Regulators Tackle Gambling’s Mainstream Rise and New Betting Models at ICE Barcelona

_{Regulators, Legal Experts Debate Gambling Normalisation and New Markets at ICE Barcelona Masterclass. (Image: IAGR)}

Regulators and legal specialists convened Monday at the 3rd annual IAGR–IMGL Masterclass, an invite-only event held alongside the ICE Barcelona 2026 gaming industry trade show that drew an unprecedented global regulatory presence. The sessions tackled the cultural and legal shifts in gambling’s public profile and emerging challenges posed by new betting models.

Organised jointly by the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) and the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL), the masterclass brought together senior regulators, legal experts and industry figures for two moderated panel discussions designed to unpack how gambling is evolving across sport, media and technology. The event was one of many regulatory-focused side programmes at ICE Barcelona, where organisers expected around 400 regulators at the January show, a significant rise from prior years and a marker of the increasing focus on regulatory dialogue. 

Gambling’s Growing Presence in Sport and Media

The first panel, moderated by IAGR President Ben Haden, examined what participants described as the perceived normalisation of gambling. Panelists discussed the proliferation of betting content in sports broadcasts and mainstream media and the implications for consumer behaviour, regulatory frameworks and public perception.

Among the voices was Anders Dorph, director at the Danish Gambling Authority, who highlighted that regulators are now dealing with gambling as a mainstream entertainment choice, not a niche activity. Tim Miller, executive director of the UK Gambling Commission, underscored how those shifts demand updated frameworks to protect consumers without stifling legitimate markets.

Prediction Markets Raise New Regulatory Questions

The second session, led by IMGL’s Marc Ellinger, focused on the rise of prediction markets, platforms where traders speculate on the outcomes of political, economic or even entertainment events. Panelists explored how these models blur lines between financial instruments and gambling products, raising novel regulatory questions.

Dr. Matthias Spitz, a senior partner at Melchers Law Firm, noted the cross-jurisdictional complexity of prediction markets, stressing the need for regulatory coherence. Bill Gantz, partner at Duane Morris LLP, added that regulators abroad could learn from early U.S. experiences as similar platforms gain traction globally.

Global Perspectives on Oversight and Enforcement

Other panellists included Bashir Are (CEO of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority), Chris Elliott (Partner, Wiggin), Mike Dreitzer (Chairman, Nevada Gambling Control Board), and Dr. Simon Planzer (founder, Planzer Law), who brought perspectives from Africa, North America and Europe.

The masterclass underscored the broader theme of regulation as a response to industry growth and complexity. At ICE Barcelona’s World Gaming Forum, a broader conference track that runs concurrently, regulators and operators alike have been debating how to combat illegal gambling markets, harmonise advertising standards and ensure responsible practices as participation increases.

ICE Barcelona’s enhanced Regulatory Programme, which includes roundtables, networking receptions and policy briefings under Chatham House Rules, was explicitly designed to foster open dialogue on shared challenges such as illegal markets and consumer protection.