58 PUBLIC GAMING INTERNATIONAL • MARCH/APRIL 2026 PULSE France launches regulatory framework for Web3 gambling-like games The ANJ’s move is one of the first attempts in Europe to regulate blockchain-based gaming mechanics and oversee games that feature monetisable digital objects. It applies to games that blur the line between traditional video gaming and regulated gambling, allowing players to acquire digital assets such as NFTs or blockchain-based items that can later be traded on secondary markets. The Lottery Corporation posts steady earnings and dividend for 1H26 Digital sales continue to rise, making up 41.2% of total Lotteries turnover. Looking ahead, the company plans to review its brand architecture and explore new product opportunities while investing in Keno and digital transformation. Strategic technology upgrades, portfolio enhancements, and a focus on local market growth are all expected to support ongoing sustainable shareholder returns. PGRI INTERVIEWS: Robert Chvátal, Chief Executive Officer, Allwyn CJEU Confirms Player’s National Law Governs Illegal Online Gambling Claims The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has delivered a landmark judgment in Case C-77/24, Wunner, clarifying that claims for losses resulting from illegal online gambling are governed by the law of the player’s Member State of residence. Crucially, the damage is deemed to occur where the player is habitually resident, meaning the player’s Member State law governs the claim. The Court emphasized that the location of the gambling operator, servers or licensing authority is irrelevant for determining where the loss occurs. So, even though the operator may be located in Malta, for instance, the jurisdiction which adjucates the litigation is the country where the player resides. The Court further clarified that directors may incur personal liability if their conduct directly causes damage, ensuring that company officers cannot escape responsibility for illegal gambling operations. Finland's new gambling watchdog to revoke licenses and block gambling websites Fennica Gaming rolls out eInstant games with Germany’s Sachsenlotto German Regulator Cranks Up Fight Against Illegal Gambling Scientific Games Enters Digital Collab with European Lotteries Group LEIA (Lotteries Entertainment Innovation Alliance), a collaboration between five leading European lotteries: Danske Spil in Denmark, FDJ United in France, Norsk Tipping in Norway, Svenska Spel in Sweden and Veikkaus Oy in Finland. CASINOS, SPORT BETTING, AND PREDICTIVE MARKETS NEWS Prediction Markets Are The Super Bowl's Breakout Winners Kalshi eats into sportsbook app download share during NFL Playoffs, surging to a new high in consumer adoption. Kalshi reported more than $500 million in Super Bowl contract trading by the end of the event, compared to roughly $27 million last year. Meanwhile, Nevada sportsbooks saw Super Bowl betting drop to $133.8 million, the lowest handle since 2016. BetMGM downloads fell 25% year over year during the Divisional Round, while Caesars saw an 8% decline. FanDuel recorded a 14% drop, continuing a period of weaker acquisition metrics that began around midseason. Prediction Markets v. State Gaming Laws: The Kalshi Litigation Gamble Over the past year, Kalshi has become the focal point of a fast-moving legal battle over the reach of federal preemption. What began as an innovative model has now triggered a wave of litigation across federal courts, drawing in state regulators, tribal governments, and private plaintiffs. The outcome has implications far beyond Kalshi itself. If Kalshi’s theory prevails, it will open the door for a significant culture shift in enforcement and compliance activities for new business models to challenge the role of state regulatory authority. If states prevail, this business model becomes far more complex to operate, and the resulting precedent would extend well beyond prediction markets. Bally’s chair Soo Kim details Star Entertainment Group success strategy UK Treasury Committee: taxes should be increased on online gambling, while sparing other areas of the industry which are viewed as less harmful. The changes will see remote gaming duty (charged on operations including online casinos) increase from 21% to 40% from 1 April this year, while the tax rate for remote sports betting will jump from 15% to 25% from 1 April 2027. New York Lawmakers on a Tear to Change Laws About Legal Betting Nevada regulator goes on offensive against Kalshi, Launching civil enforcement action Prediction Markets and College Sports: NCAA Pushes for National Rules NCAA President Charlie Baker is calling for an immediate suspension of prediction markets tied to college sports, Tennessee, Mississippi Make Moves To Ban Sweepstakes Casinos Social media site X bans gambling paid partnerships New Zealand Rules Prediction Markets Are Illegal Gambling Indian Gaming Association urges Congress to curb sports Predictive Markets “event contracts” Massachusetts court upholds state ban on prediction markets Polymarket receives warning from The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) Prediction markets, betting operators join new CFTC (The Commodity Futures Trading Commission) advisory committee Google to tighten requirements for gambling advertisers New requirements will apply to Google gambling advertisers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. UK. Gambling stocks sag as prediction markets steal Super Bowl bets Feds Look To Be Expanding Scope Of Investigation into NBA Betting Scandal
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