Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says its new Incognito Chat is "the first major AI product where there is no log of your conversations stored on servers." Messages in Incognito Chat aren't saved or stored in users' chat history, similar to incognito modes on other AI chatbots, but Meta says its version is different because it also uses end-to-end encryption, which Meta recently removed from Instagram DMs: "Other apps have introduced incognito-style modes, but they can still see the questions coming in and the answers going out. Incognito Chat with Meta AI is truly private, meaning no one - not even Meta - can read your conversations." Google … Read the full story at The Verge.

Sony’s latest flagship is here, with the new Xperia 1 VIII offering some powerful specs for the usual lofty price tag, this time with a major hardware redesign. more…

Article URL: https://www.haiku-os.org Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48124002 Points: 130 # Comments: 61

Epic Games might be doing more to mark Overwatch's 10th anniversary than Blizzard is.

Apple has stepped in to warn that EU proposals to force Google to open Android to competing AI services pose serious risks to user privacy, security, and safety. Apple's latest submission to the EU comes (via Reuters) in response to the European Commission's call for feedback on draft measures designed to help Google comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The proposals would allow competing AI services to interact with Android apps to perform actions such as sending emails, ordering food, or sharing photos. Google has already pushed back on the plans, arguing they would undermine key privacy and security safeguards for European users. Apple, which is itself now subject to EU measures requiring it to open up its own ecosystem, said it has a strong interest in the case given its own operating systems for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. In its submission, Apple said the draft measures "raise urgent and serious concerns," warning that if confirmed, "they would create profound risks for user privacy, security, and safety as well as device integrity and performance." Apple also took aim at the rapidly evolving state of AI as a particular source of concern, arguing that risks are "especially acute in the context of rapidly evolving AI systems whose capabilities, behaviours, and threat vectors remain unpredictable." The company questioned the EU's technical expertise in drawing up the proposals, stating that the Commission is "substituting judgments made by Google's engineers for its own judgment based on less than three months of work," and suggesting the only discernible goal of the draft measures is "open and unfettered access." Apple has a long history of clashing with EU regulators over the DMA. The company challenged the regulation in court in October 2025, and urged regulators to scrap it entirely the month before, arguing it had created security vulnerabilities and worsened the user experience. The EU said it had no intention of repealing the law in response. The feedback period for the proposals ran from April 27 to May 13, 2026. The European Commission has said it will carefully assess all submissions and may adjust the proposed measures as a result, though its final decision must be adopted within six months of the opening of the specification proceedings, giving a deadline of July 27, 2026. The EU separately concluded in May 2026 that the DMA has had a positive impact overall, setting aside Apple's lobbying for the regulation to be revised.Tags: Europe, European Commission, European Union, Google, ReutersThis article, "Apple Defends Google Against EU Proposal to Give AI Rivals Access to Services" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Following last month's coverage of an unofficial Mac port of Notepad++ that the original developer called out for trademark violation, the dispute has now been resolved with a rebrand. The macOS port was previously released by Andrey Letov under the Notepad++ name without authorization. Don Ho created the original Windows code editor in 2003, and had publicly objected to the unofficial app's use of his trademark and the inclusion of his name and biography on its author page. After settling the dispute, the app has subsequently been renamed Nextpad++. The site for Nextpad++ has been thoroughly updated and clearly states that the app is an "open-source and independent community port of Notepad++ to macOS." Elsewhere, Letov's About page describes the project as a Mac port of the Notepad++ GPL codebase, built on Objective-C++, Scintilla, and Cocoa, and shipped as a universal binary for Apple silicon and Intel Macs. The app also has a new icon. Names aside, it seems Daring Fireball's John Gruber is less than charmed by the result, describing the app as feeling "unholy" and suggesting the rapid port could only have been built with AI vibe-coding tools. The site states development began on March 10. Have you tried out Nextpad++ for Mac? Let us know what you think in the comments.This article, "Notepad++ Mac Port Renamed Nextpad++ After Trademark Row" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

xAI has reportedly added 19 more unpermitted methane gas turbines to its latest data center site.

Joining the ongoing pre-order deals on the new Google Fitbit Air, today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break deals are headlined by Galaxy S26 Ultra bundled with Galaxy Buds 4 Pro at $325 off (or up to $435 off open-box units without), and we have some details on how to score an unlocked Galaxy Z Flip 7 today at nearly $400 off. You can also grab Google’s latest Nest Doorbell at nearly $100 off alongside ongoing deals TCL’s 2026 TAB 10 Gen 4 Android tablet at $150 and what might be your last chance at the rare Philips Hue Bridge Pro deal. Head below for a closer look at the details. more…

Maybe I'm just punch-drunk in my third week attending Musk v. Altman, but I have become very, very fond of Microsoft during the course of this trial. They don't want to be here any more than I do. Their opening statement was honestly one of the most Microsoft things I've ever seen. More than anything else, it was an ad for Microsoft that listed their products in some detail. The general implication, from that statement, was that this trial was absurd, their involvement was absurd, but you, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, might still enjoy an Xbox game. There's been a great deal of high drama on the stand, from Musk, his associates, and O … Read the full story at The Verge.

It looks just like the A7R V, and other Sony cameras. | Image: Sony Sony announced its new flagship high-resolution camera, the A7R VI. The standout feature is its fully stacked full-frame sensor with 66.8 megapixels of resolution and up to 16 stops of dynamic range. That's only an increase of about six megapixels for the VI model, but its stacked architecture means a much faster readout speed for higher burst rates, better silent shooting with the electronic shutter, and improved video performance. The other increase comes to the price, as the A7R VI will cost $4,499.99 when it launches in June - $600 more than when the A7R V launched in 2022. The new A7R camera has a slew of new features and ones it's inh … Read the full story at The Verge.

Sam Altman and Elon Musk are facing off in a high-stakes trial that could alter the future of OpenAI and its most well-known product, ChatGPT. In 2024, Musk filed a lawsuit accusing OpenAI of abandoning its founding mission of developing AI to benefit humanity and shifting focus to boosting profits instead. Elon Musk, his financial manager and Neuralink CEO, Jared Birchall, and OpenAI cofounder Greg Brockman have already testified before the jury. Shivon Zilis, a former OpenAI board member who shares four children with Musk, took the stand last week, and the courtroom also watched former OpenAI CTO Mura Murati’s videotaped deposition. For the trial’s third week, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella appeared on Monday, followed by OpenAI cofounder and former chief scientist Ilya Sutskever. Altman took the stand on Tuesday to refute the Musk argument that he is a liar and a snake, while on the final day of testimony, Wednesday, we are hearing from Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott. Musk was a cofounder of OpenAI and claims that Altman and Brockman tricked him into giving the company money, only to turn their backs on their original goal. However, OpenAI says that “This lawsuit has always been a baseless and jealous bid to derail a competitor” in a bid to boost Musk’s own SpaceX / xAI / X companies that have launched Grok as a competitor to ChatGPT. In his lawsuit, Musk is asking for the removal of Altman and Brockman, and for OpenAI to stop operating as a public benefit corporation. Musk has also demanded that OpenAI’s nonprofit receive up to $150 billion in damages he’s asking for if he wins the case. People to Know Plaintiff Elon Musk — plaintiff, OpenAI cofounder and now CEO of rival xAI Steven Molo — lead counsel for the plaintiff Jared Birchall — manager of Musk’s family office Shivon Zilis — former OpenAI board member who shares multiple children with Musk Defendant Sam Altman — defendant, CEO of OpenAI  William Savitt — lead counsel for the defendant Greg Brockman — president of OpenAI as well as a cofounder  Ilya Sutskever — former chief scientist at OpenAI and a cofounder Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers — aka YGR, trial judge Here’s all the latest on the trial between Musk and Altman: John Coates, OpenAI’s expert witness, is running a demolition derby on Musk’s expert witness. Museum gift shop metaphor found dead in a ditch. We’re listening to an expert witness, David Hemel, a law professor at NYU. During Elon Musk’s all-hands Q&A before departing OpenAI, Achiam said he felt Musk wanted to “race towards AGI.” Achiam is running circles around this lawyer on cross, without doing the annoying things other witnesses have done. Okay, it’s time for the cross of Achiam. “I think he was just upset that he had been challenged,” Achiam said. “This was not friendly.” During the all-hands, Musk expressed concerns about what would happen if DeepMind got to AGI first, “It was a bit like seeing Bigfoot through Plexiglass,” Achiam says of seeing Elon Musk in the office. Ilya Sutskever would get up on tables to give speeches in the early days of OpenAI. Achiam talked about the roles of Greg Brockman and Ilya Sutskever in OpenAI’s early days. Josh Achiam described what it was like to work at OpenAI in 2017. Achiam started at OpenAI as an intern in the summer of 2017, and became a full-time employee in December. Hi my name is Josh Achiam and welcome to “will we see the jackass trophy?” Fairly stupid choice by Musk’s lawyers to go after Microsoft’s major decision rights. Musk cross. I guess we are now going to have a fight about due diligence. “Our due diligence found no conditions related to Elon Musk,” Wetter says. Mike Wetter for Microsoft is taking the stand now. Scott, who is wearing sneakers and a black crew neck under his blazer, seems quite pleasant on cross. We are now getting cross-examination from Musk’s lawyer. Microsoft’s CTO Kevin Scott is on the stand. Microsoft doesn’t want any of this In his test

Article URL: https://kotaku.com/kickstarter-is-the-latest-platform-seemingly-forced-to-ban-adult-content-by-payment-processors-2000695648 Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48123198 Points: 259 # Comments: 198

A new report shows that, perhaps even more so than usual, Apple’s iPhone is dominating phone sales in the US market, but Google Pixel is apparently holding onto its sliver. more…

Article URL: https://fortune.com/2026/05/12/lake-tahoe-data-center-49000-residents-power-source/ Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48123090 Points: 105 # Comments: 104

Article URL: https://ossresistance.com/ Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48123015 Points: 197 # Comments: 62

They were supposed to be made in the US, but instead were "designed with American values in mind."

