This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more stories on Big Tech versus politics in Washington, DC, follow Tina Nguyen and read Regulator. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers' inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. How it started A long time ago, in 2004, the Federal Communications Commission laid down a rule designed to prevent a monopoly: No one company could broadcast to more than 39 percent of all the TV households in the United States. But then Donald Trump returned to the White House in 2025. Brendan Carr became FCC chairman and immediately kicked off a deregu … Read the full story at The Verge.

Article URL: https://simonwillison.net/2026/Apr/18/opus-system-prompt/ Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47823270 Points: 164 # Comments: 100

I’ve spent roughly the last decade and some change as a software engineer, and recently decided to start a solo consultancy.I’m focused on helping SMEs sort out the messy back-office parts of the business: spreadsheet glue, brittle internal workflows, poor reporting, awkward integrations, backend/platform problems, and AI workflows that need to do real work rather than just look good in a demo.I’m not really interested in becoming a generic agency. I’d rather work with businesses that already feel operational pain and need someone technical to help untangle it properly.For those of you who’ve made this jump:* how did you get your first real project? * what kind of outreach actually worked? * did your first few clients come from network, content, cold outreach, partnerships, subcontracting, or somewhere else?Also, if anyone knows SMEs or operators dealing with this sort of mess, I’d be glad to chat.As a gesture of goodwill, I’m offering the first 5 clients 10 hours free to help get an initial project moving.You can find me over at https://crescita.cc Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47822940 Points: 238 # Comments: 108

Article URL: https://www.usenix.org/system/files/conference/woot17/woot17-paper-guri.pdf Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47822805 Points: 154 # Comments: 66

Article URL: https://madhadron.com/programming/seven_ur_languages.html Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47822486 Points: 267 # Comments: 100

Article URL: https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/914672/the-ram-shortage-could-last-years Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47822414 Points: 157 # Comments: 157

A bug with the Gemini app today is responsible for several recent features being rolled back. more…

In some Minneapolis neighborhoods, nearly every house has an anti-ICE sign. | Photo by Jack Califano / The Verge Jorge L. Alonso, a federal district court judge for the Northern District of Illinois, said that the Trump Administration violated the First Amendment when it pressured Facebook and Apple to remove ICE-tracking groups and apps. Judge Alonso granted the plaintiffs, Kassandra Rosado, who runs the ICE Sightings - Chicagoland Facebook group, and Kreisau Group, the developers of Eyes Up, a preliminary injunction. Judge Alonso cited a unanimous Supreme Court decision from a 2024 case that pitted the NRA against the former superintendent of the New York Department of Financial Services, Maria Vullo. In that case, the court ruled that "[g]overnment … Read the full story at The Verge.

From fancy OLED TVs to robot vacuums with arms, we tend to cover a lot of cool stuff here at The Verge that, unfortunately, often costs as much as a month’s rent (or more). But with the ongoing tariff situation in the US and a global memory shortage pushing up the cost of, well, everything, we’re well aware that not everyone can spend that kind of money right now. So, as we did last year, we asked The Verge staff to share some of their favorite gadgets under $50. These are the gizmos that don’t fall apart after a few weeks, as cheap stuff often does, and quietly improve our lives. Some are practical purchases, like portable power banks and backup bulbs, while the rest are useful in other ways. After all, who doesn’t want a dirt-cheap Bluetooth speaker, a feature-packed pair of earbuds, or a fitness tracker that punches well above its weight? If you’re curious, you can check out our favorites below. Nite Ize DoohicKey Plus Key Tool Nite Ize DoohicKey Plus Key Tool Where to Buy: $6.99 $6.49 at Amazon $6.99 at Nite Ize $7 $6.5 at REI This keychain thingy costs less than seven bucks, is about the size of an actual key, and clips onto your keyring with a built-in carabiner latch. It’s perfectly suited for opening boxes, popping bottlecaps, or tightening a screw or a bolt in a pinch. While it’s not as good as a dedicated tool — or even a larger multitool like a Leatherman — at any of those things, I’m also way more likely to have it on me when I need it. — Nathan Edwards, senior reviews editor CMF Buds 2A CMF Buds 2A Where to Buy: $49 $19.99 at Amazon (black) $49 $19.99 at Amazon (orange) $49 $19.99 at Amazon (light gray) When it comes to earbuds, my daily drivers are a pair of AirPods Pro 3. However, given how often I find myself sitting in my car due to my extracurriculars (I volunteer with search and rescue), I decided to pick up a pair of Nothing’s CMF Buds 2A as a backup for my bag. The budget earbuds are often on sale for a tenth of what the Pro 3 cost, and while they certainly can’t compete with Apple’s high-end earbuds, their pack-in features and overall performance make them a terrific value. For $49, you get decent sound and customizable touch controls, along with up to eight hours of playback on a single charge (or up to 35.5 hours with the included USB-C charging case). They also support Google’s Fast Pair feature, carry an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance, and offer a touch of active noise cancellation. They’re not going to drown out sharper sounds or all subway chatter — you only get about 42 decibels of noise reduction — but it’s a hell of a lot better than going it alone. — Brandon Widder, senior commerce editor  Syncwire Magnetic AirGrip Syncwire Magnetic AirGrip Where to Buy: $24.99 $16.99 at Amazon $24.99 $19.99 at Syncwire Want a more secure grip on your phone? You can find countless rings that magnetically snap onto your phone, then physically slip onto your finger. But the Syncwire AirGrip is better than that — it’s got magnets on both sides of the ring, so it can snap your device to any ferrous metal surface: your car mount, your fridge, your filing cabinet, you name it. Depending on which design you buy, I’ve found it has the right amount of magnet strength for these tasks, and while you can’t wirelessly charge through it like its OhSnap competition, it also costs much less. The best part might be the built-in ratchet, though: you can securely spin the inner ring 360 degrees while it makes an incredibly satisfying clicking sound. — Sean Hollister, senior editor Watch our video about the Syncwire AirGrip. Vornado 133 Compact Air Circulator Vornado 133 Compact Air Circulator Where to Buy: $29.97 at Amazon $29.99 at The Home Depot $29.99 at Vornado Before I moved closer to the coast, I relied on Vornado fans to survive inland Southern Californian summers, where temperatures regularly push past 100 degrees for much of the summer and early fall. I’ve used them through intense heat waves, buying mult

After just over a decade, the Google Assistant is entering end-of-life, but what does that mean for the millions of us who have used it for so long? And what is next for the platform? more…

Amazon today has the AirPods Pro 3 available for $199.99, down from $249.00. This is a match of the all-time low price on the AirPods Pro 3, and it's accompanied by a solid deal on the AirPods 4. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. This model of the AirPods Pro launched in September 2025 and has 2x better Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, better audio quality, a revised fit that's meant to improve comfort and stability, Live Translation for in-person conversations, and heart rate sensing for workouts. $49 OFFAirPods Pro 3 for $199.99 You can also get the AirPods 4 for $99.00, down from $129.00. This is a second-best price on the AirPods 4, which is the base model without Active Noise Cancellation. Amazon provides an April 23 estimated delivery date for free shipping, with faster delivery options for Prime members. $30 OFFAirPods 4 for $99.00 Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "AirPods Weekend Deals Include AirPods Pro 3 for $199.99 and AirPods 4 for $99" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

During its Platforms State of the Union segment at WWDC 2025, Apple revealed that macOS 26 Tahoe is the final major macOS version for Intel-based Macs. The upcoming macOS 27 release will be compatible with Apple silicon Macs only, meaning that you will need a Mac with an M-series chip or a MacBook Neo with an A18 Pro chip in order to install the software update. macOS 27 should be available in beta starting in June, and the update will likely be widely released in September. macOS Tahoe is compatible with the following Macs:MacBook Neo (2026) MacBook Air with Apple silicon (2020 and later) MacBook Pro with Apple silicon (2020 and later) MacBook Pro (16‑inch, 2019) MacBook Pro (13‑inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports) iMac (2020 and later) Mac mini (2020 and later) Mac Studio (2022 and later) Mac Pro (2019 and later)Intel-based Macs that can run macOS Tahoe but will not be compatible with macOS 27 include the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019), the 27-inch iMac (2020), the 13-inch MacBook Pro (2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports), and the Mac Pro (2019). macOS 27's exact compatibility with Apple silicon Macs remains to be seen, but presumably the update will support all Macs with an M1 chip or newer.Related Roundup: macOS 27This article, "macOS 27 Will Mark the End of an Era" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Apple has released more than 12 new products and accessories this year. The company kicked things off with a second-generation AirTag in January, and it unveiled a wide range of devices in March, including the MacBook Neo, iPhone 17e, two new Studio Display models, updated iPad Air models with the M4 chip, and much more. Here is everything that Apple has released in 2026 so far:Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More Apple Introduces New Black Unity Apple Watch Band Apple Announces iPhone 17e With A19 Chip, MagSafe, and More Apple Unveils iPad Air With M4 Chip, Increased RAM, Wi-Fi 7, and More Apple Announces MacBook Air With M5 Chip and 512GB Base Storage Apple Unveils MacBook Pro Featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max Chips Apple Updates Studio Display With Thunderbolt 5 and More Apple Introduces All-New Studio Display XDR: 120Hz, Mini-LED, and More Apple Announces $599 'MacBook Neo' With A18 Pro Chip Apple Announces AirPods Max 2 With H2 Chip and More Apple's Special-Edition Nike Powerbeats Pro 2 Now Available Apple Releases iPhone Cases, Apple Watch Bands, and Crossbody Strap in New ColorsThe new AirTag is equipped with a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, enabling the Precision Finding feature to work up to 50% farther away from an item compared to the previous-generation model, according to Apple. The new AirTag also has an upgraded Bluetooth chip for improved overall range outside of Precision Finding mode. With an updated internal design, the new AirTag features a 50% louder speaker compared to the previous-generation model, according to Apple. Apple said the Black Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop for the Apple Watch features the colors of the Pan-African flag in honor of Black History Month. iPhone 17e features the same overall design as the iPhone 16e, but it gains Apple's A19 chip, MagSafe for magnetic wireless charging and magnetic accessories, Apple's second-generation C1X modem for faster 5G, and a doubled 256GB of base storage. In the U.S., the iPhone 17e starts at $599, just like the iPhone 16e did. The new iPad Air's key upgrades include Apple's M4 chip, an increased 12GB of RAM, Apple's N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 support, and the C1X modem in cellular models. The MacBook Air received a faster M5 chip, and a doubled 512GB of base storage, but the starting price increased from $999 to $1,099 as a result of a 256GB configuration being dropped. With the N1 chip, the MacBook Air now has Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, and it now comes with Apple's 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max. The higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models finally received M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, plus up to twice as fast SSD speeds and a doubled 1TB of base storage. Battery life has increased slightly across all of the models, and the N1 chip extends to the MacBook Pro line now for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support. The regular Studio Display gained Thunderbolt 5 support and improved speakers, and the camera now supports Desk View. There is also an all-new, higher-end Studio Display XDR that gained all of those benefits, plus bigger improvements such as a 120Hz refresh rate, mini-LED backlighting, increased brightness, and more. The colorful MacBook Neo starts at just $599 in the United States, and at an even lower $499 for college students. Available in Blush, Citrus, Indigo, and Silver, the MacBook Neo is powered by the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone, and it is equipped with a 13-inch display, up to 512GB of storage, and a non-configurable 8GB of RAM. AirPods Max 2 have a handful of upgrades over the previous AirPods Max, including Apple's H2 chip, increased active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation. Plus, the Digital Crown has a new Camera Remote function. The special-edition Nike Powerbeats Pro 2 are the same as the regular Powerbeats Pro 2, except they have a two-tone design co

