Austria’s online gambling regime is approaching an inflection point. The Austrian Association for Betting and Gambling (OVWG) has renewed calls for policymakers to move beyond the current state-monopoly model toward a licensing framework, highlighting both market readiness and the potential for stronger consumer protections. With Finland beginning its transition away from monopoly from 2026 and many legal briefings pointing to full...
More than 200 casino employees at Horseshoe Indianapolis, Indiana, have initiated a strike for union recognition following the indefinite postponement of their scheduled election. The decision to walk out comes after the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which oversees union elections, suspended operations during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The NLRB announced on its website that it is “closed due to a...
The spotlight at the 25th annual Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas wasn’t only on the dazzling new slot machines or the cutting-edge technology showcased by hundreds of exhibitors—it was also on the dealers. This year’s event introduced the first-ever G2E Dealer Championship, celebrating the artistry and skill behind casino table games. Held inside the Venetian Expo Center, the...
Macau’s gaming industry saw a notable decline in the number of suspicious transaction reports (STRs) filed during the first nine months of 2025, according to the latest data from the city’s Financial Intelligence Office. The report revealed that gaming operators submitted 2,751 STRs between January and September — a 9.5% decrease from the 3,041 reports recorded over the same period...
Australia is the world’s largest gambling nation per capita, with an expenditure of about $25 billion annually. Moreover, it is home to 18% of the world’s pokie machines. For a country that is 1% of the world’s population, Australians lead the growing popularity of slots and gambling. Online pokies has changed how we view traditional gaming thanks to better technology,...
A major shift is underway in the global lottery and gaming landscape as Allwyn International AG and OPAP SA officially move forward with a merger valued at €16 billion. The all-share deal between the Lucerne-based lottery operator and Greece’s dominant gaming firm will create one of the world’s largest listed lottery companies, uniting their extensive European and US operations under the Allwyn brand. Creating...
A United States–based, CFTC-regulated prediction marketplace, Kalshi has secured over $300 million in Series D funding and is rolling out immediate access to more than 140 countries. The company says the raise lifts its valuation to $5 billion and positions it as the “world’s only unified global prediction market,” with a product experience abroad that mirrors the U.S. version. Funding Milestone and Who’s Backing...
Harald Neumann has resigned as chief executive officer of Ainsworth Game Technology, ending his tenure at the Australian slot machine manufacturer amid mounting regulatory and governance challenges. The resignation took immediate effect on Monday, October 13, just days after the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) recommended that Neumann withdraw his application for a gaming licence renewal in the state. Nevada Regulator...
California has officially outlawed online social games and sweepstakes-style gambling following Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature of Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831). The measure, which faced strong opposition from industry stakeholders, passed both chambers of the Legislature without a single vote against it and takes effect January 1, 2026. Unanimous Legislative Support for Ban The legislation—crafted through a Senate amendment process that...
A Sacramento County Superior Court judge has dismissed a major lawsuit brought by California’s tribal casinos against the state’s cardrooms, marking another turning point in the long-running dispute over casino-style gaming rights. The tribes, who claim exclusive authority to offer games such as blackjack under state law, were granted a one-time opportunity to sue through Senate Bill 549, passed by the Legislature and...