REI’s annual Anniversary Sale doesn’t start until March 15th, but that hasn’t stopped Garmin from rolling out discounts on a range of devices — including its InReach Mini satellite communicators. Right now, for instance, you can grab the Mini 2 at Amazon, REI, and Garmin for $249.99 ($150 off) or the Mini 3 for $399.99 ($50 off) through the same retailers (Amazon, REI, and Garmin). That’s the lowest price we’ve seen on the newer InReach model, which launched in late December. Garmin inReach Mini 2 Where to Buy: $399.99 $249.99 at Amazon $399.99 $249.99 at REI $399.99 $249.99 at GarminGarmin InReach Mini 3 Where to Buy: $449.99 $399.99 at Amazon $449.99 $399.99 at REI $449.99 $399.99 at Garmin As someone who has used both the Mini 2 and Mini 3 in the backcountry, I’m a big fan of dedicated satellite communicators over smartphones, even those with support for satellite SOS and messaging. Both the Mini 2 and Mini 3 are far more rugged than your average phone, for one thing, and each device offers multi-day battery life, which certainly isn’t the case with iPhone 17-series phones and Google’s newer Pixel phones. They also operate in higher temperatures and allow you to pull the weather report, which is a massive plus when you’re off the grid and exposed to ever-changing weather patterns. The core functionality of the Mini 2 and Mini 3 is largely the same, however. The two palm-sized satellite communicators leverage the Iridium satellite network for coverage, allowing you to send text messages, share your location, and even trigger SOS alerts in the event of an emergency. The big differences between the last-gen model and the Mini 3 are that the latter features a color touchscreen interface, which makes it far easier to navigate menus and type messages (the Mini 3 Plus also adds support for photos and voice messages). Keep in mind that whichever model you choose, you’ll need to sign up for one of Garmin’s InReach Consumer Plans, which start at $7.99 a month for the most basic plan. Each tier requires a $39.99 activation fee and includes a set number of messages per month; however, if you run out, you’ll have to pay an additional fee per message (live tracking always costs extra). Personally, I’ve never found the messaging limits to be that restrictive — my aim in the backcountry is to avoid copious amounts of human contact — but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning a longer trek in the woods or need more constant communication with someone back home. window.HYPE_DESK_CONFIG = { productImageUrl: "https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/assets.sbnation.com/csk/uploads/hype-desk/product-images/macbook+neo.png", productImageAlt: "Apple MacBook Neo", productTitle: "Apple MacBook Neo", shortDescription: "An affordable, well-built laptop for a great price.", longDescription: "Apple's most affordable Mac ever starts at $599, and it does not feel like a compromise. The MacBook Neo has a durable aluminum enclosure that comes in four colors, and the battery life can handle everything you throw at it every day. Students and educators can save even more off an already surprising price.", purchaseUrl: "https://apple.sjv.io/c/482924/3875167/7613", purchaseLinkText: "Buy at Apple" }; More ways to save today It’s never been our No. 1 pick, but if you’re looking for a wireless outdoor camera, Blink’s Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera is on sale at Amazon and Best Buy for $54.99 ($45 off), which is just $5 shy of its best price to date. The battery-powered, 700-lumen cam offers up to two years of battery life, Alexa support, and two-way audio, though, like most budget 1080p cameras, you’ll have to shell out for a premium subscription to leverage its more advanced features. Lego’s 2,660-piece replica of Hogwarts Castle is down to $136.99 ($33 off) at Amazon and Target, nearly matching its all-time low. Is it as cool as Lego’s recently announced, LOTR-inspired Minas Tirith set? Probably not, but if you’r

Article URL: https://fredchan.org/blog/locality-domains-guide/ Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48122635 Points: 348 # Comments: 105

Samsung is rolling out the first beta update for One UI 9 which, for Galaxy devices, will bring Android 17 under the hood, and the changelog reveals that not much is actually going on here – at least not yet. more…

Anker's new Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station has been marked down to $104.99 on Amazon, down from $149.99. This is one of Anker's newest accessories, and Amazon's sale today is a match of the all-time low price. This deal, and many of the others shared below, is being matched at Anker.com, with additional savings applied for members. 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. The Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station features Qi2.2 support, which lets a compatible MagSafe ‌iPhone‌ charge at up to 25W. It's the same speed as Apple's ‌MagSafe‌ charger, and it is 10W faster than the standard Qi2 ‌MagSafe‌ chargers. You can also simultaneously charge an Apple Watch and AirPods with the device. $45 OFFAnker Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station for $104.99 There are plenty of other Anker discounts happening on Amazon this week, including Anker's popular 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Charging Cube for $86.99, down from $129.99. Below you'll find a list of the best Anker discounts on Amazon this week, also including wall chargers, portable chargers, and more. Although it's not on sale, Anker recently launched a new desktop charging accessory with the Anker Nano Desk Clamp Power Strip for $69.99. The new device attaches to your desk and has 10 total ports including six AC outlets, two USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports. It supports 70W USB-C fast charging and comes in white and black color options. Wall Chargers Nano USB-C Wall Charger - $29.99, down from $39.99 140W 4-Port GaN USB-C Charger - $79.99, down from $99.99 Wireless Chargers 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible UFO Charger - $69.99, down from $89.99 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Foldable Charging Station - $85.99, down from $109.99 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Charging Cube - $86.99, down from $129.99 3-in-1 Prime Wireless Charging Station - $104.99, down from $149.99 Prime MagSafe-Compatible 3-in-1 Charging Station - $159.99, down from $229.99 Portable Chargers SOLIX C300 Power Station with Lantern - $179.99, down from $249.00 Prime Power Bank 26,250 mAh - $171.48, down from $229.99 SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $449.99, down from $799.00 SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $799.99, down from $1,499.00 If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of 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, "Anker's New Prime Charging Station Returns to Low Price on Amazon" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

While something new is always around the corner, now might be a particularly good time to hold off on buying a new iPhone if you are able to. The reason to consider waiting is that Apple is reportedly working on a special 20th-anniversary iPhone for release in September 2027, and rumors suggest that the device will feature the biggest redesign since the iPhone X in 2017. According to Bloomberg, the 20th-anniversary iPhone will have "glass edges that curve seamlessly into the display on all four sides." The Information reported that one of Apple's early 20th-anniversary iPhone prototypes lacked bezels around the screen. The device had only a "narrow metal band running around the midpoint of the device's edge, where the buttons sit." Apple has also aimed for the device to have no cutouts in the screen, according to The Information, but it is unclear if the company will be able to move both the front camera and the Face ID system under the screen by next year. Overall, it sounds like Apple has ambitious goals with the 20th-anniversary iPhone, and that makes it a device that might be especially worth waiting for. Of course, this advice will not apply to you if you upgrade your iPhone every single year regardless, but the average customer holds on to their iPhone for two to four years. In the meantime, Apple is expected to release the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first-ever foldable iPhone in September 2026, followed by an iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and a second-generation iPhone Air around March 2027.Tag: 20th-Anniversary iPhoneThis article, "You Might Want to Wait to Buy a New iPhone" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

No one other than you will be able to read messages exchanged via Incognito Chat with Meta AI.

A new survey suggests most U.S. smartphone owners are not motivated to upgrade by foldable phone designs or AI features, a potential challenge for Apple as it prepares to launch both the rumored "iPhone Ultra" and an expanded suite of Apple Intelligence features this fall. The survey, commissioned by CNET and conducted by YouGov across 2,407 U.S. smartphone owners between April 29 and May 1, found that only 13% of respondents would consider upgrading for a phone concept such as a foldable or flip phone, while just 12% cited AI integrations as an upgrade motivator. Among iPhone owners specifically, interest in foldable designs was slightly higher at 14%. Apple is widely expected to launch its first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro this fall, with a starting price of around $2,000. While a 13% interest statistic in foldable designs has been characterized as evidence of limited appeal, it may actually represent a larger addressable market than anticipated for a product most consumers have never used and whose likely price was not disclosed to respondents. Interest could shrink considerably once a $2,000-plus price tag enters the picture, and supply chain reports suggest smooth availability may not occur until 2027. Consumer sentiment around AI integrations dropped sharply from 2024 to 2025 before edging slightly higher in 2026, though the figure remains low at 12%. Previous surveys found that the majority of iPhone users felt existing ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features added little to no value to their experience. Price remains the overwhelming driver of upgrade decisions, cited by 55% of respondents, followed by longer battery life at 52%, and more storage at 38%. Those top three motivators are unchanged from 2025, when price led at 62%, battery life at 54%, and storage at 39%. Camera features (27%) and display size (22%) ranked well ahead of either foldables or AI as upgrade motivators. Smartphone owners are also not particularly swayed by a phone being thinner or available in new colors, findings that are relevant given Apple's recent emphasis on the ultra-thin iPhone Air and expanded color options across its lineup.Related Roundup: iPhone FoldTags: Apple Intelligence, CNETThis article, "Few Smartphone Owners Care About Foldables or AI, Survey Suggests" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

It can now shoot at a stellar 30 fps with no blackout and capture 8K 30p video.

One of the best things these speakers have going for them is a reliable app.

