ESL Updates Dota 2 Regulations With North American Qualifier Changes and Branding Rules
Tournament operator ESL has introduced updates to the ESL Pro Tour regulations for Dota 2, which will impact upcoming tournaments including DreamLeague and the Esports World Cup.
Under the revised rules, standalone regional qualifiers for North American teams have been removed. Affected rosters are now permitted to select an alternate region for their qualification path, excluding Western Europe and South America. Organizers noted that the available slot count and the general qualification format utilizing these participating teams will remain unchanged.
Additionally, ESL has granted official permission for esports clubs to utilize alternative names and branding when their primary sponsor, such as gambling enterprises, faces restrictions from local legislation or broadcast platform regulations. Any alternative jersey and logo variants must exhibit substantial differences from the original designs.
Organizers specified that every instance of an alternative brand application remains subject to mandatory approval by ESL administration.
Tournament operator ESL has introduced updates to the ESL Pro Tour regulations for Dota 2, which will impact upcoming tournaments including DreamLeague and the Esports World Cup.
Under the revised rules, standalone regional qualifiers for North American teams have been removed. Affected rosters are now permitted to select an alternate region for their qualification path, excluding Western Europe and South America. Organizers noted that the available slot count and the general qualification format utilizing these participating teams will remain unchanged.
Additionally, ESL has granted official permission for esports clubs to utilize alternative names and branding when their primary sponsor, such as gambling enterprises, faces restrictions from local legislation or broadcast platform regulations. Any alternative jersey and logo variants must exhibit substantial differences from the original designs.
Organizers specified that every instance of an alternative brand application remains subject to mandatory approval by ESL administration.
Ubisoft Rolls Out Final Wave of Rainbow Six Siege Team Bundles for FaZe Clan and Others
Ubisoft has released the third and final wave of R6 SHARE team bundles in Rainbow Six Siege as part of the Y11S3 season. The new cosmetic items have been provided to FaZe Clan, Team Secret, and W7M Esports.
Each club received a bundle designated for a specific operator, featuring Team Secret with Warden, FaZe with Buck, and W7M with Striker. Two versions of the set are available for each team.
A full bundle costs 1800 R6 Credits and includes a uniform, headgear, weapon skin, and operator portrait. A separate Weapon Kit consisting of a skin and portrait is available for 720 R6 Credits.
The third wave marks the conclusion of the Y11S3 team cosmetics release. Earlier waves featured items for 100 Thieves, SCARZ, Cloud9, M80, Spacestation Gaming, Virtus.pro, Shifters, and CAG by VARREL.
A portion of the revenue generated from the sale of each bundle goes directly to the respective esports organization, while Ubisoft directs additional earnings toward supporting the R6 Esports partnership program.
Ubisoft has released the third and final wave of R6 SHARE team bundles in Rainbow Six Siege as part of the Y11S3 season. The new cosmetic items have been provided to FaZe Clan, Team Secret, and W7M Esports.
Each club received a bundle designated for a specific operator, featuring Team Secret with Warden, FaZe with Buck, and W7M with Striker. Two versions of the set are available for each team.
A full bundle costs 1800 R6 Credits and includes a uniform, headgear, weapon skin, and operator portrait. A separate Weapon Kit consisting of a skin and portrait is available for 720 R6 Credits.
The third wave marks the conclusion of the Y11S3 team cosmetics release. Earlier waves featured items for 100 Thieves, SCARZ, Cloud9, M80, Spacestation Gaming, Virtus.pro, Shifters, and CAG by VARREL.
A portion of the revenue generated from the sale of each bundle goes directly to the respective esports organization, while Ubisoft directs additional earnings toward supporting the R6 Esports partnership program.
Team Liquid Welcomes Adrian Dobles to Their Dota 2 Roster
The esports organization Team Liquid has announced the signing of Adrian "Wisper" Dobles to their Dota 2 roster.
The Bolivian offlaner will play for the European team for the second time in his career. Previously, Wisper competed for OG, securing a fourth-place finish at ESL One Birmingham 2024. Over the course of his career, he has also represented Infamous, beastcoast, Evil Geniuses, HEROIC, and LGD Gaming.
