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GCI: The World Cup’s 174 Billion Illegal Streaming Problem

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GCI estimates 174.3 billion qualifying illegal stream views globally across the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with 95% carrying advertising for unregulated gambling

HENDERSON, Nev.  , Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Gaming Compliance International (GCI) today releases its first complete global measurement of illegal streaming across the 2026 FIFA World Cup, estimating 174.3 billion qualifying illegal stream views of 90 seconds plus (90S+) globally across the tournament.

GCI’s analysis found:

174.3 billion qualifying illegal stream views of 90S+ globally across the tournament1.68 billion average qualifying illegal stream views of 90S+ per match, globally6.2 billion qualifying illegal stream views of 90S+ globally for the Spain vs Argentina Final95% of qualifying illegal stream views of 90S+ globally carried advertising for unregulated gambling

The estimate is derived from GCI’s global monitoring and marketplace intelligence, using multiple proprietary and third-party licensed data sources.

A qualifying illegal stream view requires at least 90 seconds of streaming, denoting a “committed view”. This is a stream-view measure, not a unique viewer count. The methodology accounts for stream interruptions, forced refreshes, reloads, mirror switches and channel resets throughout each match.

Before the World Cup

Before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, GCI President Ismail Vali made two predictions to Forbes: Spain would lift the trophy, and the tournament’s biggest beneficiary would be crime and unregulated gambling.

Spain won the World Cup.

GCI’s post-tournament analysis now reveals the scale of the second warning: 174.3 billion qualifying illegal stream views globally, with 95% carrying advertising for unregulated gambling.

The Dark Nexus

GCI’s analysis identifies a dark nexus between illegal streaming and unregulated online gambling.

When professional sports returned at the end of the pandemic, this relationship had become a cornerstone of the unregulated online gambling economy. Illegal streaming of sports is now a core gateway through which unregulated gambling operators can reach huge mainstream audiences and pay for that exposure and customer acquisition through pay-on-performance affiliate deals.

GCI monitoring shows that illegal streamers can receive payment for advertising and referring audiences to unregulated gambling, with affiliate deals offering between 25% and 50% of net gaming revenue produced by unregulated gambling operators from referred customers.

The result is a powerful illegal economy: premium sports content attracts mainstream audiences; illegal streaming monetizes that attention; and unregulated gambling pays to acquire those audiences.

This relationship was previously identified by GCI in Great Britain. Analysis released in January 2026 found 3.1 billion illegal stream views of 90 seconds plus across the Top 10 sports in Great Britain during 2024 and another 1.6 billion during the first half of 2025, with unregulated gambling advertising present upon 89% of illegal sports streams.

The World Cup demonstrates the same relationship at global scale.

One Marketplace

Consumers experience one marketplace, in which legal and illegal streaming compete for the same audience.

Legal streaming can introduce additional consumer friction through access restrictions, platform fragmentation, latency, buffering and differences in service or picture quality. Illegal streaming steals that same premium sports content and competes within that same marketplace by offering audiences all the sports, in one place, for “free”.

The commercial consequences extend across the sports ecosystem. Legal broadcasting supports rights holders, broadcasters and the wider sports ecosystem. Illegal streaming extracts value from that system while simultaneously creating a customer-acquisition channel for unregulated gambling.

The scale of that potential extraction is illustrated by GCI’s question:

If just 1% of illegal stream views had gone through legal channels, how much more revenue could have been distributed to rights holders, broadcasters and other stakeholders in the wider sports ecosystem?

$593 Billion World Cup Gambling Marketplace

Illegal streaming sits within a much larger unregulated online gambling economy.

GCI estimated the 2026 FIFA World Cup would generate $593 billion in global online betting handle — the value of money wagered on World Cup betting online.

Of that total, $409 billion — 69% — was unregulated, compared with $184 billion — 31% — regulated.

While regulated operators saw record activity, the majority of wagering value flowed through offshore, unregulated and unlicensed channels.

Illegal streaming connects these two parts of the marketplace by delivering sports audiences to unregulated gambling operators while those consumers are watching live events and each game presents fresh betting prospects.

