Stefan Velikov's latest articles
Stefan Velikov
AuthorStefan Velikov is an accomplished iGaming writer and journalist specializing in esports, regulatory developments, and industry innovations. With over five years of extensive writing experience, he has contributed to various publications, continuously refining his craft and expertise in the field.
Industry
September 18, 2025
German Watchdog Says Just 1 in 12 Gambling Sites Are Legal
As the Champions League in soccer begins, the German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) has highlighted that illegal gambling websites significantly outnumber licensed operators in Germany, putting players at risk of fraud, gambling addiction, and potential criminal liability. According to the regulator, only 1 of every 12 gambling websites is operating legally. German Gambling Regulator Shows […]
Industry
September 17, 2025
ASA Bans Midnite AI-Generated Soccer Ad for Violating Child Protection Regulations
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), which is the UK’s advertising watchdog, has banned an AI-generated video advertisement by gambling operator Midnite, ruling that it featured a soccer player who has a strong appeal to under-18s. What’s the Issue and ASA’s Ruling? On May 25, 2025, Midnite’s X page shared an AI-generated video featuring a fictional […]
Industry
September 17, 2025
Lottomart Operator to Pay $448K in Fines for Failing to Comply with Regulations
Maple International Ventures, the operator of Lottomart, has agreed to pay GBP360,000 (approximately $448,000) to settle regulatory action, following recent findings by the United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission. According to the Commission, the operator had failed to meet anti-money laundering and social responsibility obligations. UK Gambling Commission Found Lapses in Maple International Ventures’ Operations The Commission […]
Legal
September 16, 2025
Robinhood Challenges Massachusetts Over Sports Prediction Market Enforcement
Robinhood Derivatives, а partner of predictions markets operator Kalshi, filed a federal lawsuit on Monday, aiming to prevent Massachusetts regulators from applying state gambling laws to its sports prediction market activities. Robinhood Files Lawsuit Against Massachusetts Regulators In its September 15 filing in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Robinhood requested an […]
Industry
September 16, 2025
Clark County Director of Aviation Pushes for Direct Link Between Las Vegas and Japan
James Chrisley, the newest senior director of aviation for Clark County, Las Vegas, says there should be direct flights between the city and Japan, as it is an untapped market for bringing in more international tourists. Chrisley Says Japan is an Untapped Market Following recent successes in attracting Aer Lingus to launch flights between Dublin, […]
Legal
September 16, 2025
Court Makes Gamblers Repay $750K from Glitched Instant Lucky 7 Game
Judge Robin George Mossop in the Pietermaritzburg High Court in South Africa has ruled that over 100 gamblers must repay approximately $750,000 in winnings from the “Instant Lucky 7” instant-lottery game, developed by Betgames and hosted on the online gambling platform Hollywood Sportsbook KwaZulu-Natal. The game operated for only seven days during Christmas week in […]
Legal
September 15, 2025
SIGA Appeals $1.2M FINTRAC Fine
The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) has announced its intention to appeal a $1.175 million fine issued by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), asserting the issue involves administrative reporting and not financial crime. SIGA Denies Reasons for Fine FINTRAC is the federal agency responsible for monitoring and investigating financial transactions […]
Industry
September 15, 2025
Rumors Say Polymarket Considers $9B Valuation While Kalshi Targets $5B
Polymarket and Kalshi, two leading platforms in the prediction market space, are reportedly pursuing new funding rounds at valuations of $9 billion and $5 billion, respectively, marking a huge growth compared to just relatively recently. Polymarket and Kalshi Eye Multi-Billion-Dollar Valuations According to The Information, Polymarket has received offers valuing the company as high as […]
Industry
September 15, 2025
UNODC Warns of Gambling Scams and Other Illicit Activities in Timor-Leste
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has issued a warning that Timor-Leste, an enclave of East Timor surrounded by Indonesian territory and bordered by the Savu Sea, has emerged as the newest hub for gambling scam center operations affecting Southeast Asia and beyond. UNODC Flags Growing Criminal Activity in Timor-Leste The organized […]
Industry
September 12, 2025
Animo Launches Next-Gen Live Gaming with Animated Hosts on Stake
Animo Studios, founded by leading livestreamer and Fortnite champion Harley Fresh, has unveiled a collection of live, animated characters for online gaming. The platform launched exclusively with Stake on Monday, September 8, and is available for a limited time. Animo Promises a Unique Gambling Experience By blending advanced motion capture, live broadcasting, machine learning, and […]
