Andrew Rhodes to step down from UKGC CEO role, US states consider changes to betting rules, NCPG asks prediction markets to promote helpline

Kalshi, the leading prediction market platform, reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring the integrity of markets and preventing trading of inside information. In an effort to boost transparency, the leading prediction market platform will provide quarterly and annual reporting. At the same time, Kalshi sent a message to anyone trying to influence markets with inside information: such offenders will be actively pursued.

Casino Guru Academy announced the launch of the first free Suicide Prevention Course for iGaming professionals at ICE Barcelona 2026, which wrapped up only recently. The comprehensive course focused on complex challenges and sensitive topics in the iGaming vertical such as self-harm threats and suicide. The course reaffirmed Casino Guru Academy's dedication to raising awareness of responsible industry practices and addressing gambling harm.

Earlier in the week, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City, the premium gaming, hospitality and entertainment location, unveiled a new $50m capital investment plan. The hefty investment will focus on renovating hundreds of guest rooms, suites, as well as the refurbishment of flooring and the delivery of new culinary experiences.

Yasiel Puig Valdés, the former MLB star, has been found guilty of lying about sports wagering and involvement in an illegal gambling operation. According to documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice, the former Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds player placed bets with an illegal bookmaker. A couple of months after Valdés started to bet with the bookmaker, he accumulated a large $282,900 gambling debt.

Business and finance

According to a new analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data by OysterLink, the number of jobs in the casino sector is expected to remain relatively flat until 2034. While 0% growth is expected between 2024 and 2034, the number of jobs at the end of the period is expected to decrease slightly by 500 to 150,100. However, the report suggests employment in the US casino sector will be driven primarily by retirements, career changes and normal workforce turnover instead of creating new jobs.

Red Rock Resorts published its Q4 and 2025 results, reporting an increase in its net revenues year-over-year. While the company's net revenues increased by 3.7% to $2.01bn in 2025, Adjusted EBITDA jumped by 6.6% to $848.6m when compared to the prior year period.

After nearly five years at the helm of the UK Gambling Commission, Andrew Rhodes announced his intention to step down from the CEO role. While his successor is yet to be announced, Rhodes will maintain his position at the gambling regulator until April 30, 2026. Five years at the helm as CEO, he oversaw key processes and bold reforms, including the White Paper Review of the Gambling Act.

"It has been a privilege to lead the Gambling Commission through such an important period of change. I am proud of the progress we have made to strengthen regulation, improve consumer protections, and ensure gambling is safer and fairer. I leave with confidence in the organization, its people, and the work still to come," Rhodes wrote.

Regulation and laws

In Germany, the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder reaffirmed its intention to fight illegal gambling. During ICE Barcelona 2026, the regulator insisted that regulated companies in the gambling sector can help reduce the reach of illegal and offshore operators. The industry event enabled the watchdog to meet leading gaming companies and discuss a range of hot topics and issues affecting the gambling sector in Germany.

Earlier this week, the National Association Against iGaming released the results of a new poll, suggesting 80% of Colorado residents oppose online gambling. At a time when lawmakers are exploring the option of legalizing iGaming in the state, an overwhelming majority, according to the poll, are against the activity. The opposition to online gambling is "broad, deep, and cuts across party lines," and at the same time, respondents admitted they are unlikely to support candidates who favor iGaming in the 2026 elections.

The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance pushed back against the crackdown of sweepstakes casinos in Illinois. The announcement comes at a time when sweepstakes operators in the state have received 65 cease-and-desist letters. The crackdown on sweepstakes in Illinois is part of a nationwide scrutiny of the sector, with gambling watchdogs taking similar actions in other states across the country.

A proposal, seeking to expand the types of bets available to Washington state residents recently picked up speed. Earlier this week, Senate Bill 6137 (SB 6137), calling for the legalization of betting on in-state college teams, was greenlighted by the state Senate. While the bill seeks to permit placing bets on in-state college teams, it prohibits bets on individual athletes' performance or underperformance.

A change to sports betting taxation may see Michigan deploy a similar tax model to the one currently in place in Illinois. With this move, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer seeks to raise nearly $40m for Michigan’s Medicaid Benefits Trust Fund. If that happens, Michigan may deploy a fixed levy on every sports wager, similar to the taxation model in Illinois.

While Illinois introduced the pre-wager taxation on every bet last year, lawmakers are already seeking to overturn the change. The existing gambling tax framework charges $0.25 per sports wager for the first 20m bets and $0.50 per wager after. What's concerning in the case is that the levy per wager was directly passed into the consumers, considering that betting operators do not offer attractive odds and promotions.

Responsible gambling

At a time when the popularity of prediction markets grows, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) asked prediction market platforms to help promote the national helpline. Predictions on the Super Bowl alone are expected to hit $1.2bn, a figure that is a testament to the popularity of such platforms. Considering prediction markets offer gambling-like products, the NCPG said they should offer "meaningful, visible steps to reduce harm and promote access to help resources as a public health best practice."

This week, Casino Guru announced a new partnership with Gamecheck with the goal of promoting integrity and trust in iGaming. Joining forces, the two will focus on enhancing trust in the online gambling sector while ensuring integrity and strengthening transparency. Per the alliance, players can now verify real games via Gamecheck's system, integrated into Casino Guru's online casino database.

The voice of the industry

This week, Casino Guru News released an analysis focusing on what is match-fixing. The comprehensive report delves into match-fixing, which is one of the most serious threats to professional and amateur sports.

At ICE Barcelona 2026, Casino Guru News had the opportunity to sit down for a chat with Iren Kuznietsova, Head of Business Operations at SOFTSWISS Sportsbook. In an interview, Kuznietsova highlighted the ambitions of SOFTSWISS Sportsbook for 2026 and reaffirmed the company's focus on the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

This week, Casino Guru News also released an op-ed by Justin Heath, Conduet's CEO. The engaging report focuses on why player experience still breaks down despite the presence of innovative artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and tools.

Earlier this week, Casino Guru News published a report focusing on the New RFK Stadium, the new Washington Commanders stadium. With groundbreaking expected to start this year, the large-scale project is expected to be completed by 2030. Still, the multi-purpose, multi-billion-dollar facility continues to raise questions among fans.

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