When Content Is “Free”

The commercial relationship with unregulated gambling is not the only risk associated with illegal streaming.

GCI’s analysis found that video players, pop-ups and fake “click to watch in HD/4K” buttons can hide malware, spyware and keystroke loggers, exposing audiences to data harvesting and other forms of cybercrime.

For illegal streaming, unregulated gambling provides a short-term revenue engine. The longer-term opportunity can be the audience itself.

Given the duration of sports events, particularly World Cup matches, GCI warns that audiences can unwittingly provide crime with a 90-minute-plus window into their “digital soul”.

Leadership Commentary:

Matt Holt, CEO of Gaming Compliance International (GCI), said:
“174 billion qualifying illegal stream views should remove any remaining illusion that illegal streaming is a marginal problem for sport. Consumers experience one marketplace, and illegal streaming is an industrial-scale part of it — competing for the same audiences and extracting value that should support rights holders, broadcasters and the wider sports ecosystem.

“When 95% of qualifying illegal stream views carry advertising for unregulated gambling, illegal streaming is not simply stealing content. It is providing one of the world’s largest sporting audiences as an acquisition channel for the unregulated gambling economy.”

Ismail Vali, President of Gaming Compliance International (GCI) and founder and former CEO of Yield Sec, added:
“The World Cup showed us the dark nexus between illegal streaming and unregulated gambling at a scale we have never measured before.

“Consumers experience one marketplace. Legal broadcasters pay for rights, invest in content and compete for audiences. Illegal streaming steals the same content, puts it all in one place for ‘free’, and monetizes the audience through unregulated gambling and other forms of crime.

“That is where displacement becomes replacement.

“Crime does not need to create the football, own the rights or stage the World Cup. It simply needs to steal the content, capture the audience and monetize both. And what does crime do with the money it makes? It makes more crime.

“The answer is not another game of whack-a-mole against individual URLs. We need to understand and act upon the entire marketplace: monitor it, police the illegal ecosystem and its supply chain, enforce proportionately, and optimize the legal sector so consumers have every reason to remain within it.”

The full GCI Illegal Streaming – Global: World Cup 2026 report is available from Gaming Compliance International (GCI).

About Gaming Compliance International (GCI)

GCI is the proven leader in regulatory gaming compliance technology and consultancy, providing a single-source, AI-powered platform for player protection, advertising and media content monitoring, black-market mitigation, automated data capture, revenue auditing, and operator compliance reporting.

GCI’s focus is on enhancing marketplace transparency and revenue optimization for governments, regulators, and licensed operators while establishing a robust compliance framework that protects jurisdictions, audiences, and the broader gaming ecosystem.

www.gamingcompliance.com

Media Contact
Alastair Graham,
SVP Strategic Operations, Gaming Compliance International (GCI)
+63 917 312 7802 | alastair.graham@gamingcompliance.com

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SOURCE Gaming Compliance International

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Green Water & Power Scales Nationwide EV Charging Deployment and Clean-Energy Workforce Development

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Los Angeles-based company surpasses 15,000 EV chargers nationwide while investing more than $500,000 in employee training and career advancement.

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Green Water & Power, a Los Angeles-headquartered clean-energy infrastructure company, has installed more than 15,000 EV chargers nationwide while employing more than 130 team members in Los Angeles and nationwide. The company delivers reliable EV charging infrastructure for businesses, fleets, multifamily properties, schools, nonprofits, public agencies, and communities.

Green Water & Power manages each stage of EV charging deployment, from design, engineering, permitting, procurement, and construction to commissioning, maintenance, and operations. The company has also partnered with more than 30 utility, state, and incentive programs to help customers reduce project costs and accelerate electrification.

“We are not just installing chargers; we are building the systems that make EV adoption practical at scale,” said Danny Gold, President of Green Water & Power. “Each project supports skilled jobs, training investment, local economic impact, and cleaner transportation access for drivers across the country.”