Following last week’s launch, Snapseed 4.0.1 for Android is rolling out with a shortcut to quickly launch the new Camera experience. more…

Article URL: https://nltimes.nl/2026/05/13/dutch-suicide-prevention-hotline-shares-visitor-data-tech-companies Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48121299 Points: 232 # Comments: 167

Article URL: https://jorijn.com/en/blog/leaving-github-for-forgejo/ Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48121266 Points: 441 # Comments: 237

Adobe’s Premiere app is finally heading to Android, with Google providing a slightly more specific timeline compared to what Adobe previously left us with. more…

Article URL: https://monokai.com/articles/how-i-moved-my-digital-stack-to-europe/ Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48120629 Points: 747 # Comments: 481

Apple supplier Foxconn has confirmed a cyberattack on several of its U.S. factories, after a ransomware group claimed to have stolen confidential Apple project files as part of the hack. The Nitrogen group posted the breach on its data leak site this week, claiming to have made off with 8TB of data spanning more than 11 million files. Alongside the allegedly stolen Apple files, Nitrogen claims the trove includes internal project documentation and technical drawings tied to Intel, Google, Dell, and Nvidia. Foxconn confirmed the intrusion to The Register on Tuesday, but the supplier did not respond to questions regarding whether any customer data was actually taken. A company spokesperson said its cybersecurity team activated response measures to keep production running, and that all of its affected factories are resuming normal operations. Foxconn assembles a wide range of Apple products, but Apple famously takes the secrecy of unreleased products extremely seriously, and suppliers typically receive only the technical information needed for their specific role in manufacturing. Nitrogen is believed to be an offshoot of leaked Russia-based Conti 2 ransomware code. If so, though, the stolen files may be inaccessible. Researchers at Coveware warned in February that a bug in the group's ESXi encryptor makes file recovery impossible, even for victims who pay up. It's not the first time Foxconn has been targeted by ransomware gangs. The manufacturer was previously hit by LockBit in 2022 and 2024.Tag: FoxconnThis article, "Apple Project Files Allegedly Stolen in Foxconn Ransomware Attack" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Florida gaming regulators and local investigators say a large illegal gambling operation in Manatee County has been dismantled after a coordinated raid that seized hundreds of machines and more than $120,000 in cash. The Florida Gaming Control Commission worked alongside the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations during the effort, which authorities called “Operation Silent Spin.” Officials announced Tuesday (May 12) that investigators confiscated 265 illegal gambling machines while also filing criminal charges and immigration detainers connected to the case. Spin City Arcade accounted for the largest seizure. Investigators removed 155 illegal slot machines and recovered about $78,483 in cash from that location, according to the commission. Authorities also seized 61 illegal slot machines and roughly $24,157 from another arcade that was not publicly identified. At Mike’s Arcade, officers recovered 49 illegal slot machines and approximately $18,157. Investigators seized hundreds of illegal gambling machines during Florida’s latest arcade enforcement crackdown. Credit: Manatee County Sheriff’s Office via YouTube from 2023 raid State regulators say the operation reflects growing concerns about underground gambling businesses spreading across Florida. Investigators pointed to a recent armed robbery and shooting at another illegal gambling house in Manatee County where a customer was shot multiple times. Officials say those operations often involve large amounts of cash, weak security, narcotics activity, trafficking concerns, and schemes targeting customers. “These illegal gambling businesses are not harmless storefront operations. They attract crime, generate illicit cash economies, and create serious public safety risks for surrounding communities,” said L. Carl Herold, Director of Gaming Enforcement for the FGCC. Pressure builds for wider enforcement amid Manatee County illegal gambling raid The Manatee County case follows several other recent gambling crackdowns across southwest Florida. Earlier enforcement actions that we previously reported included the seizure of 623 illegal gambling machines and another Lee County operation where investigators removed 134 illegal slot machines tied to arcade-style gambling businesses. Separate investigations in Lee County also focused on suspected illegal gambling arcades operating under storefront gaming models. Officials say the cases are adding pressure on state lawmakers to approve more enforcement funding as budget negotiations continue in Tallahassee this week. The FGCC is requesting additional gaming enforcement squads, including a proposed unit dedicated to southwest Florida, where regulators say illegal gambling activity has surged. “Operation Silent Spin sends a clear message: if you are operating illegal gambling in Florida, we are coming for your machines, your money, and your criminal enterprise,” Herold said. “As illegal gambling activity continues to grow statewide, including in southwest Florida, the FGCC remains committed to aggressively dismantling these operations before they evolve into larger organized criminal networks.” Julie Brown, chair of the FGCC, said southwest Florida remains one of the agency’s top priorities as illegal gambling complaints continue increasing. “Southwest Florida has seen one of the highest increases in illegal gambling activity in the state and is a prime location for our next enforcement squad,” Brown said. “As these operations continue to spread, the Commission must ensure it has the personnel and regional presence necessary to investigate complaints quickly, support local law enforcement partners, and protect Florida communities through sustained enforcement efforts.” Featured image: Manatee County Sheriff’s Office via YouTube The post Florida authorities bust Manatee County illegal gambling network during enforcement operation appeared first on ReadWrite.

Four New Mexico tribes are taking prediction market company Kalshi to federal court, arguing that its sports contracts amount to illegal online sports betting conducted on tribal lands without approval from tribal regulators. The Mescalero Apache Tribe, Pueblo of Isleta, Pueblo of Pojoaque, and Pueblo of Sandia filed the lawsuit Tuesday (May 12) in federal court in New Mexico. The 33-page complaint, reviewed by ReadWrite, seeks court orders blocking Kalshi from offering sports event contracts on tribal lands, while three of the tribes are also pursuing civil penalties. NEW: Four New Mexico tribes sued #Kalshi, alleging illegal sports betting on tribal lands violating gaming compacts and IGRA. Lawsuit filed today @RWW pic.twitter.com/GVlBSJaSfd— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) May 12, 2026 Tribal regulators say Kalshi’s mobile app lets users place wagers on sporting events through yes-or-no contracts that operate like standard sportsbook bets. The tribes argue the products qualify as Class III gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, known as IGRA, and therefore require tribal authorization and compliance with existing tribal-state gaming compacts. The document cites a 2016 Interior Department letter stating that “non-tribal Internet gaming” would conflict with the exclusivity promised to tribes under those compacts. The complaint says Kalshi never obtained tribal licenses and allows wagering by users as young as 18, even though tribal gaming agreements in New Mexico prohibit Class III gaming for anyone under 21. New Mexico tribes join growing legal fight against Kalshi The filing describes Kalshi’s offerings as nearly indistinguishable from traditional sportsbooks, pointing to bets involving game winners, point spreads, totals, parlays, and proposition wagers. One example cited in the complaint involved contracts tied to a University of New Mexico Lobos versus New Mexico State Aggies game. “Bookmakers have been providing the same service as Kalshi since at least the late 1700s,” the complaint states. The tribes also pointed to Kalshi’s earlier court arguments against the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, when the company reportedly argued that sports-related contracts resembled prohibited gaming activity. According to the filing, Kalshi shifted course after the 2024 election and began including sports contracts tied to the NFL, NBA, NHL, and NCAA beginning in January 2025. The lawsuit references recent court rulings in Nevada and elsewhere that treated Kalshi’s products as sports gambling. The complaint quotes a federal judge who wrote, “As Justice Potter Stewart famously said about pornography in his concurrence in Jacobellis v. State of Ohio, ‘I know it when I see it.’ These are sports wagers and everyone who sees them knows it,” the Nevada court wrote, according to the filing. The New Mexico case arrives as tribal governments continue challenging prediction market platforms. The Ho-Chunk Nation previously sued Kalshi in Wisconsin, and California tribes recently lost an appeals court effort seeking intervention in related litigation. Tribal leaders have increasingly argued that prediction markets threaten tribal gaming exclusivity agreements and undermine sovereignty protections negotiated with states. The complaint also says Kalshi promoted itself through advertising and trademark filings describing its services as “bookmaking services” and “sports betting and gambling tournaments.” According to the tribes, geofencing technology already used throughout the gaming industry could easily block wagering activity on tribal lands. The tribes claim Kalshi’s daily transaction volume rose from just over $4 million in December 2024 to roughly $800 million daily after sports betting contracts were introduced. It also cites reports valuing the company at about $22 billion following a recent funding round. The tribes argue Kalshi’s continued operations bypass tribal safeguards involving fraud prevention, integrity monitoring, mo

