftKings developed in 2023 to analyse customer behaviour at scale. The system examined dozens of individual data points…

The global online gambling market continues to mature rapidly, with Live Casino standing out as one of the fastest-growing segments across the entire iGaming ecosystem. In a category where core table mechanics like classic Blackjack are largely standardised, the real competition has shifted well beyond basic gameplay rules and familiar formats. Operators are now fighting for differentiation through environmental immersion, streaming excellence, and deeper levels of player engagement that keep users coming back. Amusnet has made a significant strategic move in response to these market demands, executing a major investment in its Live Casino infrastructure with the launch of the…

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has pledged to ban online betting nationwide, marking a dramatic shift in the country’s approach to the regulated gambling sector. The decision was reportedly taken on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, during a meeting with ministers at the Palácio da Alvorada in Brasília. A provisional measure is currently being drafted, which would take effect immediately upon signing but would lapse unless approved by Congress within a set timeframe. Ministers were instructed to complete the provisional measure within days, signalling that the administration intends to move quickly on the proposed ban. Online betting was legalised…

Gambling policy is once again dominating political debate across the UK spectrum, with multiple parties staking out competing positions ahead of the Autumn Budget. The Green Party, led by Zack Polanski, is reportedly considering a motion that would ban gambling advertising in sport entirely and introduce personal ID tracking for punters. Under the Greens’ proposed measures, the ID-based tracking system would lead to tougher restrictions specifically targeting bettors under the age of 25. Betting and Gaming Council Chief Executive Officer Grainne Hurst responded sharply to the proposals, calling them “out of touch” with the realities of the regulated gambling market.…

Watford FC has expanded its portfolio of commercial partnerships by signing social betting platform Stakemate as its official back-of-shirt partner for the 2026/27 season. The deal marks the second betting partnership Watford has secured recently, with the club having already signed an agreement with Spreadex ahead of the upcoming campaign. Stakemate’s branding will sit horizontally beneath the squad number at the base of match-worn shirts, joining what Watford described as a “diverse stable of club partners.” The social sportsbook launched in the UK in 2022 and holds a UK Gambling Commission licence, positioning itself around group betting features, shared accumulators,…

The British government is pushing to ban third-party betting firms from accepting wagers on the newly launched Powerball lottery product. The move would bring Powerball into line with all other National Lottery products, which are already excluded from third-party betting markets. Vicky Foxcroft, Undersecretary of State at the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, has been central to the government’s position on the matter. Foxcroft confirmed that Section 95 “seeks to preserve the distinction between betting and the National Lottery,” underlining the legislative foundation for the proposed ban. The government’s stated concern is preventing customer confusion and protecting the…

Dilanti Media has announced a significant leadership transition, with founder Johan Styren stepping into the role of Chairman after years leading the company as Chief Executive Officer. Styren established the Malta-based iGaming affiliate group in 2018, building it into a recognised name within the international affiliate sector over nearly a decade of operation. The company has selected Daniel Prado as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a notable generational shift in leadership at the top of the business. Prado is not a new face at Dilanti Media, having spent the past two years with the company serving as Head of…

Bulgaria’s ruling Progressive Bulgaria party has published draft proposals for a full overhaul of the country’s Gambling Act, calling for a complete ban on gambling advertising. The draft legislation, put forward by Prime Minister Roumen Radev’s cabinet, would replace current laws with a near-total prohibition on all forms of gambling marketing. Under the proposals, any advertising of gambling games, operators, their related trademarks and distinctive signage is fully prohibited, regardless of type, method, place or distribution. The ban would extend across every communication channel, including TV, radio, print, outdoor advertising, online platforms, social media, apps, and streaming services. A small…