News

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…

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…