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Gambling News Roundup: New Regulations, Big Wins, and More
Millions of people enjoy gambling, whether it is a spot on a horse race or the football results. But many of them are at risk of addiction and must be better protected. That’s why the government has announced plans to update gambling rules for the digital age. These include extra powers for the Gambling Commission, curbs on bonus offers, and affordability checks for online slots.
Legalization of sports betting
The legalization of sports betting in the United States has brought a host of new opportunities for gamblers. People can now place bets on a wide variety of games, and some have even made huge profits from their wagers. This has boosted the economy and helped casinos make money. It is expected to continue growing over the next few years.
Several states have legalized sports betting, and many others are attempting to do so. Previously, most people had to travel to Nevada to place bets on their favorite teams and players. But now, sports betting is available in most states and can be enjoyed by anyone with an internet connection.
In addition to boosting the economy, legalized sports gambling is also helping state governments collect revenue. Over the past two years, sports betting taxes have generated over $3 billion in revenues for local and state governments and over $570 million for federal authorities. Some states are putting all of the money they receive from sports betting into general funds, while others are using it to fund programs such as education and law enforcement.
As the demand for legal sports betting continues to grow, many lawmakers are working on legislation to regulate the industry. Some proposals call for a percentage of the revenue to go towards anti-corruption measures in professional sports leagues, while other states are creating categories of licenses with different fees and requirements. In Illinois, for example, the new laws allow sports books to pay a “master sports wagering license” fee of $10 million to be licensed, and they must use official league data to set odds.
Other states, such as Montana and Nebraska, have ballot initiatives to legalize sports betting. In Nebraska, Proposition 27 will ask voters to amend the state constitution and allow regulated sports wagering. The measure has received support from the governor but will require 2/3 of the legislature’s approval to be placed on the ballot.
In Florida, the legislature approved sports wagering via a tribal-state compact with the Seminole Tribe in May 2021. Once the federal Department of Interior approves the compact, retail and mobile sports betting could launch in late 2021.
Legalization of medical marijuana
In the United States, medical marijuana is legal on a state level in 29 states and Washington, DC. However, you can learn more about the same from Focus Gaming News. The Trump administration has signaled a tougher stance on drug enforcement, but limited Department of Justice resources and large marijuana tax revenues in some states may discourage federal interference. Physicians are able to prescribe cannabis to treat nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy and wasting (severe weight loss) associated with AIDS, as well as spasticity from multiple sclerosis. The FDA has also approved synthetic marijuana-derived compounds such as Dronabinol and Cesamet, as well as the oromucosal spray Sativex for multiple sclerosis and cancer pain.
Legalization of online gambling
The legalization of online gambling in the United States is a complex issue. While the activity is largely legal in most areas, it is still subject to state and federal laws that restrict or regulate different aspects of the industry. For example, states have passed laws that allow sports betting while limiting the types of online gambling platforms that can accept wagers. Some states have even banned online gambling entirely. The most recent development in the US has been an attempt to circumvent these state-by-state patchworks by legalizing online gaming at the federal level.
Initially, the movement to legalize online gambling in the US was focused on sports betting. The 2018 Supreme Court decision overturned PASPA, allowing individual states to legalize sports betting in their jurisdictions. In the wake of this ruling, several states enacted legislation to legalize online betting on various sporting events. The most popular sports to bet on are football, basketball, and baseball. However, there are other popular games that can be wagered on as well, including horse racing and video games.
Online casinos and poker rooms are also becoming more accessible in the US. Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware were among the first states to introduce legal online casino games and poker sites. Since then, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan have joined the party, and other states are considering legalization as well.
While some people may enjoy online gambling without any problem, others can be harmed by its consequences. These problems range from financial loss to addiction and even death. In the worst cases, gambling harm and addiction can lead to suicide. As a result, the industry has become more vigilant in its efforts to protect vulnerable players.
In 2022, California will vote on two competing proposals for the legalization of online sports betting. One is backed by FanDuel and DraftKings while the other is supported by California tribes. Both initiatives face an uphill battle. The state has a large Mormon population and many residents oppose the initiative due to religious beliefs. The other major holdout in the US is Hawaii, which has a similar climate and a lack of interest in expanding its gambling regulations.
