SBC Eurasia Editorial Team is happy to present a quick recap of the gambling industry events, news, regulations, and partnerships that happened last week.
Eurasian gambling markets are increasingly defined by a distinct regulatory logic that blends strict oversight, advanced technology, and intense competition. The 4H Agency prepared an overview illustrating how gambling regulation has evolved across the region’s key jurisdictions: Georgia, Ukraine, Armenia, and Kazakhstan.
The establishment of the Balkan Gambling Federation (BGF) stands out as one of the most significant institutional developments in the Balkan gambling industry in 2026. Stasya Yautodzyeva, Head of Analytics at 4H Agency, outlines the federation’s core objectives and future prospects.
In Georgia between January and March 2026, total budget revenues from gambling business fees and licenses for organizing games of chance amounted to approximately 43.750 million GEL ($16,139 million). At the same time, the Georgian Gambling Association (GGA) states that illegal operators and websites remain a significant challenge in Georgia.
Last week, Ukraine’s gambling regulator PlayCity revoked the license of the online casino Cosmolot LLC (“Spacesiks”). However, the Kyiv District Administrative Court granted Spacesiks’ request for interim relief, suspending the regulator’s decision to revoke its license.
In July 2027, Finland will introduce a multi-licence gambling regulatory system. According to forecasts, during its first year of operation, the advertising market could reach €100 million, while strict marketing restrictions will be implemented to protect players. While Gibraltar is moving quickly to position itself at the forefront of technologies, with prediction markets and tokenisation now central to its regulatory strategy.
The polarising Bill 55, often cited in disputes around the Maltese gambling framework and licensing, could be set to slip the net of legal examination. While the Isle of Man has taken a major step in modernising its gambling framework, as the Gambling Legislation (Amendment) Bill completed its passage through the Tynwald following approval of final amendments.
Authorities in Japan are weighing up all the options, including the possibility of implementing website blocking, as illegal gambling activity in 2025 reached record levels.
DATA.BET predicts that the UK, France, Italy, and Germany could lose their spots as some of the continent’s leading gambling markets.
There were two topics that dominated Sportradar‘s Q1 earnings call with investors: the opportunities in predictions and uncertainties around allegations that stunned its share price. While the Star Entertainment Group is beginning to see the effects of its cost-saving measures, as its EBITDA has improved significantly in the third quarter compared to the same period the previous year, although it is still at a loss.
The acquisition deal of German brand Tipico Group by French giant Banijay Entertainment has been officially completed. While Meridianbet reports profitability under the new Meridian Holdings brand.
Novibet has appointed Yiannis Stravroulas as its new Chief Technology Officer, with leveraging AI and other emerging technologies outlined as a key remit for the new hire.
Soft2Bet has launched Zinx in Romania, a new digital entertainment platform that brings together premier casino entertainment and top-tier sports betting for Romanian players. While GR8 Tech is strengthening its engagement and retention toolkit to help operators convert short-term traffic into long-term value ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
BETBY has signed a new distribution agreement with QTech Games aimed at strengthening the company’s position across Asian markets. While Holland Casino and VBET have had to make product adjustments after the KSA raised concerns over football bets offered by both companies.
Formula 1 has announced FanDuel – the premier online gaming company in North America – as its latest Official Betting Operator. While Kaizen Gaming-owned operator Betano has been named an Official Regional Sponsor of the Argentina national football team as it continues to expand its reach across Latin America.
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