NBA's gambling scandal unfolds, European gamblers are entitled to claim losses

The gambling landscape continues to evolve this week, with several key developments from across the world.

For starters, former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones has been reported to be preparing to plead guilty in the case brought against him and more than 30 people who were arrested in connection with illegal gambling and other offenses.

Jones’ name is connected with rigged poker games and providing sports bettors with insider information, and he is reportedly going to appear at a change-of-plea hearing on May 6, 2026.

Crucially, the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg ruled this week that a person who has gambled at a platform that is not regulated in their country - and has lost money, may be entitled to their losses.

The case stems from a lawsuit filed by a German player against two Maltese companies, with the court ultimately ruling that, because of the inherent risks posed by gambling, the person was entitled to claim back the money gambled away and lost on the platforms, setting a precedent throughout the bloc.

However, it is not clear whether enforcement beyond the borders of the European Union would be possible, as offshore operators usually hold no assets locally to be forced to meet any financial obligations.

Business and finance

The Powerball is going to arrive in the United Kingdom, courtesy of Allwyn, the national operator.

Notably, Allwyn revealed that for the first time in the history of Powerball, the game will be available outside of the USA, with a launch planned in the UK.

The UK-specific version of the world-famous game, renowned for offering the largest jackpot ever of $2.04bn in 2022, is expected to arrive for players of the National Lottery this summer.

In other news, the leading sports betting and iGaming company, jointly owned by MGM Resorts International and Entain plc, BetMGM, published its latest financial results.

The company released its first quarter of 2026 report, highlighting a single percentage year-over-year net revenue increase.

For the three months ended March 31, 2026, BetMGM’s total net revenue hit $696m.

Compared to the corresponding quarter in 2025, when the total revenue halted at $657m, the latest results point to a 6% year-over-year increase.

Pragmatic Play has expanded in Mexico, launching its portfolio of games locally for the very first time through a partnership with Winland.

Customers of the popular online casino operator will tap into award-winning games from Pragmatic Play, including titles such as Zeus vs Hades - God of War and Gates of Olympus 1000, among other hits.

Laws and regulation

Ohio is on the offensive again, moving against Kalshi. The state’s gambling regulator, the Casino Control Commission (OCCC), has issued a $5m penalty against the prediction market platform, arguing that it is not authorized to offer its products, which constitute a form of wagering and fall under the state’s gambling laws.

Despite picking up speed, a bill proposing to overhaul the betting rules in Kentucky, including raising the minimum age for sports wagering, was vetoed earlier this week.

That’s the case for House Bill 904 (HB 904), which proposes changes to the legal framework affecting sports betting, horse racing, prediction markets, and fantasy sports, among other topics.

Netflix is looking to expand its lineup of sports events, moving away from high-impact individual events to a more frequent calendar, including the NFL opener. The company has been willing to pay for the broadcasting rights and is hoping to start chipping away at the dominance of the main cable networks.

In the meantime, the NBA’s new media rights deal has already started to pay off, with the league generating unseen-in-decades viewership records, a combination of factors, but not least the availability of streaming services.

Kalshi has also gone on the offensive in Montana, where lawmakers are debating whether to seek a ban against prediction markets. In the meantime, the platform has sought an injunction against any enforcement action by state officials or the attorney general, citing that the platform operates under federal law.

The battle for the legalization of skill games in Virginia continues. After skill games were legal in the state for months between 2020 and 2021, lawmakers enforced a ban on the popular machines.

Senate Bill 661 (SB 661) calls for the regulation and legalization of skill games. The proposal would allow up to 25,000 such machines across Virginia, while the oversight would be handled by the Virginia Lottery Board.

Responsible gambling

Michigan is among several U.S. states that permit iGaming, land-based casino gambling, and online sports betting. With such a wide range of gambling activities, the state has become a major market in the country.

Yet, an advocacy group criticized Michigan for its insufficient customer protection and gave it a failing grade.

The voice of the industry

Play’n GO’s Rich Wilde has become one of the most iconic characters in online slots, with the Book of Dead franchise celebrating over a decade of success.

In an exclusive interview with Casino Guru News, Magnus Wallentin Play'n GO's Game Ambassador, reflects on the series’ evolution, the launch of Book of Dead GO Collect, and the enduring appeal of character-driven storytelling.

He also shares insights into how narrative depth and innovation continue to shape player engagement in an increasingly competitive market.

Casino Guru News also had the rare opportunity to catch up with one of the most accomplished NBA players, and current Golden State Warriors’ power forward Draymond Green.

"As long as my body feels good, and if I feel like I can go out there and compete at a high enough level, you just want to give yourself the opportunity," Green told Casino Guru News, dismissing the prospect of an imminent retirement.

Read the full conversation with one of the NBA’s most accomplished players and veterans.

Not least, Casino Guru has been shortlisted for the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026 in the "Casino Affiliate of the Year" category.

The company is honored to once again be recognized as one of the most influential sector players, celebrated for its commitment to transparency, driving industry-wide shift in business operations, and protecting consumers by allowing them to make informed choices.

Not least, Tonybet took a look at some of the most impactful homegrown talents in the National Hockey League, explaining why certain players have had success while refining their skills closer to home.

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