The theme this year — Steady hands, shifting ground: Advancing regulation in a connected world — reflects where many of us find ourselves: managing familiar responsibilities while navigating new territory. The Lima programme is being designed with that in mind.

It’ll be practical, operational and internationally grounded. Less about general commentary, more about what regulators are doing and what is working.

Without getting ahead of a full programme announcement, I can say that the sessions will give weight to enforcement and cross-border cooperation, prediction markets and emerging products, AML, technology and modern supervision, and the challenge of regulating in an increasingly connected world. Harmonisation and intelligence-sharing will also feature prominently. These are areas where peer exchange has real value, and we’re designing the programme to create space for that.

I’m also pleased to announce something new for Lima: the Emerging Technology Showcase. This will be a dedicated space for regulators to engage directly with cutting-edge tools and technology relevant to modern supervision. More details to follow soon.

Full programme details will be released in due course. In the meantime, early bird registration remains open until 30 June and I would encourage anyone still weighing up attendance to secure your place and lock in flights.

This week, our Vice President Brian Krolicki spoke at the Argentine Association of State Lotteries, Casinos and Pools International Workshop in Mendoza, Argentina — a gathering of Latin American regulators and industry specialists. Brian addressed illegal gambling, international regulatory coordination, and emerging frontier products, continuing the regional dialogue we hope to deepen in Lima in October.

As always, thank you for your engagement and support.

I’m also delighted to welcome Manuela Croci to the IAGR Board of Trustees. Manuela is Chief of Supervision and Financial Crime Prevention at the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority in the UAE. Her expertise will be a genuine asset to IAGR, and we look forward to working with her.

Our Vice President Brian Krolicki was in Cartagena, Colombia last week for the GAT Expo where he addressed delegates on the lessons Nevada’s regulatory model offers for Latin America. Brian made the case for greater international regulatory cooperation and highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration in tackling illegal gambling. It was a timely address and a strong signal of the dialogue we hope to continue in Lima in October.

Earlier this month, we held our first member webinar of 2026, featuring our colleagues from Australia’s NSW Independent Casino Commission. Thank you to everyone who joined, and to the NICC team for sharing their work so openly.

Looking ahead, our Enforcement and Compliance Working Group meets next month for its first session of the year. The topic — social media influencers promoting illegal online gambling services — is one that is appearing on regulators’ radar across many jurisdictions. It’s sure to be a timely and important conversation.

As always, thank you for your continued engagement and support.

Ben Haden

President, IAGR Board of Trustees

IAGR members are invited to the second webinar in our award winners’ series, featuring two representatives from the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA): Bashir Are, Chief Executive Officer, and Faruq Hassan, Manager of Strategy and Global Engagement and SAFEPLAY Champion.

Together they will share the story behind SAFEPLAY — Africa’s first regulator-led, multi-operator self-exclusion platform and winner of the 2025 IAGR Regulatory Innovation Award.

About SAFEPLAY

Developed by the LSLGA, SAFEPLAY addresses a structural gap in player protection: self-exclusion lists held by individual operators lacked visibility across the industry. A player excluded from one venue could access another. SAFEPLAY closes that gap.

The platform is centrally managed by the regulator and integrated with operator systems across both online and land-based environments. It provides real-time identity verification, a shared exclusion registry, and compliance intelligence accessible through a single regulatory dashboard.

The session will cover:

• The regulatory gap SAFEPLAY was designed to solve
• How the platform works across online and land-based channels
• The role of public awareness and community partnerships in responsible gambling
• Lessons for regulators considering centralised player protection systems

Webinar details

• Date: Thursday 21 May 2026
• Time: 3:00pm Lagos / London | 10:00pm Singapore | 11:00pm Tokyo | Midnight Sydney (Friday 22 May) | 7:00am Las Vegas
• Free and exclusive to IAGR members
• The session will be recorded and shared with all registrants

Find out more about the International Regulatory Awards.