“Green Water & Power has been an exceptional turnkey partner in helping Rockdyne expand EV charging across our portfolio,” said Maureen Funk, Project Manager, Rockdyne Ent., LLC. “GWP delivered 164 Level 2 chargers across seven properties and managed the process seamlessly from design and installation through rebate processing, operations, and maintenance. Their expertise has allowed us to move faster, reduce complexity, and bring reliable charging access to our communities, and we look forward to adding more chargers across additional properties.”

Workforce development remains central to Green Water & Power’s growth. The company supports more than 130 California residents in roles spanning electricians, technicians, engineers, project managers, and support staff, and has invested more than $500,000 in company-funded professional education and development so employees can advance without out-of-pocket training costs.

That investment includes EVITP certification, Registered Service Agent training, OSHA 10 and OSHA 30, forklift certification, electrical apprenticeship sponsorships, certified electrician exam preparation, and leadership development. To date, 21 Green Water & Power employees have earned EVITP certification and 33 employees have become Registered Service Agents, strengthening the company’s ability to deliver safe, compliant, large-scale EV infrastructure.

Green Water & Power also sponsors registered electrical apprenticeships that combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, helping employees advance from apprentice to journeyman to leadership while expanding the skilled labor pipeline needed for California’s clean-energy future.

About Green Water & Power
Green Water & Power (GWP) is a national turnkey provider of clean-energy infrastructure with more than a decade of renewable energy experience. The company specializes in electric vehicle charging, battery storage, and solar energy systems, managing projects from design and permitting through construction, commissioning, operations, and maintenance. GWP has installed more than 15,000 EV chargers nationwide and has a portfolio that includes more than 4 MW of solar capacity. For more information, visit www.greenwaterandpower.com.

Media Contact:
Green Water & Power
Christine Karlovic
Vice President
(213) 219-2988
media@greenwaterandpower.com

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SOURCE Green Water & Power, LLC

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North Miami Police Department Deploys Mark43 to Drive Efficiency, Data-Driven Policing, and Safer Communities

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NEW YORK, Aug. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The North Miami Police Department (NMPD) has launched on Mark43, the leading cloud-native public safety operations platform, bringing its dispatch, records, analytics and mobile operations together on one modern, cloud-native system. Serving more than 60,000 residents across 10 square miles, the department’s 125 sworn officers and 30 professional staff are now operating on an upgraded technology platform designed to enhance efficiency, visibility, resiliency, and service to the community.

Under the leadership of Chief Cherise G. Gause, NMPD developed a Five-Year Strategic Plan that represents its collective vision and goals for a more proactive police department, anchored by a core commitment to leveraging modern technology to enhance efficiency and public safety. “This upgrade isn’t just for the Police Department; it’s for the entire City of North Miami,” shared Chief Gause. “As the City of North Miami has continued to grow and evolve over the years, so have the operational and technology needs of our Police Department. As such, it became important to transition to a more modern platform that can better support our officers, improve efficiency, and meet the expectations of a growing community. This new system now gives our officers the tools they need to work more efficiently and safely. With Mark43, we have real-time data at our fingertips, allowing us to provide the most efficient, accurate information possible to support our community.”

Bob Hughes, CEO of Mark43, shared, “Florida agencies are increasingly investing in modern public safety technology to better serve their communities, and we’re proud to help meet that demand. Chief Gause and the North Miami Police Department’s commitment to operational excellence and community safety make them an outstanding partner as they build a more efficient and resilient future.”

For agencies in South Florida, resilient technology is essential. As hurricanes and severe weather threaten local infrastructure year-over-year, agencies risk losing power and disruptions to the systems that keep their communities safe. By upgrading to a cloud-native platform, NMPD ensures its mission critical systems remain stable and connected even if on-premises environments are compromised. Built in the AWS GovCloud, Mark43 provides the highest level of resiliency, connectivity, and security to keep officers and the community safe during all conditions.

“Resiliency is always something we must consider, especially during hurricane season. Knowing that our systems will now remain operational despite any potential local disruptions is important. Mark43’s cloud-native architecture gives us a level of stability, security, and continuity that is required for our work and keeping our community safe,” shared Chief Gause.

