Author: Daniel Williams

Key Moments: Caixa’s president is meeting with President Lula this week to explain the state bank’s online betting project. The proposed platform aims to recapture betting activity currently occurring on untaxed foreign sites and estimates up to R$2.5 billion in revenue by 2026. The initiative faces political scrutiny amid concerns about its alignment with government messaging on gambling and public funding priorities. Meeting Set to Address Online Betting Controversy Carlos Vieira, president of Caixa Econômica Federal, will meet President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva this week to discuss Caixa’s state-run…

Key Moments: Senator Sérgio Petecão has proposed raising the fixed-odds betting tax rate in Brazil from 12% to 27.5% The planned increase would allocate 10% of the proceeds to healthcare and 17.5% to other public priorities mandated by law Senate committees will review the proposal before any full Senate vote takes place Emergency Tax Hike on Betting Under Consideration A new legislative proposal submitted to Brazil’s Federal Senate aims to temporarily increase the tax applied to fixed-odds betting operators – including both physical and online activity – from the current…

Key Moments: FBM has launched the first-ever Wide Area Progressive jackpot for electronic bingo in the Philippines, branded as “MEGAPOT.” MEGAPOT links multiple bingo venues nationwide, allowing the jackpot to accumulate rapidly and reach millions of Philippine pesos. Operator and player feedback has been positive, and the network continues to expand throughout the country. Introducing MEGAPOT: Nationwide Jackpot Connectivity FBM has debuted the MEGAPOT system, pioneering a new era for electronic bingo in the Philippines. Moreover, it introduces Wide Area Progressive jackpots for the first time in the market. This…

Key Moments: ANJL’s recent research found that 45% of surveyed social program beneficiaries would move to illegal betting platforms if government restrictions are enacted on November 1, 2025. Illegal gambling already accounts for about 60% of all bets in Brazil, based on the association’s latest study released on October 27, 2025. 73.4% of surveyed beneficiaries favor regulation of the gambling sector by the central government. Government Action Draws Industry Criticism The National Association of Lotteries and Games (ANJL) has openly criticized a new Brazilian government measure that bars social welfare…

Key Moments: Abbiati presented its latest innovations at G2E Las Vegas, spotlighting RFID-enabled chips and precision-engineered roulette wheels The company strengthened its foothold in the Americas through collaborations with partners such as Walker Digital, Cartamundi, and Hawkins Holdings Future plans include upcoming appearances at events in Manila and Barcelona, with new product launches expected Expanding Presence in the Americas During G2E Las Vegas, Abbiati emphasized its commitment to the growing Americas market. The company disclosed that a recent partnership with Roger Hawkins has been instrumental in enhancing its efforts in…

Key Moments: The council unanimously voted against Admiral Casino’s bid for around-the-clock operations on Earl’s Court Road. Local residents and organizations opposed the change, expressing concerns over increased noise and impact on the neighborhood’s character. Luxury Leisure, owner of Admiral Casino, retains the option to appeal the council’s decision. Community Response Leads to Council Rejection The Kensington and Chelsea Council has ruled against Admiral Casino’s proposal to offer 24-hour gambling at its Earl’s Court Road location, a decision driven by outspoken public opposition and apprehension over potential disruptions to the…

Key Moments: The Belgian Gaming Commission has expressed support for major provisions in a new draft bill targeting player protection and regulatory control. Proposed measures include a €200 ($232.85) weekly deposit cap per platform, a restriction on credit-based gambling, and expanded national exclusion systems. The regulator has suggested phasing in the new exclusion system by May 2026 to ensure adequate technical preparation and stakeholder alignment. Player Protection and Responsible Gaming Initiatives The latest draft bill, endorsed by the Belgian Gaming Commission (Kansspelcommissie, KSC), aims to significantly enhance player protection within…

Key Moments: Bazoom has been named the official sponsor of Gamblers Connect’s delegation at the SiGMA Central Europe Summit in Rome. The partnership enables greater engagement for Gamblers Connect at a major iGaming industry event. Bazoom’s platform provides access to nearly 100,000 verified media outlets for effective link-building in a transparent, pay-per-link structure. Collaboration Strengthens Industry Presence Bazoom has partnered with Gamblers Connect, reinforcing their ongoing alliance as Gamblers Connect participates in the upcoming SiGMA Central Europe Summit in Rome, Italy. This sponsorship reaffirms the commitment of both organizations to…

Key Moments: Federal indictments last week named NBA players and coaches in two illegal gambling operations allegedly linked to New York crime families Some lawmakers are urging Congress to establish new regulations for sports betting, particularly regarding prop bets Legal gaming operators report swift detection of suspect activity and prompt notification to the NBA Scandal Prompts Renewed Call for Congressional Involvement Recent federal allegations accusing several current and former NBA coaches and players of operating illegal gambling rings, some reportedly connected to organized crime in New York, have sent shockwaves…

Key Moments The Arkansas Attorney General determined that companies offering sports event contracts without a sports betting license are engaging in illegal gambling. Only Betly, Bet Saracen, and Oaklawn Sports currently operate as licensed sportsbooks in Arkansas, with other major brands absent. Senator Bryan King has indicated intentions to pursue further action following the Attorney General’s opinion. Last Thursday, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin released a formal opinion clarifying the legal status of prediction markets in the state. In his statement, Griffin determined that platforms such as Kalshi, which provide…