The CEO of Kalshi says the prediction markets exchange should not be treated as a gambling operation, in part because the U.S.-based company doesn’t make money from losing bets.

Kalshi last year won the right to offer election event contracts and is now quickly expanding its sports event contracts in all 50 states, including the 11 states where sports betting is still illegal. The move comes just two days after the platform launched betting on NBA playoff games. The first two games attracted about a million dollars in trading volume at Kalshi.

Kalshi has not yet launched single-game markets for hockey games in the NHL, which would be the next natural market to launch.

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Underdog comes on board as the Official Partner of BLAST Premier Lisbon Open, BLAST Premier Monterrey Rivals and the BLAST.tv Austin Major, in the US and Canada

Underdog will be integrated on BLAST’s English broadcast through bespoke segments, while the brand will also be featured prominently on physical and digital assets. Underdog will also be embedded into the BLAST.tv Fantasy mini-game as they look to engage with the US and Canadian communities. Underdog fans can also expect in-person activations later this year at the Underdog booth during the BLAST.tv Austin Major.

Leo Matlock, Chief Business Officer at BLAST said: “We’re really excited about this collaboration with Underdog, They are a brand who’ve been a key player in the innovative and growing, sports gaming space for some years. Underdog has chosen a blockbuster time to partner with BLAST ahead of our sold-out BLAST.tv Austin Major in June. Beyond adding to our live broadcasts and events, we are thrilled that our dedicated and committed BLAST.tv fantasy fans will have the opportunity to engage with Underdog over the next few months.”

“We’re always looking for innovative partnerships like this one with BLAST Premier,” said Zach Powell, Director of Partnerships at Underdog. “We are excited to be a part of the upcoming events and to engage with a new audience through our first-ever in-person esports tournament.”

BLAST.tv Fantasy first launched during the BLAST.tv Paris Major in 2023 named “Major Manager”. Shortly after “Fantasy” was launched for BLAST Premier Fall Groups 2023 and has recorded more than 250,000 sessions since launch and 10,000 active players across the 2025 season.

Fantasy teams have been a prominent and loved part of gaming and esports for some years with fans building teams across multiple platforms to win prizes and bragging rights amongst friends and online communities.

Underdog first featured at the BLAST Premier Open S1 in Lisbon Portugal. Next on the calendar is the BLAST Premier Rivals S1 featuring eight of Counter-Strike’s best teams battling over a $350,000 prize pool. The BLAST studios will welcome teams on the 30th April, crowning our Rivals champions on 4th Ma

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Internet Gaming Win for the casinos and their partners was $243.9 million for March 2025, reflecting growth of 23.7% when compared to $197.2 million reported for March 2024. Year-to-date Internet Gaming Win was $673.3 million through March 2025, reflecting growth of 19.6% when compared to $562.8 million for the prior year-to-date period.

Sports Wagering Gross Revenue for the casinos, racetracks, and their partners was $71.3 million for March 2025, reflecting a decrease of 20.5% when compared to $89.7 million reported for March 2024. Year-to-date Sports Wagering Gross Revenue was $267.1 million through March 2025, reflecting a decrease of 18.6% when compared to $328.0 million reported for the prior year-to-date period.

Total Gaming Revenue for the casinos, racetracks, and their partners was $546.1 million for March 2025, reflecting 3.7% growth when compared to $526.6 million reported for March 2024.

Year-to-date Total Gaming Revenue was $1.58 billion through March 2025, reflecting 2.5% growth when compared to $1.55 billion reported for the prior year-to-date period. Total Gross Revenue Taxes were $59.8 million for March 2025 and $175.2 million for the year-to-date through March 2025.

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Betting handle in Q1 2025 was $58.2 million , and net revenue $1.3 million, for a net revenue margin of 2.3%. This compares to Rivalry’s full-year 2024 net revenue margin of 4.4%, with the Q1 2025 margin variance largely attributable to short-term fluctuations in sportsbook hold.

