Last week was full of pivotal moments: we witnessed one of the industry's most legendary events and saw big shifts in leadership at major companies, setting the stage for a series of fresh developments. Notably, MIXI Australia and PointsBet have made headlines as MIXI secured a commanding 66.43% stake in PointsBet. This triumph followed months of intense negotiations and fierce competition from Betr, who consistently tried to outmaneuver the Japanese firm. From as far back as February, MIXI had its sights set on this controlling stake, and now, their vision has become reality. In another significant milestone, the Social and Promotional Gaming Association (SPGA) joined forces with the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA). After recognizing untapped collaborative potential, these two organizations decided to unite under a single banner. The SGLA’s absorption of the SPGA strengthens their collective voice against the tide of anti-sweepstakes legislation currently sweeping through the United States. This merger comes at a critical juncture, prompted by the progression of a draft bill from California's legislature to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk. Should the governor sign it, California would join the list of states to ban sweepstakes social casinos outright.
Business and finance
In a significant development, RubyPlay has bolstered its leadership team by welcoming Tsachi Maimon as the new Chief Executive Officer. Maimon, a well-respected industry veteran with over two decades of expertise, is set to channel his wealth of knowledge into driving the company's future success. Meanwhile, Ezugi, another player in the iGaming space, has also made notable changes at the top. Gilad Ben-Ami, who has excelled as COO since 2017, is stepping into the role as Ezugi’s new leader. Ben-Ami shared this exciting news with enthusiasm on LinkedIn, expressing his eagerness to embrace the opportunity and drive the company forward. Originally focused on expanding Ezugi’s presence in Romania, Ben-Ami has progressively broadened his influence, taking strategic initiatives across different markets and ensuring a strong competitive position. In an exciting collaboration, Gaming Arts and Evolution have joined forces, with an agreement that will bring Evolution’s iconic online slots to life in the land-based sector. This transition will be executed by Bluhare Studios, a game development wing of Gaming Arts, which will adapt popular games like Starburst for the MOD EX J55, MOD EX 227, and MOD EX 337 gaming cabinets. This strategic union marks a pivotal step, promising both companies enhanced footing in the dynamic land-based gaming landscape.
Laws and regulations
The Netherlands Gambling Authority, known as Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has unveiled new guidance aimed at strengthening the duty of care in land-based gaming halls. This initiative comes after a comprehensive evaluation of current practices and insightful on-site visits to gaming arcades throughout the country. These visits allowed the Dutch gambling watchdog to thoroughly understand how the existing duty of care guidelines are being implemented, leading to a well-informed list of recommendations for enhancement. In Germany, the German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) has raised urgent concerns about the alarming spread of illegal gambling. They highlighted a stark reality: for every authorized gambling site, a dozen unlawful ones emerge. In response, the association is pushing for heightened measures against this pervasive issue and advocates for a collective effort from regulators, operators, and players alike. The DSWV emphasizes the benefits for everyone involved, especially players, in identifying and steering clear of these illegal sites. Across the ocean, the SGLA has made a strong appeal to California Governor Gavin Newsom, urging him not to endorse a bill that would ban sweepstakes social casinos. If signed into law, California would join a small group of states enforcing such prohibitions, potentially inspiring similar actions in other regions. In Massachusetts, the Attorney General has taken a stand against Kalshi by filing a lawsuit. The accusation is that Kalshi is facilitating illegal gambling without the appropriate licensing. Kalshi, however, argues that it operates under federal regulations and the oversight of the CFTC, asserting that state betting laws are not applicable.
Responsible gambling
The National Gambling Helpline, dedicated to offering free support to those in Great Britain impacted by gambling harm, in partnership with GamCare, emphasizes the vital role and profound effectiveness of its Money Guidance Service. A recent evaluation of this service highlights the significant positive impact it is making, offering crucial support to individuals struggling with financial harm related to gambling.
The voice of the industry
One highlight was the press conference held by iGP. The CEO, Jovana Popovic Canaki, and Chief Marketing Officer, Michael Baker-Mosley, took the stage to share insights into the company's remarkable achievements. They contextualized these successes within the rapidly evolving industry landscape driven by innovation and shifting consumer trends. Meanwhile, Clarion Gaming revealed the impressive economic impact of its flagship events, ICE and iGB Affiliate 2025. They proudly reported that these events generated an astounding €191 million for the economies of Barcelona and Catalonia. To add your comment, please log in. You can drag and drop files or click here to upload. We couldn't determine the language of your reply. Please select your language from the options provided. Your post has been submitted for review by the forum administrators. You'll receive an email about the outcome within 48 hours.