Legalization of Video Poker
Amid the excitement over the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize sports betting, many states are considering new regulations that could further expand gambling. One example is a bill that would make it easier for gambling firms to monitor the habits of their customers and take steps to intervene when they exhibit problem behaviors. This bill would also allow casinos to sell betting apps and offer a range of responsible gambling products.
The state of South Carolina has a complicated relationship with gambling. Its laws ban most forms of gambling, but video poker is in a gray area because it is not specifically mentioned in the law. It was only able to survive in the state by hiding in a 1986 legislative favor. A tiny amendment in the back of a giant budget bill erased two words in a state statute, allowing video poker players to win jackpots. The state has never formally banned video poker, but it has used suits and lobbying to stymie efforts to pass a ban.
Some states have a better relationship with gambling than others, but even the best-behaved states sometimes struggle to enforce their laws. For instance, the state of Kentucky took a hard line against online poker in recent years and attempted to seize 140 gambling domains. The effort was ultimately thwarted by the court, but the state still maintains a harsh anti-online poker policy. The Kentucky Supreme Court might eventually review the case, but it is unlikely that the state will legalize online poker anytime soon.
Another state with a good relationship with gambling is West Virginia, which has launched regulated sports betting sites. In 2023, the state is expected to roll out a broader set of iGaming offerings, including online slots and table games. It is likely that the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes will launch these sites in the state, though they may face some challenges.
The state of California has 78 land-based casinos and 60 poker clubs. It has also dozens of horse tracks, OTBs, casino cruises, and bingo halls. But it has never passed a legalized version of online poker, partly because of the industry’s unpopular image. A bill that would legalize a statewide poker network was defeated in February, but lawmakers are looking at other ways to boost gaming revenues. They are considering expanding land-based casino machines, allowing players to use their mobile devices, and adding a gambling ombudsman to help resolve disputes between punters and companies.
La expansión global de los mercados de predicción está comenzando a redefinir la forma en que los usuarios interactúan con la información, la probabilidad y el engagement digital.
Ubicadas en la intersección entre finanzas, tecnología y datos de comportamiento, estas plataformas están ganando tracción como una forma estructurada de transformar la inteligencia colectiva en pronósticos medibles sobre eventos futuros.
En Brasil, este segmento emergente aún se encuentra en una etapa inicial, pero la combinación de una audiencia digital altamente comprometida, la reciente evolución regulatoria en sectores adyacentes como fintech y cripto, y la búsqueda constante de nuevos modelos de engagement dentro del iGaming, crea un entorno fértil para el crecimiento.
Es en este contexto que VoxFi se posiciona como uno de los primeros actores estructurados dentro del ecosistema local.
La semana pasada, durante BiS SiGMA South America 2026 en São Paulo, la empresa presentó oficialmente su solución white label, diseñada para permitir que terceros integren mercados de predicción directamente en sus propios sitios web y aplicaciones.
VoxFi también participó en el panel “Forecasting or Gambling? The Fine Line Between Prediction Markets and Bets”, donde el CEO y cofundador Fernando Carvalho analizó los límites entre los modelos de predicción emergentes y las estructuras tradicionales de apuestas.
Además, la compañía fue seleccionada como una de las seis finalistas del Startup Pitch Competition del evento, reforzando su posicionamiento como un actor innovador en el sector.
La empresa, una plataforma brasileña enfocada en contratos de predicción basados en eventos, ha desarrollado una solución white label que permite a otras compañías integrar mercados de predicción directamente en sus propios entornos digitales.
A través de conectividad vía API, empresas de distintos sectores, desde medios y entretenimiento hasta telecomunicaciones, pueden ofrecer experiencias de predicción personalizadas bajo su propia marca, aprovechando la infraestructura, el marco de compliance y los mecanismos de liquidez de VoxFi.
A diferencia de los modelos tradicionales de apuestas, VoxFi opera bajo una lógica peer to peer, donde los usuarios negocian contratos binarios, sí o no, basados en resultados futuros.
El precio de estos contratos refleja probabilidades percibidas, creando un entorno dinámico que se asemeja más a los mercados financieros que a las estructuras de juego convencionales.