This was amplified by the Company’s strategic pivot toward high-value and VIP players – segments that offer significantly greater long-term value but naturally introduce more short-term variability in margin performance as they scale.

Q1 2025 marks the first full quarter under Rivalry’s revamped operating model, following significant changes to product offerings, organizational structure, cost management, and user acquisition strategies. Underlying KPIs show improved unit economics, deeper engagement, and structural momentum toward long-term sustainability.

Revenue in the quarter was lower than prior periods – a result of Rivalry’s deliberate shift to a leaner, more efficient model – creating a stronger foundation that the Company is now building on. The shortfall also reflected temporary variance in sportsbook hold, amplified by a strategic focus on high-value and VIP players. The Company believes that these segments drive significantly greater long-term value but can introduce short-term volatility as they scale.

Operational Efficiency Up 400%: In Q1 2025, Rivalry generated over 400% more net revenue per user per dollar of operating expense as compared to its average before the strategic overhaul. This marks a significant leap in cost efficiency and operating leverage, validating the impact of recent changes.

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Play’n GO unveils Moon Princess Origins, a 5×5 grid slot that brings back fan-favourites Love, Star, and Storm with refreshed mechanics and cosmic potential. The game blends nostalgia with innovation as players reconnect with the original trio – now more powerful than ever.

First launched in 2017, Moon Princess quickly became one of the studio’s most beloved titles. Now, Moon Princess Origins invites players to revisit that iconic grid, where the trio’s signature Girl Powers have evolved, and clearing the grid reveals immense Free Spins rewards and instant prize orbs.

Combining symbol-clearing cascades, Wild creation, and an all-new empowerment mechanic, the game builds toward high-impact moments where each Princess flexes her refined abilities. With every Princess win contributing to the Trinity meter, players can unleash all three Girl Powers in one electrifying re-spin. During Free Spins, filling the meter adds up to 10 more spins – and clearing the grid grants a win of up to 10000x the total bet.

This release ties into a rich lineage of Play’n GO grid slots, most notably the original Moon Princess and its sequels, including Moon Princess 100 and Moon Princess Power of Love. While the aesthetic remains faithful to the original – ethereal visuals, crisp animation, and distinct Princess personalities – Moon Princess Origins turns up the strategic depth through persistent empowerment states and upgraded reward structures.

George Olekszy, Head of Game Retention at Play’n GO, said: “We know how much players love the Moon Princess series, so returning to the roots with Origins was about honouring that legacy while introducing smart, rewarding upgrades. This one will resonate with loyal fans and new players alike.”

Moon Princess Origins shines as a standout grid slot – one where fans can return to the magic that started it all, with something new to discover in every cascade.

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WorldMatch is turning up the volume and bringing the party to the barnyard with its latest release: PigGees Disco Farm, a groovy and vibrant online slot game that takes players on a wild ride to the funkiest farm you’ve ever seen.

Packed with disco balls, funky beats, and charismatic piggies ready to dance the night away, this game is set to become an instant favorite for slot lovers everywhere.

Set against a neon-lit countryside backdrop, PigGees Disco Farm blends classic slot excitement with a funky retro twist. Players will spin their way through shimmering symbols, animated farm animals in bell bottoms, and toe-tapping tunes that’ll keep them coming back for more. With dynamic gameplay, rewarding bonus features, and dazzling visuals, the game offers an immersive experience that celebrates joy, rhythm, and big wins.

Vibrant paylines to maximize wins, vynil wilds that spin their way into boosting your rewards, funky bonus rounds with free spins, multipliers, original funk/disco soundtrack that gets your feet tapping.
WorldMatch wanted to create something joyful and unexpected – and what’s more unexpected than a full-on disco party on a farm? PigGees Disco Farm is pure fun, with stunning graphics, engaging mechanics, and that cheeky humor players love.

So grab your glitter boots and strut into the spotlight – the disco barn is calling! Try it here: https://www.worldmatch.eu/games/slot-machines/pig-gees-disco-farm/

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Ladbrokes announces the signing of leading Flat jockey, Sean Levey as its latest racing ambassador.