In the Team Liquid lineup, Wisper replaces Markus "Ace" Christensen. The current roster consists of miCKe, Nisha, Wisper, Boxi, and tOfu.
The upcoming BLAST SLAM VIII will serve as Wisper's first tournament with his new team. The competition is scheduled to run from September 29 to October 11.
The esports organization Team Liquid has announced the signing of Adrian "Wisper" Dobles to their Dota 2 roster.
The Bolivian offlaner will play for the European team for the second time in his career. Previously, Wisper competed for OG, securing a fourth-place finish at ESL One Birmingham 2024. Over the course of his career, he has also represented Infamous, beastcoast, Evil Geniuses, HEROIC, and LGD Gaming.
In the Team Liquid lineup, Wisper replaces Markus "Ace" Christensen. The current roster consists of miCKe, Nisha, Wisper, Boxi, and tOfu.
The upcoming BLAST SLAM VIII will serve as Wisper's first tournament with his new team. The competition is scheduled to run from September 29 to October 11.
Vitality Secure Grand Final Spot After Defeating FURIA at StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2026
Team Vitality advanced to the grand final of the StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2026 Counter-Strike 2 tournament following a victory in the lower bracket final. The French club secured a 2:0 win over FURIA, starting with a 13:5 success on Cache before claiming a 13:8 victory on Anubis.
With this result, FURIA concluded their run at the tournament in third place, earning a total of 70,000 dollars for their performance.
Vitality will now face Aurora in the grand final. The best-of-five series is scheduled to take place today, September 20, at 18:00 Kyiv time. The StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2026 event runs from September 17 to September 20 in Barcelona, Spain, featuring a total prize pool of 500,000 dollars.
Team Vitality advanced to the grand final of the StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2026 Counter-Strike 2 tournament following a victory in the lower bracket final. The French club secured a 2:0 win over FURIA, starting with a 13:5 success on Cache before claiming a 13:8 victory on Anubis.
With this result, FURIA concluded their run at the tournament in third place, earning a total of 70,000 dollars for their performance.
Vitality will now face Aurora in the grand final. The best-of-five series is scheduled to take place today, September 20, at 18:00 Kyiv time. The StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2026 event runs from September 17 to September 20 in Barcelona, Spain, featuring a total prize pool of 500,000 dollars.
China State Construction Engineering Corporation Secured a Project to Build Qiddiya City Arena
China State Construction Engineering Corporation has reportedly secured a contract to build a major esports arena within the gaming district of Qiddiya City, according to information from MEED cited by The Esports Radar.
The project carries an estimated cost of 700 million dollars. Plans indicate the facility will feature a height of 52 meters, spanning two underground levels and four above-ground levels, with a capacity designed for over 5,100 spectators.
To facilitate broadcasting, the venue is planned to feature a massive video screen system incorporating a main LED wall measuring nearly 36,000 square meters. The design also includes hospitality areas, retail spaces, gaming zones, and food and beverage outlets intended to keep the facility operational on non-tournament days.
Representatives from Qiddiya City have not yet officially confirmed the agreement regarding the project.
China State Construction Engineering Corporation has reportedly secured a contract to build a major esports arena within the gaming district of Qiddiya City, according to information from MEED cited by The Esports Radar.
The project carries an estimated cost of 700 million dollars. Plans indicate the facility will feature a height of 52 meters, spanning two underground levels and four above-ground levels, with a capacity designed for over 5,100 spectators.
To facilitate broadcasting, the venue is planned to feature a massive video screen system incorporating a main LED wall measuring nearly 36,000 square meters. The design also includes hospitality areas, retail spaces, gaming zones, and food and beverage outlets intended to keep the facility operational on non-tournament days.
Representatives from Qiddiya City have not yet officially confirmed the agreement regarding the project.
Team Vitality Claims Victory at StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2026 in Counter-Strike 2
Team Vitality secured the championship title at the StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2026 tournament in Counter-Strike 2 after defeating Aurora Gaming in the grand final with a score of 3:1.
