Author: Daniel Williams

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…

Key Moments: Nebraska advocates are pursuing a 2026 ballot referendum on online sports betting after legislative efforts stalled again in 2025. Proponents need to gather 125,786 valid signatures in 2025 to place the proposal on the ballot. Estimates indicate that regulated mobile sports betting could provide Nebraska with $32 million in tax revenue over two and a half years. Push Toward the Ballot Box With repeated setbacks in the Nebraska Senate, efforts to legalize online sports betting have shifted focus to a public vote slated for 2026. Casino operators and…

Key Moments: The United Kingdom Gambling Commission reported a rise in legal expenses, reaching £14.4 million ($19.4 million) over the past year. Richard Desmond’s £1.3 billion ($1.7 billion) lawsuit, linked to the National Lottery contract, is heading for trial in October. Growing legal costs have prompted concerns about funds meant for good causes being redirected from the National Lottery Distribution Fund. Legal Costs Escalate Over Lottery Contract Dispute The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) has experienced a sharp increase in legal expenses, now totaling £14.4 million ($19.4 million) over the…

Key Moments: Curacao and Anjouan authorities have introduced major changes to their casino licensing frameworks in 2025. Curacao now requires licensees to establish a legal entity in the jurisdiction, appoint local directors, and meet stricter AML and responsible gambling standards. Anjouan implemented a new Recognition Certificate scheme for B2B operators in July 2025, with a three-month transition period for existing partners. Curacao Shifts Toward Enhanced Oversight Over the past decade, Curacao eGaming has become a go-to destination for gambling companies seeking affordable certification. However, in 2025, the Curacao Gaming Authority…

Key Moments: Performance Predictions, a PrizePicks affiliate, has received a futures commission merchant license from the National Futures Association. The company can now process orders for futures contracts on regulated designated contract markets. Allwyn recently disclosed plans to acquire a 62.3 percent ownership stake in PrizePicks. NFA Grants FCM Registration Performance Predictions, a subsidiary of SidePrize operating as PrizePicks, has secured futures commission merchant registration from the National Futures Association. With this new license, PrizePicks gains the ability to handle member orders involving the purchase and sale of futures contracts…

Key Moments: The NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has extended the suspension of The Star Sydney’s licence by six months. Submissions regarding The Star’s suitability to hold a licence have been reviewed by the NICC and its appointed manager. The NICC seeks to continue the licence suspension and manager Nicholas Weekes’ appointment until March 31, 2026. Licence Suspension Extended The NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has opted to prolong The Star Sydney’s casino licence suspension for another six months. This move comes as the regulator continues to evaluate the company’s…