Happy Monday! Brazil has banned online betting, and the illegal market is already celebrating an influx of 428 websites. It seems the screenwriters have gone on a smoke break 👇

⚡️ Brazil's fight against iGaming, prediction markets on track to reach $10 trillion, and lifetime self-exclusion in Russia: what's changing in the industry. In this week's roundup, we break down the consequences of Brazil's ban, the growth of prediction markets, and new restrictions across different GEOs.

📌 Brazil: A ban that could cost billions
— Brazil's president issued a temporary decree  banning online betting websites from operating. Players must request withdrawals by October 5.
— In just three days, 428 new illegal betting websites appeared  in the country.
— The illegal market's GGR could reach $8.35 billion annually, while the government budget could lose around $2.31 billion in revenue each year. These estimates come from a study .
— According to the ANJL association's forecast, if online casinos are banned, the illegal market's share could rise from 41% to 82% .
— At the same time, 75% of Brazilians support a ban on online betting, while 17% oppose it. The Atlas/Bloomberg poll surveyed 5,015 people. Read more 

— They got a license, but casinos could be banned: what's happening with Brazil's reform 

📌 Predictions about prediction markets
— During the 2026 World Cup broadcasts, prediction market advertising accounted for 10% of all logos shown . By comparison, betting ads accounted for 6.9%.
— By 2035, trading volume on prediction markets could reach $10 trillion . The figure is estimated at $410 billion for 2026.
— In Canada, fantasy sports, prediction markets, and social casinos are considered among the fastest-growing segments. However, none of these verticals is regulated under gambling legislation. Read more 

— Exchanges instead of bookmakers: how prediction markets are creating a parallel sports betting market 

📌 Russia: Lifetime self-exclusion?
— Up to 40% of Russians have already self-excluded from gambling or plan to do so in the near future. These findings came from a survey conducted by Vybеru.ru and Eurocredit.ru. Read more 
— The Federation Council has proposed making self-exclusion from gambling permanent . The initiative was put forward by Vadim Dengin, a member of the Committee on Budget and Financial Markets.

— How to protect players: methods of combating gambling addiction 

📌 Other GEOs: restrictions and new rules
— Ethiopia: More than 250 offshore operators are already targeting local players. Before the legal sector was shut down in December 2025, 196 licensed operators were active in the country. Read more 
— South Africa: Gross betting turnover reached nearly $67 billion in 2025. Online betting accounts for around 60% of the market. Source 
— Bulgaria: The authorities plan to effectively ban almost all gambling advertising, retaining an exemption for sports sponsorship. They have also announced plans to significantly increase taxes on iGaming. Details 
— Armenia: Starting February 8, 2027, companies without a gambling license will be prohibited from using gambling-related words in their names. The fine for each violation will be approximately $1,375. Read more 

📌 What do you think?!
— Malta's regulator has published its first charter  on the use of artificial intelligence in games. It will serve as a guideline for developing future AI policies.
— According to an Ipsos Doxa survey, 33% of men and 27% of women believe that managing money wisely makes it possible to earn money through gambling. The study surveyed 1,000 people. Read more 

🪄

👉 Which story surprised you most this week? Drop it in the comments.

👍 Subscribe — the industry's key news every week