The NMPD will utilize a number of products from Mark43’s innovative portfolio:

The interoperability of Mark43 CAD and RMS will ensure all users, from telecommunicators and investigators to command staff, share the same source of truth.Mark43 RMS streamlines and automates NMPD’s reporting workflows, reducing errors, and improving efficiency.With the automated reporting and real-time dashboards within Mark43 Insights, leaders, analysts, and investigators gain instant insights into emerging trends and resource needs.Mark43 OnScene enables NMPD to work more safely and effectively from the field.

North Miami Police Department joins surrounding agencies including Coral Gables Police Department, Miami Gardens Police Department, Bay Harbor Islands Police Department, Venice Police Department, Boynton Beach Police Department, Fort Myers Police Department, and Miami Springs Police Department on the Mark43 Public Safety Platform. 

To learn more, visit www.mark43.com.

About Mark43
Mark43 brings modern technology to enhance public safety, making state, local and federal agencies faster, smarter, and their communities safer. Its integrated Records Management System, Computer-Aided Dispatch, and Data Analytics form the backbone of a unified, real-time public safety operating platform to streamline workflows, improve response times, and foster collaboration. Trusted by over 300 agencies, Mark43 increases effectiveness and efficiency amid rising demands and limited resources. By supporting first responders with innovative tools, AI technology, and a strong cybersecurity foundation, Mark43 equips public safety agencies to address the challenges of today and tomorrow. To learn more visit www.mark43.com.

About the City of North Miami
Incorporated in 1926 and currently celebrating its centennial anniversary, the City of North Miami is nestled in the northeast of Miami-Dade County and is one of the 10 largest municipalities in the county. With more than 60,000 residents, North Miami is one of the most diverse municipalities in Florida, with a rich tapestry of communities contributing traditions, languages, and cultures that shape the city’s distinctive character and spirit. The City is home to Oleta River State Park, the largest urban park in the Florida State Park system; the nationally accredited Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA); and the Biscayne Bay Campus of Florida International University, all which exemplify the dynamic quality of life rooted in community and opportunity offered in North Miami. More information about the City can be found at www.NorthMiamiFL.gov.

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SOURCE Mark43

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Blue Elephant CNC Expands Global CNC Solutions for Furniture Manufacturers

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Blue Elephant CNC provides global CNC solutions for furniture manufacturers and woodworking businesses.

JINAN, China, Aug. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Blue Elephant CNC, a China-based CNC router machine manufacturer, is expanding its global CNC solutions for furniture manufacturers and woodworking businesses seeking efficient and flexible production equipment.

With more than 16 years of experience in CNC manufacturing, Blue Elephant provides a range of CNC equipment for furniture production, including CNC furniture machines, nesting CNC machines, CNC drilling machines, edge banding machines and panel saws. These solutions are designed for applications such as cabinet, wardrobe and panel furniture production.

Blue Elephant’s CNC furniture machines support processes including panel cutting, nesting, drilling, grooving and other furniture manufacturing operations. Customized machine configurations are available based on materials, working areas, production processes and individual manufacturing requirements.

The company operates a 75,000-square-meter manufacturing facility and has sold more than 20,000 CNC machines to customers in more than 80 countries and regions. Its equipment serves furniture manufacturing, woodworking, advertising, construction and other industries.

As furniture manufacturers continue to adopt automated production technologies, Blue Elephant focuses on providing CNC equipment that can support consistent processing, flexible production and streamlined manufacturing workflows. The company also provides installation guidance, software training, maintenance support and equipment upgrades for customers worldwide.

For more information about Blue Elephant’s CNC furniture machines and manufacturing solutions, visit Blue Elephant CNC.

About Blue Elephant CNC

Blue Elephant CNC is a China-based CNC machine manufacturer specializing in CNC routers, CNC furniture machines, nesting CNC machines, CNC drilling machines, edge banding machines, panel saws and related CNC solutions. The company provides customized equipment and technical support for customers in furniture manufacturing, woodworking and other industries.

Media Contact

Jack, Blue Elephant CNC Router, 86 19106401832, manager@elephant-cnc.com, https://www.elephant-cnc.com/

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SOURCE Blue Elephant CNC Router

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