Author: Daniel Williams

Key Moments: August casino visitation in the U.S. dropped 5.4% year-over-year, staying 17.5% under August 2019 levels. Gross gaming revenue has stayed steady as per-visit spending increases and operators enhance efficiency. Pennsylvania exceeded 2019 visitation figures, while Illinois and New Jersey saw sharper declines. Continued Slump in Casino Visits Offsets by Steady Revenue The number of patrons at U.S. casinos decreased further in August, following the ongoing trend of reduced foot traffic since the pandemic. According to Jefferies Equity Research, this decline has not affected overall revenues, as gamblers continued…

Key Moments: PAGCOR experienced a 40-50% revenue drop within two weeks after e-wallets disconnected links to online gaming sites. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas required GCash and Maya to remove gambling site access, finalized by 17 August 2025. PAGCOR is introducing an AI tool to detect illegal gambling sites in real time, advancing its enforcement capabilities. Revenue Impact from E-Wallet Delinking The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) reported a dramatic fall in revenues by 40-50 percent following the removal of e-wallet payment links from online gambling platforms. This decline…

Key Moments: REEVO has launched its entire suite of slot and table games on the NetBet platform This partnership is described as a milestone in REEVO’s efforts to increase its global presence NetBet and REEVO have highlighted their aligned business values and excitement for future developments New Partnership Announcement REEVO has entered into a new agreement with NetBet, a prominent operator in the online casino sector. As a result of this deal, players on the NetBet platform now have access to all of REEVO’s immersive slot and table games. Strategic…

Key Moments: The Social and Promotional Gaming Association (SPGA) has merged into the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), forming a unified advocacy voice. California Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831), which seeks to ban sweepstakes casinos and dual-currency social games, awaits the governor’s signature or veto before 12 October. The industry remains divided as large tribal and gaming organizations support the bill, while smaller tribes and gaming operators oppose it alongside SGLA. Industry Associations Join Forces The Social and Promotional Gaming Association (SPGA) and the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) have…

Key Moments: MIXI has increased its voting power in PointsBet to 66.43 percent at the close of the offer on 12 September 2025. Moreover, PointsBet’s board endorsed MIXI’s $0.83 per share cash proposal over Betr’s all-scrip offer. In addition, share acquisitions between 10 and 12 September 2025 are expected to settle on a T+2 basis. Acquisition Details and Offer Finalization MIXI Australia, the fully owned subsidiary of MIXI Inc., has finalized its successful bid to take control of PointsBet Holdings Limited. At the conclusion of the off-market offer on 12…

Key Moments: IBJR has launched BetAlert, a tool allowing bettors to instantly verify if a gambling site is authorized by the Federal Government. Research indicates between 41% and 51% of Brazil’s gambling industry continues to operate illegally. Unpaid taxes from illicit betting activity are estimated at R$1.8 billion to R$2.7 billion over three months. Introduction of BetAlert The Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR), which brings together top local and international operators, has unveiled BetAlert – an innovative platform designed to assist bettors in confirming whether a betting website is…

Key Moments Delta Air Lines will introduce nonstop New York flights to Malta and Sardinia in 2026, aiming to expand transatlantic connectivity. The “Route Race” program allowed SkyMiles members and Delta employees to select Malta and Sardinia as featured new destinations. Malta’s gaming sector accounted for just under 7 percent of national GVA, contributing approximately €1.4 billion, according to the Malta Gaming Authority. Delta Strengthens Transatlantic Network Delta Air Lines has revealed plans to launch direct flights from New York to Malta and Sardinia in 2026. This expansion is designed…

Key Moments: DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has confirmed its entry into Brazil with the launch of GamePlus on 22 September. The initial offering will feature over 150 popular Brazilian titles in both free-to-play and real-money formats. DigiPlus is planning to debut its BingoPlus brand in Brazil in 2026, highlighting a long-term commitment to the market. Strategic Launch and Brand Introduction DigiPlus Interactive Corp., a digital entertainment provider from the Philippines, has revealed plans to begin operations in Brazil on 22 September. This marks the company’s inaugural venture outside Southeast Asia, aligning…

Key Moments: Bacta has introduced a new Self-Exclusion Plan targeting higher standards in response to recent negative media coverage. The initiative was shaped following discussions at the National Council and input from member support officers. The plan mandates annual staff training, clearer venue messaging, governance improvements, and investment in a unified national scheme. Sector Responds to Scrutiny Bacta has taken swift steps to address concerns raised by negative media attention regarding the operation of self-exclusion programs in UK Adult Gaming Centers (AGCs). The association’s leadership announced the implementation of a…

Key Moments: The Italian government plans to launch a national cybersecurity shield targeting illegal gambling sites accessed on public internet devices. Operators are now required to pay €7 million per license, with 46 applications approved under the updated system. The Ministry of Economy and Finance underscored the vital role of online protections as the country adapts its gambling regulations. Government Steps Up Efforts to Tackle Black Market Gambling Italy is advancing a comprehensive plan to tackle illegal gambling. A core component is the introduction of a “cybersecurity shield” under the…