The decisive series began with Vitality taking the opening map on Anubis with a 13:4 score, before Aurora Gaming responded by claiming Inferno 13:11. The French club then secured the match by winning the next two maps, taking Mirage 13:4 and Cache 13:7.
For their first-place finish, Team Vitality earned 200,000 dollars in prize money, while Aurora Gaming collected 130,000 dollars for their runner-up finish.
The tournament took place from September 17 to September 20 in Barcelona, Spain, featuring a total prize pool of 500,000 dollars.
Team Vitality secured the championship title at the StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2026 tournament in Counter-Strike 2 after defeating Aurora Gaming in the grand final with a score of 3:1.
The decisive series began with Vitality taking the opening map on Anubis with a 13:4 score, before Aurora Gaming responded by claiming Inferno 13:11. The French club then secured the match by winning the next two maps, taking Mirage 13:4 and Cache 13:7.
For their first-place finish, Team Vitality earned 200,000 dollars in prize money, while Aurora Gaming collected 130,000 dollars for their runner-up finish.
The tournament took place from September 17 to September 20 in Barcelona, Spain, featuring a total prize pool of 500,000 dollars.
G2 Esports Secure LEC 2026 Summer Championship Title in Nice
G2 Esports claimed the championship title of the LEC 2026 Summer split in League of Legends following the final matches held in Nice. In the decisive series, the team defeated Movistar KOI with a score of 3:0.
Alongside the championship outcome, all three LEC representatives heading to Worlds 2026 have been determined. Karmine Corp will begin their championship journey from the Play-In stage, while Movistar KOI and G2 Esports will start directly from the group stage.
The LEC 2026 Summer tournament took place from July 24 to September 20.
G2 Esports claimed the championship title of the LEC 2026 Summer split in League of Legends following the final matches held in Nice. In the decisive series, the team defeated Movistar KOI with a score of 3:0.
Alongside the championship outcome, all three LEC representatives heading to Worlds 2026 have been determined. Karmine Corp will begin their championship journey from the Play-In stage, while Movistar KOI and G2 Esports will start directly from the group stage.
The LEC 2026 Summer tournament took place from July 24 to September 20.
Genius Sports Launches Prediction Platform for Comparing Forecast Markets
Sports data provider Genius Sports has launched a new platform designed to combine quotes from various prediction markets within a single interface.
The service enables users to search and compare available contracts, probabilities, and other metrics simultaneously across multiple platforms.
Powered by Genius Sports data, the platform delivers information on market movements in real time. It aligns the sports events feed with shifts in probabilities and quotes, assisting users in tracking how outcome assessments change as events unfold.
The service aims to facilitate a more convenient workflow with prediction markets, where quotes and probabilities may vary depending on the platform. Genius Sports expects that the unified interface will streamline the search for suitable contracts and allow users to compare available offers more quickly.
The launch expands the operations of Genius Sports within the prediction markets sector, integrating the company's sports data with tools designed for analyzing the movement of probabilities and quotes.
Sports data provider Genius Sports has launched a new platform designed to combine quotes from various prediction markets within a single interface.
The service enables users to search and compare available contracts, probabilities, and other metrics simultaneously across multiple platforms.
Powered by Genius Sports data, the platform delivers information on market movements in real time. It aligns the sports events feed with shifts in probabilities and quotes, assisting users in tracking how outcome assessments change as events unfold.
The service aims to facilitate a more convenient workflow with prediction markets, where quotes and probabilities may vary depending on the platform. Genius Sports expects that the unified interface will streamline the search for suitable contracts and allow users to compare available offers more quickly.
The launch expands the operations of Genius Sports within the prediction markets sector, integrating the company's sports data with tools designed for analyzing the movement of probabilities and quotes.
Survey Shows Over Half of US Sports Bettors Use Wagering to Pay Living Expenses
More than half of American sports bettors have used wagering at least once to cover everyday expenses, according to a survey published by U.S. News & World Report.
