Get ready for the latest scoop from Casino House Group News, where we dive into the heart of the gambling industry this past week. Bwin, a powerhouse in online betting, has made waves by striking a groundbreaking deal with the National Football League. This partnership crowns Bwin as the official sports betting partner for the NFL in Spain, marking a new era for sports fans and gamblers alike. Meanwhile, over in Massachusetts, workers at Encore Boston Harbor took a significant step forward. The cage cashiers have joined forces with Teamsters Local 25, voting decisively to unionize. This empowering move gives nearly 100 employees the opportunity to negotiate for improved wages and benefits, a pivotal shift in their work environment. Back on the innovation front, Scientific Games has unveiled their latest creation: a sleek new line of all-black holographic lottery scratch games called Obsidian. Inspired by the striking beauty of natural volcanic glass, these games promise a luxurious scratch-off experience. They made their debut at the North American Association of State & Provincial Lotteries 2025 Conference, setting a new standard for lottery enthusiasts.
Business and finance
Tipico has successfully completed the acquisition of Admiral Group in Austria from NOVOMATIC AG. This remarkable milestone solidifies Tipico's footprint in yet another German-speaking region, broadening its reach and customer base. Although the company plans to divest some of its shops in Austria, it remains committed to operating alongside its newly acquired Admiral brand. Meanwhile, SOFTSWISS has unveiled the Gambling Regulation Directory, a dynamic new section on their website designed for betting and gaming companies. This resource empowers operators to efficiently navigate the intricate world of global regulations, offering vital insights on licensing fees, regulatory obligations, and other crucial information at their fingertips. Corey Sanders, a seasoned executive with three decades of expertise, has announced his decision to step down from his role as COO at MGM Resorts International. Throughout his devoted career at the company, he has held numerous senior positions and has been instrumental in many of MGM's key achievements. Although Sanders is leaving the COO position, he will continue to contribute as an advisor to CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle until December 2026. In other developments, Wynn Resorts has teased the idea of building a second integrated resort in the United Arab Emirates. The realization of this vision hinges on the successful debut of their first venue, and if approved, this new resort may also feature a casino floor.
Regulation and laws
In a decisive move, California's Senate has unanimously passed a bill aimed at banning sweepstakes casinos. With a sweeping 36-0 vote, lawmakers rallied behind AB 831. However, the bill still requires further approval and Governor Gavin Newsom's signature to become law. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the UK's Gambling Commission Executive Director, Tim Miller, revealed key reforms and initiatives shaping the nation's gambling landscape. He made these insights public during the recent Peers for Gambling Reform Summit. Over in Germany, the gambling regulator GGL is sounding the alarm about the risks associated with social betting. They've pointed out that platforms offering this type of entertainment often fall short of meeting Germany's regulatory standards. In Sweden, a significant leadership change is on the horizon. Camilla Rosenberg, who has helmed Spelinspektionen as Director General since October 2017, announced her decision to resign. Her tenure saw the sector's pivotal transition to regulated gambling on January 1, 2019. Rosenberg's departure is set for October 31, 2025. Swiftly addressing this leadership change, Spelinspektionen has named Johan Röhr as her successor. Röhr, bringing a wealth of experience, will step into the Director General role on November 1, 2025. Beyond leadership shake-ups, Spelinspektionen is cracking down on unlicensed gambling operators. The watchdog has taken decisive action against Bitx Operations and Ryker, accusing them of offering services to Swedish customers without proper licensing. In Eastern Europe, NuxGame, an ambitious iGaming platform provider, continues its expansion by securing a coveted gambling license in Romania. The Class II B2B license from Romania’s National Gambling Office marks a significant milestone in NuxGame's growth strategy in the region. Stateside, fresh research from the American Gaming Association is stirring the waters. It suggests that prediction markets should be treated like sportsbooks, with a striking 80% of respondents advocating for these platforms to be regulated in the same way, and 85% agreeing that prediction markets align more closely with gambling than financial instruments.
Responsible gambling
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has once again reached a significant milestone by securing Level 4 responsible gambling accreditation for the fifth consecutive time. This prestigious recognition underscores the Club's steadfast adherence to the Responsible Gambling Framework established by the World Lottery Association. Meanwhile, New Zealand has unveiled an impactful new campaign aimed at promoting responsible gambling. This initiative shines a light on the potential harms of gambling and underscores its negative effects on vulnerable communities. The campaign offers a supportive platform dedicated to assisting individuals dealing with at-risk or problem gambling. In another stride towards safeguarding players, Allwyn, a front-runner in lottery and gaming, has launched the Allwyn Player Protection Lab. This new division is committed to enhancing player safety through groundbreaking research and innovative strategies, underscoring a serious commitment to player welfare.
The voice of the industry
This week, Casino House Group News had the privilege of engaging with Jennifer Shatley, the Executive Director of the Responsible Online Gaming Association, and Duncan Garvie, the visionary Founder and Trustee of BetBlocker. These esteemed leaders delved into the landmark agreement making BetBlocker accessible to ROGA members in the United States. They emphasized how BetBlocker breaks down engagement barriers that traditional commercial blocking services often leave intact. As part of its insightful Safer Gambling Talks webinar series, Casino House Group released a compelling discussion featuring Ĺ imon Vincze, the Head of Sustainable & Safer Gambling, and Jody Bechtold, CEO of The Better Institute. They tackled pressing issues like problem gambling and its profound impact on young audiences. Moreover, Casino House Group News engaged with Diana Larina, Evoplay's Head of Marketing, who passionately spoke about the company's unwavering commitment to nurturing a two-way dialogue with its audience. By fostering player-centered experiences, she argues, gaming operators can thrive in an intensely competitive landscape.