Two years ago I attended a picturesque outdoor wedding in August where the hot and humid weather had guests occasionally ducking into their cars to enjoy a blast of AC. Dyson’s new $99.99 handheld fan would have provided some much-needed relief then, although I’m not sure I would have been comfortable powering it up during the service or reception. The HushJet Mini Cool is as slim and sleek as Dyson’s recent thin vacuum and hair dryer, but it’s not quiet enough to earn the name “Hush.” That’s unfortunate because the HushJet Mini Cool is yet another product Dyson has redesigned to look and perform better than what’s already on the market. All of its components — including the motor, 5,000mAh rechargeable battery, and spinning blades — are safely contained inside a cylindrical body 38mm in diameter that’s easy to slip into a pocket. Many handheld fans use flexible or folding blades that are left exposed and not ideal for kids, or they stuff the moving parts into a bulbous section on top that limits pocketability. Dyson HushJet Mini Cool Where to Buy: $99.99 at Dyson $99.99 at Amazon $99.99 at Best Buy At 208 grams the HushJet Mini Cool is about the same weight as an iPhone 17 Pro, so it’s not a terrible burden to schlep around when temperatures soar, and it’s incredibly easy to use. A toggle switch turns the fan on and off, while a rocker button lets you step up and down through five different fan speeds indicated by a strip of five small white LEDs. There’s also an even stronger Boost Mode that’s only activated while you’re holding down the “plus” side of that rocker button. The only learning curve was remembering to grip the fan above the vent that wraps around its base so as not to block the airflow. Some added texture on the outside of the HushJet Mini Cool to naturally guide where your hand should grip it would be welcome. Dyson claims up to six hours of battery life at the fan’s lowest setting, but at its highest speed (not Boost Mode) it died after 62 minutes. I was still impressed, because I didn’t expect the fan to last that long at full power. The remaining battery life is displayed using the fan’s five white LEDs, but only when it’s turned off. Being able to track how fast the battery level drops with the fan running would be a useful way to estimate how much cooling time you have left. The HushJet Mini Cool is bottom-heavy and can be used as a self-standing fan, and Dyson includes an accessory to widen the base and improve its stability. It helps, but it’s also an accessory that’s easy to lose. And while you can power the fan indefinitely by connecting it to a power source over USB-C, you’re limited to the lowest speed setting. At that setting you’ll need to stay within about 5 feet of the fan to feel anything. Dyson’s marketing for the fan, including the HushJet branding, emphasizes how it’s engineered to be quiet. “Dyson’s obsession with acoustics means tonal comfort: with the HushJet nozzle, we’ve lowered frequencies, eliminated high-pitched whirring, and silenced the sound of whining motors,” the company said in a press release. But it was definitely not as quiet as I expected it to be. It doesn’t get anywhere near as loud as Dyson’s cordless vacuums or hair dryers, but the HushJet Mini Cool isn’t whisper-quiet, even at its lowest setting. The handheld fan also has a similar high-pitched whine as those other Dyson devices, despite its tiny electric motor spinning at less than half the speed of theirs. For the past year my family has been using Nitecore’s izzCool 10 Pro fan to beat the heat whenever AC isn’t available. Its design makes it harder to slip into a pocket, and at full power its blast is nowhere near as strong as Dyson’s — even at half power. While both fans were similarly loud at their lowest settings (measured using the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app on my iPhone), Dyson’s was well over 10 decibels louder at full power. That’s not surprising given Dyson’s fan far outperforms Nitecore’s, but the sou

It was another busy week of Apple news and rumors, with upcoming Apple product categories like the foldable iPhone and smart glasses featuring prominently in the news. This week also saw continued tightening of supplies of the Mac mini and Mac Studio, while Amazon announced it will be acquiring Apple's satellite partner that supports a variety of Apple services for users off the terrestrial grid, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more! Top Stories 'iPhone Ultra' Will Solve Two Key Problems Apple reportedly plans to unveil a foldable iPhone in September, with one leaker on Chinese social media claiming the device will be called the "iPhone Ultra." Now, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the device will have improved screen quality and overall durability compared to competing foldables. "Apple engineers believe they've solved problems with screen quality and overall durability, two long-running flaws with phones in this category," he said. Rumors on launch timing have been all over the place, with some claiming the foldable iPhone will be available in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models while others suggest there could be a delay in availability that might extend even into early 2027. The latest rumor suggests, however, that while production is behind schedule, Apple is still aiming for a fall 2026 launch. For more on the iPhone Ultra, check out last week's episode of The MacRumors Show. Apple Stops Accepting Orders for Some Mac Mini and Mac Studio Models Amid severe global RAM chip shortages and rumors of updated models, some Mac mini and Mac Studio configurations are now completely out of stock on Apple's online store in the U.S. Mac mini configurations with an upgraded 32GB or 64GB of RAM and Mac Studio configurations with an upgraded 128GB or 256GB of RAM are listed as "currently unavailable" on the storefront, meaning they can no longer be ordered at all. Other configurations that remain available continue to face lengthy shipping delays, with estimated delivery time frames ranging from one to three months. Last month, Apple entirely removed the Mac Studio's 512GB of RAM option, but supplies are clearly now tightening even further. Apple Testing Four Smart Glasses Styles Made of High-End Materials Apple is developing at least four different styles of smart glasses, and the company is betting that their superior design will set them apart from rival products, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman says that Apple's latest designs are made from a high-end acetate material, which is "more durable and luxurious" than the standard plastic used by most existing brands. In Gurman's words, the designs in testing include: A large rectangular frame, reminiscent of Ray-Ban Wayfarers A slimmer rectangular design, similar to the glasses worn by Apple CEO Tim Cook Larger oval or circular frames A smaller, more refined oval or circular option Apple and Amazon Ink Satellite Deal Amid Amazon's Takeover of Globalstar Amazon has announced that it will acquire Globalstar, which currently serves as Apple's exclusive satellite connectivity partner, but it appears Apple satellite services will be preserved and will perhaps expand under the deal. Alongside the acquisition, Amazon and Apple have signed a separate agreement for Amazon's Leo satellite network to power existing iPhone and Apple Watch satellite features, including Emergency SOS, Messages via satellite, Find My, and Roadside Assistance via satellite. Amazon said it will continue supporting iPhone and Apple Watch models that use Globalstar's existing and upcoming low Earth orbit constellation. Amazon also said it will work with Apple on future satellite services running on the expanded Leo network. Check Who's Using Your iPhone Hotspot Data If you regularly share your iPhone's data connection with your laptop or iPad, or let family members piggyback on you

Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly a year later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. CarPlay Ultra features deeper integration with a vehicle's instrument cluster and systems, built-in apps for radio and climate controls, rear-view camera feed support, and more. The connected iPhone provides app-related data, while the vehicle provides information like the current speed, fuel level, tire pressure, engine temperature, and more. The interface is tailored to each vehicle model and automaker's identity, and drivers can choose from various preset design options. Earlier this year, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said he was told that CarPlay Ultra would come to at least one major new Hyundai or Kia vehicle model "in the second half of this year," so hopefully an expansion is just a few months away.Related Roundup: CarPlayTag: CarPlay UltraRelated Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto TechnologyThis article, "Apple Says CarPlay Ultra is Coming to These Vehicle Brands" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