The study, conducted from August 31 to September 3, 2026, surveyed 1,200 people who placed sports bets within the past year. It revealed that 51% of respondents wagered money to pay regular bills, while 21% placed bets to cover rent or mortgage payments. In terms of activity levels, 57% of participants stated that they bet at least once a week, and 17% reported placing bets on a daily basis.
Debt associated with betting was reported by 19% of respondents, down from 30% recorded in the previous year. However, the figure rose significantly among daily bettors, reaching 40%. In addition, 45% of surveyed bettors admitted to borrowing money to fund their wagers, with 13% taking out personal loans and 11% using high-interest payday loans.
The findings also pointed to significant engagement with prediction markets, in which 41% of respondents reported participating. Alongside these survey figures, data from Bank of America indicated that online betting volume across the United States grew by 40% between January and July 2026.
More than half of American sports bettors have used wagering at least once to cover everyday expenses, according to a survey published by U.S. News & World Report.
The study, conducted from August 31 to September 3, 2026, surveyed 1,200 people who placed sports bets within the past year. It revealed that 51% of respondents wagered money to pay regular bills, while 21% placed bets to cover rent or mortgage payments. In terms of activity levels, 57% of participants stated that they bet at least once a week, and 17% reported placing bets on a daily basis.
Debt associated with betting was reported by 19% of respondents, down from 30% recorded in the previous year. However, the figure rose significantly among daily bettors, reaching 40%. In addition, 45% of surveyed bettors admitted to borrowing money to fund their wagers, with 13% taking out personal loans and 11% using high-interest payday loans.
The findings also pointed to significant engagement with prediction markets, in which 41% of respondents reported participating. Alongside these survey figures, data from Bank of America indicated that online betting volume across the United States grew by 40% between January and July 2026.
Team Falcons Make History With Rocket League World Championship Victory
Esports organization Team Falcons captured the championship title at the RLCS 2026 World Championship held in Fort Worth.
In the grand final matchup, the team defeated North American squad Spacestation Gaming with a score of 4:0. This achievement marks a historic milestone as Team Falcons became the first roster from the Middle East and North Africa region to secure a world championship title.
The winning lineup featured Moroccan player Sami dralii Hadji, who claimed his second world championship following a prior victory in 2024, alongside Saudi brothers Yazid Kiileerrz Bahashwin and Saleh Rw9 Bahashwin, who earned the title for the first time. Kiileerrz was also honored with the MVP award.
Throughout the tournament, Team Falcons experienced a single loss in the group stage against Karmine Corp before carving their path through the lower bracket. Along the way, the squad secured victories against FURIA, Shopify Rebellion, and NRG, all with a 4:1 scoreline. In the semifinal round, the team successfully redeemed themselves against Karmine Corp with a 4:2 victory to advance to the grand final alongside Spacestation Gaming, who similarly navigated the losers bracket.
Esports organization Team Falcons captured the championship title at the RLCS 2026 World Championship held in Fort Worth.
In the grand final matchup, the team defeated North American squad Spacestation Gaming with a score of 4:0. This achievement marks a historic milestone as Team Falcons became the first roster from the Middle East and North Africa region to secure a world championship title.
The winning lineup featured Moroccan player Sami dralii Hadji, who claimed his second world championship following a prior victory in 2024, alongside Saudi brothers Yazid Kiileerrz Bahashwin and Saleh Rw9 Bahashwin, who earned the title for the first time. Kiileerrz was also honored with the MVP award.
Throughout the tournament, Team Falcons experienced a single loss in the group stage against Karmine Corp before carving their path through the lower bracket. Along the way, the squad secured victories against FURIA, Shopify Rebellion, and NRG, all with a 4:1 scoreline. In the semifinal round, the team successfully redeemed themselves against Karmine Corp with a 4:2 victory to advance to the grand final alongside Spacestation Gaming, who similarly navigated the losers bracket.
Curaçao Gambling Authority Reports Unauthorized Access to Licensee Portal
The Curaçao Gaming Control Authority (CGA) has reported an unauthorized intrusion targeting its online portal designated for licensees. The security incident occurred on September 17.