Register now

Manuela is Chief of Supervision and Financial Crime Prevention at the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the UAE’s federal gaming regulator.

She leads the Authority’s supervisory strategy and oversees regulatory frameworks for financial crime compliance, including anti-money laundering (AML) and targeted financial sanctions.

She brings more than twenty years of experience across the UAE and the UK in regulatory oversight, financial services audit, and financial crime prevention. She holds a PhD in Economics and professional accreditations in risk management, AML, and sanctions compliance.

‘Manuela’s appointment strengthens the Board’s depth of expertise at a time when financial crime compliance is an increasingly important focus for regulators worldwide. We are delighted to have her,’ said Ben Haden, IAGR President.

You can read Manuela’s full bio here.

Illegal online gambling remains a persistent challenge for regulators worldwide. Unlicensed operators often provide gambling products and services without following rules designed to protect people, including age verification, safer gambling tools, anti-money laundering safeguards, and dispute resolution mechanisms. As online gambling markets continue to expand, the digital, global, and borderless nature of the internet allows illegal operators to reach people across borders in ways that were impossible with traditional, land-based gambling. Illegal gambling operates within a broader digital ecosystem involving operators, affiliates, payment providers, and technology platforms, which can complicate regulatory responses. At the same time, estimating the size of illegal gambling markets remains methodologically challenging and often contested. As a result, many regulators focus less on precise measurement and more on understanding trends over time and whether policy approaches are increasing or decreasing consumer participation in unlicensed gambling.

Pervasive illegal gambling undermines regulated markets by creating an uneven playing field. Licensed operators must meet a jurisdiction’s regulatory requirements and pay taxes or licensing fees, while unlicensed operators do not. Individuals who use illegal services may also have few options for recourse if disputes arise or if winnings are not paid. In some cases, individuals may not be aware they are using unlicensed services, particularly where illegal operators closely mimic licensed offerings or appear alongside them in search results and digital platforms. At the same time, the persistence of illegal markets reflects not only enforcement challenges but also differences in pricing, product availability, speed, and user experience between licensed and unlicensed offerings.

The growth of online gambling has increased both the scale and complexity of illegal activity. Offshore operators can host websites in jurisdictions with limited regulatory oversight while targeting individuals in regulated markets through online advertising, social media, affiliate networks, and search engine visibility. Illegal gambling activity spans multiple regulatory domains, including gambling regulation, advertising standards, financial oversight, and platform governance. This requires coordination across bodies with distinct mandates that may not always be aligned. Major technology platforms, including Google, Meta, and Apple, play an important role in limiting access to illegal gambling services through their policies on advertising, content moderation, and app distribution. However, the scale and speed of digital advertising ecosystems can make consistent enforcement challenging, particularly across jurisdictions with differing regulatory expectations. At the same time, digital wallets and cryptocurrencies also facilitate cross-border transactions that are difficult to monitor and control. These features can enable rapid adaptation by illegal operators, including shifting payment methods or re-establishing access after enforcement actions.

To address these concerns, regulators use a range of enforcement tools, including website and payment blocking, financial penalties, and collaboration with internet service providers, payment processors, advertising systems, and major technology platforms. While these measures can reduce visibility and access, engagement with platforms like Google and Meta is increasingly important to reduce the promotion and visibility of unlicensed operators across search results, digital advertising, and mobile applications. Many jurisdictions also promote the use of licensed operators through public awareness campaigns, helping individuals distinguish between licensed and unlicensed services and highlighting the stronger consumer protections they provide. These efforts reflect a broader objective of channelling individuals toward regulated environments, where consumer protections and safeguards are in place.

As illegal gambling evolves, regulators are increasingly adopting a combined approach, integrating robust licensing frameworks, enforcement tools and processes, cross-border cooperation, and efforts to steer individuals toward regulated markets. Addressing illegal gambling involves a range of interconnected factors, including enforcement capacity, market conditions, and consumer awareness. Sharing insights on emerging approaches and what works in practice can strengthen collective efforts to reduce illegal gambling and enhance consumer protection globally.