In a recent interview, Samsung execs discussed how the company’s design language has evolved into what we now know as the Galaxy S26. While it might be true that Samsung has carved out its own identity in the mobile space through generations of refinement, that same design is also at the heart of some of the most annoying-yet-fixable problems facing Galaxy hardware. more…

Apple is working on an updated version of the Mac Studio that's expected at some point in 2026, and with supplies of existing machines running low, we thought we'd highlight what's next for Apple's most powerful desktop machine. Design We're not expecting Apple to redesign the ‌Mac Studio‌, and there haven't been rumors of a design update. The ‌Mac Studio‌ will continue to have an Apple TV or Mac mini-like squircle design with rounded corners. The ‌Mac Studio‌ is a much more compact desktop than the now-discontinued Mac Pro, measuring in at 3.7 inches tall and 7.7 inches wide. The current ‌Mac Studio‌ supports Thunderbolt 5, and the next version will too. There haven't been rumors of any changes to the port configuration. M5 Max and M5 Ultra Chips We're expecting the ‌Mac Studio‌ to adopt M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips. Apple already debuted the M5 Max with the MacBook Pro models that came out in March, but the M5 Ultra is still a mystery. The M5 Max has up to an 18-core CPU and 40-core GPU, with up to 614GB/s memory bandwidth. Apple says the M5 Max offers up to 30 percent faster CPU performance for pro workloads than the M4 Max. The M5 Ultra will bring even better performance, and historically, Apple's Ultra chips have been two Max chips linked together. The M5 Ultra could have up to a 36-core CPU and up to an 80-core GPU. The current ‌Mac Studio‌ has a mix of M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips because Apple didn't design an M4 Ultra chip, but the M5 cycle is expected to unify the ‌Mac Studio‌ chip options to a single generation. Faster SSD The M5 ‌MacBook Pro‌ models were updated with a faster SSD, so the ‌Mac Studio‌ could get the same SSD improvements. Apple says the updated SSD in the M5 ‌MacBook Pro‌ models is up to 2x faster than the SSD in the M4 MacBook Pro models. RAM Because of global RAM shortages, Apple discontinued the 512GB Mac Studio earlier this year. The current machine maxes out at 256GB RAM, and that's a limitation we could see with the next ‌Mac Studio‌ too. The M5 Max ‌MacBook Pro‌ supports up to 128GB RAM, so that will be the ceiling for the M5 Max ‌Mac Studio‌. The M5 Ultra model could support up to 256GB. RAM shortages are expected to continue throughout the year, because companies that manufacture memory are prioritizing orders from companies building AI servers that require huge amounts of RAM. There is little supply left for consumer products, which has caused prices to increase. Many PC and smartphone makers have raised their prices on existing machines, but Apple hasn't changed ‌Mac Studio‌ pricing. Mac Studio Shortages Apple stopped accepting orders for some ‌Mac Studio‌ configurations in early April, and they are out of stock. ‌Mac Studio‌ configurations with 128GB or 256GB of RAM can no longer be ordered, but that's not necessarily a sign that a new machine is launching imminently. Apple has been dealing with soaring DRAM and NAND flash prices, and the fact that only models with higher RAM are unavailable suggests it's a supply issue and not an indication of a refresh. Pricing There haven't been rumors of pricing increases for the ‌Mac Studio‌, so it could continue to start at $1,999, but Apple has raised the prices of other Macs this year. Starting prices for the M5 MacBook Air and the M5 Pro and M5 Max ‌MacBook Pro‌ models increased, though Apple did soften the blow with higher starting storage. It's possible the ‌Mac Studio‌ price will go up, and the entry-level machine will start with a 1TB SSD instead of a 512GB SSD. No More Mac Pro Apple discontinued the Mac Pro in late March, so the ‌Mac Studio‌ is now Apple's only pro desktop option. There was a lot of overlap between the Mac Pro and the ‌Mac Studio‌, with the Mac Pro only offering PCIe expansion slots as a differentiating feature. The ‌Mac Studio‌, Mac mini, and iMac are Apple's desktop Mac options. Release Timing It's not clear when we might see a refreshed ‌Mac Studio‌ because of the shortages that Appl

India will not require smartphone makers like Apple and Samsung to preload devices with a state-owned biometric identification app, reports Reuters. The Unique Identification Authority of India asked the IT ministry to start talks with Apple and other tech companies about the possibility of mandatory preinstallation of the Aadhaar identity app, but the IT ministry told Reuters today that it reviewed the proposal and is "not in favor" of mandating the app's preinstallation. Aadhaar is a 12-digit identity number that residents of India can apply for, and it has been issued to more than 1.34 billion residents. The number is linked to an individual's image, fingerprints, and iris scans, and it serves as proof of residence. It is used for government benefits, banking, taxes, mobile connections, and more. The Identification Authority said that the IT ministry consulted with "stakeholders from the electronics industry" before deciding not to proceed with the proposal to preload Aadhaar. India's government has asked smartphone makers to preinstall state-owned apps on devices six times over the last two years, according to Reuters. Smartphone makers like Apple have thwarted all requests. Late last year, India's Department of Communications gave smartphone companies 90 days to start preinstalling the Sanchar Saathi government app on all new devices sold in the country. Sanchar Saathi is a government app that lets users block stolen devices, report fraudulent calls, and verify second-hand phones. Apple told government officials that it would not comply with the requirement because of privacy and security concerns, and the government dropped the issue. Apple told India the same thing about the Aadhaar app, informing the IT ministry that it had safety and security concerns about preloading apps.Tag: IndiaThis article, "India Won't Require Apple to Preinstall Government ID App on iPhones" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

After rolling out to Google AI subscribers earlier this month, the Gemini app has now launched notebooks to free users. more…

Welcome to episode 96 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, Damien, Abner, and Will talk through Google’s new native Gemini app for Mac and wonder why now, and why we don’t see more standalone applications from the company. They also dive into new reports surrounding Google’s portion of the foldable market — and the risk Apple holds against it — before finishing up with YouTube’s new workaround for disabling Shorts. Subscribe YouTube Podcasts Pocket Casts Spotify Apple Podcasts Overcast Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast. more…

Amazon this week announced plans to acquire Globalstar, the satellite company that powers Apple's satellite features on the iPhone 14 and newer and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. In turn, Amazon announced that it has signed an agreement with Apple to provide satellite connectivity for current and future iPhone and Apple Watch features. The transaction, subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in 2027. At that point, Apple's features will be powered by Amazon Leo satellites. Apple's current satellite features:Emergency SOS via satellite Find My via satellite Roadside Assistance via satellite Messages via satellite All of the features are currently free to use in supported areas without Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity. Availability varies by country. There were already five more iPhone satellite features or enhancements rumored to be in the works, even before Amazon announced this deal with Apple. At least some of the improvements may be part of iOS 27, which is expected to be available in beta starting in June and widely released in September this year. Those enhancements are as follows:5G via satellite (may be exclusive to iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max) Apple Maps via satellite Photos support for Messages via satellite Third-party apps in the App Store will be able to integrate Apple's satellite features The ability to connect an iPhone to a satellite without pointing the device toward the skyAmazon's announcement mentioned future features, too, so Apple's suite of satellite functions should expand even more over the coming years.Related Roundup: iOS 27Tag: iPhone Satellite FeaturesThis article, "iPhones to Get These New Satellite Features" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Samsung is still working on One UI 9 ahead of a planned launch later this summer. With a fresh leaked build, we’re getting a better glimpse at two features coming to your phone with this update. more…

Your Friday afternoon lineup of the best Android game and app deals is now ready to roll, including titles like Super Onion Boy 2, Kingdomino, Dungeon Tracer, 911 Operator, ALTER EGO COMPLEX, BE-A Walker, and more. Just be sure to dive into the deals have on Galaxy S26 Ultra and new Galaxy Buds 4 Pro at $325 off alongside a chance to score Google’s most affordable unlocked Pixel 10 at up to $354 off, but all of the apps await below. more…

Following one last restock earlier this month, Samsung now says that the “limited-run” Galaxy Z TriFold is “completely sold out” both online and in stores. more…

Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by Samsung offering Galaxy S26 Ultra with the new Galaxy Buds 4 Pro at $325 off today alongside the white Galaxy S26 Ultra hitting a new Amazon all-time low at $250 off. We also have Google’s most affordable unlocked Pixel 10 at up to $354 off alongside Best Buy’s updated giant Ultimate Sale with new deals – laptops from $139, outdoor furniture, TVs, more, and Anker’s latest 45W Nano charger with Smart Display at $28. Head below for a closer look. more…

Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and the update should be released in September. Below, we outline some of the new features that are rumored to be coming with iOS 27, beyond the long-awaited more personalized version of Siri. iOS 27 will reportedly support 5G satellite internet connectivity, although this functionality might be limited to the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models with Apple's next-generation C2 modem. Additional satellite features have been rumored, including Apple Maps via satellite and the ability to send and receive photos when using Messages via satellite. iOS 27 may be similar to Mac OS X Snow Leopard, in the sense that Apple is apparently focused on improving "quality and underlying performance." Apple is expected to focus on bug fixes, improved stability, and Liquid Glass design enhancements. Apple has reportedly tested an updated iPhone keyboard with enhanced autocorrect. The features should debut on iOS 27 if Apple moves forward with it. Similar to Grammarly, the keyboard "expands autocorrect by offering alternative words." iOS 27 is not expected to include any major Liquid Glass design changes, but the update may add a system-wide Liquid Glass slider for precisely adjusting the opacity of the interface. A similar slider already exists for the Lock Screen's clock. The update may include four new Apple Intelligence features for the iPhone 15 Pro and newer, based on code on Apple's servers discovered by Nicolás Alvarez:Visual Intelligence will let you scan nutrition labels on food packaging, for tracking calories and macronutrients in the Health app. Visual Intelligence will let you scan phone numbers and addresses printed on paper or a business card and add them to the Contacts app. In the Wallet app, you will likely be able to scan physical event tickets, gym membership cards, and so forth and generate digital versions. In the Safari app, you will be able to automatically name Tab Groups for users based on the contents of the tabs within the group.Of course, these are only the features that are known or rumored so far. More details about iOS 27 will likely leak over the coming months.Related Roundup: iOS 27Tags: Apple Intelligence, SiriThis article, "Apple to Unveil iOS 27 in June With These New Features Beyond Siri" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Photos have been making the rounds on Chinese social media today showing an Honor-branded advertising truck parked directly in front of Apple Canton Road store in Hong Kong, promoting the company's new Honor 600 series smartphone. The truck's ad features the slogan "It's our HONOR" alongside the phrase "orange to orange," which appears to be a play on the English idiom "apples to apples" – referring to a like-for-like comparison. The slogan is paired with an image of the Honor phone, in a finish that bears more than a passing resemblance to the iPhone 17 Pro's Cosmic Orange. It's a brazen stunt for a brand that spun off from Huawei in 2020 before being sold off to another entity to bypass U.S. sanctions. Using Apple's retail store as a backdrop to pitch your rival device with a similar color is one thing, but when the design is arguably a shameless copy, you're definitely out of ideas. Apple is unlikely to make a big stink about such guerrilla marketing, as it would only amplify it. And as they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.Tag: Apple StoreThis article, "Apple Store Becomes Backdrop for Honor's Brazen Hong Kong Ad Stunt" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

It only makes sense that if you’re going to develop a robot lawn mower, it should be able to trim, too. Ecovacs’ Goat A3000 Pro does just that, giving it an edge over others. more…

China's smartphone shipments fell 4% year over year in the first quarter of 2026, according to data from Counterpoint Research, with Apple delivering the strongest growth among the top six brands. Counterpoint's Market Monitor Tracker attributed the decline primarily to a high base effect from last year's government subsidy program and rising component costs. Counterpoint noted that February's Lunar New Year promotions provided a slight boost, but said the "magnitude of these discounts was hampered by a sharp increase in memory costs." Rising costs are already driving up retail prices on both new and used devices, and the pressure is expected to continue through the second quarter. Apple rose to second place in the market with shipments up 20% year over year, driven by strong iPhone 17 series demand, promotional price cuts, and government subsidies. Counterpoint says Apple is best positioned among manufacturers to navigate the ongoing global memory crunch, supported by its premium product portfolio and supply chain management. The firm expects Apple to absorb rising costs internally in the near-to-medium term and expand its market share as a result. The first quarter result extends a strong run for Apple in China; the company reclaimed the top spot in the country in the fourth quarter of 2025 with shipments up 28% year over year, and recorded a 23% sales increase in the first nine weeks of 2026. Huawei led with a 20% market share, its highest since the fourth quarter of 2020, with shipments up 2% year over year, aided by domestic supplier relationships that cushion the impact of rising memory costs. OPPO ranked third following the reintegration of realme, with OnePlus rising 53% year over year on the Ace 6 and Turbo 6 series, though OPPO's decision to raise prices on older models in March has weighed on demand. vivo grew 2% year over year on mid-to-low-end strength, while Xiaomi was the sharpest decliner, falling 35% year over year as its core models underperformed the previous generation. Counterpoint warned that manufacturers broadly face a "double hit" of shrinking shipments and thinning margins, and forecast that China smartphone shipments will decline 9% for the full year. Apple, by contrast, is expected to use the cost pressure to its advantage, absorbing memory price increases internally while rivals are forced to raise prices and cede ground.Tags: China, CounterpointThis article, "Apple Leads Top Brands for China Smartphone Growth as Market Declines" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Amazon this week launched its newest Fire TV Stick and, along with it, its second device powered by Vega OS. And that appears to be the pattern going forward, as a report claims that all future Amazon Fire TV Stick devices will ditch Android. more…

Welcome to Edition 8.37 of the Rocket Report! NASA is still climbing down from the high of the Artemis II mission, the first flight by humans to the Moon since 1972. What a mission it was! Now, attention turns to completing development of a lander to get astronauts down to the Moon's surface. Among other things, we chronicle the latest progress of NASA's two lunar lander contractors, SpaceX and Blue Origin, in this week's Rocket Report. As always, we welcome reader submissions. If you don't want to miss an issue, please subscribe using the box below (the form will not appear on AMP-enabled versions of the site). Each report will include information on small-, medium-, and heavy-lift rockets, as well as a quick look ahead at the next three launches on the calendar. Moonshot from the last frontier. Israel-based space launch company Moonshot Space will site its first electromagnetic accelerator in Fairbanks, Alaska, under a memorandum of understanding signed at Space Symposium with spaceport operator Alaska Aerospace Corporation (AAC), Aviation Week & Space Technology reports. Moonshot, which emerged from stealth mode in December with $12 million in fundraising, is developing a high-power electromagnetic launcher system to propel payloads and enable cargo deliveries into space at hypersonic speed using electricity rather than chemical fuels, The Times of Israel reports.Read full article Comments

A New York resident identified as John Doe has sued Stake.com, Stake.us, Coinbase and related companies in New York State Supreme Court, accusing them of helping run years of illegal online gambling that he says started when he was still a child. The case was filed in Manhattan. It says the plaintiff began using the defendants’ platforms while underage, kept gambling for years, and suffered serious financial and emotional fallout. “This case is about the promotion and operation of an illegal offshore gambling platform, Stake.com, to target and acquire minor users, including Plaintiff,” the filing states. Seeger Weiss has filed a new lawsuit against Stake . com and Coinbase, alleging the defendants recruited and enabled a 12-year-old into illegal offshore gambling.Learn more: https://t.co/msZMzb6sB5Attorney Advertising#OffshoreGambling #CryptoGambling #SeegerWeiss pic.twitter.com/2rRieNaZKM— Seeger Weiss LLP (@SeegerWeiss) April 15, 2026 According to the complaint, the plaintiff says he used Stake.com and Primedice from ages 13 through 19. He says he lost his own savings, then turned to his father’s credit card without permission after running out of money. The suit says gambling damaged school performance, strained family relationships and disrupted the start of adult life. The filing says the plaintiff was “unable to study or concentrate through high school because gambling was ‘the only thing that felt fun.’” It also says that after enrolling at Indiana University, he withdrew within a week because he had already lost his available funds and could not pay for food or necessities. Underage gambling claims against Stake and Coinbase  Named defendants include Medium Rare N.V., which does business as Stake.com; Sweepsteaks Ltd., which does business as Stake.us; affiliated entities; founders Bijan Tehrani and Edward Craven; and Coinbase, Inc. plus Coinbase Global, Inc. The lawsuit says Stake-related companies allowed minors to wager and used marketing designed to pull in younger users. It points to livestreams, celebrity endorsements and influencer promotions as tools used to build U.S. traffic. Coinbase is described as a central payment bridge that allegedly let customers turn dollars into cryptocurrency and send funds to offshore gambling accounts. “Coinbase acts as its essential ‘cashier’s cage,’” the filing says. New lawsuit alleges that sweepstakes casino giant Stake and its co-founders facilitated underage gambling in NY and that Coinbase’s fiat-to-crypto services "served as a primary and foreseeable onramp for New York users—including minors—to fund Stake’s unlawful gambling." pic.twitter.com/3P2VQTN6Gn— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) April 16, 2026 The plaintiff says Coinbase kept his account active despite warning signs and continued handling transfers tied to gambling. The complaint adds that Coinbase “provided the compliance evasion mechanism necessary” for the gambling operation to bypass New York restrictions. The filing arrives as pressure grows around sweepstakes casino operators. Recent New York action has moved to ban online sweepstakes casinos, while other lawsuits have challenged Stake.us advertising and legality. One Missouri case targeted Stake.us and promoters including Drake and Adin Ross, and another report noted a separate Stake.us dispute being sent to arbitration after a court decision involving sweepstakes platforms. The complaint says the plaintiff has since been diagnosed with compulsive gambling disorder and panic disorder. It says he attends four Gamblers Anonymous meetings each week, spends about 10 hours weekly in therapy and works daily with a sponsor. It also says his father now manages his finances, checks receipts and provides limited spending money to reduce relapse risk.“This is a system built to recruit children and profit from their addiction,” said Seeger Weiss Senior Partner David Buchanan, who is part of the plaintiff’s legal team. “Our case lays out how these defendants built an i