According to the regulatory body, the origin of the threat has been successfully identified and isolated. Meanwhile, the CGA has not yet determined the full scope of the breach and continues to investigate which specific data may have been affected and what potential consequences might arise.
At this stage, the regulator has found no evidence indicating the compromise of its core technical infrastructure. In response to the event, the CGA has stepped up its monitoring procedures and implemented additional security measures.
The Curaçao Gaming Control Authority (CGA) has reported an unauthorized intrusion targeting its online portal designated for licensees. The security incident occurred on September 17.
According to the regulatory body, the origin of the threat has been successfully identified and isolated. Meanwhile, the CGA has not yet determined the full scope of the breach and continues to investigate which specific data may have been affected and what potential consequences might arise.
At this stage, the regulator has found no evidence indicating the compromise of its core technical infrastructure. In response to the event, the CGA has stepped up its monitoring procedures and implemented additional security measures.
BC.Game Adds Oskarish to Counter-Strike 2 Coaching Staff
The esports organization BC.Game, featuring Ukrainian sniper Oleksandr s1mple Kostyliev, has announced adjustments to its Counter-Strike 2 roster coaching staff.
Polish specialist Oskar oskarish Stenborowski has joined the team to take on the roles of assistant head coach and analyst. His primary objective will be to strengthen the strategic preparation of the squad.
Previously, oskarish gained coaching experience working with GamerLegion and Venom. Throughout his active playing career, the Polish competitor represented Lounge Gaming, PENTA Sports, ALTERNATE aTTaX, and AGO.
The esports organization BC.Game, featuring Ukrainian sniper Oleksandr s1mple Kostyliev, has announced adjustments to its Counter-Strike 2 roster coaching staff.
Polish specialist Oskar oskarish Stenborowski has joined the team to take on the roles of assistant head coach and analyst. His primary objective will be to strengthen the strategic preparation of the squad.
Previously, oskarish gained coaching experience working with GamerLegion and Venom. Throughout his active playing career, the Polish competitor represented Lounge Gaming, PENTA Sports, ALTERNATE aTTaX, and AGO.
Valyn Reportedly Nears LYON Transfer Pending VCT Americas Franchise Slot
G2 Esports VALORANT captain Jacob valyn Batio may continue his career with Mexican organization LYON, according to Sheep Esports. Sources indicate that the sides have reached an oral agreement, though the move is contingent on whether the club secures a partner slot in the VCT Americas franchise league for the upcoming season.
If LYON fails to secure a spot among the eight partner teams, the agreement will be canceled, and the player will enter free agency to look for a new team. The Mexican organization reportedly intends to build a new roster centered around Latin American players, with valyn once again stepping into the captain role.
This development follows G2 Esports decision to refresh their roster by bringing in Eduardo Sato Nagahama and Francisco kiNng Aravena as replacements for the American player. During his three-season tenure with G2, valyn captured four regional titles and earned recognition as the IGL of the year, while LYON competed in VCL Latin America North during the previous season.
G2 Esports VALORANT captain Jacob valyn Batio may continue his career with Mexican organization LYON, according to Sheep Esports. Sources indicate that the sides have reached an oral agreement, though the move is contingent on whether the club secures a partner slot in the VCT Americas franchise league for the upcoming season.
If LYON fails to secure a spot among the eight partner teams, the agreement will be canceled, and the player will enter free agency to look for a new team. The Mexican organization reportedly intends to build a new roster centered around Latin American players, with valyn once again stepping into the captain role.
This development follows G2 Esports decision to refresh their roster by bringing in Eduardo Sato Nagahama and Francisco kiNng Aravena as replacements for the American player. During his three-season tenure with G2, valyn captured four regional titles and earned recognition as the IGL of the year, while LYON competed in VCL Latin America North during the previous season.
GGPoker Enters Swedish Online Poker Market Amid Offline Casino Closures
During the first half of 2026, the Swedish online poker market experienced noticeable development following the launch of GGPoker. The major poker room officially started operating in the country in June under the brand NSUS Malta Ltd, drawing additional attention to a segment that had shown almost no growth in recent years.
