Welcome to our weekly iGaming news! We at Nostrabet will show you the latest developments across the online casino industry, including fines, regulatory updates and market movements. February 2026 is almost over, so let’s go through everything you do not want to miss out on from this week.
The Netherlands Could Fine Polymarket $500K Per Week
Polymarket has become one of the most popular online betting platforms in the last couple of weeks. The site is different from the rest because it allows people to wager on global conflicts and political events. Unlike other sites, however, this one lacks a proper license to offer its services in the Netherlands. As a result, local authorities have ordered it to cease all activity; otherwise, it will face a $500k weekly fine.
At the time of writing, Polymarket allows people from the Netherlands to bet on the local elections. The company stated that its prediction markets are technically not gambling and therefore do not fall into that category. However, it seems like the Dutch gambling regulator disagrees.
Hawaii may Allow Online Sports Betting Soon
Hawaii is one of the several US States that have not legalized online sports betting yet. In fact, the island does not support any legal gambling of any kind yet. With that said, this may change soon.
The Hawaii House Economic Development and Technology Committee voted to move HB 2470 forward (the bill is related to online sports betting). This happened despite the numerous public comments against it.
If everything goes according to the ban and the bill passes, sports betting in Hawaii should become available within 180 days. This will also allow the state to allow this activity.
A part of the reason the local authorities are interested in legalising online sports betting is because of the huge revenue it generates. Other states showing their reports always surprise us, and it seems like Hawaii does not want to miss out on anything.
Nebraska Approves two Online Sports Betting Petitions
Like Hawaii, Nebraska is one step closer to allowing online sports betting. The two petitions filed in the state have been approved for circulation ahead of the upcoming general elections.
These proposals received support from WarHorse Casinos and the Sports Betting Alliance. One of the changes is related to specific constitutional amendments that would allow licensed horse racing tracks to partner with gambling sites. Also, casinos in the state will be able to operate up to 2 sportsbooks.
Romania to Raise the Gaming Age to 21 and Restrict Online Advertising
Romania has one of the most developed online betting markets in the world. The country accepts numerous bookies and casinos and it seems like local authorities are trying to make sure people do not develop too many gambling-related issues. As a result, the Senate adopted two legislative proposals – increasing the minimum gambling age to 21 (it was 18 before) and limiting gambling advertising.
While increasing the gambling age is not something you see every day, the gambling ad restriction is not new. In fact, Bulgaria, its neighbouring country, decided to fully ban gambling ads last year (with some exceptions). The suggestion shocked everyone back then, but people got used to it fairly quickly.
If the changes become active, gambling sites won’t be able to advertise anything between 06:00 and 24:00.
Lawmakers in Maine will ban dual-currency sweepstakes
Sweepstakes casinos are incredibly popular in the USA and widely available in many states. However, some of them decided to take firm action against these sites, and Maine is the latest one on the list.
Local lawmakers are targeting these operators and want to ban the dual-currency sweepstakes casinos. If the new legislation comes into power, these operators will be identified as illegal gambling sites. It seems like these people believe that the sweepstakes operators do not really promote sweepstakes because they are online casinos operating under a different label.
An interesting fact is that DraftKings, one of the biggest names in the US betting industry, has backed this proposal. According to the company. Sweepstakes operators are basically sidestepping the rules that licensed sites must follow. There are no age checks and responsible gambling safeguards and this could harm consumers.
It’s important to know that Maine currently has over 60 sweepstakes casinos. If the rules become a reality, these sites could face penalties of up to $100,000, which would likely cause many of them to stop operating.
Stake Got Involved in a Lawsuit Regarding $1M Bitcoin Losses
Stake is one of the world’s biggest crypto betting websites and is the center of attention again, but this time, in Connecticut. Federal prosecutors decided to launch a case against the site for an alleged investment fraud scheme that ran for around 4 years. Based on it, a 24-year-old player will receive multiple federal charges after the authorities accused him of stealing Bitcoin from investors.
Based on the information we have, Emin Redzepagic presents himself as an expert in digital assets. He used clients’ Bitcoin and misled them into believing he would make investments. Instead of that, however, he used the money to gamble on Stake.com and lost close to $950,000. The scheme most likely operated between 2021 and 2025.
This case will be another reputational challenge for Stake.com, following what happened with Drake and Adin Ross. The two got into the spotlight after their promo activities encouraged a lot of people to place real-money wagers.
Stake Enters the Danish Online Gambling Space After Getting a 5-year License
Since we are on the topic of Stake.com, we have one good news – the operator is now fully available in Denmark. Stake received a five-year license that will allow the company to provide both sports betting and online casino games in the country.
According to the details, locals will be able to access the company via the special Stake.dk platform. It will include casino games and a sportsbook and the people behind it believe it will adapt to local players.
What’s also special here is that Stake Denmark will have a physical presence. The site will operate from a new HQ in Copenhagen, which will be FC Copenhagen’s home.
Denmark becomes the latest place where Stake becomes available. Following its launch in 2017, the site has built a global customer base and is now available in multiple parts of the world.
Bet365 and Peter & Sons Have Signed a Multi-Jurisdictional Partnership
Bet365 is one of the leaders in the online gambling space and the site just signed an interesting partnership deal with Peter & Sons. As a result, the latter will offer its services in countries like the Netherlands, the UK, and Spain.
Based on the talks between the two parties, Peter & Sons’s products will also be available in other parts of the world. The two will be looking to explore Brazil, Italy, Greece, Sweden and Ontario.
Relax Gaming Released Its New Slot Called Pharaoh’s Last Wish
Online slots related to Ancient Egypt have always been a popular choice among gamblers. Relax Gaming is well aware of it, so it decided to release another title themed around this topic called Pharaoh’s Last Wish.
The latest addition to the supplier’s portfolio comes with a 96.10% RTP, 6 reels and medium volatility. After testing the game, we can safely say it will live up to most people’s expectations. Each time you secure a winning combination, the symbols themselves will disappear and you’ll see new ones, meaning there are multiple ways to win per spin.
The Lawsuit of the two Cleaveland Guardians Will Be Moved to October
Emannuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were involved in a federal lawsuit because they took part in a plot to control specific pitches. The idea was to help gamblers predict their bets and win money. Based on the investigation, these people helped their partners in the Dominican Republic and have made hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The investigation is still ongoing and the latest news came just a few days ago. According to the prosecutors, the players used special coded messages about farm animals to tell pitchers what to do.
Originally, the case was supposed to be in May, but officials pushed the date until the baseball season is over. Both players pleaded not guilty in New York
The Gaming Revenue is On the Rise in New Jersey
The stats from New Jersey show that there is a 16.8% year-on-year revenue increase that hit $586.4M in January. The data shows a 5.9% increase compared to the same period last year. As expected, there is also a 3.2% decline from December 2025.
Online gambling continues to gain new fans, but sports betting is slightly down from before. According to the stats, there is a 6.5% decrease to $114.2M. Online revenue fell by 5.3%, while retail wagering revenue declined by 47.1%.
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