This week, we're witnessing a seismic shift in the regulatory landscape of the gaming and gambling industries across the globe, with major moves brewing in the United States, Australia, and beyond. In a bold step, India has passed legislation that aims to completely ban online gambling. This latest legal maneuver strikes at the heart of the iGaming and sports betting sectors, also ensnaring skill games and sweepstakes in its sweeping ban. Under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, those who flout the new law face up to three years in prison and hefty fines. Critics argue that this hardline stance misses the mark, as offshore gambling operations are likely to flourish unchecked, further out of reach due to the lack of a regulated market to contain them. Meanwhile, Massachusetts is crafting its own legislation targeting social and sweepstakes casinos. The proposed law has sparked opposition from the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, which warns that banning a key sector could stifle local economic growth, innovation, and tech advancement. Despite their resistance, there is an acknowledgment that revising tax regulations could pave the way for a compromise with lawmakers. New Jersey has also taken decisive action: Governor Phil Murphy recently signed legislation that bans sweepstakes, swiftly endorsed by both the House and Senate. New Jersey takes pride in its strong gaming regulations, which we don't want jeopardized by those who exploit loopholes at consumers' expense, remarked Senator John Burzichelli, a co-sponsor of the bill. Across the ocean in Australia, the Victoria Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has called out Crown Melbourne for its lapses in enforcing spending limits, leading to players unexpectedly overspending. While the VGCCC issued a stern rebuke, they chose not to impose further penalties. However, they cautioned that such regulatory breaches are now on record, promising to take firm action should similar issues surface in the future.
Business and finance
Business leaders are keen on curbing certain aspects of gambling, with Xpoint—a company focused on compliance solutions—teaming up with attorneys general across the U.S. They are urging the Department of Justice to intensify efforts to restrict illegal gambling throughout the nation. Meanwhile, FanDuel and DraftKings have both entered the Missouri market. DraftKings, in particular, has made a significant move by obtaining an untethered license, enabling it to launch its online betting platform locally without needing to partner with a land-based casino. BGaming, an innovative supplier of online casino content, is celebrating the soaring success of its unique crash-style game, Avimasters. This game has redefined the genre by shifting the focus from a crash event to a landing event, offering a refreshing twist. Over recent months, Avimasters has experienced triple-digit growth in user engagement, with no signs of slowing down, hinting at its lasting impact. BGaming anticipates even greater achievements for this standout title. Simultaneously, Octoplay is broadening its reach within the North American iGaming industry. The company has recently entered the New Jersey market through a partnership with Rush Street Interactive and the BetRivers brand, marking a pivotal step in its global expansion.
Responsible gambling
This week, the spotlight once more turns to the crucial topic of responsible gambling. Finland has released a thought-provoking study, indicating a troubling link between gambling advertisements and a rise in harmful gambling behaviors. In the UK, GambleAware has taken a critical stance against certain video ads from gambling operators. These ads, intended to promote responsible gambling and highlight its dangers, seem to have missed the mark, possibly triggering more harm than good. Over in Slovakia, a fresh report casts a critical eye on the illegal gambling market. Published by the Institute for Gambling Regulation, this detailed analysis sheds light on the organization and profound social impact of unregulated gambling activities within the nation.
The voice of the industry
Dmitry Arabuli, the CEO and UBO of Tonybet, passionately speaks about the company’s remarkable growth and its competitive edge in the bustling iGaming landscape. With a twinkle of confidence, he outlines how Tonybet’s relentless pursuit of innovation, exceptional player experience, and commitment to responsible gaming are the key drivers behind their success. Arabuli also takes a moment to reflect on the industry's broader challenges and the exciting opportunities on the horizon. Dive deep into the details of this inspiring journey in the full interview. To add your thoughts, please log in first. Drag and drop your files or click here to upload. We couldn’t detect the language of your reply. Please select your language from the options provided. Your post is under review to ensure it aligns with our community guidelines. Expect an update via email within the next 48 hours.