The operator's entry took place against the backdrop of a shortage of legal offline poker opportunities. In April 2025, the land-based Casino Cosmopol permanently closed in Sweden, leaving players with significantly fewer options to participate in legal live games and tournaments.
Holding offline poker tournaments without a license is prohibited in the country. Amid the lack of legal venues, inspections of underground clubs and illegal games had previously become more frequent, while the emergence of a major licensed online platform could provide players with an additional legal alternative and foster growing interest in online poker in Sweden.
During the first half of 2026, the Swedish online poker market experienced noticeable development following the launch of GGPoker. The major poker room officially started operating in the country in June under the brand NSUS Malta Ltd, drawing additional attention to a segment that had shown almost no growth in recent years.
The operator's entry took place against the backdrop of a shortage of legal offline poker opportunities. In April 2025, the land-based Casino Cosmopol permanently closed in Sweden, leaving players with significantly fewer options to participate in legal live games and tournaments.
Holding offline poker tournaments without a license is prohibited in the country. Amid the lack of legal venues, inspections of underground clubs and illegal games had previously become more frequent, while the emergence of a major licensed online platform could provide players with an additional legal alternative and foster growing interest in online poker in Sweden.
Fabrizio Romano to Speak at SBC Summit 2026 on Media Cooperation with Betting Brands
Renowned football journalist and insider Fabrizio Romano is scheduled to speak at the SBC Summit 2026 conference in Lisbon on September 30. He will take part in a panel discussion regarding the cooperation of sports media with betting brands and affiliates.
Romano is recognized globally as a prominent football insider, with a social media following exceeding 70 million people. His audience primarily follows his updates regarding transfers and other football market events.
His conference appearance follows a recent statement regarding professional changes. In August, the journalist announced that he would abandon his previous format of working with transfer news after the conclusion of the summer transfer window, promising to share further plans later without yet presenting a new format.
Other notable figures from the sports and industry sectors are also slated to participate in SBC Summit 2026. Among them are basketball legend Michael Jordan, UFC fighter Charles Oliveira, and DraftKings co-founder and CEO Jason Robbins.
The conference will take place in Lisbon from September 29 to October 1, gathering representatives from betting, iGaming, sports business, media, and affiliate marketing.
Renowned football journalist and insider Fabrizio Romano is scheduled to speak at the SBC Summit 2026 conference in Lisbon on September 30. He will take part in a panel discussion regarding the cooperation of sports media with betting brands and affiliates.
Romano is recognized globally as a prominent football insider, with a social media following exceeding 70 million people. His audience primarily follows his updates regarding transfers and other football market events.
His conference appearance follows a recent statement regarding professional changes. In August, the journalist announced that he would abandon his previous format of working with transfer news after the conclusion of the summer transfer window, promising to share further plans later without yet presenting a new format.
Other notable figures from the sports and industry sectors are also slated to participate in SBC Summit 2026. Among them are basketball legend Michael Jordan, UFC fighter Charles Oliveira, and DraftKings co-founder and CEO Jason Robbins.
The conference will take place in Lisbon from September 29 to October 1, gathering representatives from betting, iGaming, sports business, media, and affiliate marketing.
Emergency Room Visits for Gambling Addiction Rise Following Ontario Market Expansion
A study conducted in Ontario has revealed a significant increase in emergency department visits linked to gambling addiction following the expansion of the province’s regulated online gambling market. Researchers analyzed health data from over 17.3 million residents between January 2012 and June 2025, identifying 952 such visits among 757 individuals.
Data indicates that the average quarterly rate of these visits rose by 31% after the market liberalization. The upward trend began following the launch of the private online market in April 2022, with a sustained increase of approximately 7% each quarter. By the second quarter of 2025, the volume of these emergency room visits was 99% higher than what would have been expected based on earlier statistical trends.
The most substantial impact was observed among male patients. Among men aged 10 to 29, the number of visits was 154% higher than predicted, while the 30 to 44 age group saw a 116% increase. Researchers noted no statistically significant rise in similar cases among female patients during the study period.
