Weekend Conversation Corner – May, 22
Welcome to the newest instalment of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, where we provide a brief overview of the week’s most significant headlines that have captured global interest. As we condense the flurry of events into a focused summary, we will highlight the key stories that have influenced discussions, policies, and narratives. Join us as we cut through the noise to deliver a concise summary of the week’s important developments, keeping you informed on what truly matters in today’s ever-changing world.
Stay informed, stay motivated, and keep gaming on. Wishing you a fantastic weekend ahead!
Spanish gambling reforms put to public consultation
The Spanish Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and Agenda 2030, through the DGOJ, has initiated a public consultation on proposed amendments to Spain’s Gambling Regulation Act. The reforms aim to enhance controls, prevent issues, and combat illegal gambling, particularly in the digital realm. Changes include regulating the presence of celebrities in gambling ads and improving advertising practices. The consultation, open until June 22, seeks input on current issues and reform objectives. Additionally, the Ministry is implementing an AI algorithm for early problem gambling detection and requiring gambling ads to include risk warnings. A new grant program of €950,620 supports research on gambling’s impacts and prevention strategies. Eligible organisations can apply for funding to conduct studies from January 2026 to June 2027 on various gambling-related topics.
Minnesota becomes first US state to outlaw prediction markets
Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota has signed a bill criminalising platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, making Minnesota the first US state to do so. The law prohibits the buying and selling of contracts tied to future political, economic, or social outcomes, except for weather-related events. This move has sparked a conflict with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which views prediction markets as financial products. The CFTC has filed a lawsuit seeking to block the law, arguing that it undermines federal regulatory regimes. Supporters of the bill argue that states should have the right to regulate gambling. Prediction market operators claim their products are financial instruments, not gambling, despite cases of insider trading. This controversy has led to legal battles in other states as well.
US Senators introduce legislation on online gambling ads
The Gaming Advertisement to Minors Enforcement (GAME) Act, introduced by US Senators Katie Britt and Richard Blumenthal, aims to prohibit online platforms from targeting minors with sports betting ads. The legislation would be enforced by the FTC, with penalties for non-compliance and repeat offences, including fines of up to $100,000 per advertisement. Senator Britt highlighted the concerning rise of sports gambling among minors and the potential gateway to addiction through targeted advertising. Senator Blumenthal emphasised the need to protect young people from the lure of gambling, especially on mobile devices, by implementing a nationwide ban on such advertising. The bill seeks to safeguard the next generation from online dangers and prevent harmful habits from developing.
New Hungarian government to review national lottery and sports betting monopoly
The new Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, plans to review Szerencsejáték Zrt’s monopoly on the national lottery and sports betting. Founded in 1991, the state-owned operator has been accused of diverting revenues for propaganda instead of transparently benefiting the state treasury. The finance minister aims for corruption-free management of public enterprises and intends to phase out sector taxes introduced during the previous administration. Committees will assess state enterprises’ performance and political ties after 16 years under Viktor Orbán. Despite potential changes, Szerencsejáték Zrt’s significant revenue and tax contributions may prevent its complete dismantling. The gambling market in Hungary, regulated by Act XXXIV of 1991, includes online sports betting since 2023 under tight control by the Supervisory Authority for Regulatory Affairs. The government’s review aligns with a more pro-European Union stance.
Unregulated online gambling is “the world’s third largest economy,” a new report concludes
The report by Gaming Compliance International reveals that the unregulated online gambling market reached $5.9tn in 2025, a 4 per cent increase from the previous year. Unregulated operators accounted for 78 per cent of global online GGR, making it the world’s third-largest economy. The report introduces the concept of a “White Noise Marketplace” where consumers struggle to differentiate between regulated and unregulated gambling products. The study focused on online gambling targeting regulated markets, excluding sites not conducting transactions. GCI used automated monitoring and human analysis to assess betting volumes and GGR. The report highlighted the presence of unregulated gambling advertisements on illegal sports streaming platforms and the impact of prediction markets and crypto-linked gambling. GCI’s CEO emphasised the need for regulators to address the dominant challenge posed by unregulated online gambling.