Todos los mercados pasan por un proceso interno de curaduría y validación, con criterios de resolución claramente definidos, estándares de compliance y sistemas de monitoreo.
La plataforma también incorpora prácticas del mercado financiero como KYC obligatorio, monitoreo de transacciones y segregación de cuentas por evento, reforzando su posicionamiento como un ecosistema estructurado y responsable.
Fundada por Fernando Carvalho, conocido por su rol en el desarrollo del mercado de criptoactivos en Brasil a través de QR Capital, y Luis Felipe Carvalho, emprendedor fintech detrás de NG.CASH, VoxFi combina experiencia en innovación financiera con un producto diseñado para escalar y alinearse con la regulación.
En esta entrevista exclusiva, el CEO Fernando Carvalho explica las razones detrás de su entrada en un segmento aún poco comprendido, el posicionamiento estratégico de VoxFi y lo que viene para los mercados de predicción en Brasil.
El mercado de predicción aún no es ampliamente comprendido en Brasil. ¿Qué los llevó a apostar por este sector?
Fernando Carvalho – Elegimos construir VoxFi porque los mercados de predicción son una de las formas más eficientes de transformar información dispersa en probabilidades sobre el futuro.
Agregan conocimiento colectivo de manera estructurada y transparente.
Observamos avances regulatorios importantes en Estados Unidos entre 2024 y 2025, lo que indicó que este modelo comenzaría a escalar globalmente.
Vimos un escenario similar al inicio del mercado cripto, un sector nuevo que requiere educación, gobernanza sólida y desarrollo gradual para alcanzar escala.
¿Dónde está la línea entre mercados de predicción y apuestas?
La diferencia es estructural. En los mercados de predicción, los usuarios negocian entre sí a través de un libro de órdenes y los precios reflejan probabilidades percibidas.
En las apuestas tradicionales, existe una casa que define las cuotas y asume el riesgo. Aquí no hay casa, hay mercado.
VoxFi entra con un enfoque B2B. ¿Qué oportunidad identificaron?
El iGaming está atravesando una transformación en Brasil y los operadores buscan nuevas formas de engagement.
Nuestra solución permite integrar mercados de predicción como una capa adicional de contenido vía API, mientras los socios mantienen su identidad de marca.
¿Compiten con operadores de apuestas?
No. Complementamos el ecosistema. Evitamos deliberadamente temas deportivos para no competir directamente y ampliar el abanico de contenidos.
¿Brasil está atrasado en este segmento?
No. Está en una etapa inicial, pero con características ideales, una audiencia digital altamente comprometida y una creciente familiaridad con instrumentos financieros más sofisticados.
¿Cómo funciona el modelo de ingresos?
Es similar al de plataformas de trading, cobramos comisiones sobre transacciones o sobre la liquidación de contratos.
En el modelo B2B también generamos ingresos a través de fees de implementación y acuerdos de revenue share. Es un modelo altamente escalable.
¿Quiénes son los principales interesados hoy?
Hay tres grupos principales, operadores de iGaming, empresas de medios y entretenimiento, y plataformas digitales con grandes audiencias.
¿Cómo se construye liquidez en un mercado nuevo?
Inicialmente mediante un market maker interno para garantizar condiciones eficientes de negociación. Al mismo tiempo, estamos desarrollando infraestructura para integrar market makers externos a medida que el ecosistema crece.
¿Por qué evitar temas como deportes y elecciones?
Es una decisión estratégica para alinearnos con la regulación actual y evitar conflictos con organismos como CVM, SPA y TSE.
¿Brasil está cerca de regular los mercados de predicción?
La discusión recién está comenzando a tomar fuerza. El principal riesgo es una clasificación incorrecta como apuestas tradicionales o como derivados financieros.
¿Qué define el éxito en los próximos seis meses?
El crecimiento de la base de usuarios, el volumen negociado y la activación de integraciones white label con socios estratégicos.
A futuro, ¿será un complemento del iGaming o una categoría propia?
En el corto plazo lo vemos como un complemento natural del iGaming, agregando nuevas capas de contenido y engagement.