In 72% of the recorded cases, patients presented with concurrent mental health disorders or substance use issues, with 33% suffering from severe depression and 22% experiencing acute stress reactions. Experts suggest these findings highlight the severe consequences associated with the combined effect of private online market access and the legalization of single-event sports betting. While these figures represent the most acute instances of gambling-related harm, they do not reflect the total prevalence of addiction. For the 2024/25 financial year, the total volume of wagers in Ontario reached 82.7 billion Canadian dollars.
A study conducted in Ontario has revealed a significant increase in emergency department visits linked to gambling addiction following the expansion of the province’s regulated online gambling market. Researchers analyzed health data from over 17.3 million residents between January 2012 and June 2025, identifying 952 such visits among 757 individuals.
Data indicates that the average quarterly rate of these visits rose by 31% after the market liberalization. The upward trend began following the launch of the private online market in April 2022, with a sustained increase of approximately 7% each quarter. By the second quarter of 2025, the volume of these emergency room visits was 99% higher than what would have been expected based on earlier statistical trends.
The most substantial impact was observed among male patients. Among men aged 10 to 29, the number of visits was 154% higher than predicted, while the 30 to 44 age group saw a 116% increase. Researchers noted no statistically significant rise in similar cases among female patients during the study period.
In 72% of the recorded cases, patients presented with concurrent mental health disorders or substance use issues, with 33% suffering from severe depression and 22% experiencing acute stress reactions. Experts suggest these findings highlight the severe consequences associated with the combined effect of private online market access and the legalization of single-event sports betting. While these figures represent the most acute instances of gambling-related harm, they do not reflect the total prevalence of addiction. For the 2024/25 financial year, the total volume of wagers in Ontario reached 82.7 billion Canadian dollars.
Kalshi Generates $26 Million Following Tariff Changes
Prediction market platform Kalshi generated approximately $26 million in commissions from parlays during the four-week period following a change to its tariff structure on August 20. According to exchange statistics, daily revenue from these fees periodically surpassed $1 million, reaching a peak of $1.7 million on certain weekends. Under the updated model, creators of combinations are subject to a commission equal to half of the taker fee, effectively doubling the standard rate for makers. While the adjustment was noted by traders on social media, Kalshi did not issue a formal announcement regarding the changes. Despite the increased costs for users, trading volumes on the platform have continued to climb. Daily parlay volume exceeded $1 billion on multiple occasions, hitting a record $1.49 billion on September 13. Kalshi has maintained an exemption from these new maker fees for standalone, non-connected NFL parlays throughout the current football season. This strategy serves to maintain competitiveness against other prediction market platforms that employ alternative fee and bonus models.
Prediction market platform Kalshi generated approximately $26 million in commissions from parlays during the four-week period following a change to its tariff structure on August 20. According to exchange statistics, daily revenue from these fees periodically surpassed $1 million, reaching a peak of $1.7 million on certain weekends. Under the updated model, creators of combinations are subject to a commission equal to half of the taker fee, effectively doubling the standard rate for makers. While the adjustment was noted by traders on social media, Kalshi did not issue a formal announcement regarding the changes. Despite the increased costs for users, trading volumes on the platform have continued to climb. Daily parlay volume exceeded $1 billion on multiple occasions, hitting a record $1.49 billion on September 13. Kalshi has maintained an exemption from these new maker fees for standalone, non-connected NFL parlays throughout the current football season. This strategy serves to maintain competitiveness against other prediction market platforms that employ alternative fee and bonus models.
DraftKings Uses Artificial Intelligence to Analyze Player Sensitivity to Bonuses
DraftKings has been employing an artificial intelligence model for approximately three years to identify players whose average losses may exceed the value of the bonuses they receive. This information comes from reports by The New York Times, which cited internal company documentation and interviews with more than 40 former employees.
According to the internal materials, the system evaluates the "elasticity" of players, specifically gauging how susceptible they are to bonuses and various promotional offers. Documentation from early 2024 identified slot machine players as being the most responsive group to these marketing initiatives.
In response to the reports, DraftKings denied the allegations surrounding the use of the model. The company stated that bonus offers are provided to customers based on their consistent engagement rather than being determined by their personal losses.
