Author: Daniel Williams

Key Moments: FIRST – Best in Sports has obtained a B2B gaming license from the Swedish Gambling Authority. Sweden is recognized for a highly regulated €2.5 billion gaming market with more than 85% of betting through licensed operators. FIRST’s sportsbook introduces localized features, such as native Swedish interfaces and real-time regional data feeds. Market Entry into Sweden FIRST – Best in Sports has been granted a B2B gaming license by the Swedish Gambling Authority, marking its formal entry into the Swedish market. Sweden, valued at more than €2.5 billion in…

Key Moments: Agrese conducted an online public hearing addressing the regulation of public lottery services in Sergipe. Industry experts and regulators shared insights and case studies on best practices for lottery operation and management. Banese’s President highlighted the bank’s intended role in supporting infrastructure, security, and financial management in Sergipe’s lottery development. Stakeholder Collaboration Shapes Local Lottery Rules The Sergipe State Public Services Regulation Agency (Agrese) recently hosted an online public hearing to deliberate the General Regulation of Operation of Public Lottery Services within the state. The initiative marked a…

Key Moments: Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) exceeded Wall Street projections with third-quarter earnings and revenue growth The company plans to raise its quarterly dividend to 30 cents per share from 25 cents, beginning in 2026 Board approved an increase to the share repurchase program, raising the cap to $2 billion Q3 Performance Surpasses Expectations Las Vegas Sands impressed investors in Wednesday’s after-hours trading as it announced third-quarter results that topped analyst expectations and revealed significant enhancements to its shareholder return initiatives. For the July through September period, the company…

Key Moments: PAGCOR reported a 49 percent decline in income over two months after e-wallet providers were ordered to sever direct links with online gambling sites. Projections for PAGCOR’s 2025 full-year income have fallen below the previously estimated Php60 billion due to earnings declines that began in August 2025. Additional regulations, including a Php 500 minimum deposit and proposed betting caps, have further influenced player activity and revenue. Steep Drop in Earnings Linked to E-Wallet Regulations The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has experienced a dramatic 49 percent reduction…

Key Moments: The UAE Lottery has confirmed its first AED 100 million grand prize has been won. Officials are now verifying the ticket and identity of the winner before making a public announcement. The lottery was launched by The Game LLC in July 2024 under a license from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). Verification Process Initiated for Grand Prize Winner The UAE Lottery has announced that its inaugural AED 100 million grand prize has officially been claimed. This development marks a major milestone for the region’s regulated gaming…

Key Moments: The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has recommended raising daily betting limits for football and horse racing to VND100m (US$3,800) per player. VCCI has also pushed for more flexible advertising rules and a reduction of operators’ fiscal obligations during the pilot phase. The proposed changes are included in VCCI’s response to a draft decree, which would introduce a five-year pilot program for international football betting under a single licensee. Industry Pushes for Higher Betting Limits The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) is advocating for…

Key Moments: Chicago officials have proposed slot machines at O’Hare and Midway as a response to a $1.15 billion budget deficit Slot machines are currently available only at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International and Reno-Tahoe International airports Chicago City Council discussions suggest potential annual revenue of up to $40 million from airport slots Pursuing New Revenue Streams for Chicago With a $1.15 billion budget shortfall looming, Chicago’s city leadership is considering the installation of slot machines inside O’Hare and Midway International Airports. Currently, Las Vegas and Reno are the only…

Key Moments: Alea has entered a partnership with BEON to offer more crash game options. BEON’s titles are now accessible via Alea’s single API integration for Curaçao-licensed operators. BEON plans to pursue new markets, including Brazil, and explore sweepstakes formats as part of this collaboration. Strategic Partnership Expands Alea’s Content Options Alea has revealed a collaboration with BEON, a game studio known for its creative crash games and agile development, further expanding its suite of offerings. This partnership brings BEON’s portfolio directly to operators with Curaçao licenses, facilitated by Alea’s…

Key Moments: The UK Advertising Standards Authority has banned adverts featuring Sir Lewis Hamilton and the Chelsea FC logo under updated youth protection guidance. The regulator has introduced a benchmark of 100,000 UK under-18 social media followers as an indicator of strong youth appeal. Operators Betway and Kwiff have pledged full compliance following ASA rulings that their campaigns could attract minors. Introduction of New Youth Protection Rules The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has exerted its new regulatory muscle by banning two gambling campaigns that featured prominent figures appealing to…

Key Moments: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul revoked legalized poker, reinstating a nationwide ban The order took effect immediately, reversing his predecessor’s policy Political shifts have caused uncertainty for future casino and gambling reforms Policy Reversal on Poker Thailand’s experiment with poker legalization was abruptly ended as Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul restored the ban that had been lifted under the previous administration. Acting in his capacity as both prime minister and interior minister, Anutin acted swiftly after revoking the order initially approved by his predecessor, Phumtham Wechayachai. This policy change, reported…