A largo plazo, creemos que puede convertirse en una categoría digital propia, una nueva capa de internet enfocada en la predicción de eventos futuros.
The post Fernando Carvalho define una nueva era para los mercados de predicción en Brasil con VoxFi appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Brazil
Fernando Carvalho outlines new era for prediction markets in Brazil with VoxFi white label technology
The global expansion of prediction markets is beginning to reshape how users interact with information, probability, and digital engagement.
Positioned at the intersection of finance, technology, and behavioral data, these platforms are gaining traction as a structured way to transform collective intelligence into measurable forecasts about future events.
In Brazil, this emerging segment is still in its early stages, but the combination of a highly engaged digital audience, recent regulatory evolution in adjacent sectors such as fintech and crypto, and the constant search for new engagement models within iGaming creates a fertile environment for growth.
It is within this context that VoxFi is positioning itself as one of the first structured players in the local ecosystem.
Last week, during BiS SiGMA South America 2026 in São Paulo, the company officially presented its white-label solution, designed to allow third-party businesses to integrate prediction markets directly into their own websites and applications.
VoxFi also took part in the panel “Forecasting or Gambling? The Fine Line Between Prediction Markets and Bets,” where CEO and co-founder Fernando Carvalho discussed the boundaries between emerging prediction models and traditional betting structures.
In addition, the company was selected as one of the six finalists in the event’s Startup Pitch Competition, reinforcing its positioning as an innovative player in the space.
The company, a Brazilian platform focused on event-based prediction contracts, has introduced a white-label solution that allows third-party companies to integrate prediction markets directly into their own digital environments.
Through API connectivity, businesses across sectors, from media and entertainment to telecom, can offer customized prediction experiences under their own branding, leveraging VoxFi’s infrastructure, compliance framework, and liquidity mechanisms.
Unlike traditional betting models, VoxFi operates on a peer-to-peer logic, where users trade binary contracts (“yes” or “no”) based on future outcomes.
The pricing of these contracts reflects perceived probabilities, creating a dynamic environment that resembles financial markets more than conventional gambling structures.
All markets undergo internal curation and validation, with clearly defined resolution criteria, compliance standards, and monitoring systems.
The platform also incorporates financial-market practices such as mandatory KYC, transaction monitoring, and event-based account segregation, reinforcing its positioning as a structured and responsible ecosystem.
Founded by Fernando Carvalho, known for his role in advancing the crypto asset market in Brazil through QR Capital, and Luis Felipe Carvalho, a fintech entrepreneur behind NG.CASH, VoxFi combines experience in financial innovation with a product designed for scalability and regulatory alignment.
In this exclusive interview, CEO Fernando Carvalho explains the rationale behind entering a still-misunderstood segment, the strategic positioning of VoxFi, and what lies ahead for prediction markets in Brazil.
The prediction market is still not widely understood in Brazil. What led you to invest in this sector?
Fernando Carvalho – We chose to build VoxFi because prediction markets are one of the most efficient ways to transform dispersed information into probabilities about the future.
They aggregate collective knowledge in a structured and transparent way. We observed important regulatory developments in the United States between 2024 and 2025, which indicated that this model would begin to scale globally.
We saw a scenario similar to the early days of the crypto market: a new sector that requires education, strong governance, and gradual development to reach scale.
Where is the line between prediction markets and betting?
The difference is structural. In prediction markets, users trade with each other through an order book, and prices reflect perceived probabilities.
In traditional betting, there is a house that sets the odds and assumes the risk. Here, there is no “house” — there is a market.
VoxFi enters with a B2B approach. What opportunity did you identify?
iGaming is undergoing a transformation in Brazil, and operators are looking for new ways to engage users.
Our solution allows prediction markets to be integrated as an additional content layer via API, while partners maintain their own brand identity.
Do you compete with betting operators?
No. We complement the ecosystem. We deliberately avoid sports-related topics to prevent direct competition and instead expand the range of available content.
Is Brazil behind in this segment?
No. It is in an early stage, but with ideal characteristics: a highly engaged digital audience and increasing familiarity with more sophisticated financial instruments.
How does your revenue model work?
