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Michael Savio

The Missouri Gaming Commission reported a sports betting handle of over $540 million for December, the first month of the state's legal sports betting market. FanDuel and DraftKings led the way, but the state generated just $510,000 in taxes.

German Federation VP Oke Göttlich told reporters that he believes it is time to begin discussions for a 2026 World Cup boycott. He cited the 1980 Olympic boycott, saying the current situation with the US requires talks over similar action.

The NCPG has announced the launch of its new 1-800-MY-RESET nationwide problem gambling hotline. The new resources will replace the non-profit’s former 1-800-GAMBLER number, which another problem gambling group in New Jersey now operates.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine believes his biggest mistake was legalizing sports betting, citing the rise in problem gambling and betting scandals in the state. He also called for a crackdown on sportsbooks' advertising, which he links to the rise in addiction.

The Missouri Gaming Commission announced it is rejecting the NCAA's request to ban college player props in its new regulated sports betting market. The regulator cited a lack of evidence on the risk of the bet type for its decision.

The US State Department has confirmed FIFA PASS will soon go live, creating far more visa appointments ahead of the 2026 World Cup. All standard appointments ahead of the tournament’s kickoff are full, leaving other fans to wait for FIFA PASS.

Action 24/7 has announced it is ceasing operation in Tennessee, its only US sports betting market. The sportsbook’s ties to the payday loan industry and poor oversight led to several scandals over its nearly six years of operation.

There are growing fears about what is driving the rise of sports prediction markets, which may be due to the lower minimum age requirement. The industry has set the age at 18, while more sportsbooks have theirs at 21.

An Ontario regulator has fined FanDuel Sportsbook $350K for failing to promptly catch and report a betting scandal involving a table tennis tournament. Online sportsbook operators had been warned that match-fixing might occur, but failed to prevent it.

A US Attorney has filed federal charges against 15 current and one former NCAA men's basketball players in connection with a massive point-shaving scheme. A total of 17 Division I schools and 29 games were listed in the indictment.