Good morning. The book has moved next door. Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket functioned as de facto sportsbooks during the 2026 World Cup, drawing close to $2 billion in trades before kickoff while sidestepping licensing and integrity rules that bookmakers shoulder, HTX Research says. Combined monthly volume has climbed to about $24 billion, overtaking regulated U.S. books — yet regulators still can’t agree what these platforms are. Meanwhile, US Treasury sanctioned 35 Prince Group-linked targets over Cambodia’s scam compounds. Looking to Manila, analysts point out that casinos face another slow stretch as VIP demand and tourism remain muted.
What you need to know
- HTX Research says prediction markets acted like sportsbooks during the World Cup, driving billions in volume while oversight lagged behind.
- US expanded sanctions against Prince Group-linked individuals and entities over alleged scam compounds and money laundering operations.
- Analysts expect Philippine gaming to stay soft in the second half of 2026 as weak casino demand, thin tourism and inflation weigh on spending.
On the radar
- Cambodian gaming regulator reviews disposal of seized scam assets.
- Palasino Holdings lifts FY2026 revenue to $77.9M on gaming strength.
- Curaçao Gaming Authority sets crypto rules for LOK license holders.
AGB Intelligence
PREDICTION MARKETS
Prediction markets face sportsbook scrutiny amid World Cup boom
Prediction market platforms have become de facto sportsbooks while oversight lags behind, HTX Research found in a June 2026 study. Sports contracts now make up more than 85 percent of Kalshi’s volume, and combined monthly trading with Polymarket rose to roughly $24 billion in April 2026, overtaking legal US sports betting. The platforms escape integrity-monitoring rules, and their legal standing remains contested across multiple states amid insider-trading concerns flagged by the CFTC.
Industry Updates
- DigiPlus drives responsible growth with “Entertainment for Good” campaign.
- TxODDS and Solana launch Hackathon to redefine sports data distribution.
- Aristocrat Gaming expands Class 2 portfolio with all-new Crown Bartop.
Corporate Spotlight
How Crypto Adoption in Asia is Changing iGaming Payments
Yevhen Krazhan, CSO at GR8 Tech, explores how surging crypto adoption across Asia is revolutionizing iGaming payments, stating: “When I look at what’s changing fastest in Asia, it’s payment behavior,” as wallets, stablecoins, and seamless cross-border transfers become deeply ingrained in player habits. The winning operators will be those that offer fast, reliable, and local deposits and withdrawals. To make sense of it, Yevhen breaks Asia into two crypto realities.
INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | AWARDS | CAREERS | EVENTS
