US states fight online gambling expansion, BetBlocker supports Greek language

Ahead of the Super Bowl, the fast-growing betting company, Fanatics Sportsbook, announced a new advertisement featuring Kendall Jenner. The engaging ad pokes fun at internet lore, real-life coincidences and fan speculation, encouraging the players to bet with or against Jenner. The new 360-degree campaign comes in a range of formats, including an extended 90-second digital version, short-form social cutdowns and seeks to engage with a range of audiences.

The Cordish Companies, the leading gaming and entertainment company, hit a major milestone in Virginia with the opening of a temporary gaming facility. The temporary casino marks an important part of the company's Live! Casino Virginia project. The permanent hotel, casino and entertainment venue is expected to open to visitors late in 2027, but the new temporary gaming facility brings 30 live-action table games and more than 900 of the most popular slot machines. Notably, the temporary casino also offers a signature bar and quick-service restaurant.

Business and finance

Ahead of the upcoming Major League Sports (MLS) season next month, the League joined forces with Polymarket. Announced this week, the collaboration saw the MLS designate Polymarket as its official prediction market partner. Ultimately, by teaming up with the popular prediction market, the MLS plans to connect with fans and deliver engaging experiences. Polymarket's latest collaboration with the MLS comes at a time when prediction markets are facing scrutiny and pushback from gambling regulators across the United States.

The globally recognizable supplier of lottery games, technology and solutions, Brightstar Lottery, signed a new major technology and solutions deal. The company has grown its presence in the United States by building its existing partnership with the Wisconsin Lottery.

Emerging as the winner following a competitive procurement process, Brightstar Lottery will now power the Wisconsin Lottery with OMNIA, its fully integrated lottery solution. Under the collaboration, the Wisconsin Lottery will strengthen its digital and retail offering, while at the same time increasing sales and improving player experiences.

Regulation and laws

Newly released data from Ukraine's National Resistance Center (NRC), a body that opposes Russian occupation, reveals that Russia plans to launch online casinos in occupied Ukrainian territories. The NRC suspects that the introduction of online gambling is expected to bring an extra source of revenue in the context of the ongoing war. Upwards of 30% of all online casino revenue from occupied territories in Ukraine may be transferred to the Russian Federation, a proposal from the Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov suggests.

Elsewhere, in the United States, Kalshi avoided sports events shutdown in Massachusetts. A federal judge recently confirmed that he needs more time to deliberate on the issue. This effectively enabled Kalshi to continue its business as usual.

In Mississippi, mobile betting and iGaming faces growing opposition. Results from a new poll commissioned by the National Association Against iGaming suggest that an overwhelming majority oppose the online gambling expansion in the state. Per the survey, 74.2% of the respondents oppose online sports betting, while even a greater majority of 80.8% disagree with the legalization of iGaming, which may bring casino-like games.

Similarly, Massachusetts residents also disagree with the potential online gambling legalization. During a time when lawmakers are exploring the options for legal online casinos, a survey from Stop iGaming in Massachusetts suggests that more than half of the residents oppose iGaming. Per the poll, 56% of the Massachusetts residents disagree with the legalization of online gambling, while in the 60 and older age group, 77% oppose iGaming.

Responsible gambling

The gambling regulator in Australia, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), has taken action against six licensed operators over alleged self-exclusion breaches. The Authority claims that Tabcorp, LightningBet, Betfocus, TempleBet, PickleBet and BetChamps failed to comply with the established regulations. Allegedly, the six operators permitted self-excluded bettors to register and gamble. Those alleged failings raise concerns about the effectiveness of the national self-exclusion scheme currently established in Australia.

BetBlocker announced the launch of Greek language version, expanding its European reach further. The leading self-exclusion software enables players to better control their gambling. The addition of Greek language marks another important milestone for BetBlocker, which has established itself as a reliable self-exclusion tool beyond the English-speaking world. Besides Greek, the tool was translated into Finnish with the help of Casino Guru. BetBlocker also supports Japanese, Portuguese, Catalan, French, and many other languages.

A newly released study by Common Sense Media sounds the alarm about the participation of teenagers in gambling activities. The report warns that teenage boys are gambling with worrying frequency and intensity. Concerningly, online ads play a major role in the exposure of children to gambling ads, with 60% of the boys admitting to viewing such content on YouTube and via other social media platforms daily.

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) confirmed that it has updated its National Problem Gambling Helpline number. Callers who want to reach the NCPG can use the 1-800-MY-RESET number. With this move, the Council hopes to raise awareness of its National Problem Gambling Helpline and expand its reach. Across the United States, the NCPG has two dozen professional centers that offer 24/7 anonymous support.

The voice of the industry

After the ICE Landmark Awards wrapped up recently, the prestigious event recognized the highest achievements in the gaming industry. Innovative companies, including developers and suppliers from across the globe, received awards, highlighting their contributions to the sector. Ultimately, the winners helped shape the gambling vertical, with some contributing for decades. Among the winners were globally recognizable brands and companies such as IGT, Play'n GO and Novomatic, among others.

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