Regulators advance licence processes as companies seek new market permissions

New Zealand selected 11 operators eligible to apply for online casino licences following an auction, with Stake, Entain, Betway and SkyCity among successful bidders for the 15 licences available. In Britain, IG Group applied to the UK Gambling Commission for a sports betting licence following its acquisition of US prediction market Underdog earlier this year. ¹²

Applications and authorisations also covered prediction markets. Blockchain.com said it had applied for US Futures Commission Merchant and Designated Contract Market registrations. Malta's Gaming Authority added Type 3 Gaming Services to HGMT Limited's B2B licence, covering pool betting, including betting exchanges. ³⁴

Existing permissions followed separate renewal paths. Louisiana conditionally extended DraftKings's sports betting permit through 19 February, with a full renewal hearing scheduled for 18 February. Pennsylvania's regulator unanimously renewed Stadium Casino Westmoreland's Category 4 operator's licence for another five years. ⁵⁶

Entries cited

1. New Zealand selects 11 operators to apply for online casino licences 2026-10-14
2. IG Group seeks UK sports betting licence 2026-10-14
3. Blockchain.com seeks CFTC licences for US derivatives and prediction markets 2026-10-14
4. MGA extends HGMT’s B2B licence for Type 3 services 2026-10-16
5. Louisiana board conditionally extends DraftKings permit pending further investigation 2026-10-16
6. PGCB renews Stadium Casino Westmoreland licence for five years 2026-10-15

Written by SectorWire desk from our own entries, using AI drafting tools and our editorial standard. Supporting reporting is linked below. Standards · Corrections