Recently published gambling research

Below is a selection of resources that may help inform regulatory action related to illegal gambling.

Please note that resources are selected based on relevance to the topic without formal assessment of quality, and inclusion does not imply endorsement.

• Defining and estimating the illegal gambling market
• Using banking data to understand onshore and offshore gambling among people with debts
• Stakeholders’ perspectives on channeling policy to address offshore gambling in Finland
• Illegal offshore gambling: A growing threat
• Challenges in regulating the online gambling sector: A scoping review
• A scoping review of measures used to block offshore gambling websites
• Evaluating the impact of tax rates on channelling online gambling toward the regulated markets in Europe
• Illegal online gambling: Consumer awareness, drivers and motivations
• Illegal online gambling – Phase 2: Identifying indicators of consumer engagement with illegal gambling websites

Evidence-informed action

Regulators can consider the following examples when developing strategies to address illegal gambling.

Great Britain

In Great Britain, the UK Gambling Commission is responsible for preventing unlicensed operators from offering gambling services to individuals in the jurisdiction. Under the Gambling Act 2005, operators must obtain a licence to provide gambling services to people in Great Britain, regardless of where the operator is based. According to enforcement data published by the Gambling Commission for the period of October 2024 to September 2025, there were 208,088 enforcement actions relating to illegal online gambling, with the largest category involving referrals of illegal gambling URLs to search engines to reduce their visibility. Other enforcement actions during this time period included issuing cease-and-desist letters and working with payment providers and online platforms to disrupt access to unlawful services.

• Unlicensed Gambling – Our approach to tackling unlicensed gambling
• Activity to tackle unlicensed gambling and outcomes

Italy
Italy regulates online gambling through a licensing regime overseen by the national gambling authority, which also takes enforcement action against unlicensed operators targeting people in Italian. The regulator works with internet service providers to block illegal gambling domains and restrict access to unlicensed platforms. As of September 2025, more than 11,400 unauthorised gambling domains had been blocked as part of Italy’s efforts to prevent individuals from accessing illegal gambling services.

• ADM orders blocking of 23 further unlicensed online gambling sites: black list exceeds 11,400 domains
• Elenco dei siti soggetti ad inibizone [List of blocked websites] [in Italian]

Norway

In Norway, gambling is restricted to state-authorized operators under the oversight of the Norwegian Gambling and Foundation Authority (Lotteri- og stiftelsestilsynet). Unlicensed operators are prohibited from targeting Norwegian players, and the Authority enforces this through cease-and-desist orders, internet service provider blocking, and payment provider restrictions. To date, 238 websites operated by 72 companies have been blocked, with a further 71 sites modifying their operations to exit the Norwegian market ahead of enforcement action.

• Blokkering av ulovlige pengespillsider/Blocking of illegal gambling sites [in Norwegian]
• DNS blocking in Norway [in English]

Global Cooperation
In 2025, major gambling trade bodies and regulators participated in formal cooperation efforts targeting illegal gambling. The American Gaming Association (AGA), the European Casino Association (ECA), and the Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) signed a memorandum of understanding, operationalized in 2025, committing to joint law enforcement roundtables, interjurisdictional information sharing, and coordinated strategies. The first roundtable, held in June 2025 in Berlin, brought together regulators and industry representatives to exchange knowledge and discuss approaches for tackling unlicensed gambling operators in Europe and beyond.

• Global gambling associations join forces to fight illegal market at Berlin roundtable

Our annual conference in Lima, Peru, from 19-22 October 2026 features four days of expert discussion, cross-jurisdiction collaboration and practical insight into the future of gambling regulation.

Hosted by Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR) at the JW Marriott Lima, IAGR2026 will bring together regulators, policymakers, industry leaders, compliance professionals and regulatory advisors from around the world to address the most pressing challenges facing modern gambling oversight.

