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31Casino tracks regulation, enforcement, market openings, operator movement, and responsible-gambling developments with an editorial lens. The goal is not volume. The goal is context.
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PokerStars to Become Core Poker Product Across Betfair, Sky Bet, and Paddy Power in UK Integration
Flutter Entertainment will make PokerStars the main poker platform across its major UK brands—Betfair first, with Sky Bet and Paddy Power to follow—marking a key shift in operator integration and product strategy within the UK gambling market.
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IG Group Acquires Underdog for $1.3 Billion as Austria Advances Gambling Reform
IG Group has agreed to acquire Underdog in a $1.3 billion deal, marking a major milestone in the European prediction markets sector. Meanwhile, Austria is moving forward on comprehensive gambling reform measures, as mixed Q2 financial results underscore the industry's divergent fortunes.
Non-Slot Casino Games Emerge as Key Player Engagement Driver, Infingame Reports
New data from iGaming aggregator Infingame highlights a significant shift in online casino portfolios, with non-slot games emerging as vital for player engagement and revenue. The findings reflect broader changes in player preferences and content strategies across global markets.
Betsson Finalises $74M Acquisition to Rejoin Ontario iGaming Market
Betsson has completed a $74 million acquisition of Rhino Entertainment's Canadian operations, marking its direct consumer return to the Ontario iGaming market. This move strengthens Betsson's presence in Canada and highlights ongoing industry consolidation amid Ontario’s competitive regulated landscape.
Betfred Considers Closing 132 UK Betting Shops Amid Gambling Tax Increase
Betfred may close up to 132 UK betting shops following recent gambling tax hikes, according to CEO Fred Done. The move highlights mounting pressure on high street betting operators and the shifting landscape of UK retail gambling regulation and taxation in 2024.
Betfred Shop Closures Signal UK Gambling Tax Impact as FDJ UNITED Posts H1 Loss
Betfred confirms high street shop closures after the UK online gambling tax rise, while the Gambling Commission delays its financial risk assessment and FDJ UNITED reports a first-half loss, highlighting major shifts in the European iGaming market.
UK Betting Industry Faces Over 1,100 Job Losses as Betfred and Entain Respond to Rising Taxes
Betfred will cut 600 jobs and close 132 shops across the UK, closely following Entain's announcement of 500 redundancies. Both operators cite increased gambling duties and higher operational costs, reflecting mounting pressure on the retail betting sector as regulatory and tax changes reshape the market.
Evolution Faces Takeover Bid as Kenneth Dart Surpasses 30% Stake
Evolution, the leading live casino supplier, confronts potential ownership upheaval after billionaire Kenneth Dart increased his shareholding above 30%, triggering a mandatory takeover bid under Swedish law. The development could reshape the European B2B casino landscape and raises questions about Evolution's future strategy and governance.
Banijay-Driven JOA Acquisition Raises Stakes in French Online Casino Legalisation Debate
Banijay Gaming’s acquisition of JOA Groupe, France’s second largest land-based casino operator, highlights renewed momentum in the country’s contentious debate over regulated online casinos, as one of Europe’s entertainment giants signals a deeper ambition to shape the future of French gambling policy.
Alberta iGaming Market Set for July 13 Launch as Major Operators Prepare Entry
Alberta’s regulated online casino and betting market will officially launch on July 13, with leading operators such as FanDuel announcing their entry. The move signals a major shift for Canada’s iGaming landscape and could reshape competition and consumer protection in the province.
DraftKings Launches Alberta Sportsbook Ahead of 2026 World Cup Surge
DraftKings is set to debut its sportsbook and online casino platforms in Alberta as the province opens its regulated market on July 13, aiming to capture early momentum ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The launch marks a significant milestone in Canada’s evolving legal gambling landscape.
