UK Gambling Sector Cautions That Tax Increases Could Fuel Illegal Betting Market

UK Gambling Sector Cautions That Tax Increases Could Fuel Illegal Betting Market

Key Moments: The UK government has announced significant tax increases on online gambling products, with new rates set to take effect in April 2026 and April 2027. The Office for Budget Responsibility projects that around £500m in potential tax receipts may be lost by 2029-30 as customers and operators adjust their behavior in response to the higher duties. The Betting and Gaming Council estimates that stakes in the black market could rise by 140%, with nearly 17,000 jobs at risk due to the new tax measures. Government Reveals Major Tax…

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BetMakers Expands U.S. Presence With Acquisition of Las Vegas Dissemination Company

BetMakers Expands U.S. Presence With Acquisition of Las Vegas Dissemination Company

Key Moments: BetMakers finalized an agreement to acquire the assets and liabilities of LVDC, with the deal announced on 5 December 2025 LVDC is expected to generate approximately US$4.5 million in revenue for BetMakers in the first 12 months of ownership The acquisition remains subject to regulatory approval, with completion anticipated in the early second half of fiscal 2026 Strategic Entry Into the Nevada Market etMakers Technology Group agreed to purchase the assets and liabilities of LVDC. LVDC is a veteran wagering services provider in Nevada. The company announced the…

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Novomatic Prolongs Ainsworth Takeover Offer as Rival Bid Emerges

Novomatic Prolongs Ainsworth Takeover Offer as Rival Bid Emerges

Key Moments: Novomatic has extended its takeover bid for Ainsworth Game Technology Ltd. until 7 pm Sydney time on 30 January 2026 The company’s unconditional offer values Ainsworth at AUD336.8 million ($222.5 million) and remains at AUD1.00 per share A competing proportional offer from Kjerulf Ainsworth seeks to acquire 2.9% of each shareholder’s holdings at AUD1.30 per share Extended Timeline for Novomatic’s Offer Novomatic AG, the Austrian gaming equipment provider, has further pushed back the closing date for its acquisition offer for Ainsworth Game Technology Ltd. According to a filing…

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Responsible Gambling Faces Critical Challenges Amid Industry Pressures

Responsible Gambling Faces Critical Challenges Amid Industry Pressures

Key Moments: Recent cases have revealed that responsible gambling practices often fall short of stated policies. Regulatory penalties and enforcement actions have highlighted systemic weaknesses, particularly in AML and VIP programs. Legal rulings in the United States have confirmed that casinos generally do not have a duty of care to halt compulsive gambling, shifting responsibility to operators and regulators. Policy Promises Versus Real Outcomes Industry stakeholders frequently highlight their commitment to responsible gambling, showcasing dedicated sections on their websites that promote various safeguards and assistance tools. However, practical incidents tell…

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Kalshi Sues to Halt Connecticut’s Cease-and-Desist Over Event Contract Markets

Kalshi Sues to Halt Connecticut’s Cease-and-Desist Over Event Contract Markets

Key Moments: On December 2, Connecticut’s DCP sent cease-and-desist letters to Kalshi, Robinhood, and Crypto.com regarding unlicensed sports-related event contracts Kalshi responded by filing a lawsuit and seeking an injunction in Connecticut District Court the next day Robinhood and Crypto.com have not taken legal action as of the time the article was written State Enforcement Actions Target Sports Event Markets On December 2, Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) sent cease-and-desist letters to Robinhood, Kalshi, and Crypto.com. The agency argued that their sports-related event contracts for Connecticut residents amount to…

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Moon Intelligence Expands US Market Presence Through 55 Tech Data Integration

Moon Intelligence Expands US Market Presence Through 55 Tech Data Integration

Key Moments: Moon Intelligence has entered a multi-year partnership with 55 Tech to strengthen its position in US prediction markets. The alliance integrates odds from over 300 global bookmakers directly into Moon Intelligence’s AI-driven market-making platform. Both companies anticipate this deal will deliver enhanced speed, liquidity, and reliability for US-facing trading firms and operators. Strategic Partnership Brings Global Data Capabilities Moon Intelligence has signed a long-term agreement with data provider 55 Tech, marking a significant development as the London-based company accelerates its entry into the US prediction markets sector. The…

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How European Slot Licensing Standards Shape the Math Behind Every Spin

How European Slot Licensing Standards Shape the Math Behind Every Spin

Key Moments: Regulatory bodies such as the MGA and DGOJ have been shaping payout logic, volatility, and transparency through stringent framework requirements. Last year, nearly 71% of online gambling revenue within the EU originated from unlicensed or unregulated operators. Spain introduced daily, weekly, and monthly deposit caps, moving toward centralized session monitoring that impacts how developers structure slot games. Regulatory Influence: Math Models Beyond Legal Compliance The jurisdiction governing an online casino license directly impacts much more than simple legality. In practice, it profoundly affects the fundamental algorithms that define…

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Kentucky Expands HHR Gaming With Electronic Table-Game Theme Approval

Kentucky Expands HHR Gaming With Electronic Table-Game Theme Approval

Key Moments: The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation authorized electronic table-game themes for Historical Horse Racing (HHR) systems on 25 November. Churchill Downs Incorporated, Exacta Systems, and Interblock Gaming submitted the request for approval. Only one board member, Catherine Parke, opposed the measure, voicing concerns over roulette-themed displays. Regulator Approves Major HHR Expansion The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation (KHRGC) has granted approval for electronic table-game themes to be incorporated into the state’s Historical Horse Racing (HHR) system. This marks a significant expansion of technology used for pari-mutuel…

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Odds88 and Betinovio Forge Alliance to Enhance Sportsbook Data Offerings

Odds88 and Betinovio Forge Alliance to Enhance Sportsbook Data Offerings

Key Moments: Odds88 has entered into a partnership with Betinovio to expand comprehensive odds data streams. Betinovio’s partners can now access customizable feeds covering over 110 sports and 4,000 events each day. Odds88 introduces a new 50/50 betting product, targeting a broader range of sports fans. Expanded Sports Data Coverage Odds88 has announced a new collaboration with sportsbook technology provider Betinovio. Through this arrangement, Betinovio will incorporate Odds88’s award-winning modular data services into its existing sportsbook solutions. This development grants Betinovio’s operator partners access to a wide array of betting…

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Germany’s Online Gambling Sector Faces Soaring Black Market ActivityGermany’s Online Gambling Sector Faces Soaring Black Market Activity

Germany’s Online Gambling Sector Faces Soaring Black Market ActivityGermany’s Online Gambling Sector Faces Soaring Black Market Activity

Key Moments: More than half of Germany’s online gambling market is currently unregulated, with unauthorized virtual slots accounting for up to 80% of play. Gross Gaming Revenue in Germany’s regulated sector reached €13.7 billion in 2023, but tax revenue from online slots has been declining. Registrations on the national self-exclusion platform OASIS have exceeded 271,000 by mid-2024, a significant increase from 47,000 in 2020. Surge in Unregulated Operators Despite New Regulatory Framework Germany’s online gambling landscape is grappling with a major crisis as illegal operators continue to thrive despite the…

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