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is pressing a federal appeals court to reaffirm that prediction markets fall under federal supervision instead of state gambling enforcement. In a brief filed Tuesday (May 12) with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the agency asked judges to overturn an Ohio ruling tied to Kalshi’s ongoing dispute with state regulators. The filing argues that Congress already gave the CFTC sole authority over futures, swaps, and similar financial products traded on federally regulated exchanges. Today’s amicus brief represents the @CFTC’s continued effort to protect our jurisdiction over prediction markets from the ongoing campaign of state encroachment.As I’ve said repeatedly, the agency will not allow overzealous state governments to undermine our longstanding… https://t.co/RDFDglsWkd— Mike Selig (@ChairmanSelig) May 12, 2026 The case has become one of the highest-profile clashes between state gambling laws and the prediction markets industry. Ohio officials previously moved against Kalshi’s sports-related event contracts, arguing the products violate state gambling restrictions. Kalshi responded by challenging the state’s authority in federal court. “The federal district court in Ohio took an improperly narrow view of the Commission’s jurisdiction, and we are asking the Court of Appeals to correct that error,” said CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig in a press release. “As I’ve said repeatedly, the CFTC will not allow overzealous state governments to undermine the agency’s longstanding authority over these markets.” CFTC clashes against state regulators over Kalshi and other prediction markets The commission told the appeals court that Congress established the agency in 1974 specifically to avoid fragmented state oversight of commodities trading. According to the document, lawmakers concluded that inconsistent state laws had weakened national markets and created confusion for exchanges and traders. The CFTC argued that event contracts have operated under federal oversight for decades. The filing noted that exchanges regulated by the commission have listed contracts tied to “regional insured property losses, the count of bankruptcies, temperature volatilities, corporate mergers, and corporate credit events.” According to the filing, “States cannot invade the CFTC’s exclusive jurisdiction by re-characterizing swaps trading on DCMs as illegal gambling.”  In Arizona, regulators also attempted to pursue gambling-related enforcement against Kalshi before a federal judge temporarily blocked that effort earlier this month. The court signaled that federally regulated prediction markets may fall outside direct state gambling control while broader legal questions continue moving through the courts. The CFTC and the Department of Justice have additionally backed other legal challenges involving state attempts to restrict sports-based prediction contracts. The recent brief warned that state-by-state oversight could subject exchanges to “varying and potentially contradictory legal standards.” The agency warned that if states succeed in blocking sports event contracts, regulators could eventually challenge other event-based derivatives already traded under federal oversight. The commission also stressed that federal law already gives it authority to decide whether specific contracts violate the public interest, including products connected to gaming concerns. Featured image: CFTC / Canva The post CFTC defends prediction markets authority against mounting state gambling challenges appeared first on ReadWrite.

Article URL: https://internetcleanup.foundation/2026/05/european-governments-3000-tracking-sites-1000-phpmyadmins-and-99pct-poorly-encrypted-email-introducing-securitybaseline-eu/ Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48118763 Points: 217 # Comments: 103

Article URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/2605.08419 Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48117810 Points: 277 # Comments: 65

Article URL: https://www.spacex.com/updates#starship-v3 Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48116781 Points: 297 # Comments: 519

According to a new report, Samsung is set to bring its first pair of Android XR-powered glasses, “Galaxy Glasses,” and a new Galaxy Watch 9 to its July 22 event that will also launch the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and other foldables. more…

Article URL: https://ericswpark.com/blog/2026/2026-05-12-my-graduation-cap-runs-rust/ Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48116207 Points: 205 # Comments: 83

Google today announced a new series of Googlebook laptops that will be built with Gemini at the core. Googlebooks will run software built on a foundation that combines Android and ChromeOS. Google says the new laptops are designed for Gemini Intelligence for a more personalized and proactive experience. Instead of a cursor, Googlebooks have a Magic Pointer that users can wiggle to activate Gemini. Gemini can then provide contextual suggestions and answers based on whatever the user is pointing to on the screen. Pointing at a date in an email sets up a meeting, and selecting two images allows them to be visualized together. There are ask, compare, and combine tools available with the Magic Pointer. Create My Widget, a new Android feature, is coming to Googlebooks. Users can create custom widgets with a Gemini prompt. Gemini is able to search the internet and connect with Google apps like Gmail and Calendar to create a personalized dashboard that can be used for widget creation. Since Googlebooks will run Android, it will be easier to switch between a Googlebook and an Android smartphone. Apps from a connected Android smartphone will be available on the Googlebook, with a feature set similar to Apple's iPhone Mirroring. Quick Access will let users view, search, or insert files from a smartphone on the laptop, with no transfer needed. Google says it is working with Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo to make the first Googlebooks. The machines will be built with "premium craftsmanship and materials, coming in a variety of shapes and sizes." Each one will have a "glowbar" on the lid, making it clear that it's a Googlebook. Google has not given insight into Googlebook pricing, but with the specific "premium" build language, they could be priced above the low-cost MacBook Neo that Apple recently came out with. It's also possible that Googlebooks will have MacBook Neo-level pricing to better compete with Apple's laptop in on pricing and build quality. The first Googlebooks are set to launch this fall.Tags: Android, GoogleThis article, "Google Unveils Googlebook, a New AI Laptop Built Around Gemini" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Article URL: https://blog.cloudflare.com/quic-death-spiral-fix/ Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48116064 Points: 151 # Comments: 30

Popular Mac menu bar management app Bartender received an upgrade today with the launch of Bartender Pro. Bartender Pro adds a new Top Shelf feature to the Mac's notch, with access to multiple utility tools. Top Shelf can be used for clipboard access, storing files, controlling audio, and sending content over AirDrop. It supports widgets for calendar, weather, and music apps like Apple Music or Spotify. There's a full Now Playing music controller, and options to get alerts when scheduled events are coming up. Top Shelf expands the size of the notch, turning it into something like the iPhone's Dynamic Island. Users can drag files over to the notch to store them or send them via AirDrop, and access a clipboard. The clipboard can be set to automatically capture content that's copied, with options to ignore passwords. There are customizable duration options for both the clipboard and file storage. Widgets in Top Shelf are customizable, and it supports a Live Activity-like tracking feature for AI agents like Codex and Claude Code. Info like volume, display brightness, and battery level is also available. Top Shelf works alongside Bartender, and all of the standard Bartender features are available with Bartender Pro. When not in use, Top Shelf is tucked away much like Bartender, and it disappears when Bartender is expanded. While it is a tool designed around the notch, it also works on Macs that don't have one. Bartender Pro is optional, and users who don't need the extra features can stick with Bartender 6. Bartender Pro is priced at $15 per year. The subscription includes Bartender 6, all future upgrades for the subscription duration, and the Bartender Pro suite. Bartender 6 is still available for a one-time $20 purchase, and the $80 Mega Supporter option continues to offer lifetime Bartender access with Bartender Pro included. Bartender Pro and Bartender 6 are available from the Bartender website.Tag: BartenderThis article, "Bartender Pro Brings Widgets, Clipboard, and File Storage to the MacBook Notch" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Article URL: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20260511-kraftwerks-radical-1976-track-radioactivity-became-an-anti-nuclear-anthem Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48115823 Points: 224 # Comments: 194

The Magic Pointer on Googlebook was built with Google DeepMind. The research team behind this underlying capability shared more about the premise of AI-enabled pointers. more…

Article URL: https://www.savethearchive.com/newsleaders/ Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48115807 Points: 396 # Comments: 108

Last month, Google said it was redesigning the ‘Home & Nest Community’ and we now know what it looks like. more…

Android’s upcoming desktop OS experience is set to power “Googlebook” laptops in the not-too-distant future, and a 16-minute video has revealed some of the features found in this platform including its Android roots, some familiar ChromeOS features, and desktop-style features like folders on the desktop and terminal. more…

Apple is introducing an overhauled version of Siri in iOS 27, evolving the personal assistant into a more capable chatbot and AI agent able to compete with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. With ‌Siri‌'s transition, Apple will be making multiple Siri-related design changes in ‌iOS 27‌, according to a new report from Bloomberg. ‌Siri‌ will largely live in the Dynamic Island in ‌iOS 27‌, but there will also be a dedicated ‌Siri‌ app for the first time. When ‌Siri‌ is activated with the ‌Siri‌ wake word or through the iPhone's side button, a pill-shaped animation will be displayed in the ‌Dynamic Island‌. When ‌Siri‌ is asked a question or given a task, there will be a transparent results card. Swiping on it will bring up a conversation mode that looks similar to an iMessage chat, and it will incorporate small cards for the weather, notes, upcoming appointments, and other information that's relevant to queries. Apple is also designing a full ‌Siri‌ app for ‌Siri‌ conversations. It will allow users to look back at prior chats, and begin new ‌Siri‌ chats. There is a grid of rectangles with summaries of past conversations that users can tap into, a search bar, and a "+" button for starting a new conversation. The app will support uploading images and documents, and users will be able to type to ‌Siri‌ or use voice input. Swiping down from the top center of the display in any app will activate a system-wide search interface, with a "Search or Ask" bar in the ‌Dynamic Island‌ for typing or speaking questions. Search or Ask is similar to Spotlight Search, but Bloomberg suggests it will display "more advanced results and additional data from within apps." ‌Siri‌ will be able to draw information from the web to provide detailed answers to the typical questions users ask chatbots. ‌Siri‌'s responses will include bullet points with information and large images. While ‌Siri‌ is the default for the search bar, pressing on it will let users select other chatbots to speak with, such as ChatGPT or Gemini. Apple plans to let users choose third-party AI services as the default for Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools and Image Playground, expanding ‌Apple Intelligence‌ integration beyond ChatGPT. Apple plans to overhaul the ‌Image Playground‌ app. The interface for generating a new image has fewer controls and a "describe a change" option for editing images that are created. Previously created images are displayed in a grid with more rounded edges, and instead of a New Image button, there's a "+" button. Apple has also been testing new models that produce more lifelike images, so we could see new image generation capabilities in ‌iOS 27‌. Apple is also planning changes to the Camera app, Photos app, Wallet, and Shortcuts, plus there could be tweaks to Liquid Glass. More on what to expect from ‌iOS 27‌ can be found in our iOS 27 roundup.Related Roundup: iOS 27Tags: Bloomberg, Mark Gurman, SiriThis article, "iOS 27 Getting Major Siri Redesign With Chat Interface and Dedicated App" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Apple plans to make the Camera app more customizable in iOS 27, reports Bloomberg. Users will be able to select the features they want to see in the Camera app, like flash, exposure, timer, depth of field, photo styles, and resolution. Camera controls, labeled as widgets, will be able to be placed at the top of the Camera interface in any order. Users will be able to select widgets from a transparent widget tray that comes up from the bottom of the app. Widgets will be organized into categories that include basic, manual, and settings. Apple plans to use the same default layout that's available now with quick tap buttons for flash, Live Photos, and Night Mode, but the customizable interface will be added as a new advanced layout that will appeal to professional users. Different modes like photo and video will have their own sets of widgets, as will a new Siri camera mode that Apple plans to add to the app. ‌Siri‌ mode will incorporate the Visual Intelligence features that are currently accessible through the Camera Control or Action buttons. Right now, users can tap into a view with all of the Camera controls from the top right of the app, but that view is moving to the right of the shutter button. Apple will also add new grid and level options. In the Weather app, there will be a new Conditions panel for switching between temperature, rain, and wind. It will be the same as the interface that's available when tapping into one of the weather modules in the current version of the app. Apple plans to add an updated start page to Safari, and it will have four tabs across the top for swapping between favorites, bookmarks, Reading List, and history. There are system-wide design changes coming as well, according to Bloomberg. The tab bar in apps like Apple Music, Podcasts, News, and Apple TV will be adjusted to combine search with the other navigation options. Apple separated search in many apps when introducing Liquid Glass, but it sounds like the company is going to revert to the prior unified design. When using the on-screen keyboard, there's a new animation that shows the keys sliding up from the bottom of the iPhone interface, plus Apple is adding redo and undo controls for fixing actions when customizing the Home Screen's icon and widget layouts. Apple is planning to preview ‌iOS 27‌ at the Worldwide Developers Conference that begins on June 8.Related Roundup: iOS 27Tags: Bloomberg, Mark GurmanThis article, "iOS 27 to Bring Customizable Camera App, Tweaks to Weather, Safari and Liquid Glass" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Google’s Material You is finally getting an update everyone has been asking for – the ability to pick custom colors, as showcased in a new leak. more…

