Polymarket “bet” on Iran strike under scrutiny, UKGC mulls crypto payments as an option

Another week has passed in the world of iGaming, with much going on, from prediction markets once again becoming a hot-button topic to the UK Gambling Commission even floating the possibility of crypto payments.

To start with, the United Kingdom’s watchdog, the Gambling Commission, is now looking into the possibility of accepting cryptocurrency payments for licensed operators in the country.

In an address at a Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) event, Tim Miller spoke about how cryptocurrencies could become a reality for regulated gambling. One of the reasons why this would be welcomed by the regulator, in theory, is that it can help further reduce the clout of the offshore gambling market.

In the meantime, prediction markets are back in focus, with multiple developments over the week. A former Congressman, Mick Mulvaney, who also worked as chief of staff under President Donald Trump’s first term, has launched the antagonistically called Gambling Is Not Investing trade group.

The body is tasked with pushing back against the expansion of prediction markets, which Mulvaney argues are a form of unregulated gambling.

This development comes at a time when a new "bet" placed on Polymarket has confirmed Muvalney’s fears that insider information could be used to tip geopolitical adversaries or enemies about impending military operations.

Someone made a profit on Israeli strikes on Iran, generating about a $400,000 payday, and prompting Israeli authorities to investigate a potential leak of classified information.

Not least, Casino Guru has revealed the shortlist for the 4th annual Casino Guru Awards 2026, with dozens of deserving companies now entering the fray and to be crowned during a live ceremony on May 25, 2026.

Business and finance

Allwyn and Novibet have decided not to proceed with a much-anticipated deal after receiving feedback from the Greek competition authority, prompting the companies to abandon their pursuit of the transaction.

Allwyn issued a statement explaining that the company has always prioritized shareholders’ best interests, and that, given the changed regulatory landscape, this deal would not necessarily align with those interests.

Xpoint has secured a vendor license in Massachusetts and is bringing its geolocation expertise locally to help local operators meet strict gambling industry compliance standards.

Laws and regulations

Both Tennessee and Oklahoma have taken action in their respective Senates recently to restrict or outright ban sweepstakes online casino operators. The states are the latest to join a growing cohort of jurisdictions across the USA to have taken similar measures.

Singapore is in the meantime planning to offer restrictions on trading card games, and the "blind boxes" referring to booster packs. A draft has not yet been submitted to a vote, but there has been mounting interest in limiting the potentially harmful impact these items could have and in how they share similarities to gambling.

Valve, the creator of popular blockbuster video games such as Dota 2, the Counter-Strike franchise, Team Fortress2, and others, is facing more legal pressure in New York, with the company now targeted by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

In a statement, the OAG argues that Valve’s video games entice players to spend money on digital purchases that could have a "significant material value."

The voice of the industry

In a recent interview, Casino Guru’s Denisa Vydumova had the opportunity to catch up with Head of Casino Guru’s Complaint Resolution Center, Petronela Kontos, who spoke about the success of the platform, the world’s largest and arguably most successful mediator in settling disputes between players and casinos.

With almost 63,000 player complaints resolved and $65m returned, Kontos dove into what has led to this success.

Casino Guru News also had the opportunity to catch up with Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, who recapped the company’s efforts in 2025, and also spoke about the future and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, which is an opportunity for the iGaming supplier to develop fresh titles geared towards a different audience.

Notably, Casino Guru News had the pleasure to catch up with Pro Bowl QB Jake Plummer, who discussed the Broncos, Klint Kubiak, and The Cold Tub. Read the entire conversation with the football legend here.

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