In mid-December 2025, one of the best-known names in online betting, GGBet, began closing its doors to the UK market. The decision marks the end of more than two years in business.
In its ‘2026 Crypto Market Outlook’ report, Coinbase identifies prediction markets as the next sector poised to disrupt the US financial industry. Buoyed by Kalshi’s historic legal victory against the CFTC and record volumes on the elections, this segment is set to emerge from the grey area and merge trading and sports betting in a finally regulated framework.
Since reopening after Covid, Macau has been striving to redefine its global role. Historically a world centre for gambling, the city is now trying to become a comprehensive integrated destination. However, despite massive investment and visitor numbers close to pre-pandemic levels, the road ahead remains fraught with obstacles.
On the seafront of Biscarrosse-Plage, an iconic local entertainment venue is undergoing a profound transformation. Recently taken over by two seasoned professionals in the sector, the Biscarrosse Casino is embarking on a veritable revolution.
Kalshi has decided to take a major step forward: transforming what was considered a simple betting or speculation tool into a genuine scientific forecasting instrument. In New York on 22 December 2025, it unveiled Kalshi Research, an initiative that could well redefine the way we understand the future.
A shock of sorts for the Stoke-on-Trent-based gambling giant. Bet365 reported a loss of £43.3 million for the 2024-2025 financial year, a sharp turnaround after years of profits. The cause is not declining sales, but a conscious decision: the company is leaving grey markets and focusing entirely on regulated countries such as the Netherlands, Brazil and the United States.
In an economic environment marked by uncertainty, Easygo has surprised by the scale of its performance: a net profit of AUD 257 million for the financial year ended 30 June 2025, according to accounts filed with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission.
Playtech undervalued: hidden value ignored At a time when the world of online gambling technology is being rocked by high-profile disputes, one major question is dividing investors and experts alike: does Playtech’s valuation really reflect its fundamental strength? Litigation overshadows financial reality In 2021, a court application highlighted a complex legal battle between Swedish supplier Evolution and Playtech, a British online gaming technology giant. Playtech is accused of funding and commissioning a report allegedly designed to discredit Evolution with regulators. Evolution claims that the report contained false allegations, including that its products were available in markets where they were banned, causing significant financial damage. These revelations had an immediate impact on the markets. In October 2025, Playtech’s share price fell drastically, before partially rebounding following an official response from the company denying any misconduct. Yet despite this rebound, volatility persists: legal uncertainty remains a dominant factor in investor perception. More recently, a judge in New Jersey ruled on one part of the case without imposing any additional sanctions against investigator Black Cube, who was involved in producing the controversial report. This decision confirmed that the case will not be decided quickly and could drag on for several years if an agreement is not reached between the parties. Diversification overlooked by the market? In the face of the legal tumult, several voices in the financial world are urging investors to look beyond the headlines of a legal battle. According to an analysis taken up by Peel Hunt, an influential investment bank, Playtech does not limit itself to its games technology: the company has a diversified portfolio of investments in several sectors. Among the assets highlighted by analysts is a 30.8% stake in Caliente Interactive, Mexico’s leading online betting and gaming operator, currently valued at several hundred million euros. Playtech also owns almost 49% of LSports, a major player in sports data and content for sports betting. These investments, which have appreciated in value over the long term, could provide a significant cushion against the current turbulence, according to some experts. Investors’ and analysts’ views Despite these arguments, the market remains cautious. Share valuations reflect not only economic fundamentals, but also reputational risks and potential legal consequences. Some major brokerage firms have adjusted their recommendations to take account of these risks, going so far as to revise their price targets for the share downwards. The experts at Peel Hunt, however, are more optimistic. They believe that even if Playtech were to face a significant financial loss, the intrinsic value of the group’s assets would justify a price level well above that currently observed. They believe that the market is overstating the implications of the lawsuit, making Playtech a potential opportunity for patient investors. In short, Playtech’s recent story is one of a battle on two fronts: on the one hand, a legal dispute that is capturing all the attention and tending to cause investor confidence to fluctuate; on the other, structuring assets and strategic diversification that could underestimate the company’s true value over the long term.
The new internal cryptocurrency exchange function introduced by gaming platform Stake, presented as a simple convenience tool for users, is now raising major questions among anti-money laundering experts. Not because it is illegal per se, but because it profoundly alters the way in which financial flows can be understood, monitored and reported to the authorities.
The rapid rise of prediction markets, online platforms that allow users to bet on the outcome of real-world events such as sports matches, elections and news stories, is causing growing concern. In a recent note, the Bank of America (BofA) warned of the financial dangers they pose to both individuals and lenders.
In 2024, land-based casinos and gaming halls in the Netherlands had a difficult year. According to Marktscan 2025 from the Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa), the Dutch gaming authority, the physical sector continues to decline despite stabilization in the overall market.
The increase in gambling tax in the Netherlands was intended to boost government revenue. However, as the tax rate rises, warning signs are multiplying: a decline in expected revenues, increased pressure on operators and players turning to illegal gambling.
The Belgian group Gaming1, already a major player in digital entertainment in Europe, now becomes 100% owner of Betca NV, the operator behind Circus.nl. This acquisition marks a strategic step in Gaming1’s expansion on the Dutch market, one of the most regulated and competitive on the continent since its regulation in 2021.
The UK government is considering imposing a massive tax increase on online betting, with potential rates of up to 50% of revenues. This tax proposal could mean the closure of local bookmakers.
Holland Casino may be facing a major reorganization in 2026. The reason is the upcoming increase in the gambling tax to 37.8%. This measure hits the state-owned company hard, especially as it is already under financial pressure.
Illegal online gambling is booming in France. In 2025, more than 5.4 million players were tempted by unauthorised virtual casinos, often without even knowing they were breaking the law.
In Boulogne-sur-Mer, the Golden Palace casino posted dazzling results for the 2024 financial year. According to the most recent town council meeting, the casino returned more than €1 million to the town, while the state received a much higher sum.