Google today previewed Android 17, the next version of Android that it is bringing to smartphones and other devices. Android 17 includes multiple new AI features, and it comes about a month ahead of when Apple plans to unveil iOS 27 with new AI capabilities. Google is now calling the AI features on Android "Gemini Intelligence," branding similar to Apple Intelligence. Google said it is transitioning Android from an operating system to an intelligence system, with proactive, on-device agentic AI. Expanded Gemini integration - Gemini will be able to do more tasks autonomously, from booking classes to making purchases. Visual context - Gemini will be able to draw context from what's on the screen, which is something that Apple is also bringing to iPhones soon. Google says Android users will be able to do things like bring up a long shopping list in the notes app, long press on the power button over the list, and have Gemini build a shopping cart with all of the items for delivery. Smarter web browsing - Gemini in Chrome will let users research, summarize, and compare content on the web. Chrome auto browse will also be able to do more tasks like reserving a parking spot or booking an appointment. Autofill - Android can fill more text fields in apps with Gemini's Personal Intelligence that draws information from apps like Gmail and Google Photos. Rambler - Rambler is an AI voice dictation feature that cuts out filler words like um, ah, and like. Rambler will take the important parts from voice dictation, and create a concise message. It works with multiple languages at once. Create My Widget - Create My Widget lets Android users build custom widgets by describing what they want in natural language. Widgets can do things like provide the weather, offer recipes, count down to events, provide the time, display stock info, and more. There are other changes coming to Android 17 too. 3D Emoji - Google is adopting Noto 3D, a new 3D emoji collection. Android Auto - Android Auto is getting expanded Gemini integration and a refreshed look with support for the Material 3 Expressive design. Google is adding customizable widgets, edge-to-edge Google Maps, and Immersive Navigation, which includes 3D views highlighting important navigation details. When parked, cars will support YouTube playback. Gemini Intelligence is coming to Android Auto cars, and it will be able to do things like respond to texts automatically or order food for pickup. Google built-in - Cars with Google built-in are getting the same features, plus access to meeting apps like Zoom. Gemini is also rolling out to cars with Google built-in, and it can answer questions specific to each vehicle that it's installed in. Screen Reactions - Screen Reactions lets users film with the front and back cameras at the same time for social media reaction videos. Instagram integration - Google worked with Meta to improve the video and photo quality of content captured with Android devices and uploaded to Instagram. Google is also adding new tools to the Edits app, and improving Instagram on Android tablets. Pause Point - Users can set an app as distracting, and Pause Point will give a 10-second breather before an app opens. Users can do a short breathing exercise or set a timer to limit time in the app. There are also options for looking at favorite photos, or moving to an alternative app like an audiobook app. Pause Point requires users to restart a phone to turn it off, which makes it more difficult to ignore. Google says Gemini Intelligence features will roll out in waves beginning with the latest Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones this summer, and expanding to Android watch, car, glasses, and laptops later in the year. Gemini in Chrome features will be available in late June, with other Android 17 features expected to get to a stable release stage in June.Related Roundup: iOS 27Tags: Android, GoogleThis article, "Google Previews Android 17 With 'Gemini Intel

Honolulu police arrested two people and seized gambling machines, drugs, and cash during a raid on an alleged illegal gambling operation in Kalihi last week, according to the Honolulu Police Department. The raid happened Thursday, May 7, around 7:30 p.m. on Keaulikē Street. Officers assigned to the department’s Narcotics/Vice Division Gambling Detail served a search warrant at what investigators described as a suspected gambling game room. The District 1 Crime Reduction Unit and the Specialized Services Division also assisted with the operation. On Thursday, May 7th at approximately 7:30pm, the Honolulu Police Department’s Narcotics/Vice Division Gambling Detail along with the assistance of District 1 Crime Reduction Unit, and Specialized Services Division executed a search warrant on an illegal gambling type game room… pic.twitter.com/HRDnEhr7Or— Honolulu Police (@honolulupolice) May 8, 2026 In a Facebook post, police said officers arrested a 59-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man at the scene without incident. Both were booked on suspicion of second-degree promoting gambling and possession of a gambling device. During the search, investigators recovered 12 gambling machines along with cash and illegal drugs that were allegedly connected to the operation. Authorities said all of the seized items were entered into evidence as the investigation continues. Illegal gambling investigations continue across Honolulu amid Kalihi raid The Kalihi raid is the latest in a series of enforcement actions targeting backroom gambling operations on Oahu. Earlier this year, Honolulu police also raided a suspected gambling room in Wahiawa, where investigators recovered gambling machines, drugs, and cash while making additional arrests tied to alleged illegal gaming activity. Police have not publicly identified the suspects arrested in the Kalihi case. Investigators also have not released details about the type or quantity of drugs seized during the search warrant operation. Authorities likewise have not said how long the alleged gambling room had been operating before officers moved in. State lawmakers have recently pushed for tougher measures aimed at curbing illegal gambling throughout Hawaii. Several bills introduced during the current legislative session seek to increase penalties for operating illegal game rooms, strengthen enforcement powers, and address concerns from residents who say underground gambling spots contribute to neighborhood crime and public safety problems. Community complaints about backroom gambling operations have increased in recent years, particularly in residential areas where game rooms are often hidden inside storefronts or private buildings. Law enforcement officials say those locations are frequently linked to other criminal activity, including drug offenses and theft-related crimes. The Honolulu Police Department said shutting down illegal gambling operations remains a priority for investigators working across the island. “HPD remains committed to addressing illegal gambling operations that negatively impact the safety and quality of life in our communities,” the department said in a statement. Authorities said the investigation tied to the Kalihi operation remains active, and additional arrests or charges could still be possible as detectives continue reviewing evidence collected during the raid. Featured image: Honolulu Police Department The post Honolulu police raid Kalihi illegal gambling room, arrest two suspects, seizing machines appeared first on ReadWrite.

Britain’s gambling regulator says bingo venues and other land-based operators will face stricter oversight as officials move to remove non-compliant gaming machines more quickly and expand action against illegal betting businesses. Speaking at the Bingo Association’s annual meeting, acting Gambling Commission chief executive Sarah Gardner said the regulator wanted closer cooperation with compliant operators while also increasing enforcement powers across the sector. “We know what we can achieve through our powers, but we know that we can achieve a whole lot more for our objectives by working with those in industry who are willing to work with us,” Gardner said in the speech. The social nature of bingo is clearly identified as being a significant draw for in person bingo – something that whilst may make sense to everyone in this room – is now part of our official statistics. Working together, rather than retreating to the entrenchments, means we can build a shared understanding instead of creating mistrust. We can look to make progress instead of holding each other back. The commission confirmed that new rules will take effect from July 29, 2026. Under the changes, non-remote gambling businesses must immediately take machines out of use if the regulator determines they were manufactured, supplied, installed, repaired or modified without the required technical operating licence. Venues will also have to remove machines that fail to satisfy the association’s technical standards. Gardner said the changes are intended to speed up the process of removing unsuitable machines from gambling premises and improve consumer protections. Bingo and gambling industry faces financial pressure The tougher compliance measures arrive as gambling operators continue watching possible tax changes following recent budget discussions. Industry groups have warned that higher gambling duties could place additional strain on retail operators already dealing with rising operating costs and tighter regulation. The commission also plans to increase investigations into illegal gambling activity after receiving £26 million ($35 million) in government funding spread across the next three years. Officials said the additional money would support stronger enforcement operations and better intelligence work targeting unlicensed gambling businesses. Speaking about cooperation with the sector, Gardner said: “So as long as operators are committed to compliance at the first opportunity, we can and we will work with you, all to the benefit of consumers who get safer, fairer and crime free gambling as a result.” The speech included updated figures showing Britain’s bingo sector generated £816 million ($1.1 million) in gross gambling yield during 2024/25, representing roughly 5% of the wider gambling market’s £16.8 billion ($22.8 billion) total. According to the regulator, non-remote bingo accounted for £650 million ($880 million), while online bingo contributed £166 million ($225 million). Gardner also responded to concerns surrounding participation estimates contained in the Gambling Survey for Great Britain after discrepancies emerged between survey results and admissions data collected by the Bingo Association. “Crucially though, with the data from the new question, we have found the GSGB estimates of those people playing bingo in traditional bingo clubs like the ones many of you run – 1.2 per cent – is much more closely aligned with the Bingo Association’s own estimates calculated from admissions data into those premises, which is 1 per cent,” Gardner said. The Commission’s latest business plan also highlights continuing work linked to the Gambling Act Review, expanded use of industry data and closer engagement with operators on compliance standards. Featured image: Canva The post UK gambling regulator targets illegal betting and noncompliant machines with new bingo rules appeared first on ReadWrite.