DraftKings has been employing an artificial intelligence model for approximately three years to identify players whose average losses may exceed the value of the bonuses they receive. This information comes from reports by The New York Times, which cited internal company documentation and interviews with more than 40 former employees.
According to the internal materials, the system evaluates the "elasticity" of players, specifically gauging how susceptible they are to bonuses and various promotional offers. Documentation from early 2024 identified slot machine players as being the most responsive group to these marketing initiatives.
In response to the reports, DraftKings denied the allegations surrounding the use of the model. The company stated that bonus offers are provided to customers based on their consistent engagement rather than being determined by their personal losses.
ToonieBet Secures Exclusive Betting Partnership with Ottawa REDBLACKS
The iGaming operator ToonieBet, owned by Soft2Bet, has signed an agreement to become the exclusive betting partner of the Ottawa REDBLACKS, a team competing in the Canadian Football League.
Under the terms of the new partnership, the ToonieBet logo will be displayed on all three versions of the club's game uniforms. Furthermore, the brand’s signage will be featured on both television and LED panels throughout the TD Place stadium. The operator is also set to serve as the sponsor for the Sideline Club section located near the field.
ToonieBet intends to engage with the team's fanbase through a series of collaborative events. This includes hosting three pre-game street parties in conjunction with the RNation fan club. Both parties have opted not to disclose the specific financial details or the duration of the partnership agreement.
The iGaming operator ToonieBet, owned by Soft2Bet, has signed an agreement to become the exclusive betting partner of the Ottawa REDBLACKS, a team competing in the Canadian Football League.
Under the terms of the new partnership, the ToonieBet logo will be displayed on all three versions of the club's game uniforms. Furthermore, the brand’s signage will be featured on both television and LED panels throughout the TD Place stadium. The operator is also set to serve as the sponsor for the Sideline Club section located near the field.
ToonieBet intends to engage with the team's fanbase through a series of collaborative events. This includes hosting three pre-game street parties in conjunction with the RNation fan club. Both parties have opted not to disclose the specific financial details or the duration of the partnership agreement.
Gentle Mates Targets Emir Alfajer Beder for Upcoming VCT 2027 Season
Gentle Mates plans to sign Emir Alfajer Beder ahead of the VCT 2027 season, according to reports from Sheep Esports citing sources familiar with the situation.
The player's current contract with fnatic is set to conclude after the 2026 season, which would allow him to make the move to a new club without any transfer compensation required. Reports indicate that Alfajer has also held discussions with other teams and evaluated the possibility of remaining with fnatic, but Gentle Mates currently stands as the closest option.
Alfajer has competed under the fnatic banner since 2022. During his tenure, the roster reached two international finals in 2025 at Masters Toronto and Champions Paris, while also securing a second-place finish at the Esports World Cup.
The 2026 competitive year proved to be volatile for both organizations. Gentle Mates enjoyed a strong start by competing at Masters Santiago, though their performance dipped to a 13th to 16th place finish in VCT EMEA Stage 2. Meanwhile, fnatic experienced one of its least successful campaigns in recent years and failed to qualify for international competition.
Gentle Mates plans to sign Emir Alfajer Beder ahead of the VCT 2027 season, according to reports from Sheep Esports citing sources familiar with the situation.
The player's current contract with fnatic is set to conclude after the 2026 season, which would allow him to make the move to a new club without any transfer compensation required. Reports indicate that Alfajer has also held discussions with other teams and evaluated the possibility of remaining with fnatic, but Gentle Mates currently stands as the closest option.
Alfajer has competed under the fnatic banner since 2022. During his tenure, the roster reached two international finals in 2025 at Masters Toronto and Champions Paris, while also securing a second-place finish at the Esports World Cup.
The 2026 competitive year proved to be volatile for both organizations. Gentle Mates enjoyed a strong start by competing at Masters Santiago, though their performance dipped to a 13th to 16th place finish in VCT EMEA Stage 2. Meanwhile, fnatic experienced one of its least successful campaigns in recent years and failed to qualify for international competition.