Weekend Conversation Corner – April, 03

Welcome to the newest instalment of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, where we take a closer look at the major headlines that have captured global interest throughout the week. As we break down the flurry of events into a concise summary, we will delve into the key stories that have impacted the narrative, influenced policies, and sparked conversations. Join us as we cut through the clutter and provide a condensed overview of the week’s significant advancements, keeping you informed on what truly counts in today’s ever-changing world.

Stay informed, stay motivated, and keep on gaming. Wishing you a fantastic weekend ahead!

The government of Gibraltar has granted a licence to a prediction markets operator, becoming one of the few European jurisdictions to regulate this format. The operator, Predict Street Ltd, is now on Gibraltar’s register of licensed betting intermediaries and is promoting itself as the “Official Prediction Market Partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026.” This move comes as other European countries, such as Germany and France, have banned certain prediction platforms. Gibraltar’s decision may spark controversy, but it aligns with the country’s efforts to diversify its gambling and financial services ecosystem. The future of prediction markets in Gibraltar remains uncertain, with potential interest from big players like Kalshi and Polymarket. The UK, a key market for Gibraltar-licensed operators, may pose challenges for prediction platforms due to existing betting options on non-sports markets.

Alberta will launch regulated online sports betting and igaming on July 13, becoming the second province in Canada to do so after Ontario. The Minister of Service Alberta, Dale Nally, confirmed the opening date in a letter to industry stakeholders, expressing confidence in building a competitive and socially responsible market. Operators and service providers in Alberta had to register for regulatory oversight by July 13, following amendments to the Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Regulation. The Canadian Gaming Association praised Alberta’s commitment to player protection. In Ontario, the first year of regulated igaming saw CAD$35.6bn in wagers and $1.4bn in gaming revenue, with continued growth in February 2026.

Blask’s analysis of the North American online gambling market reveals that offshore operators still dominate the industry in both the US and Canada, despite the presence of regulated brands. In the US, 83 per cent of operators serving players are unlicensed, with $54.6bn flowing to offshore platforms compared to $25.2bn captured by licensed operators. Offshore brands like Bovada lead the market, while states with full sports and casino regulation, like New Jersey and Michigan, fare better in channeling gambling activity domestically. In Canada, the online gambling market reached $9.5bn in 2025, with offshore brands like Stake and Roobet leading the market. Ontario captures 85 per cent of the regulated market, but the average monopoly province captures 76 per cent of the offshore market. Alberta is set to launch a competitive market in 2026, which could shift the balance between regulated and offshore operators in Canada.

The Swedish gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, has proposed practical measures for online gambling companies to block Swedish players in response to proposed amendments to the Swedish Gambling Act. Investigator Marcus Isgren suggested removing the “directional criterion” to address enforcement challenges. The new report suggests measures like geo-blocking, stop messages, and blocking bank transfers to prevent Swedish participation. Terms of contract should exclude Swedish residents, and marketing channels leading to Swedish players should be avoided. The regulator emphasizes consistent application of these measures for both new and existing accounts. The goal is to provide the government with a clear understanding of how to reduce unlicensed gambling in Sweden.

The Conferenza Unificata is finalizing the overhaul of land-based gaming regulations in Italy, with the Council of Ministers set to release the draft decree on April 10. The reforms aim to create a unified regulatory framework, with stricter rules on operating hours and distance requirements. The new concession model will require minimum bids for gaming machine operations and licensing for betting shops and bingo halls. Certification, oversight, and anti-money laundering controls will be strengthened. Negotiations over tax revenue distribution have delayed the reforms, but agreements have been made. The hope is to finalize the reforms by August 29. Concerns over a decline in tax revenue and the growth of the unlicensed market have prompted the need for these reforms. Additionally, Agcom is working on establishing guidelines for responsible gambling messages.