Sean Levey, a multiple Group 1 winning jockey, will provide Ladbrokes customers with his views on his big race rides at all the major race meetings throughout the season, in both written and video blogs.

Sean will also provide an insight into the life of a top-class Flat jockey, and his long and successful career, through filmed content broadcast on Ladbrokes social channels.

The leading jockey will sport the Ladbrokes logo on various branding sites, including his racing breeches.

Ladbrokes’ Alex Apati said: “Sean is an amazing jockey and we can’t wait to see what the Flat season has in store for him. We look forward to him giving racing fans the inside track on his rides and his life as a jockey throughout the season.”

Sean Levey says: “I’m really thrilled to be working with Ladbrokes in what promises to be another exciting season for me. I have some top-class racehorses to ride this term, so hopefully Ladbrokes customers will be able to cheer me on to some big race success this year.” 

Sean Levey joins leading Jump racehorse trainer Dan Skelton as a Ladbrokes racing ambassador. 

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Mint Club benefits include deposit bonuses, profit boosts and merchandise, along with access to new product features, including a favorites ticker that uses their ESPN app preferences to surface relevant bets and scores. Mint Club users also will be able to track their bets on the ESPN app.

Mint Club is free and available to all ESPN Bet account holders who link to their ESPN.com accounts.

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First quarter revenue was €925m, up +30% year-on-year on a reported basis and down -1% at comparable perimeter. Good performance by French lottery and retail sports betting BU: revenue up +4% to €640m, based on stakes increasing by +6%.

Point-of-sale revenue of €561m, up +2% based on stakes up +5% Online lottery revenue rose sharply, fuelled by an increase in the number ofplayers, up +14% to €79m, representing 15% of lottery games revenue. Online betting and gaming BU revenue of €231 million, down -10% at constant exchange rates.

Stéphane Pallez Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of FDJ UNITED said: FDJ UNITED’s performance in the first quarter is in line with the trajectory planned for 2025. Against the backdrop of tougher regulation and taxation in some of its markets, it reflects good momentum in points of sale and an increase in the number of online active players in all its markets. Beyond this, the Group is fully committed to the transformation associated with the implementation of its international and digital strategy.

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Introduction

Call of Duty, an iconic first-person shooter (FPS), continues to dominate not only as a competitive esports title but also as a growing market for esports betting. At DATA.BET, we believe the franchise’s appeal stretches far beyond its roots in North America. With the explosive growth of audiences that prefer to bet on esports, operators should no longer overlook Call of Duty’s expanding global presence and its increasing potential for profit.

The State of the Call of Duty Esports Scene

The competitive Call of Duty landscape is structured as a franchise league, with 12 teams representing various cities and states in the Call of Duty League (CDL). These teams compete throughout the calendar year across four stages, earning CDL Points along with prize money. These points determine the teams’ seeding in the Major – the season’s culminating tournament.

In 2024, Call of Duty joined the prestigious Esports World Cup lineup. This year, 16 teams will battle for a $1.8 million prize pool, elevating the importance of Challenger Series qualification events. Now, teams outside the CDL franchise have a chance to compete at the highest level, as victories in these secondary tournaments offer coveted invitations to the Esports World Cup.

Call of Duty: Warzone also carries significant esports potential. Its battle royale format has drawn both dedicated fans of the Call of Duty series and newcomers. Launched in 2023, the World Series of Warzone now boasts five regional leagues and a $950,000 prize pool, signaling a major milestone in competitive gaming.

Call of Duty’s Impact on the Masses

The Call of Duty League is a geolocated franchise, with each of its 12 teams representing a specific city or state in North America. This regional approach creates a unique and passionate fan dynamic, as supporters rally behind their local teams, fostering a vibrant atmosphere unlike any other in esports. Matches such as Optic Texas vs. Atlanta FaZe transcend traditional gaming rivalries, turning into intense, state-based competitions.