ADI Predictstreet and Kalshi Partner to Expand Official World Cup 2026 Prediction Markets
ADI Predictstreet, the Official Prediction Market Partner of FIFA World Cup 2026, has teamed up with Kalshi to extend the reach of regulated trading on tournament outcomes worldwide. The collaboration features co-branded presence across stadiums and broadcasts. This marks a pivotal moment for the international integration of prediction markets.
Prediction Markets Challenge Sports Betting Growth in Massachusetts as Handle Falls
Massachusetts reported a year-over-year decline in sports betting handle in May 2026, highlighting a growing trend in major U.S. markets as federally accessible prediction markets appear to divert volume from state-regulated sportsbooks.
Entain Considers Divestment of Central and Eastern Europe Unit Amid Market Shifts
Entain is reportedly weighing the sale of its Central and Eastern Europe business, potentially transferring its CEE joint venture stake to EMMA Capital. The move signals strategic recalibration amid shifting regulatory and commercial dynamics in the region.
Affiliates Battling Black Market SEO Tactics Face Tough Choices in Regulated Gambling
Licensed casino affiliates are losing ground in search rankings to black-market operators, with iGaming stakeholders warning that trust and regulatory compliance—not just technical SEO—will shape the future of player acquisition in competitive gambling markets.
World Cup 2026 Sports Betting Expected to Surpass $50 Billion Globally
Global wagering on the 2026 FIFA World Cup is projected to exceed $50 billion, potentially making it the largest betting event in history as the tournament expands to 48 teams and takes place across North America.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Set to Shatter Sports Betting Records with $50 Billion Wagered Globally
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is projected to drive more than $50 billion in global wagers, making it the largest betting event in history. Industry experts predict this surge will reshape sports betting markets and regulatory oversight worldwide.
New Jersey Regulators Launch Review of Fertitta’s $17.6B Caesars Entertainment Takeover
New Jersey regulators have committed to scrutinizing Tilman Fertitta’s proposed $17.6 billion acquisition of Caesars Entertainment, which would see the combined entity control four Atlantic City casinos. The review marks a critical step for US gaming M&A and could prompt similar regulatory actions in other key states.
Alberta iGaming Market Launch Misses Key World Cup 2026 Acquisition Window
Alberta’s iGaming market will open on July 13, just six days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. This limited timeframe restricts operators’ ability to acquire new sports betting customers during Canada’s largest-ever major football event.
Stake Debuts Online Casino and Sportsbook in Buenos Aires Province, Expanding Argentina Presence
Stake has launched its online casino and sportsbook platform in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, operating under a provincial license issued by IPLyC. This move strengthens Stake's Latin American footprint and underscores the ongoing expansion of regulated iGaming in key Argentinian jurisdictions.
Fertitta Entertainment to Acquire Caesars in $17.9 Billion Landmark Deal
Fertitta Entertainment has announced an agreement to acquire Caesars Entertainment in an all-cash $17.9 billion transaction, including $11.9 billion of Caesars' existing debt. The acquisition marks one of the largest deals in the casino industry, reshaping the competitive landscape across the US and global markets.
Alberta iGaming Market Attracts Over 55 Operators as Bet365 Confirms Entry Ahead of July Launch
Bet365 has joined more than 55 operators seeking approval to enter Alberta’s regulated iGaming market, which goes live on July 13. The province is preparing for a significant expansion, signaling a new competitive era for Canadian online gambling.
Alberta Opens Regulated iGaming Market as PowerPlay Confirms Entry
PowerPlay has announced its entry into Alberta's regulated iGaming market ahead of the province’s official launch on July 13, signaling a major expansion of legal sports betting options in Canada’s fourth-largest province.
Global Unregulated Online Gambling Market Hits $5.9 Trillion in 2025, GCI Report Reveals
A new GCI report finds unregulated online gambling generated $5.9 trillion in global wagers in 2025, surpassing all national GDPs except the US and China. The figure highlights the continued dominance and risks of grey and black market gambling operations worldwide.
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