Maryland wrapped up its 2026 legislative session without approving two bills targeting sweepstakes-style gaming, keeping a familiar fight unresolved for at least another year. The measures, HB 295 and HB 1226, both cleared the House of Delegates. Neither one made it through the Senate before lawmakers adjourned on April 13, which ended their chances this session. The split mirrors what happened in 2025, when a Senate-backed ban proposal stalled once it reached the House. The result was quickly celebrated by the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, which represents companies in the sector and argues its members operate legally while providing consumer safeguards. In a statement sent to ReadWrite after the session ended, Managing Director Sean Ostrow said the group spent months pressing that case with lawmakers. “We are pleased with this result in Maryland and want to thank the Maryland lawmakers who took the time to thoroughly consider this issue.  “Over multiple hearings and dozens of meetings, SGLA addressed false allegations by casino interests by demonstrating that the Social Plus industry already offers strong consumer protections and contributes to Maryland’s economy, while pushing back against efforts to misrepresent long-standing lawful activity as gambling,” he said. “We are eager to work with lawmakers and regulators in 2027 to codify SGLA’s best practices for the broader social games industry, which can generate significant tax revenue while keeping consumers safe online.” The alliance described the outcome as a win for a business category that remains active in Maryland’s digital economy, even as lawmakers continue debating how it should be regulated. Why the fight over Maryland sweepstakes bills is continuing Pressure on the market has not disappeared. Earlier this year, HB 1226, titled the Maryland Illegal Online Gambling Enforcement Act, drew notice because of how it was written. We previously reported the bill would have allowed the attorney general to send cease-and-desist orders to sweepstakes operators and maintain a public list of sites that received them. The proposal also reached beyond operators themselves. "I haven't seen it before in gaming in a criminal context like this" – Rob Ruben from @DuaneMorrisLLP tells @RWW #Maryland bill targets global web hosts over online gambling, but legal experts warn enforcement could be problematic #sweepstakeshttps://t.co/NldPSDNQ94— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) February 19, 2026 Platform providers, hosting companies, payment processors and credit card issuers could have been affected, raising questions among legal observers about how far Maryland could extend its enforcement powers. The state has already shown it is willing to act against companies it says lack authorization. In November 2025, the Maryland Gaming Commission sent cease-and-desist letters to Chumba Casino and Lucky Land Slots. Regulators said those sites were offering games involving chance and prizes without legal approval in Maryland. The commission gave both companies 10 days to respond and explain how they would stop operating in the state. Opponents of online gambling have also tried to show public resistance. A statewide poll released in October 2025 by the National Association Against iGaming said 71% of Marylanders opposed some form of online gambling after respondents were given more information about round-the-clock smartphone casino access. For now, operators will continue doing business while both sides prepare for another round in 2027. Featured image: Canva The post Maryland session ends leaving sweepstakes gaming bills stalled once again as SGLA celebrates appeared first on ReadWrite.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) came to the House Agriculture Committee on Thursday (April 16), hoping to talk about market integrity and fraud. Instead, it got dragged into the much messier question hanging over prediction markets, i.e. when does a “financial product” start looking suspiciously like a sportsbook in a blazer? The answer, judging by the CFTC hearing, is right about the moment lawmakers start saying “Jose Altuve home run prop” out loud. The tension has been building for months. The CFTC has been pushing new guidance and a formal rulemaking process for prediction markets even as the larger fight over whether these contracts are legitimate exchanges or just gambling with better stationery keeps escalating. At the same time, Kalshi has been expanding deeper into sports-style offerings, including contracts on touchdowns, point spreads and total scores, pushing the industry closer to the exact kind of betting state and tribal regulators say is already heavily regulated for a reason. Rep. Gabe Vasquez argued that prediction markets and sportsbooks may be sold under different labels, but the average user may not notice the difference.  “The odds are functionally the same,” Vasquez said, and “consumers couldn’t care less if they’re using an official sports book or engaging with a prediction market.” That was less a question than a blunt summary of the political problem now facing the CFTC. CFTC Chair Michael Selig says he’s not an expert on betting lines and can’t distinguish between ones on sportsbooks and prediction markets. Rep. Vasquez: “That’s exactly the problem, because consumers can’t either though the purpose of the activity is exactly the same.”“I… pic.twitter.com/iyZ9mpjLGS— Sam McQuillan (@sam_mcquill) April 16, 2026 Tribes say they played by the rules. Prediction markets may not have Vasquez then made the tribal-sovereignty argument in unusually concrete terms. Tribes and states, he said, spent decades building gaming systems with “compacts, licensing, integrity rules, age verification, and consumer protection.” So when a federal regulator allows prediction markets to operate outside that structure, he said, “it undermines tribal sovereignty and state protection.” He pointed to the Pueblo of Laguna and said communities are losing revenue that helps pay for “childcare, education, infrastructure, and the overall well-being of their community.” This appears to line up with the legal and political fight now underway across the country. Twenty-seven states have backed tribal appellants in a federal case against Kalshi, and we previously reported that tribes argue federally regulated prediction markets threaten the compact-based structure created under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.  Tribal gaming experts who spoke to us said prediction markets are pushing into territory long governed by state-tribal arrangements, while Indian Gaming Association Chairman David Z. Bean called them “an attempt to bypass tribal authority and recast gambling as a financial product.” Then Vasquez delivered the line that seemed to sum up the hearing’s conceptual headache. “Airlines hedge fuel costs, farmers hedge crop prices—that is very different from putting money on the outcome of a baseball game,” he said. He asked whether a market on “whether, as an example, Astros second baseman Jose Altuve hits a home run in tonight’s game against the Rockies” hedges “any real economic risk.” CFTC Chairman Michael Selig did not exactly grab that hanging curveball and smash it into the gap. “Congressman, there are many risks that could be hedged through various contracts in our markets,” he replied. “The bottom line is that these markets need to be well-functioning and comprehensively regulated by the CFTC. Our statute mandates it and we’ll continue to do it.” In a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed, Selig argued that prediction markets are not gambling but federally regulated event contracts with a “legitimate economic funct

The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation has sharply rebuked Vallejo leaders after a divided City Council approved an agreement clearing the way for the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians to pursue a temporary gaming facility. Tribal leaders said the city rushed through the decision, limited public scrutiny and weakened confidence in local government. Council members voted 4-2 in favor of the Memorandum of Understanding. Councilmembers Tonia Lediju and Alexander Matias voted no, while Mayor Andrea Sorce was absent from the meeting. Under the reported deal, Scotts Valley would pay Vallejo $502,000 in each of the agreement’s three years to offset demands on police and other city services. The package also includes an additional $100,000 up front in the first year. City documents say that the annual total contains $12,698 in lieu of property tax and $27,302 for administrative support. Another $100,000 each year would go to a local nonprofit selected in coordination with the city. The proposed temporary site would sit on tribal land near the Interstate 80 and Highway 37 interchange. In a statement seen by ReadWrite, the Tribal Council said the agreement advanced in a single meeting even after residents, tribal governments and other community voices asked for more time and fuller review. Yocha Dehe said the process left little room for meaningful public participation. NEW: Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation slams Vallejo Council’s rushed casino MOU approval, citing lack of transparency, incomplete info, and ignored public input. Statement sent to @RWW pic.twitter.com/IZtSBkKuQE— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) April 16, 2026 According to the tribe, more than 1,000 pages of meeting materials were posted late and continued changing until shortly before the session started. Yocha Dehe said that made it difficult for anyone to digest the documents, understand the terms or prepare informed comments before the vote. “Tuesday night’s decision by the Vallejo City Council to move forward with a Memorandum of Understanding for Scotts Valley’s temporary gaming facility raises serious concerns about process, transparency, and public trust,” said the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation Tribal Council. The tribe also accused city staff of giving elected officials and the public an incomplete picture of the project. It said staff failed to disclose that Scotts Valley’s broader casino proposal could soon face an adverse outcome in federal proceedings that are expected to conclude in the near future. Yocha Dehe added that its own letters outlining those concerns were not included in the public record. Yocha Dehe questions timing and urgency of Vallejo casino after council approval Yocha Dehe said city officials also created a false sense of urgency by suggesting the project might move ahead without city involvement. The tribe argued that permits needed for the temporary casino still require Vallejo approval, meaning the city had more negotiating power than it exercised. “Scotts Valley is not pushing for this agreement because it wants to pay the City, it is doing so because it needs the City,” the Tribal Council said. “Unfortunately, the City handed away its rights without getting much in return.” Critics of the deal, according to the statement, continue asking why Vallejo moved now instead of waiting for the federal review to finish. Yocha Dehe said city staff told the council and public that the temporary casino would not open for months, a timeline the tribe said overlaps with the expected federal decision. “Proceeding at this stage to commit City resources just weeks before the federal decision is complete is irresponsible and shortsighted,” the statement said. The dispute comes as multiple California tribes have publicly opposed the Vallejo casino plan and separate litigation seeks to block the larger project. Recent court action also ordered the U.S. Department of the Interior to reconsider earlier approvals tied to Scotts Valley’s proposed casino development, adding uncertain

The NCAA is asking a federal judge in Indiana to speed up its trademark fight with DraftKings, saying the normal court calendar could let the sportsbook ride another March Madness wave before the dispute is decided. In a filing reviewed by ReadWrite and dated Wednesday (April 15) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, the association asked to move an initial pretrial conference forward and set a compressed schedule that could send the case to trial in February 2027. The group says timing matters because the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments create a short, valuable burst of attention every spring. In its motion, the NCAA said, “DraftKings’s challenged conduct is closely tied to the annual rhythm of the marquee collegiate sporting events, during which consumer engagement is at its peak and the value of the NCAA Basketball Marks is at its highest.” It then warned the court that “Absent an accelerated timeline, DraftKings is likely to continue to exploit that cycle, causing ongoing harm to the NCAA.” NCAA March Madness court fight against DraftKings shifts after emergency ruling The NCAA first sued DraftKings on March 20, accusing the company of trademark infringement, false association, unfair competition and dilution by tarnishment. It also sought a temporary restraining order aimed at halting what it described as unauthorized use of college basketball branding tied to March Madness betting promotions. Judge denies NCAA bid to block DraftKings #MarchMadness trademarks use – https://t.co/XnHhKd1IgH— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) March 30, 2026 The emergency request did not produce the immediate shutdown the NCAA wanted. A judge denied the bid to block DraftKings at that early stage, but the court’s order also found the association had made substantial arguments that could succeed later in the case. The latest filing leans hard on that March 26 ruling. The NCAA says the judge already determined it had shown a likelihood of success on key trademark claims. The motion quotes the court as finding that “the seven factors clearly favor the NCAA and indicate a likelihood of confusion,” and also cites the statement that “the NCAA is likely to succeed on all three elements” of its dilution claim. The association argues those conclusions show the case is ready to move quickly toward a final decision instead of spending months on interim motions. The filing also says practical problems are approaching fast. By early 2027, it argues, sportsbook advertising campaigns, app designs and tournament promotions may already be locked in. If liability is still unresolved then, DraftKings could continue building business plans around the disputed branding, making later changes more difficult. The NCAA separately has been active in protecting March Madness marks in other settings, including concerns tied to event-contract markets such as Kalshi. The association also says delay risks more confusion among fans, customers and business partners who could assume DraftKings is officially connected to or endorsed by the NCAA. Before filing, the NCAA told the court it twice tried to discuss a faster schedule with DraftKings lawyers and sent a proposed plan, but “did not receive a substantive response.” Featured image: DraftKings / NCAA The post NCAA seeks faster trial over DraftKings disputed March Madness branding case appeared first on ReadWrite.

