Great Britain: prediction markets are gambling
In February 2026 the Gambling Commission's director of strategy said that, depending on the business model, prediction markets on events such as sport or politics would fall within the Gambling Act 2005 as betting. A platform offering them to people in Great Britain needs a Commission licence, and the regulator warned unlicensed platforms not to target British customers.
Alberta: registration opens
Alberta's regulator, the AGLC, opened registration for private online gambling operators and suppliers on 13 January 2026. Registration is only the first step: operators also need an agreement with the province's iGaming corporation before they can take bets.
Finland: the monopoly ends
Finland began accepting licence applications on 1 March 2026 and received about 50 within months, most from foreign operators. Licensed brands cannot start offering games before 1 July 2027.
Malta and the UK
Many new casinos start with a Malta Gaming Authority licence and add a UK licence later, because the UK process is slower and the rules are stricter. A casino with only an MGA licence cannot take British players. Our UK page lists casinos on our list that can.