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About Matsuri
Within iGaming itself, Yashin believes the implications of generative and real-time AI could ultimately extend into areas such as live casino, including AI-generated characters replacing physical presenters.
“I think the industry will adopt these technologies much more quickly than people might expect,” he says.
There will inevitably be imitators if swipe gaming establishes itself. Yashin welcomes that prospect, but believes any rivals would struggle to match the speed, creative output and trend-spotting capabilities that sit behind it.
What is Matsuri?
A major advantage for traditional sportsbook operators is their ability to aggressively fund customer acquisition and retention bonuses. As EKG points out, prediction markets have “less ability to be generous with bonuses” because users trade against one another rather than against the house.
That creates a stark contrast during peak football season when traditional sportsbooks spend heavily on promotions. Offers ranging from $350 to $365 from major operators make the $25 to $50 promotional matches typically seen on prediction markets appear modest by comparison.
“That said, channel checks indicate prediction markets are spending heavily on digital marketing, including app stores and pay-per-click advertising, which could make our forecast look conservative by the end of the season,” EKG concluded.
How to play Matsuri
Kevin O’Neal, a DOCV board member, argued the scale of the investigation calls the GGL’s broader black market estimates into question. He cited the regulator’s 2025 activity report, which put the 2024 share at 23% (€547 million in gross gaming revenue), against Nielsen data suggesting a share of around 56%.
The trade body has long been critical over the discrepancy between channelisation estimates made by the regulator, and other independent reviewers.
The DOCV reinforced its calls for a unified federal licensing regime for online casino games and stronger enforcement mechanisms against illegal operators.