Iowa lawmakers are pressing ahead with a bill that would clamp down on a fast-expanding slice of financial trading tied to real-world outcomes via prediction markets. The measure, known as Senate File 2494, is aimed at event-driven contracts and the online platforms where people buy and sell them. The Senate Ways and Means Committee introduced the bill on Wednesday (April 15) and quickly moved it forward. Lawmakers are pitching it as a way to bring structure and oversight to prediction-style markets that have grown exponentially in the past two years. NEW: Iowa bill SB 2494 targeting #PredictionMarkets adds insider trading ban, political trading limits, and strict consumer protections – now advancing to Senate committee pic.twitter.com/nl7G9yNF6s— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) April 15, 2026 The bill proposes a new definition for “designated contract markets,” described as “a digital marketplace for trading event-driven contracts that is also regulated by the federal commodity futures trading commission.” The legislation also spells out what counts as an event-driven contract, calling it “a financial derivative…that provides a fixed binary payout based upon the occurrence or nonoccurrence of a specific future event.” Iowa prediction markets bill proposes restrictions on officials and insider activity The bill states, “A public employee, public official, or lobbyist, or an immediate family member…shall not buy or sell an event-driven contract…relating to state or local legislative actions or other governmental actions.” Breaking that rule could trigger both professional and criminal consequences. Lawmakers wrote that anyone who knowingly violates key ethics provisions “is guilty of a serious misdemeanor and may be reprimanded, suspended, or dismissed from the person’s position or otherwise sanctioned.” The proposal adds that by requiring platforms to screen out a wide swath of participants. This includes company employees, insiders, and anyone with “insider information on a particular event-driven contract.” Operators would also need systems to detect manipulation and report suspicious activity to the state attorney general. Consumer protections are another major piece of the bill. Users would have to be at least 21 years old, and platforms would need to shut down underage accounts, unwind trades, and return funds if mistakes happen. Companies would also be required to offer tools that limit deposits and time spent trading, along with options for self-exclusion and visible problem gambling resources. Advertising would face tighter guardrails. Promotions could not “imply trading is risk-free or use similar language” or target vulnerable audiences. The push in Iowa comes as prediction market operators face growing scrutiny across the country. While a separate bill related to these markets has already cleared the Senate, this proposal is still working its way through the legislative process. At the same time, the effort is colliding with federal authority questions. Prediction market firm Kalshi has filed a lawsuit challenging Iowa’s approach, arguing that federal regulators—not states—should oversee these contracts.  For now, Iowa’s proposal would give the attorney general broad enforcement powers, including fines up to $10,000 per violation and $50,000 for repeat offenses. Companies that ignore court orders could face a $1 million daily penalty. Before launching in the state, platforms would also need to submit detailed internal control plans covering age checks, fraud prevention, and compliance systems. Featured image: Canva The post Iowa lawmakers advance bill tightening rules on prediction markets appeared first on ReadWrite.

Louisiana lawmakers are pressing ahead with a push to rein in illegal online sweepstakes-style gaming, after the state House overwhelmingly backed House Bill 883 and sent it over to the Senate this week. Rep. Laurie Schlegel’s proposal cleared the chamber on April 14 with virtually no opposition, winning final votes of 99-0 and 98-0. By April 15, the Senate had taken it up, giving it a first reading and placing it on the calendar for debate. The language in the bill itself spells out that, “Gambling by computer is the intentional conducting, or directly assisting in the conducting as a business of any game, contest, lottery, or contrivance whereby a person risks the loss of anything of value in order to realize a profit when accessing the Internet.” Lawmakers are also zeroing in on newer digital formats that blur the line between gaming and gambling. The proposal explicitly includes platforms that use so-called dual-currency systems, where users can exchange virtual credits for prizes or cash-like rewards while mimicking traditional gambling mechanics. Louisiana sweepstakes bill introduces new penalties and enforcement powers The legislation sharply raises the stakes for those involved. Casual users could face relatively minor penalties, including fines up to $500 or as much as six months behind bars. For operators and those supporting these systems, the consequences state that anyone tied to building or running such platforms could face fines up to $100,000 and prison terms of up to five years if the bill becomes law. The measure also reaches beyond operators to the infrastructure that keeps these sites running. The bill adds, “No merchant payment processor shall knowingly accept or process any financial transaction” tied to unlawful activity. Online platforms face similar restrictions if they knowingly host or transmit gambling-related content. Each individual wager or promotional action could be treated as a separate violation, potentially multiplying penalties. Another major shift would give the state attorney general more direct authority to intervene. The office could issue cease-and-desist orders, giving companies 10 days to shut down prohibited activity. If they fail to comply, the state could pursue court orders to block websites, freeze accounts, or cut off financial flows. Attorney General Liz Murrill had previously issued a legal opinion declaring that online sweepstakes casinos constitute illegal gambling. I want to make it unequivocally clear that online casino, bingo, keno, iGaming, and alleged sweepstakes or social gaming sites offering such games are operating ILLEGALLY in Louisiana. I will enforce our laws and hold those offering illegal gambling websites accountable… pic.twitter.com/4BOQHACjgL— Attorney General Liz Murrill (@AGLizMurrill) June 19, 2025 Lawmakers have been debating multiple approaches to tackle illegal gambling in the state, including measures targeting the companies that fund and promote these platforms. In one recent case, a separate crackdown bill came close to becoming law before being halted, highlighting divisions between regulators, lawmakers, and the governor’s office. “Sweepstakes casino operators pose a significant threat to Louisiana residents… These illegal operators undermine public confidence in the regulated market and divert critical tax revenue away from services that benefit Louisiana’s citizens."— Sports Betting Alliance (@SBAllianceUS) July 16, 2025 Even so, momentum appears to be building for stricter oversight. Supporters argue the state needs stronger tools to keep pace with evolving online gambling models and the networks behind them. The current proposal suggests that licensed casinos, regulated sports betting, and approved fantasy sports operations would remain untouched, as long as they follow existing rules. Featured image: Canva The post Louisiana lawmakers advance crackdown targeting illegal online sweepstakes appeared first on ReadWrite.

A South Carolina advocacy group has taken Dave & Buster’s to federal court, arguing the company’s arcade model crosses into illegal gambling. The case landed April 15 in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. The organization, SC Citizens for Equal Enforcement of Gambling Laws, LLC, says the company’s machines effectively let customers risk money for a shot at winning more. In the filing, the group argues the setup “permit patrons to deposit money for the purpose of trying to ‘win’ more by playing games of skill or chance.” It contends that structure fits the legal definition of gambling because players put money on the line for something of value. NEW: South Carolina lawsuit claims Dave & Buster’s games operate as illegal gambling under state law, seeking damages and penalties @RWW pic.twitter.com/cc4Xo3RQVx— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) April 15, 2026 The complaint focuses on locations in Myrtle Beach, Columbia, and Greenville. It aims to recover losses for customers who spent more than $50 in a single visit and didn’t bring their own claims within three months. The group is seeking triple damages under state law, plus legal fees. How Dave & Buster’s games and prizes factor into the claims made by South Carolina group The lawsuit walks through how the system operates. Customers load money onto a “Power Card,” then use those credits across a range of games. Some depend on player ability, like basketball shooting or skee-ball. Others hinge largely on luck, including spinning wheels and coin-pusher machines. Players receive electronic tickets based on performance or outcomes. According to the filing, “the more tickets a player accumulates, the more valuable a prize the player can acquire.” The prizes range from small items to higher-end electronics, including gaming consoles, tablets, and virtual reality headsets, along with store credits. Images attached to the complaint show the environment in detail. Photos on pages 5 and 6 depict bright, wheel-style and roulette-like machines, while page 8 shows shelves lined with electronics available for redemption. Roulette-style ticket game photographed at Dave & Buster’s in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on April 3, 2026. Credit: SC Citizens for Equal Enforcement of Gambling Laws vs Dave & Buster’s The plaintiff says the entire experience is built around what the company itself promotes as “the opportunity to win.” The complaint also pulls from the company’s own filings, quoting language that says this feature “creates ‘a fun and highly energized social experience that is an important aspect of the in-store experience and cannot be easily replicated at home.’” To support its legal argument, the lawsuit points to a recent South Carolina court decision that said gambling laws apply whether a game involves chance, skill, or a mix of both, as long as something of value is at stake. It cites wording from that ruling stating the law bans “gaming machines that attract players to deposit money for the purpose of trying to ‘win’ more, whether by skill or chance.” Using the company’s financial disclosures, the complaint claims most customers lose more than they win. It alleges that “a patron who loads $55.00 onto a Power Card loses $50.33 on average at a single sitting.” The group is asking the court to declare the gaming model illegal, force the company to identify customer losses, and award damages under a longstanding state law that allows third parties to recover gambling losses when individuals do not sue themselves. ReadWrite has reached out to Dave & Buster’s for comment. Featured image: Mike Mozart of TheToyChannel and JeepersMedia on YouTube / CC BY 2.0 The post South Carolina lawsuit says Dave & Buster’s games are illegal gambling appeared first on ReadWrite.