It is similar to trading platforms: we charge fees on transactions or on contract settlement. In the B2B model, we also generate revenue through setup fees and revenue-sharing agreements. It is a highly scalable model.
Who are the main players interested in this today?
There are three main groups: iGaming operators, media and entertainment companies, and digital platforms with large audiences.
How do you build liquidity in a new market?
Initially, through an internal market maker to ensure efficient trading conditions. At the same time, we are developing infrastructure to integrate external market makers as the ecosystem grows.
Why avoid topics like sports and elections?
This is a strategic decision to align with current regulations and avoid conflicts with authorities such as CVM, SPA, and TSE.
Is Brazil close to regulating prediction markets?
The discussion is just beginning to gain traction. The main risk is being incorrectly classified as either traditional betting or financial drivatives.
What defines success in the next six months?
Growth in user base, trading volume, and the activation of white-label integrations with strategic partners.
Looking ahead, will this be a complement to iGaming or a standalone category?
In the short term, we see prediction markets as a natural complement to iGaming, adding new layers of content and engagement. In the long term, we believe they can become a standalone digital category, a new layer of the internet focused on forecasting future events.
The post Fernando Carvalho outlines new era for prediction markets in Brazil with VoxFi white label technology appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
DATA.BET has reinforced its ambitions in Latin America by making a strong return to BiS SiGMA South America 2026, one of the region’s most influential iGaming events.
With a significantly larger presence and an expanded product suite, the company demonstrated a clear evolution from its earlier identity as an esports-centric provider into a comprehensive sportsbook solutions partner.
Held in São Paulo, the event provided the perfect stage for DATA.BET to showcase its full-scale betting ecosystem. The company presented an integrated portfolio that spans traditional sports betting, esports wagering, and virtual sports—positioning itself as a one-stop solution for operators targeting regulated markets, particularly in Brazil.
A key highlight of DATA.BET’s offering is its GLI certification for Brazil. This certification is a major advantage for operators, as it removes the need for additional technical approvals and significantly shortens time-to-market. In a rapidly developing regulatory environment like Brazil’s, this capability gives partners a competitive edge when launching or scaling their betting platforms.
At the exhibition stand, visitors explored several product enhancements designed to improve both operator efficiency and player engagement. Among the updates were revamped Statistical Widgets and the esports-focused Timeline Widget, both aimed at delivering richer real-time insights and more immersive user experiences. The introduction of features such as One-Click Bet and Early Payout further underscores DATA.BET’s commitment to streamlining the betting journey while adding flexibility and excitement for end users.
In addition to officially announced upgrades, the company also teased an upcoming feature currently in development. While details remain under wraps, DATA.BET indicated that this innovation will push engagement standards even higher, reflecting its ongoing investment in next-generation betting technology.
Beyond technology, the company ensured its booth stood out through an engaging and interactive atmosphere. Cosplayers portraying popular League of Legends characters Jinx and Ahri attracted steady attention, reinforcing DATA.BET’s roots in esports culture while bridging the gap to mainstream sports betting audiences. A dynamic kinetic screen added a visual centerpiece, helping to maintain strong visitor engagement throughout the event.
According to Natalie Loshatynska, Head of PR & Marketing at DATA.BET, the company’s return to SiGMA South America marks a significant milestone. She emphasized that the transformation from an esports-focused provider to a full sportsbook ecosystem reflects both strategic growth and a deep commitment to local markets. With expanded coverage, localized certification, and tailored tools, DATA.BET is positioning itself as a leading supplier across key verticals including esports, traditional sports, and virtual betting.
This strategic shift aligns with broader industry trends, as Latin America—particularly Brazil—continues to emerge as one of the fastest-growing regulated betting markets globally. By investing in technology, compliance, and localized solutions, DATA.BET aims to empower operators to capitalize on these opportunities while delivering high-quality betting experiences to users.
As competition intensifies in the region, companies that can combine regulatory readiness with innovative product offerings are likely to lead the market. DATA.BET’s performance at BiS SiGMA South America 2026 suggests it is well on its way to becoming a dominant force in the evolving Latin American betting landscape.
The post DATA.BET Expands at SiGMA South America 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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