Maine’s four Wabanaki Nations are asking a federal judge to throw out Oxford Casino’s challenge to the state’s new internet gaming law, arguing the measure is grounded in tribal sovereignty and Maine’s longstanding legal agreements with federally recognized tribes. The filing is the latest development in a lawsuit over Maine’s Economic Opportunity Act, which Gov. Janet Mills signed earlier this year after a heated debate over online casino gambling. The law authorizes the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Mi’kmaq Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe and Penobscot Nation to each receive one internet gaming license and partner with outside operators. NEW: Maine, Wabanaki Nations seek dismissal of Oxford Casino suit over tribal iGaming law, arguing tribes are sovereign governments—not racial groups @RWW pic.twitter.com/eFKi7gJJUN— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) May 11, 2026 Oxford Casino, BB Development LLC and Churchill Downs Incorporated sued the state after the law took effect. The casino operators argue Maine created an unconstitutional monopoly by limiting online gaming licenses to the tribes alone. They claim the law violates equal protection protections and the Dormant Commerce Clause by excluding non-tribal businesses, including out-of-state companies. The tribes rejected those arguments in forceful terms. “From the Founding to today, the Supreme Court has recognized that tribal nations are sovereign governments, not racial groups,” the motion states. “For equal protection purposes, that means laws like the Act that benefit tribal nations draw political classifications—not racial ones.” Wabanaki tribes defend Maine law in Oxford Casino lawsuit The tribes argued federal courts have consistently treated federally recognized tribes as sovereign political entities rather than racial classifications. Because of that distinction, they said the law should be reviewed under the more deferential rational basis standard instead of strict scrutiny. Their filing also drew attention to Maine’s unusual legal structure under the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act and related agreements approved by Congress in 1980. According to the tribes, those laws established “a unique jurisdictional framework in Maine” that allows the state and tribes to work together on gaming policy. State officials backed that position in a separate filing, saying Maine’s relationship with the Wabanaki Nations is “nationally unique.” The tribes said internet gaming revenue would support essential tribal services and strengthen rural economies across the state. “The law advances state and federal interests by enabling the Nations to fund essential government services,” the tribes wrote. “It also benefits Maine’s rural economies, advances cooperation between the Nations and the State, eases the strain on State finances, promotes a well-functioning internet gaming market, and remedies the historic exclusion of the Nations from gaming opportunities.” The filing described tribal responsibilities that include police and fire protection, healthcare, housing assistance, schools, transportation projects and water infrastructure work. The tribes also noted that Oxford Casino and Hollywood Casino still maintain exclusive control over Maine’s brick-and-mortar casino industry. The motion says the new law “does not alter the longstanding monopoly on brick-and-mortar casino gambling in Maine held by Oxford Casino and Hollywood Casino.” “The Economic Opportunity Act is not such a law,” the tribes wrote. “It does not privilege in-state businesses as against out-of-state competitors. Rather, it privileges federally recognized tribal nations with whom Maine has a distinctive political relationship as against all others, in-state or out.” Featured image: Wabanaki Alliance logo The post Wabanaki Nations urge judge to dismiss Oxford Casino challenge against internet gambling appeared first on ReadWrite.

A federal judge in Wisconsin is allowing the Ho-Chunk Nation to continue pursuing its central claims against prediction market operator Kalshi, keeping alive a closely watched fight over whether sports event contracts amount to illegal betting on tribal lands. In Monday’s ruling (May 11), U.S. District Judge William Conley said the lawsuit “principally concerns the ability of plaintiff Ho-Chunk Nation, a federally-recognized Indian tribe, to prohibit online sports betting from occurring on its tribal land.” NEW: Wisconsin judge lets Ho-Chunk Nation’s lawsuit against Kalshi proceed over tribal sports betting claims @RWW pic.twitter.com/P4hsox8Cz8— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) May 11, 2026 The dispute focuses on Kalshi’s online event contracts, which let users trade on sports outcomes and other real-world events through a market regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Robinhood has partnered with Kalshi to distribute some of those contracts through its own platform. Ho-Chunk Nation tribal lawsuit in Wisconsin against Kalshi survives key dismissal challenge The Ho-Chunk Nation argued that the contracts qualify as class III gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act because bettors located on tribal land can still access the platform without tribal approval. The tribe said that activity threatens its gaming compact and cuts into casino revenue that supports tribal government operations. Conley agreed the tribe had plausibly stated a claim under IGRA. The opinion said Kalshi “does not appear to dispute” that its sports event contracts fit within class III gaming rules or that tribal users can access the offerings online. The ruling also referenced a recent Arizona decision involving Kalshi. In it, another federal judge described the contracts as “sports wagers and everyone who sees them knows it,” while noting Kalshi markets itself as a “sports betting platform.” Kalshi had pushed for dismissal by arguing that IGRA does not allow tribes to sue companies that are not parties to tribal-state gaming compacts. The company also argued that its New York headquarters and Ohio-based servers placed the activity outside tribal jurisdiction. Conley rejected those arguments, writing that such a reading would leave tribes unable “to prevent illegal, non-tribal class III gaming operations on their lands.” He also concluded that gaming activity happens where the bettor is physically located. Still, the court declined to immediately block Kalshi’s contracts while the case continues. The judge said the Ho-Chunk Nation failed to show urgent evidence of financial harm. According to the opinion, the tribe presented “no evidence showing: a measurable change in customer visitation or attendance numbers at its casinos; declines in consumer spending; changes in revenue or profitability at any of its casinos.” Conley added that the court was “not persuaded that interfering with the status quo” was appropriate while broader legal questions surrounding federal commodities law remain unresolved. The judge separately dismissed the tribe’s false advertising claims tied to Kalshi promotions calling itself “The First Nationwide Legal Sports Betting Platform” and saying sports betting is legal “in all 50 States on Kalshi.” Civil RICO claims against Kalshi and Robinhood were also dismissed. Featured image: Kalshi / Ho-Chunk Nation The post Federal judge lets Ho-Chunk Nation pursue core Kalshi betting lawsuit claims appeared first on ReadWrite.

A Kentucky man has filed a proposed class action against prediction market company Kalshi, accusing the platform of offering illegal gambling products to residents across the state. The lawsuit was filed Monday (May 11) in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. Plaintiff Donovan Roberts named Kalshi Inc., related business entities, and Susquehanna-connected firms as defendants. He claims the company has been operating what amounts to an online sportsbook without following Kentucky gaming laws. NEW: Kentucky man files class action accusing #Kalshi of illegal gambling, seeking losses for bettors under state law @RWW pic.twitter.com/qeO8SowHk7— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) May 12, 2026 According to the complaint, Kalshi users can spend real money on contracts tied to elections, sports, weather, and other future events. Roberts argues the setup mirrors traditional gambling despite the company presenting the contracts as financial products. The filing says Kalshi’s “prediction market” is “nothing more than gambling, and it is untaxed, unregulated, and illegal in Kentucky.” Roberts also claims the company allows users to “bet real money on everything from elections to tennis matches” outside the state’s regulated sports wagering system. Kentucky Kalshi class action lawsuit targets prediction market model The complaint points out several examples from Kalshi’s platform, including wagers tied to college football games, point spreads, total scores, and player touchdown props. Roberts argues those offerings resemble products available through licensed sportsbooks operating legally in Kentucky. The lawsuit says Kalshi attempts to characterize the contracts as federally regulated financial instruments overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. But the filing argues the contracts “are nothing more than thinly veiled illegal wagers based on the outcome of specific future events.” Roberts says Kentucky law only allows sports betting through licensed and regulated operators supervised by the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation. It also alleges Kalshi “has made no effort to comply” with those requirements while still targeting Kentucky users through online marketing, payment processing, and location-based advertising. The case arrives as lawmakers in Kentucky discuss a gaming proposal that would raise the state’s legal sports betting age from 18 to 21 while also examining how sports prediction markets should be treated under Kentucky law. Kalshi is also facing similar legal pressure outside Kentucky. A separate proposed class action filed in Oregon accuses the company of operating unlawful gambling products there as well. The Kentucky lawsuit seeks to represent residents who allegedly lost more than $5 during any 24-hour period on Kalshi within the past five years. The filing relies on Kentucky’s gambling loss recovery law, which states that “the loser or any of his creditors may recover it, or its value, from the winner.” The complaint also points to research connecting gambling addiction with financial hardship, mental illness, relationship problems, and suicide. Kalshi has not publicly responded in court filings to the Kentucky allegations. Featured image: Kalshi / Canva The post Kentucky class action lawsuit challenges Kalshi as alleged illegal gambling operations appeared first on ReadWrite.