Kalshi is stepping up its fight with Ohio regulators, blasting a proposed $5 million fine as an “extraordinary and regrettable step” in a fresh court filing. Lawyer William E. Havemann of Milbank LLP sent the April 15 letter to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. It’s part of Kalshi’s push to secure an injunction while it continues appealing a broader dispute over how its event-based trading platform should be regulated. Kalshi continues to assert that its geofencing of Ohio violates the CFTC's "impartial-access" requirement and cause it to forfeit its CFTC registration. Not true. The impartial-access requirement was enacted to prevent wealth discrimination in DCMs, not geographic distinctions. pic.twitter.com/N1iEM61Nvf— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) April 15, 2026 Kalshi dispute escalates after Ohio regulatory fine Tensions spiked a day earlier when the Ohio Casino Control Commission issued a notice accusing Kalshi of running unlicensed sports gaming operations. Regulators signaled they intend to move forward with a $5 million civil fine. State officials say Kalshi has been offering what it calls “sports event contracts” to Ohio users since at least January 2025. In their view, those contracts function no differently than traditional sports bets, placing them squarely under Ohio’s gaming laws. The Commission has already been warning both sportsbooks and prediction market platforms about crossing regulatory lines, stating that any product resembling wagering must be licensed and follow state rules. Kalshi sees things very differently. In its latest filing, the company argues Ohio is acting too soon, before courts settle whether these contracts fall under federal oversight. The company maintains that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has primary authority, not individual states. Official Ohio notice outlines proposed $5 million penalty against Kalshi and details hearing process for alleged unlicensed sports gaming operations. Credit: Ohio Casino Control Commission / ReadWrite Calling the proposed penalty “extraordinary and regrettable,” Kalshi said the state is “rush[ing] to impose an unprecedented fine” before the appellate court has even ruled on its injunction request. This builds on Kalshi’s earlier federal lawsuit against the Commission, where it claimed Ohio was overstepping and interfering with federally regulated markets. Kalshi also warned that the situation leaves it stuck in a legal bind. In court papers, the company described facing a “Hobson’s choice”: either follow state rules it believes don’t apply or keep operating and risk major financial penalties. The filing goes further, cautioning that if states act independently, businesses could face a confusing mix of rules nationwide. Kalshi described that scenario as the kind of “total chaos” federal oversight was meant to prevent. Ohio regulators, however, are holding firm. They argue Kalshi’s contracts allow users to wager on outcomes like game results or player performance, using pricing structures that mirror betting markets. They say it triggers licensing requirements along with consumer protections, tax obligations, and responsible gaming safeguards. Officials have also raised concerns about platform access and compliance standards. Kalshi now has 30 days to request an administrative hearing while its federal appeal continues. Featured image: Kalshi / Canva The post Kalshi challenges Ohio over proposed $5M regulatory fine appeared first on ReadWrite.

A legal fight unfolding in Wisconsin over prediction market trading is now drawing in a fresh federal ruling from Arizona, as Kalshi presses its argument that federal regulators, not states or tribal governments, control the space. In a filing dated Monday (April 13), Kalshi and an affiliate pointed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin to a recent Arizona decision they say strengthens their case. At the center of the dispute is whether federal law blocks local efforts to regulate trading on platforms known as designated contract markets. NEW: In the Wisconsin Ho-Chunk Nation case, Kalshi cites Arizona ruling backing CFTC authority, arguing federal law preempts state and tribal limits #PredictionMarkets @RWW pic.twitter.com/RRnmB3Fet2— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) April 14, 2026 The Arizona case involved the Commodity Futures Trading Commission securing a temporary restraining order that halted state-level enforcement actions against those federally regulated platforms. It follows a push by federal regulators to assert authority over prediction markets, as similar disputes continue to surface across the country. Arizona ruling adds weight to Kalshi federal preemption argument against Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin Kalshi told the Wisconsin court that the Arizona decision goes straight to the core legal question: whether the Commodity Exchange Act gives the CFTC exclusive control over trading on these markets. Quoting directly from the filing, the defendants said the Arizona court issued an order “prohibiting any state enforcement efforts against CFTC-regulated designated contract markets (‘DCMs’) on the grounds that state gambling laws are preempted as applied to transactions on DCMs.” They added that the development “directly bears on whether the Commodity Exchange Act’s grant of exclusive jurisdiction to the CFTC leaves any room for state or tribal regulation of trading on DCMs.” Kalshi is now urging the Wisconsin judge to apply similar reasoning. The Ho-Chunk Nation has challenged the company’s contracts, arguing they resemble sports betting and fall under tribal authority as well as the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The tribe has also moved to block Kalshi from offering contracts while the lawsuit plays out. Kalshi has pushed back by asking the court to dismiss what it calls an overly sweeping case. The company argues that geography should not dictate legality, maintaining that federally regulated markets operate nationwide and fall squarely under the CFTC’s jurisdiction. Regulators and industry participants remain split on whether these event-based contracts belong under commodities law or should be treated as gambling. Featured image: Kalshi / Ho-Chunk Nation The post Arizona ruling enters Wisconsin Ho-Chunk Nation fight against Kalshi appeared first on ReadWrite.

Minnesota lawmakers are moving ahead with a proposal that would outlaw most prediction markets, pushing the issue further into the spotlight as similar debates unfold in other states. A key Senate panel this week signed off on Senate File 4511, sending it along to another committee for continued review. The measure, brought forward by Sen. John Marty, DFL–Roseville, cleared the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee without opposition and now heads to the Senate Finance Committee. The Minnesota Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection unanimously give a vote of approval to Sen. John Marty's (DFL-40) bill, SF 4511, to prohibit prediction market contracts centered around sports, war, politics, weather, and other controversial markets.— RLinnehanSR (@RLinnehanSR) April 14, 2026 The bill would make it a felony to run, support or promote platforms where people place wagers on how future events will play out, which includes not just operators but also those handling payments, setting odds or advertising the services. What happens next for the Minnesota prediction markets felony bill Earlier committees recommended the Minnesota bill move forward with changes before it reached the Commerce panel, where it again advanced—this time unanimously. The next stop is the Senate Finance Committee, where lawmakers will dig into costs tied to enforcement and the potential impact on state agencies. If it clears that hurdle, the proposal would go before the full Senate. Approval there would send it to the House, where a matching bill would need to pass before reaching the governor’s desk. Lawmakers cast a wide net in defining prediction markets. The proposal covers bets tied to sports, elections, government decisions, court cases, weather patterns and more. The broad language reflects a push to treat these platforms as a form of unlicensed gambling under Minnesota law, a position we previously reported on. Supporters say the goal is to stop the spread of loosely regulated betting into areas that carry public consequences. Concerns have been raised about people speculating on elections or emergencies without clear oversight or safeguards. Excellent commentary from Atty General Keith Ellison! Prediction markets are used for illegal gambling in MN. I'm pleased my legislation, SF 4511, to clarify that this is illegal, passed the Senate Judiciary Comm. with strong bipartisan support last week! open.substack.com/pub/keithell…— Senator John Marty (@senjohnmarty.bsky.social) 2026-04-04T00:09:29.519Z Critics, including industry players and some legal and tech experts, argue the bill could overshoot and clash with federal rules. They also warn it may limit emerging financial tools built around forecasting and raise constitutional questions tied to free speech and interstate commerce. Minnesota is not alone in wrestling with the issue. Tennessee lawmakers are advancing their own legislation focused on prediction markets, but with a narrower aim, as it targets manipulation, seeking felony penalties for those who attempt to rig or improperly influence outcomes on such platforms.  As written, the Minnesota law would take effect August 1, 2026, applying to any offenses committed on or after that date. Featured image: Canva The post Minnesota advances controversial felony ban on prediction markets as scrutiny grows appeared first on ReadWrite.

