5 February 2026
Major sports betting operators have withdrawn an emergency court bid against the City of Chicago, easing the immediate threat that sportsbooks could be forced to suspend operations for city-based customers as new taxes and licensing requirements come into force.
Prediction market professionals are cautioning patrons to exercise responsible trading practices after recent analysis revealed that the majority of users have realized losses. A comprehensive review by blockchain research firm defioasis.eth found that roughly 70% of trading addresses analyzed on Polymarket were running losses on their long-term positions.
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is under pressure from constituents to lower the amount of gambling adverts on the Transport for London (TfL) after it emerged companies had spent more than £4.5 million with the network over recent months.
Prediction market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket are facing renewed scrutiny after questions emerged over their use of social media affiliates that have repeatedly published false sports news.
Despite being one of the world’s largest sports and media markets, Japan has again moved to shut the door on legalized sports betting, with lawmakers voting this week to block any pathway toward regulated online wagering.
Turkey reinforced its status as one of the fastest-growing betting hubs in the world after reporting a surge in gambling tax revenue this year. According to recent data, they profited to the tune of 50.2 billion lira ($1.18 billion).
A tax rise partly aimed at the gambling industry in Poland has been vetoed by the country’s President after claiming it would disproportionately affect the financial health of citizens. The Polish government’s Public Health Act and Personal Income Tax Act amendment would have also implemented a sugar tax.
The fallout from the UK’s gambling tax hike is beginning to materialize, with LiveScore Bet confirming it will withdraw from Bulgaria by the end of 2025. The company explicitly linked the decision to higher costs imposed under the government’s November budget.
Pennsylvania’s gambling market set a new monthly record in November, led by online casino growth and a record sports betting handle.
The Arizona Department of Gaming has decided to pull the plug on Underdog’s Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) license, a policy leader for the Arizona governor’s office has confirmed. The company had been betting big on the market, and was offering sports event contracts through its partnership with crypto.com in two dozen states.