Federal prosecutors say a former Pennsylvania bank manager stole more than $214,000 from a Citizens Bank branch and spent most of the money feeding a gambling habit, a scheme that has now landed him in federal prison. Jonathan Lim, 42, of Wallingford, was sentenced this week to 18 months behind bars followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to bank fraud and bank embezzlement charges. Prosecutors said Lim took approximately $214,155 while serving as branch manager of the Citizens Bank location on West Lancaster Avenue in Downingtown. Delco Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Stealing More Than $214,000 From the Bank Where He Worked @FBIPhiladelphia https://t.co/YkLUxdmf0f— U.S. Attorney EDPA (@USAO_EDPA) May 6, 2026 Court records filed May 6 and seen by ReadWrite show U.S. District Judge Michael M. Baylson imposed concurrent 18-month prison terms on both counts. Lim was also ordered to repay Citizens Bank the full amount investigators said was stolen. Authorities said Lim worked at the Citizens Bank “Thorndale branch” from June through November 2019. Along with managing the branch, he also performed teller duties during that period. Investigators trace gambling losses to Pennsylvania bank ATM operations Federal prosecutors said Lim became the branch ATM coordinator on July 30, 2019, putting him in charge of ATM cash operations and the weekly audits tied to balancing the machine. Investigators alleged that Lim accessed the ATM roughly 59 times between July and November 2019. Authorities said he manipulated records to hide missing cash by falsifying settlement worksheets connected to ATM balancing procedures. The indictment also alleged that Lim directed coworkers to sign paperwork “without telling those persons that the worksheets contained false information.” Prosecutors said those records were later used to conceal shortages connected to the ATM. Federal authorities further alleged that Lim removed cash from the ATM and temporarily kept it inside a locked area of the bank vault that was under his control. Investigators said he later removed the money from the bank without documenting the withdrawals. The theft was discovered shortly after Lim resigned from Citizens Bank in November 2019. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, an audit performed two days later revealed that the ATM was missing more than $178,000. Investigators also found an additional shortage of about $36,000 connected to Lim’s teller cash box. Court documents stated that the ATM contained only about $13,435 during the audit, which was roughly $178,155 less than internal records showed should have been there. Federal prosecutors said the total loss to Citizens Bank reached approximately $214,155. The sentencing order requires Lim to pay restitution in that same amount. The Justice Department said Lim spent “the majority of the money gambling.” As part of his supervised release conditions, Lim cannot work “in the banking industry or in any position of fiduciary responsibility,” according to court filings. The FBI investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark B. Dubnoff handled the prosecution. Featured image: Canva The post Pennsylvania bank manager imprisoned after stealing funds to support gambling habit appeared first on ReadWrite.

Entain is calling on England’s new soccer watchdog to intervene against Premier League clubs taking sponsorship money from gambling operators that are not licensed in Britain. The move increases pressure on clubs already facing scrutiny over the sport’s relationship with the growing black market betting industry. The owner of Ladbrokes and Coral said the Independent Football Regulator, known as the IFR, already has the power to stop those arrangements under proposed licensing rules. Those draft rules would prevent clubs from accepting revenue tied to “serious criminal conduct,” which Entain argues includes gambling companies illegally taking bets from British customers. Premier League clubs are being sponsored by criminal gambling firms. The Independent Football Regulator can stop this tomorrow by simply acknowledging that unlicensed gambling companies targeting UK customers through English football are breaking the law – plain and simple.Stella David, Entain plc CEO The company made the case in its response to the IFR’s latest consultation covering licensing rules for clubs across the top five tiers of English men’s soccer. The regulator was created to strengthen financial oversight and improve governance standards throughout the game. According to Entain, several Premier League sides currently have sponsorship agreements with gambling companies that do not hold UK licenses. The firm said those operators may be committing offenses under section 33 of the Gambling Act 2005 whenever they accept bets from customers in Britain. Stella David, chief executive of Entain plc, said: “Premier League clubs are being sponsored by criminal gambling firms. The Independent Football Regulator can stop this tomorrow by simply acknowledging that unlicensed gambling companies targeting UK customers through English football are breaking the law – plain and simple.” She added: “The regulator does not need any new powers, new legislation, or even a new rule to make this happen. In fact, it has already drafted one.” Entain shares concerns over black market betting on the Premier League The dispute arrives as English soccer prepares for major changes to gambling advertising. Premier League clubs agreed to phase out front-of-shirt gambling sponsorships from the start of next season, although betting companies will still be allowed to advertise through sleeve logos, pitchside boards and other commercial deals. Campaigners and several sporting bodies have also faced growing calls to reduce gambling advertising more broadly, amid concerns that younger fans are being heavily exposed to betting promotions during live sports broadcasts and online coverage. Entain argues that tighter restrictions on licensed operators are helping unlicensed companies gain visibility through football sponsorships and social media marketing. The company cited Betting and Gaming Council research estimating that unlicensed sponsorship could make up more than half of UK sports sponsorship spending by October 2027. The firm also pointed to analysis from Yield Sec claiming that 92% of online betting content in some social media categories directed users toward unlicensed websites. Other industry estimates suggest British consumers now spend roughly £4.3 billion ($5.9 billion) each year with black market gambling operators. The UK government has already indicated it could tighten the rules further. In 2023, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced plans to consult on banning unlicensed gambling operators from sponsoring British sports teams as part of wider efforts to combat illegal gambling. The DCMS is now expected to launch a consultation on measures to ban unlicensed operators from sponsoring British sports teams. Separately, the IFR proposed licensing regime is expected to consider funding sources for clubs and individuals as part of the application process and would include powers to restrict access to funding suspected to be linked to certain categories o

Colorado lawmakers are pushing ahead with a broad overhaul of the state’s sports betting industry, approving a measure that would tighten advertising standards, limit how often gamblers can deposit money, and block the use of credit cards for wagers. Senate Bill 131 cleared House third reading on Friday (May 9) in a 50-13 vote, with two lawmakers absent, according to the legislature’s latest roll call. Part of the proposal already passed the Senate and now moves closer to becoming law. The Colorado sports betting reform bill passed the House this morning. There is a tiny, procedural amendment the Senate needs to concur on, then off to Gov. Polis.— Jessica Welman (@jesswelman) May 9, 2026 Sens. Matt Ball and Byron Pelton are sponsoring the legislation alongside several Democratic lawmakers. In the House, Reps. Steven Woodrow and Dan Woog are leading the effort. Lawmakers said the proposal is meant to address the explosive growth of online gambling since Colorado legalized sports betting in 2019. The bill’s legislative declaration states that more than $6.3 billion in online sports wagers were placed statewide in 2025, an increase of more than 130% compared with 2020 activity. State officials also pointed to rising concerns about addiction and the impact betting advertisements may have on younger audiences. The legislation notes that “calls and texts to the problem-gambling helpline increased by about 45% in the year after legalization of online sports betting.” Lawmakers also wrote that “more than half of 18- to 22-year-olds have engaged in some form of sports betting.” Colorado proposes new restrictions on sports betting operators and advertising Under the proposal, sportsbook operators could not accept more than six separate deposits from the same person during a continuous 24-hour gaming period. Companies would also be banned from sending text messages or push notifications encouraging users in Colorado to place wagers or add funds to accounts. The bill would also prohibit sportsbooks from accepting deposits funded by credit cards, including payments routed indirectly through linked accounts. Operators that violate the rules could face penalties reaching $25,000. Advertising restrictions are another major piece of the legislation. Sports betting companies and marketing affiliates would be prohibited from targeting people younger than 21 or advertising in media where most of the expected audience is underage. Lawmakers wrote that children and adolescents are “frequently exposed to sports betting advertising and are influenced by its messages.” The proposal would also ban enhanced payout promotions and instructions explaining how to place wagers in advertisements. Betting ads would not be allowed between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. or during live sports broadcasts. The measure arrives as Colorado continues debating broader gambling policy changes. Lawmakers have also considered House Bill 1311, which would end tax deductions tied to promotional free bets offered by sportsbooks. Separately, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute tribes challenging aspects of Colorado’s sports betting system. If approved, Senate Bill 131 would take effect in August 2026 unless voters challenge it through a referendum petition. Featured image: Canva The post Colorado lawmakers advance sports betting restrictions targeting advertising deposits appeared first on ReadWrite.

Kalshi is asking a federal judge in Seattle to temporarily halt Washington state’s gambling lawsuit while the company pursues an appeal before the Ninth Circuit. In a motion filed May 8 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, the prediction market operator argued that the court should freeze its remand order after sending the dispute back to state court earlier this month. Kalshi warned that moving forward in state court during the appeal could produce conflicting rulings and weaken the company’s ability to challenge the remand decision. Kalshi asks Washington federal court to stay order remanding case to state court pending resolution of its appeal to the Ninth Circuit, says being forced to engage in state-court litigation while the appeal is pending "would render Kalshi’s appellate rights meaningless." pic.twitter.com/2koCC8iayd— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) May 11, 2026 The company told the court that “[b]eing forced to engage in state-court litigation while the appeal is pending would render Kalshi’s appellate rights meaningless and unnecessarily burden the courts and the parties.” Washington sued Kalshi in March, accusing the federally regulated exchange of offering contracts that violate state gambling laws. The lawsuit focuses on sports event contracts and other prediction market products traded through Kalshi’s platform. According to the filing, Kalshi argued the state’s complaint “is not limited to sports event contracts but arguably targets every contract Kalshi offers on its exchange.” Federal jurisdiction gambling dispute against Kalshi continues in Washington Kalshi operates as a designated contract market overseen by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The company has repeatedly argued that federal law preempts state attempts to regulate trading activity conducted on federally approved exchanges. In its latest filing, Kalshi said “Federal law therefore preempts state regulation of trading on Kalshi,” pointing to the Commodity Exchange Act and its grant of “exclusive jurisdiction” to the CFTC. The company previously moved the case from King County Superior Court into federal court, arguing that Washington’s claims hinge on federal commodities law and the scope of the CFTC’s authority. Kalshi maintained the dispute raises substantial federal questions because the contracts at issue are listed on a federally regulated exchange. Washington regulators and state officials have pushed back aggressively against prediction markets tied to sporting events. ReadWrite previously reported that Washington moved to block certain prediction market offerings, arguing the products amounted to unauthorized gambling activity under state law. Kalshi’s newest motion says the appeal raises “serious and novel legal questions,” including whether the lawsuit necessarily depends on federal law and whether the CFTC should have been included as a necessary party. The company argued that Washington’s claims “cannot be adjudicated without resolving contested questions of federal law.” Kalshi also said a state court ruling against the exchange would directly interfere with rights tied to its federal market designation. According to the filing, declaring Kalshi’s contracts illegal inside Washington “is functionally indistinguishable from one revoking Kalshi’s federal designation as applied to Washington.” Kalshi additionally warned that allowing the case to continue in state court while federal appeals move forward could create “judicial chaos” and inconsistent outcomes. The company pointed to similar litigation nationwide, including the Ninth Circuit case KalshiEX LLC v. Assad, where judges recently heard arguments involving federal preemption and prediction markets. Washington opposed the stay request, according to the filing. Featured image: Kalshi / Canva The post Kalshi seeks federal pause against Washington gambling lawsuit during ongoing appeals appeared first on ReadWrite.

