News

Key Moments: Sweepstakes casinos have emerged as a cost-effective gateway for operators and startups pursuing iGaming opportunities. These platforms utilize promotional contest mechanics and virtual currencies, sidestepping the direct use of real money wagering. Operators leverage sweepstakes casinos to test markets, optimize strategies, and refine technology before full regulatory commitment. The Evolution of Sweepstakes Casinos Sweepstakes casinos are rapidly gaining traction as an innovative complement to traditional online gaming. While legacy platforms continue to play a foundational role in regulated markets, the sweepstakes framework has carved a niche as a…

Key Moments: Twenty-three Chinese investors filed a $13.4 million lawsuit in July 2025 in New York against Tinian casino developers. The lawsuit alleges investors were misled through inaccurate promotional materials and false promises related to the casino resort. The planned $130 million Titanic-themed casino resort never advanced beyond initial planning and remains incomplete. Investor Lawsuit Targets Tinian Casino Developers The Northern Mariana Islands have sought to bolster their economy through casino development, but new legal troubles have emerged. According to Marianas Variety, Chinese plaintiffs have initiated a $13.4 million lawsuit…

Key Moments: Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has approved a 2025 budget proposal to raise the betting and gaming levy on gross revenue from 15 percent to 18 percent. The entry fee for Sri Lankan citizens entering casinos has been doubled from $50 to $100 under the proposed measures. The Gambling Regulatory Authority Act, certified in September 2025, consolidates gambling oversight and introduces a unified regulatory body. Formal Steps Toward Higher Gambling Levies Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has cleared a bill to raise the gaming and betting levy and double the casino entry…

Key Moments: 46% of Italian students have reported regular participation in sports betting and casino gaming Sweden has the lowest prevalence of gambling among students at approximately 8.2%, while Croatia and Hungary report over 30% Poland has classified over 26% of users as problem gamblers, while Romania’s rate is 7.1% Gambling Trends in Southern and Balkan Europe Governments in countries such as Greece and Italy have chosen to maintain gambling activities under strict regulatory frameworks. The most recent findings show high levels of youth engagement, particularly in Italy, where 46%…

Key Moments: Regulatory penalties totaling $160 million have impacted the global gambling industry in the first half of 2025. European regulators have imposed over €36 million in Anti-Money Laundering fines between March 2024 and March 2025 targeting gambling and payment firms. Licensing, ongoing compliance, and operational costs for gambling operators have risen dramatically, with Tier 1 markets like Malta costing up to €600,000 annually. The Price of Compliance in Today’s Gambling Industry The past six months have exposed the true cost of failing to meet regulatory standards in the gambling…

Key Moments: The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement has released proposed responsible gaming regulations open for public comment until mid-November. Operators must appoint a Responsible Gaming Lead and monitor 10 specific player behavior triggers to identify at-risk players. Governor Phil Murphy signed bills to ban sweepstakes casinos in August, and a new bill has been introduced to prohibit micro betting in New Jersey. Proposed Regulations Target Responsible Gaming Practices The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) has proposed rules that make responsible gambling mandatory for all licensed operators.…

Key Moments: Fitch Ratings revised SJM Holdings’ outlook to negative due to sluggish earnings and delayed cash flow at Grand Lisboa Palace. SJM’s leverage is projected to increase to about 8 times in 2025 from 7 times this year, improving to 5 times by 2027. Quarterly results showed only 1% revenue growth and a 3% EBITDA margin at Grand Lisboa Palace, both falling short of expectations. Fitch Adjusts Credit Outlook Fitch Ratings has changed its outlook for SJM Holdings’ long-term foreign currency issuer default rating (IDR) from stable to negative.…

Key Moments: The Community Advisory Committee is scheduled to vote on the Caesars Palace Times Square casino proposal next Wednesday morning at the Times Square Alliance building. Over 175 speakers addressed concerns during the final public hearing, expressing both opposition and support for the $5.4 billion development. Caesars has committed to creating 3,000 construction jobs, the lowest among competing bids. Community Voices Diverge Over Times Square Casino Plan Residents and Broadway theater workers gathered Thursday to voice their strong opposition to the proposed Caesars Palace casino in Times Square. As…

Key Moments: Matt Holt has been appointed as CEO of Gaming Compliance International. GCI’s technology can monitor over two billion transactions in certain jurisdictions each day. A MegaXcess case study identified an 84% drop in illegal online gross gaming revenue in the Philippines for Q1 2025 compared to the same period two years earlier. Leadership Transition and Industry Background Matt Holt, recognized for his leadership in sports betting integrity, has returned to the forefront of the industry by becoming chief executive officer at Gaming Compliance International. Holt’s prior experience includes…

Key Moments: The Netherlands Gambling Authority (Ksa) has introduced new guidance to enhance duty of care procedures in slot halls and casinos. Operators have received practical tools, detailed instructions, and answers to frequently asked questions, along with a separate manual for identity and Cruks checks. Despite these efforts, only 49% of gambling revenue is attributed to licensed operators, with regulators and industry criticizing current policies for driving players to unlicensed platforms. Enhanced Expectations for Casino Operations The Netherlands Gambling Authority (Ksa) has rolled out a set of new guidelines intended…