Wagering on outcomes, regulated where law permits
The government has announced that English mayors will gain the power to 'call in' planning decisions and grant upfront permission for developments meeting thresholds of 150+ homes, 15,000 sq m of commercial space, or any building over 30 metres. Ten of 14 devolved mayors back the move, aligning non-London areas with powers already held by the Mayor of London. The change aims to speed up housing and regeneration, with funding levers and levies to support infrastructure.
FIFA has proposed selling up to 20% of a new commercial arm, FIFA Forward Enterprise, to raise about $4.2bn and offer one‑off $20m payments to each of its 211 member associations. UEFA and several confederations have threatened boycotts, lodged legal and ethics warnings, and flagged potential arbitration over links to investors including Joshua Kushners firm.
Drake has placed large bets on Argentina to win the World Cup, but recent outcomes have dampened his streak. The Drake curse is again under the spotlight as Argentina’s final faced a loss to Spain, following prior wagers on McGregor and the Patriots.
Thomas Goldstein, once a leading SCOTUSblog figure, has been sentenced to five years of supervised release after a prison term, plus more than $3.1 million in restitution. Prosecutors say he concealed $25 million in income and engaged in mortgage fraud and tax evasion.
New York state officials have filed a state Supreme Court lawsuit against Kalshi, alleging the prediction market platform operates illegally without a Gaming Commission license, endangers consumers, and should forfeit gains and pay restitution and penalties. The action adds to a broader clash over how prediction markets are regulated between states and the federal government.
Local councils will gain new powers to block gambling venues on high streets as the government scrambles to curb gambling harms. The reform scraps the old aim-to-permit rule, placing decision-making in the hands of councils and communities. Campaigners say the change strengthens local voice, while opponents warn of rising online gambling and potential oversights.