Stefan Velikov's latest articles
Stefan Velikov
WriterStefan 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.
Casino
February 12, 2026
Michigan Gov. Whitmer Proposes Online Casino Tax Hike
Earlier this week, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed increasing the state’s highest online casino tax rate by eight percentage points to 36% as part of her Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Governor Proposes Tax Increase Her proposal also includes a widely criticized per-wager surcharge on mobile sports betting, mirroring the structure adopted in Illinois. Under the […]
Legal
February 12, 2026
Mississippi Advances Bill to Collect Child Support From Casino Winnings
Mississippi’s House and Senate passed House Bill 520/Senate Bill 2369 earlier this week, which would require unpaid child support to be collected from gambling winnings. What Is This New Bill? House Bill 520 and Senate Bill 2369 are almost identical measures that would require casinos to check significant winnings against a state database managed by […]
Prediction Markets
February 11, 2026
Kalshi’s Ambiguity About Cardi B’s Super Bowl Performance Leads to CFTC Letter
Fans and bettors have spent many millions around Super Bowl Sunday on Kalshi’s prediction markets. A lot of that money came from non-game trading, with more than $100 million exchanged just on the market for the halftime show’s opening song. However, traders who wagered $4.4 million on whether Cardi B would “perform” during the show […]
Industry
February 11, 2026
Six Men Charged in Relation to London Casino Stabbing of Blue Stevens
Six men have been charged with perverting the course of justice as detectives continue their search for a 25-year-old suspect wanted in connection with the fatal stabbing of Blue Stevens outside The Park Tower Casino in Knightsbridge, London, last year. These are Adnan Hindawi, 25, Ali Hindawi, 24, Nicholas McCoy, 23, Mozahedul Alam, 26, Shafwan […]
Industry
February 10, 2026
University of Sheffield Study Warns Gambling Ad Regulations Are Insufficient
According to a study from the University of Sheffield, existing regulations on gambling advertising may be inadequate, following new findings showing that television adverts substantially affected betting behavior during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Researchers Warn of the Effects of Gambling Ads Lead author of the study, Ellen McGrane, a research associate at the University […]
Industry
February 10, 2026
Brazil Discusses Stricter Age Verification to Shield Minors From Online Gambling
Brazil’s government is drafting regulations to prohibit young people from accessing online gambling and similar content, advancing new restrictions approved in 2025. Brazilian Lawmakers Debate Stricter Age Verification for Gambling Sites According to an official familiar with the matter, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s government aims to issue the decree by the end of […]
Prediction Markets
February 9, 2026
Sporttrade Seeks Federal Approval to Enter the Prediction Markets Scene
Sporttrade filed documents with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to seek designation as a contract market (DCM), meaning that if approved, the company would gain the same status as prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket. Sporttrade Makes Bold Move Towards Prediction Markets The prediction market industry has seen rapid growth over the past year, […]
Industry
February 9, 2026
Las Vegas Loop Criticized for Its Safety Standards and Environmental Issues
Elon Musk’s “Vegas Loop,” the underground tunnel system designed to transport passengers in Teslas, came under renewed scrutiny this week as Nevada lawmakers voiced concerns over alleged workplace safety and environmental violations. Vegas Loop Hit With Criticisms Opened in 2021, the Vegas Loop provides free rides within the Las Vegas Convention Center and charges between […]
Industry
February 6, 2026
DoD Receives Funding for Research on Gambling Addiction in the Military
Under the Defense Appropriations Act signed into law on Tuesday, the US Department of Defense will receive $370 million for its Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP), which supports medical research projects with demonstrated scientific rigor and direct relevance to military health. A large part of that sum will be used to study gambling addiction in […]
Sports
February 6, 2026
Paysafe Survey Shows Half of Super Bowl Bettors Will Bet Online
Super Bowl LX is set to go down this Sunday in Santa Clara, California, and research released by Paysafe shows that 51% of fans following the game in US states and Canadian provinces that have regulated sports betting plan to place wagers online. Paysafe Conducted the All the Ways Players Pay: Super Bowl Survey Paysafe, […]