The Call of Duty competitive scene has become an integral part of American youth culture, comparable to major leagues like the NBA and NHL. Its live events draw large online audiences, with top-tier tournaments filling arenas.

Mirroring the appeal of traditional American sports leagues, the Call of Duty franchise has attracted an international fanbase. Notable CDL players, who also act as content creators and influencers, have contributed to the game’s widespread appeal. One example is Anthony “Shotzzy” Cuevas-Castro from Optic Texas, who boasts over 580,000 followers on Twitch. The presence of European and Middle Eastern players further bolsters the league’s global footprint.

What’s Changed in Call of Duty in 2025?

The fifth year of the Call of Duty League has seen several pivotal changes, signaling further expansion and development of the scene.

First, a return to Europe. Early this year, Madrid hosted the first CDL Major in five years, offering a $365,000 prize pool. This shift has already proven beneficial for viewership. According to Esports Charts, the event’s relocation to the old-new location boosted audience engagement, with community-driven broadcasts nearly doubling in coverage compared to last year. Non-English broadcasts – specifically in Spanish, Arabic, and French – set new viewership records, highlighting the franchise’s growing international appeal.

Second, a revamped tournament structure. The addition of Minor events to the Call of Duty ecosystem has increased the frequency of matches, enhancing the overall competition calendar. This reorganization ensures that there is no drop in content quality while providing a more consistent flow of events for fans and bettors.

Third, a surge of interest from esports organizations. In Europe, French organization Gentle Mates acquired the CDL Los Angeles Guerrillas team, capitalizing on the growing popularity of Call of Duty. The stream of one of its founders, Corentin “Gotaga” Hussen, reached over 66,000 concurrent viewers during the Major. Smaller organizations are also investing in the Tier 2 – Tier 3 Call of Duty scene, aiming to qualify for the Esports World Cup.

How DATA.BET Analyzes Call of Duty

The rapidly evolving esports ecosystem requires constant adaptation. At DATA.BET, we understand that Call of Duty’s dynamic competitive scene – affected by patch updates, meta shifts, and player form – demands quick adjustments to ensure profitable betting outcomes.

To form accurate odds, the Trading team at DATA.BET relies on more than just mathematical models. The game’s unique structure requires specialized expertise. Matches are made up of several maps, played in three distinct modes – Hardpoint, Search & Destroy and Control. To accurately calculate odds, each map is treated as an individual match, with its own probabilities based on factors like win rate and player performance.

In a 4v4 format, players’ form is a significant determinant of match outcomes. The ability to react to real-time developments – such as kill counts, control of key map positions, or momentum shifts – is critical. As a result, Call of Duty trading demands continuous updates and in-the-moment decision-making to ensure profitability.

Prospects and Challenges Ahead

In 2024, DATA.BET provided coverage for 427 Call of Duty matches. The Q1 of 2025 has seen a 137% increase in the number of events offered, with expectations for continued growth. This expansion is supported by the increasing prominence of Challenger tournaments, particularly in Europe, which have attracted significant betting interest.

Operators with Call of Duty in their portfolios are already seeing strong returns. The first quarter of 2025 revealed an x3 increase in betting volume compared to the same period in 2024. For sportsbook owners, these metrics suggest a promising future for Call of Duty as an esports betting discipline.

However, sustained growth requires more than just an expanding scene. Operators must continually refine their trading strategies and forecasting models to account for the unique dynamics of Call of Duty. The integration of real-time data processing opens up opportunities for a broader range of betting markets and extended live betting times. Fast markets and Player Props, already successful in other FPS titles, could further elevate Call of Duty‘s standing in the iGaming space.

The continued growth in turnover and Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) indicates that Call of Duty is positioning itself among the most popular betting esports disciplines – potentially joining the ranks of Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, League of Legends, and Valorant in the near future.

Call of Duty’s rapid expansion, both in its esports scene and within the betting market, signifies a robust and lucrative future. Operators should recognize the immense potential of the game and integrate it into their portfolios for long-term success in the evolving iGaming industry.

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