Latest Gaming News

đź“…May 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Gaming news today centers on a major crackdown story about unregulated online gambling, alongside regional revenue gains and regulatory responses worldwide.
1

Unregulated online gambling is now estimated at $5.9 trillion globally

Gaming Compliance International says unregulated online gambling reached $5.9 trillion in wagering value in 2025, up 4% from $5.7 trillion. The report argues the scale makes it a dominant force in global gaming and a major regulatory challenge. Source 1

2

Shadow gambling market described as the world’s third-largest economy

A separate write-up on GCI’s analysis says unregulated gambling now ranks behind only the United States and China in economic size. It frames the market as the largest single form of cybercrime worldwide, underscoring how far the sector has expanded beyond licensed oversight. Source 2

3

GCI says 78% of global online gaming activity is unregulated

PR Newswire’s summary of the report says the global online gaming marketplace is split 78% unregulated and 22% regulated by gross gaming revenue share. GCI argues that most consumer spending is flowing outside taxed and controlled environments. Source 5

4

Industry warns of a new 'three-sector' gaming marketplace

GCI says online gaming is no longer just a regulated-versus-unregulated story, but a three-sector market that also includes 'unacknowledged' gambling products. The company says this blur is increasing consumer confusion and complicating enforcement. Source 2Source 5

5

Regulators intensify action against sweepstakes and skin gambling

The report says U.S. industry groups are pushing to restrict sweepstakes platforms, while authorities worldwide are targeting skin gambling. It cites Valve cease-and-desist actions and Australian site-blocking efforts as examples of the pushback. Source 2

6

Global cooperation on illegal gambling is expanding

International bodies such as the International Association of Gaming Regulators are working to share intelligence on illegal operations. The effort reflects growing concern that cross-border enforcement is needed to address a market operating largely outside regulation. Source 2

7

New Jersey gaming revenue jumps 12% in April

New Jersey’s gaming revenue rose 12% year-on-year for April, according to InterGame. The result suggests continued strength in one of the most closely watched U.S. state gaming markets. Source 4

8

Canada’s iGaming market continues to post strong growth

iGaming Today reports that PointsBet Canada revenue rose 13% to $24.7 million, while total net winnings increased 14%. The article points to Canada as a key market benefiting from broader iGaming expansion. Source 6

9

The regulated gaming sector faces pressure from offshore competition

GCI’s findings suggest regulated operators are losing share to offshore and unacknowledged products that mimic gambling mechanics. The company says the market’s fragmentation is reshaping how consumers engage with betting and gaming. Source 5

10

Compliance and enforcement are becoming core industry themes

Across the coverage, the central theme is that growth in gaming is now tightly linked to enforcement, licensing, and consumer protection. Reports and trade commentary emphasize that regulators are moving from isolated actions to broader frameworks aimed at managing a rapidly expanding digital market. Source 1Source 2Source 5

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