The Ninth Circuit has turned away an effort to move a closely followed Kalshi appeal onto the same judicial track as a separate Nevada dispute involving sports event contracts. In a short order issued May 6, the appeals court denied a request to reassign the case brought by Blue Lake Rancheria and other tribal plaintiffs against Kalshi Inc. and related defendants. The appeal is pending before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit under case number 25-7504 after originating in federal court in San Francisco. Ninth Circuit denies California Tribes' motion to reassign their prediction markets case to the same 3-judge panel which just heard oral argument in the appeal filed by Kalshi, Robinhood and Crypto, citing "significant differences" between the two appeals (i.e., IGRA v. UIGEA). pic.twitter.com/cK0yjLNrK6— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) May 9, 2026 The court said the request failed because the California dispute differed substantially from another case already argued before a separate Ninth Circuit panel involving North American Derivatives Exchange and Nevada regulators. “Due to significant differences between this appeal and North American Derivatives Exchange, Inc. v. State of Nevada, No. 25-7187, the motion to reassign this appeal to the panel that heard argument in that appeal (Dkt. No. 62) is DENIED,” the order states. The one-page filing was signed for the court by Ninth Circuit Clerk of Court Molly C. Dwyer. Judges currently assigned to the Blue Lake Rancheria appeal were not identified in the order, and the court did not explain what legal distinctions drove the denial. Related tribal disputes against Kalshi continue expanding The California litigation has become part of a fight over whether federally regulated prediction markets can offer contracts tied to sporting events without violating state gambling laws or tribal gaming agreements. California tribes previously sued Kalshi and Robinhood, arguing the companies were effectively offering unauthorized sports betting products in the state through event contracts tied to athletic outcomes. The tribes suggest the markets threatened the exclusivity rights tribes hold under California’s gaming framework. Kalshi and Robinhood pushed back against the lawsuit by arguing the contracts fall under federal commodities regulation overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission rather than state gambling enforcement. Court filings from the companies also argued that federal law preempts the tribes’ claims. Earlier reporting on the case showed a federal judge sided with Kalshi on key procedural issues tied to the California dispute, allowing parts of the company’s arguments to move forward while the challenge continues through the courts. It drew attention because similar legal theories are emerging in multiple states where regulators and tribal gaming groups are questioning prediction market offerings linked to sports events. The Nevada case referenced by the Ninth Circuit order centers on separate legal and regulatory questions involving sports event contracts and state enforcement efforts there. Even so, parties seeking reassignment had argued the overlap justified placing both matters before the same appellate panel. The Blue Lake Rancheria appeal remains active, and the Ninth Circuit has not yet released additional scheduling details or hearing dates. Featured image: Kalshi / Canva The post Appeals court rejects California tribal bid consolidating separate Kalshi prediction market disputes cases appeared first on ReadWrite.

A new economic study says proposed gambling reforms in Britain would likely cause far less damage to the wider economy than industry groups have repeatedly warned. The research was conducted by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research and the University of Glasgow. It examined measures included in the government’s 2023 white paper, High Stakes: Gambling Reform for the Digital Age. Those proposals are expected to cut Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) by as much as £812 million annually. GGY measures the money gambling operators keep after paying winnings. Researchers estimated the broader economic hit from that decline would total about £134 million, or roughly 16 percent of the expected reduction in gambling revenue. Our analysis shows that of a projected £812 million reduction in GGY, £134 million—around 16 per cent of the total reduction—is translated into a net negative economic impact on the UK economy,” the report said. How gamblers would redirect their spending The study found that most consumers would not simply stop spending money altogether if gambling activity fell. Instead, many would redirect cash toward ordinary household costs, including groceries, housing, savings and debt repayments. More than 800 regular gamblers participated in the project. Researchers asked them to imagine their monthly gambling budgets dropping from £100 to £50 because of tougher regulations. Participants then selected how they would use the remaining money. Food, drinks, shopping, leisure spending and savings ranked among the most common alternatives. The researchers argued that this shift in spending would soften any broader economic losses associated with gambling restrictions. “Consumer spending reallocation significantly mitigates the economic impact of gambling sector losses,” the study stated. Debate over financial risk checks intensifies The findings arrive during an increasingly heated debate over gambling regulation in Britain. Earlier this year, adviser James Noyes urged the government to pause its pilot program for financial risk checks until more evidence from ongoing testing becomes available. Industry groups have argued the checks could push some customers away from licensed operators. The report also explored concerns that gamblers might move to unlicensed websites if stricter rules are introduced. Researchers found that 73 percent of respondents said they would avoid unlicensed operators entirely, while about 8 percent consistently selected illegal gambling options during hypothetical exercises. When that possibility was included in the modeling, the estimated economic loss increased to roughly £189 million, or 23 percent of the projected decline in gambling yield. Gambling sector faces growing regulatory pressure Pressure on the sector has already intensified after Entain recently warned that higher gambling taxes and regulatory changes contributed to a £681 million quarterly loss. Still, the new study argued that online gambling businesses often create weaker economic links inside Britain than land-based venues, meaning some industry forecasts may exaggerate potential national losses. Researchers cautioned that the analysis relied on hypothetical consumer behavior rather than observed spending patterns. Even so, they said the findings offer a stronger evidence base for judging the real economic effects of gambling reform. Featured image: Scott Graham/Unsplash The post UK gambling reforms may hurt economy less than industry warnings suggest, study finds appeared first on ReadWrite.

DraftKings entered 2026 with the kind of earnings report investors have long been waiting for, signaling that years of aggressive expansion are beginning to translate into sustained profitability. The Boston-based sportsbook and online gaming operator reported $1.65 billion in first-quarter revenue on Thursday, a 17% increase from the same period last year. Improved sportsbook margins and steady customer engagement helped the company post a $21 million profit, reversing a loss recorded a year earlier. The results suggest DraftKings is moving beyond the costly customer-acquisition phase that defined the early years of legalized sports betting expansion across the United States. Company executives said the core sportsbook business is now generating enough cash flow to fund newer initiatives without undermining profitability. We are off to a fantastic start to the year as our first quarter results exceeded our expectations,” Chief Executive Officer Jason Robins said in the company’s earnings release. “Our core business is strong, and profitability is inflecting. That gives us the firepower to press our advantage in Predictions.” Prediction markets emerge as a major growth focus Robins said prediction-based products are becoming an increasingly important part of DraftKings’ long-term strategy. The category allows users to trade on the outcomes of sports, political, and entertainment events and has gained traction across the broader online wagering industry. According to Robins, DraftKings plans to combine sportsbook technology, exchange systems, and betting products to “establish a leadership position in Sports Predictions before year-end.” The initiative aligns with the company’s broader ambition to create a “super app” ecosystem that integrates sports betting, online casino gaming, media, and predictive trading products within a single platform. Executives believe a wider digital entertainment ecosystem can increase customer engagement, boost spending, and reduce churn. Growth shifts from customer acquisition to customer value Despite strong revenue growth, DraftKings showed signs of relying less on rapid user acquisition and more on generating higher spending from existing customers. Monthly unique payers declined year over year, largely due to the company’s 2025 exit from the Texas lottery business. Excluding that operation, customer growth remained modestly positive. At the same time, average revenue per user increased significantly during the quarter as sportsbook margins improved and engagement across online casino and sports betting products remained strong. Sportsbook revenue also outpaced total betting handle growth, indicating the company retained more profit from wagers placed. Investment spending remains elevated DraftKings continues to invest aggressively in key strategic areas even as profitability improves. Sales and marketing expenses exceeded $400 million during the quarter, while spending on software development and legislative lobbying also remained elevated. International expansion remains part of the company’s broader growth plans. DraftKings already operates in Ontario and could eventually benefit from Alberta’s decision to approve 28 operators ahead of launching a regulated online gambling market in Canada’s second-largest province. Chief Financial Officer Alan Ellingson said the company believes it can continue balancing expansion with stronger earnings performance. “The business continues to scale efficiently as we grow revenue, expand profitability, and invest in high-return opportunities,” Ellingson said. Featured image: DraftKings The post DraftKings turns profitable as prediction markets become key growth strategy appeared first on ReadWrite.