This year’s theme, “Steady hands, shifting ground: Advancing regulation in a connected world,” will explore how regulators and stakeholders can maintain effective oversight as technology, markets, and risks continue to evolve.

Early bird registration is now available. Register before 30 June to save USD 200.

Register here

Why attend IAGR2026?

• Engage directly with regulators and policymakers from jurisdictions around the world
• Explore emerging regulatory challenges including:
  • Understanding how regulators can leverage artificial intelligence while mitigating its risks
  • Combating illegal gambling and prediction markets
  • Learning about the latest developments in payments technology
• Gain practical insights into regulatory expectations, compliance strategies and new tools that are emerging to improve compliance, reduce friction and achieve more measurable outcomes
• Discover cutting-edge gaming technology and innovative regulatory tools designed to strengthen compliance and modernize oversight at our inaugural Emerging Technology Showcase
• Build relationships with global leaders across government, industry, and the regulatory ecosystem

Who should attend 

IAGR2026 is designed primarily for gambling regulators and government officials, while also welcoming the broader community that supports effective regulation, including:

• Industry executives and compliance leaders
• Policy and regulatory advisors
• Legal and regulatory affairs professionals
• Technology and payments experts working in regulated markets
• Researchers and organisations focused on responsible gambling and consumer protection

Your conference pass includes

• Access to all conference sessions (19-22 October)
• Daily lunch and refreshments
• Opening Reception
• Gala Dinner

Conference details

Dates: 19-22 October 2026
Venue: JW Marriott Hotel, Lima
Conference host: Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR)
Latest info: Head to the conference webpage, where we’ll share the conference program and confirmed speakers

Register here

Accommodation

 Preferential room rates will be available for conference attendees at the JW Marriott Lima. Booking details will be shared shortly.

Travel information

Entry requirements for Peru vary by nationality. While many travellers do not require a visa for short stays, some may need to apply in advance.

We recommend checking travel requirements early to allow sufficient time for processing.

We look forward to welcoming the global regulatory and compliance community to Lima this October.

Why is IAGR creating a CEO role now?

IAGR has grown significantly in its activity, expectations, and global reach. At the same time, the regulatory environment is becoming more complex and more interconnected. Regulators are responding to rapid technological innovation, expanding cross-border market activity, and evolving public expectations, often under heightened public and political scrutiny.

Creating a Chief Executive Officer role is a natural and strategic next step in IAGR’s evolution. It strengthens the organisation’s ability to execute consistently on the Board’s vision, deepen engagement with members, and enhance coordination across our expanding programme of work. As IAGR continues to mature, dedicated executive leadership ensures continuity, accountability, and sustained focus on long-term priorities.

Importantly, this is a proportionate and forward-looking step. The role is designed to build capacity sustainably while reinforcing what IAGR already does exceptionally well: convening regulators, facilitating shared learning, promoting best practices, and strengthening international cooperation.

Does this change IAGR’s governance or independence?

No. IAGR remains firmly member-led, with strategic direction set by the Board of Trustees on behalf of the membership.

The creation of a CEO role strengthens operational leadership and execution, but it does not alter governance structures or decision-making authority. Independence, integrity, and neutrality remain central to IAGR’s credibility and purpose.

My responsibility is to implement the Board’s strategy, support the work of IAGR’s committees, and ensure that the organisation delivers meaningful value to members. That includes upholding the high professional standards regulators expect and preserving IAGR’s regulator-first focus in all activities and partnerships.

At the same time, effective regulation benefits from informed understanding. Part of strengthening IAGR’s value will involve helping members better understand industry perspectives, emerging technologies, and operational realities in a structured and transparent manner. Through IAGR’s network and programmes, we can responsibly engage with the world’s leading subject matter experts, ensuring that regulators have access to high-quality technical, legal, and policy insight. This approach enhances regulatory effectiveness while fully safeguarding IAGR’s independence and member-led governance.

What will success look like for IAGR under your leadership?

Success will begin with listening.

