Author: Daniel Williams

Key Moments: Macau casinos reopened on 25 September after a closure that lasted nearly half a day due to Super Typhoon Ragasa. Citigroup adjusted its September 2025 gross gaming revenue forecast for Macau to MOP18.5 billion ($2.3 billion) following the typhoon and subpar activity. Transport connections, including ferry services between Macau and Hong Kong, recommenced the morning of 25 September after earlier suspension. Operations Resume Following Typhoon Lockdown Gaming venues in Macau restarted business in the early hours of 25 September after being shut since the afternoon of 24 September…

Key Moments: Brazilian gamblers are increasingly using VPNs to access international betting platforms and bypass domestic regulations. Brazil’s Ministry of Finance has established geolocation verification requirements, but enforcement remains problematic due to evolving VPN technology. Social media platforms are amplifying the trend by disseminating tutorials on circumventing gambling restrictions. Regulatory Environment Faces New Obstacles A growing number of bettors in Brazil have turned to virtual private networks (VPNs) as a means of sidestepping established gambling regulations and gaining entry to international wagering sites. By masking their physical location, these users…

Key Moments: The Thai Senate has formally turned down the Entertainment Complex Bill that would have allowed casinos within entertainment complexes. The Senate panel warned that the proposal could have increased money laundering risks, eroded public trust, and delivered minimal real economic value. Tourism projections were adjusted downward, with Chinese arrivals dropping by 34 percent in the first half of 2025 and overall foreign arrival numbers falling by 7 percent. Senate Assessment and Decision The Thai Senate has voted against the Entertainment Complex Bill, a legislative proposal aimed at legalizing…

Key Moments: Japan began enforcing a new law targeting gambling addiction on September 25, introducing a ban on online gambling advertisements and prohibiting new online casino launches. The legislation addresses widespread online gambling activity, with a recent survey indicating approximately 3.37 million Japanese participate in online gambling, mostly under the age of 40. Authorities will mandate website administrators and social media platforms to remove gambling ads when ordered, as part of stronger enforcement and public awareness efforts. Legislation Focuses on Online Gambling Restrictions Japan has officially enforced a new law…

Key Moments: Gamble Aware Nigeria highlighted unethical collaborations between fintech apps and gambling operators Push notifications and ads on fintech platforms have targeted even underage users, according to Gabriel Akpabio Regulatory agencies have not responded to repeated outreach regarding these practices Concerns Raised Over Fintech and Gambling Integration Gamble Aware Nigeria has raised alarm regarding the connections between instant payment platforms and gambling apps. The organization is seeking to stop fintech services from linking users directly to betting products and pushing frequent gambling notifications. General Manager Gabriel Akpabio has condemned…

Key Moments: Live, in-play betting now accounts for more than half of all online wagers worldwide, with particularly strong adoption in Brazil and India. Streaming and betting platforms increasingly integrate real-time video, statistics, and wagering to maximize engagement and session length. Regulators are intensifying their focus on responsible gambling, data transparency, and youth protection as streaming and betting converge. Changing the Game: Real-Time Interaction Meets Streaming Sports viewing has evolved from passive entertainment into a dynamic, interactive experience, tightly woven with live betting. Modern fans watch matches not only on…

Key Moments: The NCPG has lost management of the US national gambling helpline, which will return to CCGNJ control on September 29. The original three-year agreement worth US$150,000 annually ended in May and was extended until July. The NCPG is pursuing an emergency motion to maintain its management while appealing the decision. Change in Helpline Administration The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has expressed strong opposition to the decision returning oversight of the US national gambling support helpline to the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ). NCPG…

Key Moments: The worldwide AI in gaming sector was valued at US$3.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed $51 billion by 2033 Europe’s AI gaming market generated $795 million in 2024, with significant growth anticipated through 2033 Industry leaders have reported notable regional differences in AI adoption, compliance strategies, and personalization approaches Regional Differences in AI Approaches Startups are transforming the iGaming landscape, leveraging artificial intelligence to drive advancements in personalization, regulatory compliance, and product development. The European market has shown a tendency to prioritize efficiency and optimization,…

Key Moments: Superbet experienced a technical malfunction that resulted in over €30 million paid out to players. The operator reversed its initial account freezes, deciding to honor all affected winnings. The incident sparked widespread debate among players, regulators, and industry insiders about trust and system vulnerability. Unprecedented Slot Malfunction Gives Players the Edge Romania’s leading gambling operator, Superbet, encountered a massive disruption last weekend, transforming its typically steady business into an event that rippled throughout the market. A slot game that usually offers only occasional wins began to pay out…

Key Moments: The UK Gambling Commission has closed its Safer Gambling Advisory Board after meeting its objectives over six years. Replacement strategies now focus on the new levy, with operators required to contribute between 0.1 and 1.1 percent of gross gambling yield from April 2025. Future research and policy decisions will be directed by independent, levy-funded processes, maintaining a strong emphasis on evidence and lived experience. Strategic Shift: Advisory Board Disbanded After Milestone Achievements After six years of guiding safer gambling initiatives, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has ended the…