Author: Daniel Williams

Key Moments: The Zambian government has started direct discussions with betting companies regarding the 10% excise tax on monthly stakes. Several operators, including Betway and betPawa, legally challenged the new tax but the Constitutional Court upheld its validity. Finance Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane announced openness to stakeholder input to find a sustainable way forward. Excise Tax Implementation Sparks Industry Debate Facing objections from betting operators, the Zambian government has moved to open a dialogue about the newly introduced 10% excise tax on betting stakes. The measure has prompted several betting…

Key Moments: The Gambling Commission has stated that current methodologies remain insufficient for accurately estimating British players’ spending with unauthorized gambling operators. Dwell time and channelization analyses were the main focus, but neither produced definitive conclusions regarding the illegal market size. A 0.5% shift in channelization estimates could impact Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) figures by £34.5 million, according to the Commission. Regulators Continue to Grapple with Elusive Market Data The UK Gambling Commission (GC) has acknowledged ongoing uncertainties concerning the true scale of illegal online gambling in Britain. In the…

Key Moments: Pennsylvania lawmakers have debated regulating and taxing around 20,000 skill games, potentially removing half of the current machines from the market. Proposed legislation could impose a 54% tax rate on skill games, matching that of casino slots, sparking heated disputes between small businesses and casino operators. The state faces a budget shortfall exceeding $3 billion, prompting discussions on raising taxes for iGaming and online sports betting in addition to regulating skill games. Lawmakers Target Skill Games for State Oversight Pennsylvania legislators have turned their attention to skill games…

Key Moments: Northern Ireland lawmakers have formally urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to abandon planned tax harmonization for remote betting and gaming. The Institute for Public Policy Research has recommended raising the tax rate on remote gambling to 50%, with projections of £1.88 billion in additional annual revenue. Industry leaders have voiced concerns over potential job losses and retail closures if duty rates increase significantly. Northern Ireland Assembly Opposes Unified Gambling Tax UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is encountering increasing pressure as politicians in Northern Ireland join others in rejecting government proposals…

Key Moments: The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) endorsed a draft for a continent-wide gambling harm prevention standard. National standardization organizations across Europe strongly supported a shared approach to identifying and addressing gambling risks. The new standard will be finalized and open for voluntary adoption by regulators and operators in early 2026. Pan-European Consensus on Player Protection The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) achieved a major milestone as CEN approved a draft standard to unify Europe’s efforts against gambling-related harm. For the first time, countries throughout Europe are collaborating…

Key Moments: Slotegrator has entered into a strategic partnership with Gamblers Connect to enhance collaboration in the global online gaming ecosystem. Gamblers Connect is transitioning from an affiliate platform to a comprehensive media and B2B network through this alliance. Slotegrator’s technology and regulatory solutions will be featured on Gamblers Connect’s media channels, aiming to connect operators, providers, and innovators. Partnership Overview iGaming software provider Slotegrator has announced a partnership with Gamblers Connect, expanding ties between software developers, gaming operators, and players worldwide. The initiative seeks to improve interaction across the…

Key Moments: ESPN has formed an exclusive, multi-year deal with DraftKings to launch December 1, 2025 The agreement replaces ESPN’s existing ESPN BET arrangement with Penn DraftKings will be embedded in ESPN’s app as the official sportsbook and odds provider Strategic Shift: DraftKings Becomes ESPN’s Sole Betting Partner Starting December 1, 2025, ESPN will roll out a comprehensive partnership with DraftKings, positioning the Boston-based company at the heart of its sports betting products. As ESPN winds down its ESPN BET deal with Penn, DraftKings will become the exclusive Official Sportsbook…

Key Moments: Galaxy Entertainment Group reported HK$12.2bn (US$1.57bn) in gross gaming revenue for Q3 2025, up 21% year-on-year. Mass market revenue increased 13% annually and 7% since Q2, while VIP revenue jumped 86% year-on-year. Galaxy Macau led the group’s earnings, posting a 20% increase in net revenue to HK$10.09bn (US$1.3bn). Quarterly Financial Performance Overview Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) continued its positive momentum during Q3 2025, navigating the temporary shutdown caused by Typhoon Ragasa. The company recorded gross gaming revenue (GGR) of HK$12.2bn (US$1.57bn), which marked a 21% rise compared to…

Key Moments: Swintt has secured ADM certification to introduce its Elysium Studios – Driven by Swintt games in Italy The company has entered its 13th regulated market with this approval and signed agreements with two major Italian operators Swintt plans to pursue certification for SwinttPremium and SwinttSelect releases in the near future Strategic Expansion into Italy Swintt, a leading gaming software provider, received approval from Italy’s Agencia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) to launch its Elysium Studios – Driven by Swintt slot games. The approval marks Swintt’s entry into…

Key Moments: The Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC) has suspended acceptance of gifts and hospitality from gambling operators. A new code of conduct is being finalized to enhance transparency, conflict disclosure, and regulatory independence. The Northern Territory government has launched a review into NTRWC’s governance standards, including conflict management and eligibility criteria. Commission Ends Acceptance of Operator Gifts The NTRWC, which regulates online betting in Australia, decided to stop accepting gifts and hospitality from gambling operators. This decision follows a period of intense scrutiny and public debate surrounding…