Sparks

About Sparks

Notably, Spectrum said within its report that it did not believe Evolution had engaged in any illegal practices. It also refuted allegations concerning cash payments and the use of Evolution’s games in sanctioned countries.

However, Playtech suggested that Evolution had failed to provide data that would have let Spectrum determine whether gaming sessions had occurred in Iran, Syria and Sudan. 

It also said Spectrum was able to “specifically corroborate” Black Cube’s claims that Evolution’s games were accessible and generating revenue in several “prohibited locations”. These included Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

What is Sparks?

The sanctions, effective from 28 August 2026 , bar Santos from any direct or indirect trading access on Kalshi.

Earlier this year, fellow prediction market platform Polymarket also ended its paid relationship with Santos amid a Department of Justice investigation over whether he had placed a wager on his appearance at the same State of Union address. 

A federal judge sentenced Santos to 87 months in prison last April on felony wire fraud and check fraud charges. After Santos served several months in 2025, US President Donald Trump granted the former congressman clemency, resulting in his immediate release. 

About Sparks

By December 2025, Kemorwale said gambling revenue had exceeded P700m, and the Authority expected the industry to surpass P1 billion by the end of the 2026/27 financial year in March 2027.

Kemorwale said Botswana needed to modernise oversight as the sector developed, including through a central electronic monitoring system and stronger enforcement capability. “Truth be told, this industry is evolving as the sun rises. You snooze, you lose,” Kemorwale said. He added that the Authority still relies on outside specialists for some technical regulatory work because domestic expertise is limited.

Illegal betting remained a central enforcement concern. In December 2025, the Gambling Authority and Financial Intelligence Agency were reported to be investigating eight foreign-based betting websites allegedly using local proxies to operate in Botswana.