IAGR’s strength comes from its members, and my first responsibility is to understand what you need most from this organisation. If we are successful, members will feel heard, supported, and meaningfully connected to peers across jurisdictions. Listening is not a preliminary step. It is an ongoing commitment that will shape priorities, programming, and partnerships.

Beyond that, success will be measured by tangible value.

Stronger, more active member collaboration: Working groups that produce practical insight. Webinars and programming that address real-time regulatory challenges. More structured opportunities for peer exchange that help regulators apply lessons learned in their own jurisdictions.

Expanded services supported by sustainable funding: Through a transparent, carefully governed sponsorship programme, IAGR will be able to enhance educational offerings, increase working group activity, and maintain a more consistent presence at major international industry events. The gaming industry is accustomed to funding the cost of its own regulation at the national level. Our sponsorship framework reflects that same principle internationally, with clear safeguards to protect IAGR’s independence and regulator-led identity. When structured appropriately, this enables us to expand services without compromising integrity.

Greater visibility and clearer communication: Success will mean that regulatory perspectives are well represented in global conversations. A stronger IAGR presence enhances collaboration, improves educational resources, and supports the effective delivery of key messages to industry, consumers, and the media.

Deeper international cooperation: Regulators will be better connected across borders and better equipped to address shared challenges such as illegal gambling, financial crime, integrity risks, and rapid technological change.

Ultimately, success will not be defined by growth alone. It will be defined by whether members view IAGR as an indispensable platform for trusted collaboration, informed dialogue, and practical support in an increasingly complex and connected regulatory environment.

Where can international cooperation make the greatest difference today?

International cooperation makes the greatest difference where risks transcend borders faster than regulation can adapt.

Illegal and unlicensed gambling is one clear example. Consumers can access offshore operators in seconds, often beyond the reach of domestic enforcement tools. No single regulator can address that challenge alone. Sharing intelligence, comparing enforcement strategies, and coordinating approaches can significantly strengthen outcomes.

Financial crime and money laundering present a similar cross-border challenge. Payments, digital identities, and service providers frequently operate across multiple jurisdictions. Cooperation improves visibility, strengthens supervision, and reduces regulatory blind spots.

Integrity risks, including match-fixing and betting manipulation, also require coordinated responses. The speed and scale of modern betting markets demand trusted networks where regulators can exchange information and best practices.

Rapid technological change is another area where cooperation is essential. Artificial intelligence, data-driven supervision, evolving platform models, and emerging products are developing globally. Regulators benefit from understanding how peers are addressing similar questions and from engaging credible subject-matter experts who can clarify technical and operational realities.

This is where IAGR can make a meaningful difference. By providing a structured, trusted environment for dialogue, we help regulators learn from one another and build more informed, resilient regulatory frameworks.

Ultimately, international cooperation makes the greatest difference when it is practical, informed, and ongoing. IAGR’s role is to ensure that regulators have the relationships, insight, and platform necessary to respond confidently in a connected world.

What are you most looking forward to in the role and what should members expect this year?

I am most looking forward to engaging directly with members and learning more about the realities they face in their respective jurisdictions. IAGR is at its best when it connects regulators who might not otherwise have the opportunity to exchange perspectives and lessons learned.

This year, members can expect a continued emphasis on practical, forward-looking programming aligned with real regulatory priorities. We will continue expanding opportunities for engagement between annual conferences, ensuring that IAGR remains active and relevant throughout the year.

A major milestone will be IAGR2026 in Lima, Peru, hosted in partnership with Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism. The conference theme, Steady hands, shifting ground: Advancing regulation in a connected world, reflects the environment regulators are navigating: rapid change, emerging risks, and the need for steady, strategic leadership.

The conference will provide an important forum for dialogue on shared challenges, particularly as markets across Latin America continue to expand in both scale and complexity. I look forward to meeting many members there in person and strengthening the relationships that underpin effective international cooperation.

What should members know about you personally?

