This week in the iGaming industry has been packed with intriguing developments.
In Russia, bookmaker Winline announced the signing of rapper ICEGERGERT as their brand ambassador.
Meanwhile, in a provocative live blackjack session, two ostriches took on the role of dealers at the crypto casino Duel.
Streamer Ilya Maddison shared a screenshot of a staggering bet of 30.8 million on Bosnia and Herzegovina to win against the USA.
In Japan, local startups have begun launching prediction market platforms to circumvent the gambling ban.
Additionally, a report highlighted the leaders and laggards in deposit volumes at crypto casinos from June 22 to June 29, 2026.
SOFTSWISS introduced a new tool called Games List in their Game Aggregator back office.
Designer Artemy Lebedev stated that he fundamentally does not work with bookmakers.
Payment system Piastrix announced it will cease operations entirely starting July 30, 2026.
HR agency LENKEP presented an overview of salaries, motivation systems, and organizational structures of internal media buying teams in online casinos.
In Azerbaijan, a group of five individuals was detained for organizing illegal betting through operator 1xBet.
Operator 1xBet introduced Irish fighter Conor McGregor as their new ambassador.
Conor McGregor also announced a partnership with the prediction market platform Polymarket.
In Kazakhstan, banks blocked 402,000 gambling-related payment transactions totaling $20.9 million.
During the 2026 World Cup match, several individuals ran onto the field, one wearing a shirt with the Duel crypto casino logo.
In Bangladesh, players could face up to seven years in prison for online gambling.
Operator 1xBet launched a responsible gaming division, 1xCare, aimed at protecting players and preventing gambling addiction.
In another provocative live blackjack session at Duel, a woman appeared on the stream with her breasts exposed.
New Zealand published regulations for the online casino segment, imposing a 3.5% profit tax on operators.
Lastly, an interview with Dmitry LORD Treputin, co-founder of HighRollers Club, took place at MAC Yerevan 2026.