Ohio regulators are ramping up pressure on prediction market platform Kalshi, proposing a $5 million penalty and accusing the company of running illegal sports gambling in the state. In a letter dated April 14, 2026, the Ohio Casino Control Commission told Kalshi it has the “intent to impose a penalty or fine for operating or conducting unlicensed sports gaming in Ohio,” according to a document shared publicly by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. The notice also gives Kalshi the option to request a hearing. Ohio put Kalshi on notice today that its “prediction markets” are unlawful gaming and proposed a $5 million fine. A federal court already agreed with our reading of the law.I wouldn’t bet on how long Kalshi will be operating in Ohio. pic.twitter.com/Gcw3GOTTlk— Dave Yost (@DaveYostOH) April 14, 2026 Yost wrote that the state views Kalshi’s event contracts as unlawful bets and suggested the company’s time operating in Ohio could be limited. Kalshi has had an ongoing dispute with Ohio regulators amid fine This latest move adds to a drawn-out legal fight between Kalshi and Ohio officials over how prediction markets should be regulated. State regulators have repeatedly argued that contracts tied to sports outcomes look and function like traditional sports betting. Because of that, they say, companies offering them need proper licensing under Ohio law. Officials have also warned other platforms with similar products that they could be violating the state’s gaming system. Kalshi has pushed back, maintaining its contracts are federally regulated financial instruments overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, not wagers controlled by state gambling authorities. The company has taken the issue to court, filing a federal lawsuit challenging Ohio’s stance. So far, the legal battle has produced mixed results. A federal judge in Ohio refused Kalshi’s request to block enforcement, allowing the state to continue its actions while the case moves forward, giving regulators an early advantage. Kalshi has since continued to fight, appealing parts of the case in an effort to keep operating in Ohio during the litigation. Meanwhile, the state has stayed aggressive, opposing those appeals and defending its authority in higher courts. Multiple states are currently grappling with how to handle prediction markets, and the outcomes have been inconsistent. New Jersey has acted to restrict Kalshi, influenced in part by earlier enforcement efforts in Nevada. At the same time, some court decisions elsewhere have supported Kalshi’s position. An appeals court ruling involving Arizona suggested federal law may override certain state restrictions, strengthening the company’s argument. ReadWrite has reached out to the Ohio Casino Control Commission for comment. Featured image: Kalshi / Canva The post Ohio moves to fine Kalshi $5M over illegal sports betting appeared first on ReadWrite.

Oakland police moved in on what they say was an illegal gambling setup in East Oakland on April 9, shutting it down after building a case tied to repeated complaints and a pattern of violence. According to an official Facebook post, officers served a search warrant in the 1400 block of 17th Avenue, working alongside federal and local partners. Investigators say the location had been on their radar for some time, citing a recent shooting along with ongoing concerns raised by neighbors and earlier violent incidents linked to the same address. OPD, in coordination with federal and local law enforcement partners, executed a search warrant at a suspected illegal gambling operation on 4/9/26, in the 1400 block of 17th Avenue.The investigation began following a recent shooting.More in the link:https://t.co/twUxnWhxz2 pic.twitter.com/gyCcPoicrn— Oakland Police Dept. (@oaklandpoliceca) April 13, 2026 When officers entered the property, they detained 10 people. Three of them were arrested because they had outstanding felony warrants, according to police. Authorities say the search turned up a mix of evidence they believe supports the illegal gambling case. Officers recovered narcotics, a firearm, cash, and equipment associated with gambling operations. Police have not released the names of those arrested, and they have shared few details about the shooting that helped drive the investigation. They say the case is still active and developing. Oakland Police illegal gambling raid part of a wider crackdown Investigators say the operation reflects a general push to respond to community concerns and crack down on locations tied to recurring crime. In this case, police point to neighborhood complaints as a key factor that helped bring attention to the suspected activity. The department is urging residents to keep reporting suspected illegal gambling or other dangerous activity, saying those tips can help officers step in before situations escalate further. That enforcement effort comes as authorities pursue related cases tied to underground gambling in Oakland. In a separate case reported by ReadWrite, an alleged illegal casino operator in the city is now facing multiple felony charges. Police say community reporting plays a critical role in identifying these sites and building cases against those involved. The April 9 raid was part of a coordinated effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies, though officials have not said how long the investigation had been underway or whether more arrests are expected. For now, detectives are continuing to review the evidence collected at the scene while they look into whether additional charges could follow. Authorities say the investigation remains open as they track down leads and work to determine the full scope of the suspected operation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Oakland Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division. Featured image: Oakland Police via Facebook The post Oakland police raid suspected illegal gambling site, detaining ten people appeared first on ReadWrite.

BetMGM entered 2026 still making money, though its latest results point to a business that has lost some of last year’s momentum. First-quarter net revenue reached $696 million, up 6% from the same period a year ago. Adjusted EBITDA rose 11% to $25 million. The company remains profitable after a strong 2025, but the pace is clearly more modest now. BetMGM will help kick off the latest gaming industry corporate earnings season April 14; among the stories to watch will be potential handle slowdown hitting much of the rest of the industry as sportsbooks' profit margins increase and prediction markets trading volume grows— Ryan Butler (@ButlerBets) April 9, 2026 Sports betting is where the slowdown appears to stand out most. Online sports revenue rose to $203 million in the quarter, a 4% increase. That is far below the growth rates seen through 2025, when the segment posted gains of 68% in the first quarter, 56% in the second, and 36% in the third. iGaming continues to carry more of the business, with revenue up 9% to $481 million, though even that trails the 24% growth reported for the full year in 2025. BetMGM Q1 2026 reports growth, but the mix has changed The company pointed to “player friendly sports results” and heavier promotional activity as reasons for the softer sports performance. It also cited a deliberate shift toward tighter player management, which is starting to show in its user data. Average monthly active users fell 9% from a year earlier to 975,000. The drop was sharper in online sports, where active users declined 16%. At the same time, betting activity per user and revenue per bettor both increased. The figures show a clear pattern: fewer users, but each one generating more value. This has been building for some time. Through 2025, BetMGM focused more on improving returns from existing customers rather than chasing rapid user growth. Now that strategy is colliding with a softer revenue outlook. The company lowered its 2026 revenue forecast to between $2.9 billion and $3.1 billion, down from the $3.1 billion to $3.2 billion range it gave after its full-year 2025 results. It kept its Adjusted EBITDA target of $300 million to $350 million, though it now expects results to land closer to the lower end. The change in tone is notable given how often BetMGM raised expectations last year. It started 2025 with a revenue outlook of $2.4 billion to $2.5 billion, then lifted that figure multiple times. The company ultimately finished the year with $2.8 billion in revenue and $220 million in EBITDA. Chief Executive Officer Adam Greenblatt said, “Although it has been a steady start to the year, BetMGM is delivering on our strategic plan, carrying forward the initiatives that drove our transformation in 2025.” The latest results line up with that description. The business is still steady, but the focus now is on holding profitability as growth becomes harder to sustain. Featured image: BetMGM The post BetMGM starts 2026 profitable but growth slows and outlook narrows slightly appeared first on ReadWrite.

Online sports betting is becoming a routine part of daily life across the United States, with participation continuing to climb even as unease about its effects grows. A new national survey released April 13 shows both trends moving in tandem. Researchers from the Siena Research Institute and St. Bonaventure University’s Jandoli School of Communication report that 27% of Americans now hold an active online sportsbook account with platforms like DraftKings, Caesars, FanDuel, or BetMGM. This has steadily increased from 22% in 2025 and 19% the year before. Another 6% say they used to have an account, meaning roughly one in three Americans has tried online sports betting at some point. New Siena/@BonasJSchool Annual Sports Fanship Survey: Part 2 – Online Sports BettingMore Than a Quarter of Americans, 27% Have An Active Online Sports Betting Account; A Third Have Opened an Account At Least OnceSports Betting Continues to Grow as 60% of Online Sports Bettors… pic.twitter.com/wzFvGrdE8r— SienaResearch (@SienaResearch) April 13, 2026 Younger men remain the most active participants. Among men ages 18 to 49, 52% say they have an account. Exposure is also widespread, with about 61% of Americans saying they encounter sportsbook advertising at least somewhat often. “The results show that online sports betting remains an active part of life for a significant portion of Americans,” said Don Levy, SRI’s Director.  “Since we began asking respondents about online sports betting in 2024, there has been a steady rise in those who say they have an active account – from about one-in-five to now one-in-four – and the share of respondents who bet on these platforms has grown just as much – from seventeen percent of Americans in 2024 to twenty-two percent in 2026.” US online sports betting habits hold steady as survey shows risks edge upward Even as more people sign up, their betting patterns look familiar. Among account holders, 83% have placed at least one bet, and 22% of Americans overall say they currently wager on sports. Nearly half of account holders check odds daily, while about six in ten place bets at least once a week. Many bettors juggle multiple platforms. Around 35% report using two sportsbooks, while 29% stick with one. Promotions continue to drive activity, with about 60% saying they’ve used offers like bonus bets or guaranteed-loss refunds. At the same time, warning signs are becoming more common, as 60% of bettors say they have chased losses, up from 52% last year. Sixty-three percent report wagering $100 or more in a single day, and nearly one-third say someone has expressed concern about their habits. Feelings of regret are also widespread, with more than four in ten saying they’ve bet more than they should or felt ashamed after losing. Wider industry reporting echoes the trend. Other recent analyses suggest Americans are gambling more overall, not just on sports but across casinos and digital platforms, with some surveys pointing to very high levels of engagement or exposure. Public opinion reflects that tension. About half of Americans support nationwide legalization and see betting as entertainment, yet most also want tighter guardrails. Majorities oppose sportsbook ads during games and favor stronger federal oversight, with 67% calling for more aggressive regulation. “Legal and accessible gambling is perhaps the defining issue facing the sports world in the 2020s. What our survey shows is that sports fans have a complicated relationship with sports gambling,” said Dr. Brian Moritz, Associate Professor and sports journalism master’s program Director at the Jandoli School.  “It is undeniably popular, and becoming more so every year, and there’s wide support for legalized gambling. But the growing support for restrictions on sportsbooks’ advertising during live sporting events as well as support for restrictions on betting on college sports show a desire for some guardrails to be put in place around legal and accessible gamblin