Outside of my professional work, family has always been central to my life. My wife, Jerri, and I have known each other since high school, and she has always worked alongside me. We both grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and we are grateful to continue calling it home.  We are active in the community and value its rich heritage, vibrant arts, sports, and culinary offerings, as well as its enduring sense of civic pride.

We have five children and eight grandchildren, which provides both perspective and balance. Public service and regulatory work can be demanding, and family keeps that work grounded in what ultimately matters.

We enjoy travelling and learning about different jurisdictions and cultures. One of the aspects of this role I value most is the opportunity to meet members where they are, understand their local environments, and strengthen relationships in person. International cooperation is ultimately built on trust, and trust is built through relationships.

 Stay connected

•  Read Kevin Mullally’s full biography
• Explore the IAGR2026 conference page

Prediction markets pose unique challenges for regulators worldwide. These platforms often fall into a grey area between traditional gambling and high-risk investments, and different countries take varied approaches. On prediction market platforms, individuals can place bets on virtually anything, from elections and economic indicators to entertainment outcomes, rather than being limited to specific categories like sports. Unlike traditional betting, prediction markets do not act as the house; instead, individuals trade directly with one another, and the platform simply matches buyers and sellers. How prediction markets are classified, either as betting or as financial products, largely determines the rules they must follow.

In the United States, prediction markets are generally considered financial products. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) oversees most prediction market platforms as a type of commodity trading, while the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) monitors those that resemble risky investment trading, although in practice few fall under SEC oversight. However, the federal rules do not capture the full regulatory landscape. Several U.S. states and their gaming regulators have taken enforcement actions, reasoning that certain prediction market platforms should be considered illegal gambling under state law. In addition, some gambling regulators point out that in their jurisdictions, event-based contracts meet statutory definitions of betting and require state licences. As a result, some states have issued cease-and-desist orders or initiated court proceedings, claiming that federal rules don’t override state laws. Operators may therefore face both federal and state scrutiny, creating legal uncertainty.

Concerns have been raised about the gambling-like nature of these platforms. On February 9, 2026, the National Council on Problem Gambling’s (NCPG) Board of Directors passed a resolution calling on prediction market platforms to promote the National Problem Gambling Helpline, arguing that trading on event outcomes is similar to other types of betting and poses the same risks for consumers.

In the United Kingdom, by contrast, markets on politics, sports, and entertainment are mostly treated as gambling and regulated by the Gambling Commission. At the same time, spread betting, a form of speculation on the price movements of financial assets like stocks or commodities, is regulated and monitored by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Meanwhile, in Denmark, platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi are accessible, but the Danish Gambling Authority cannot block them unless there is clear evidence they are targeting the local market, such as using local payment methods or currency. Enforcement will only occur if these criteria are met, despite the use of prediction markets in the country.

As prediction markets become more popular, they pose greater risks, especially for vulnerable people. Prices can swing quickly, and individuals often underestimate the financial and psychological risks involved. They can encourage risky behaviours such as betting more than an individual can afford, chasing quick profits, and being influenced by herd behaviour.

As prediction markets and their hosting platforms evolve, regulators face the challenge of protecting individuals in jurisdictions that lack clear rules.

Recently published gambling research

Below is a selection of resources that may help inform regulatory action on prediction market platforms. Please note that resources are selected based on relevance to the topic without formal assessment of quality, and inclusion does not imply endorsement.

• Are prediction markets and event-based contracts the latest example of gamblification?
• Prediction markets: An emerging form of gambling?
• All bets are on: Addiction, prediction, regulation, and the future of financial gambling
• Development and validation of the Trading Disorder Scale
• Risk factors for problem gambling: a comparison of day traders and non-day traders in Canada
• The effects of financially focused self-concept and gambling motives on the relationships between cryptocurrency trading, day trading, and gambling

Evidence-informed action

Regulators can consider the following examples when developing regulations on prediction markets.

