The analytical platform Blask has released its latest weekly report on the week-over-week dynamics of iGaming markets based on the Blask Index. Here are the key highlights:
Biggest Growth:
- 90.8% β South Korea: On July 10, the Committee on Broadcasting, Media, and Communications will hear the position of the Polymarket prediction markets platform regarding the applicability of South Korea's gambling control law. This inquiry coincides with a campaign against illegal betting for the 2026 World Cup.
- 49% β Turkey: This marks the second consecutive week of growth following a 28.4% increase. On July 10, Istanbul's cyber police and MASAK detained 68 suspects in an investigation covering over 100,000 transactions worth $2.22 billion, allegedly linked to illegal betting and crypto money laundering.
- 24.5% β Malaysia: Another week of growth after a 24.8% increase. On July 6, the federal police Bukit Aman conducted 442 raids, arrested 554 individuals, and identified 263 illegal iGaming sites with a total betting volume of $796 million. The operation will continue until the World Cup final on July 19.
- 20.9% β Bangladesh: A new law banning gambling came into effect on July 11, introducing liability for online betting, VPN usage, and mirror sites, with potential fines for operators up to $404,300.
- 20.4% β Ukraine: Media reports have resurfaced regarding the results of the first year of the PlayCity regulator's operations, which issued 250 licenses, blocked over 4,100 illegal iGaming sites, and imposed fines for advertising and gambling regulation violations.
Biggest Decline:
- 55.2% β Mali: The global leader in decline this week, with no identified reason.
- 42.9% β Bolivia: A correction following a 51.7% increase the previous week amid waning interest in Copa Libertadores playoff matches.
- 29.9% β Japan: A correction after a 47.5% increase the week before, reflecting a post-tournament drop after the national team's exit against Brazil in the World Cup semifinals on June 29.
- 27.6% β Paraguay: A correction after a 20.9% increase the previous week, following the national team's loss to France in the World Cup round of 16 on July 4.
- 25.5% β Costa Rica: No identified reason for the decline.
According to Blask analysts, the main catalyst for growth in South Korea has been regulatory uncertainty surrounding the Polymarket prediction markets platform. A potential ban or official recognition of its illegality could prolong the surge in market interest. The World Cup semifinals on July 14-15, the third-place match on July 18, and the final on July 19 will focus attention and support markets in semifinalist countries and neighboring regions in Europe and South America, which are closely monitoring the progress of the remaining teams. In Bangladesh, the market's future dynamics will depend on notifications regarding bans, blacklist formations, and the winding down of certain operators' activities.