Great Britain

The UK Gambling Commission recently addressed growing interest in prediction markets, following several enquiries about their potential impact on gambling regulation. In Great Britain, any business that allows an individual to bet on the outcomes of events such as financial trends, sports, or politics would likely be classified as a gambling operator. This means they must be licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission. While prediction markets are still emerging in other jurisdictions, Great Britain has a more established regulatory framework for gambling, and platforms offering prediction markets must comply with existing rules around fairness, consumer protection, and market integrity.

• Prediction markets – here’s what you need to know

Germany

In Germany, prediction market platforms that allow individuals to bet on non-sporting events such as politics or world affairs do not meet the criteria for licensed gambling under German law and are effectively considered illegal under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021). German authorities have made it clear that these markets, if unlicensed, are treated as illegal gambling, and steps have been taken to block and penalize operators targeting German consumers.

• Regulator warns social betting platforms not permitted in Germany

 Singapore

Singapore classifies prediction market platforms as illegal under the Gambling Control Act 2022, which regulates both physical and online gambling. The Act requires any platform that allows users to bet on event outcomes, such as financial predictions or other markets, to be licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA). Currently, Singapore Pools, the state-owned operator, is the only legal provider of betting services in the country. The GRA has specifically classified platforms like Polymarket as unlawful gambling operators and blocked access to them as of January 12, 2025.

• Singapore Imposes Ban on Polymarket Amid Online Gambling Crackdown

The Netherlands

In February 2026, the Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), ordered Polymarket to stop offering its services in the Netherlands, determining that its event-based contracts constitute illegal gambling under Dutch law. The regulator stated that platforms where users bet on uncertain future events need a Dutch gambling licence and could face fines if they don’t comply. This action reflects the Netherlands’ position that prediction markets fall within the scope of existing gambling legislation where they meet statutory definitions of games of chance.

• Dutch regulators block access to U.S. betting site over illegal gambling

New Zealand

New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has clarified that prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket are classified as gambling under current laws. As a result, these platforms? cannot offer their services to New Zealand residents without the proper license. The DIA has officially notified these platforms that, under existing gambling laws, any unauthorised gambling product, including prediction markets, cannot be provided to customers without the necessary license. Taking bets from New Zealand residents without a license is a legal violation. This stance reflects a broader interpretation of national gambling laws, where event-based contracts are considered gambling products that require specific regulatory approval.

• New Zealand declares prediction markets illegal while 15 casino licenses advance

Canada (this section was added April 2026)

In Canada, prediction markets have begun to emerge within an established regulated framework. Forecast contracts are classified as securities products overseen by the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA), an umbrella body of provincial and territorial securities regulators, which grants exceptions only to dealers registered with the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), the industry’s self-regulatory organization. Firms and individuals not registered with CIRO are not permitted to operate or trade these contracts. Provincial regulators retain independent authority, and there is no federal body asserting overarching jurisdiction. Firms such as Wealthsimple and Interactive Brokers Canada (via ForecastEx) have received approval to offer yes/no contracts on economic or climate outcomes, with each contract priced between $0 and $1 and paying out $1 if the predicted event occurs. Approved platforms are currently restricted from offering contracts tied to sporting events or political elections. Critics have raised concerns that, despite regulatory oversight, forecast contracts can still be highly speculative for retail investors, since each contract can result in a total loss of the invested amount.

• Application of CIRO Requirements to Event Contracts
• Wealthsimple gets regulatory approval to enter prediction markets

International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) members are invited to our first member webinar in the award winners’ series, featuring the 2025 Regulatory excellence award winner: NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC).

This session will explore how the NICC led a three-year, milestone-driven remediation of Crown Sydney following the Bergin Inquiry, which included the elimination of high-roller junkets, prevention of money laundering and the introduction of more scrutinised gambling harm minimisation measures.

Register now

‘The NICC is a small yet robust statutory authority which was established in 2022 to address the risks and harms arising from casino operations. It sets a high bar for casino compliance in New South Wales to ensure venues do not return to past behaviours which have allowed gambling harms and criminal activity to flourish.

 ‘Following the Bergin Inquiry, we have taken a strong stance against any serious contraventions of the Casino Control Act 1992, proving that it is possible to enact long-lasting change and set a new standard for Australian casino operations.’

Philip Crawford, NSW Independent Casino Commission Chief Commissioner and IAGR Trustee

What to expect from the session 

The webinar will cover:

• How the remediation program was structured and delivered over time
• Key reforms and lessons learned, including integrity and financial crime controls
• Strengthening harm minimisation and governance
• What sustained remediation can look like in practice, and what other regulators can take from the approach

Speakers from the NICC

• Philip Crawford, Chief Commissioner (and IAGR Trustee)
• Alex Kennedy, Office of NICC Director

Event details

• Date: Thursday 26 March 2026
• Time: 2pm Sydney (AEDT)
  • Singapore: 11am
  • Tokyo: 12pm
  • Wellington: 4pm
  • London: 3am
  • Las Vegas: 8pm (Wed 25 March)
  • Lima: 10pm (Wed 25 March)

• Access: Free for IAGR members only
• Recording: The session will be recorded and shared with all registrants

Register now

More about the awards

The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has announced the appointment of Kevin Mullally as its first Chief Executive Officer, a newly established role reflecting IAGR’s continued growth, expanding global engagement and increasingly complex regulatory environment.

The new position strengthens IAGR’s executive capacity while maintaining its member-led governance structure, with strategic direction set by the Board of Trustees.

‘Kevin brings an extraordinary depth of regulatory experience and a global perspective that aligns perfectly with IAGR’s mission,’ said Ben Haden, President of IAGR.

‘The Board was unanimous in its excitement about bringing on a leader with Kevin’s background to guide IAGR in this newly created Chief Executive Officer role. His experience in regulatory governance, gaming industry technology, institutional leadership and international collaboration will be invaluable as IAGR continues to strengthen its global role and support regulators facing complex cross-jurisdictional challenges.’

Supporting regulators through collaboration and strategy

As CEO, Mullally will focus on leading the execution of Board-approved strategy, strengthening operational coordination across conferences and member services, and enhancing partnerships and knowledge sharing to support regulators confronting challenges that increasingly span jurisdictions.

‘IAGR’s strength lies in its members and their willingness to work together across jurisdictions,’ Mullally said.

‘My focus is on supporting regulators by expanding collaboration, sharing practical solutions, and ensuring IAGR remains at the forefront of addressing the most critical regulatory issues worldwide.’

A career rooted in effective, independent regulation

Mullally brings decades of senior-level experience in gaming regulation, public policy and governance. His career includes leadership roles overseeing complex regulatory systems, advancing responsible gaming frameworks, combating illegal market activity and engaging constructively with industry stakeholders while maintaining strong regulatory independence.

This experience directly supports IAGR’s mission to promote effective regulation in the public interest and to strengthen cooperation among regulators globally.

• Read Kevin Mullally’s full biography

A global focus looking towards IAGR2026 in Lima

A key focus for Mullally will be strengthening IAGR’s role as a global convener, particularly in markets experiencing rapid growth and regulatory evolution.

This commitment will be reflected at the IAGR2026 Annual Conference, taking place in Lima, Peru, this October. The event is expected to be one of the most significant global gatherings of gaming regulators in 2026.

‘Lima will provide a powerful forum for regulators to engage on shared challenges, particularly as markets across Latin America expand in both scale and complexity,’ Mullally said.

‘IAGR’s role is to bring regulators together to build effective, collaborative, and future-focused regulatory models.’

• Explore the IAGR2026 conference page

The Mullally Group: Supporting regulation globally

Mullally is also the founder of The Mullally Group, an independent advisory firm focused on supporting governments, regulators, and institutions in the development and implementation of effective regulatory frameworks and governance practices.

For media enquiries, contact media@iagr.org.