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This week, the iGaming world has been anything but quiet.
As bet365 tightens its grip on the U.S. market, the Gambling.com Group is raking in record profits.
Meanwhile, the German gambling scene is reeling from a disastrous 10-hour outage that has operators demanding answers.
And with March Madness in full swing, everyone’s talking about responsible gambling — or lack thereof.
😨 If you missed last week’s highlights, catch up here.
😎 Also, don’t miss this week’s Opinion Corner, where we share expert insights on the top iGambling community stories circulating on social media platforms.
Here’s your weekly rundown of the biggest headlines shaking up the global gambling scene.
Regulatory & Legal Updates
Ireland’s newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority, led by Anne Marie Caulfield, has introduced stringent measures to combat gambling addiction and protect minors. Key initiatives include banning gambling advertisements on television and online platforms between 5:30 am and 9:00 pm, and prohibiting online inducements such as free bets.
All gambling operators in Ireland are now required to obtain licenses, with the system expected to be operational by the end of the year. These regulations aim to safeguard vulnerable groups while allowing casual bettors to continue their activities without significant changes.
Corbett Bookmakers Fined for AML Failures, The Independent
The UK Gambling Commission has slapped Corbett Bookmakers Limited with a £686,070 fine for severe anti-money laundering (AML) and social responsibility failings. As part of the penalty, the retail operator must also conduct a third-party audit within 12 months to confirm the effectiveness of its AML and safer gambling policies, procedures, and controls.
The commission’s two-day compliance assessment uncovered multiple breaches. For instance, one customer staked £23,674 over just 13 days without being flagged for potential gambling harm. Another individual lost £3,523 after placing 56 bets within a four-hour span, yet no adequate intervention was made.
German Gambling Operators Demand Answers After 10-Hour System Outage, NEXT.io
German gambling operators are demanding answers from the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) after a 10-hour system outage on Saturday rendered them unable to process deposits. The failure, tied to the Interstate Gambling Evaluation System (LUGAS), has sparked fears of players migrating to the black market, with the German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) warning of both economic damage and player protection failures.
The German Sports Betting Association has urged the GGL to conduct a thorough investigation and consider implementing 24/7 IT support to prevent future disruptions and protect the integrity of the regulated market.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Gambling.com Group Reports Record Growth, Gambling.com
Gambling.com Group has reported impressive financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024. The company’s Q4 revenue reached approximately $35.2 million, contributing to a full-year revenue of around $127.1 million, marking a 17% increase compared to the previous year. Net income for 2024 was approximately $30.5 million, with an adjusted EBITDA of about $48.5 million, representing a 38% margin.
Looking ahead, Gambling.com Group projects 2025 revenue between $170 million and $174 million, with an anticipated adjusted EBITDA ranging from $67 million to $69 million.
bet365 Expands U.S. Presence, SBC Americas
bet365 has significantly expanded its footprint in the United States by launching its mobile sportsbook services in Tennessee and Illinois, bringing its operational presence to 13 states.
In Tennessee, bet365 enters as the 12th online sportsbook operator, offering sports enthusiasts access to a wide array of betting options. In Illinois, bet365 has partnered with Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort to deliver its sportsbook services, becoming the ninth mobile sportsbook in the state.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
Trustly Partners with Hard Rock Digital in the US, Gambling Insider
Trustly, a global leader in pay-by-bank transactions, has partnered with Hard Rock Digital to become the exclusive pay-by-bank provider for Hard Rock Bet, the company’s sportsbook and iGaming platform. This collaboration enables Hard Rock Bet players to securely link their bank accounts for instant deposits and withdrawals, bypassing traditional intermediaries like credit cards or digital wallets.
Through this integration, Hard Rock Digital gains access to Trustly’s real-time consumer insights, Guaranteed Automated Clearing House (GACH) payments, and Trustly’s VIP program.
QuinnBet Launches on Pragmatic Solutions’ iGaming Platform, NEXT.io
QuinnBet, a prominent gaming operator in the UK and Ireland, has successfully transitioned to Pragmatic Solutions’ iGaming platform. This integration provides QuinnBet with access to an advanced Player Account Management (PAM) system.
The collaboration also extends to incorporating Pragmatic Play Sports’ comprehensive sportsbook platform, allowing QuinnBet’s customers to access over 40,000 sporting events monthly, complete with live data feeds, video streaming, and intuitive bet-building features.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
March Madness Spurs Responsible Gambling Campaigns, WDEF
As March Madness approaches, industry leaders are stressing the importance of responsible gaming. The expansion of legalized sports betting has led to record-breaking revenues, with U.S. sportsbooks generating $13.71 billion in 2024. To promote safe betting practices, regulated operators are providing tools to help bettors set limits on deposits, time, and wagers.
Additionally, national campaigns and increased funding are being allocated to support responsible gaming initiatives and education. Experts encourage bettors to play responsibly, know their limits, and utilize available tools designed to keep gaming fun and safe.
Concerns Over Daily Online Betting, American Psychiatric Association
Recent findings from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) reveal that 28% of American adults engage in daily online gambling. Notably, 9% gamble online for four or more hours daily, with 2% exceeding 10 hours. The APA explained the potential risks of such behaviors, especially among younger demographics, and underscored the need for increased public awareness and preventive measures.
- Are financial institutions unwittingly facilitating unlicensed online gambling? Ionia on LinkedIn
- John Oliver is blatantly lying to you about online gambling, Ben Domenech on X
- iGaming is no longer just an underground thrill, Mian Jami on LinkedIn
- Kazakhstan’s gambling market grew by 31%, Roman K. on LinkedIn
- I’m joining the war on online gambling (on the side of online gambling), Richard Morrison on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Football betting is the biggest con of all time, GamCare Forum
- How do you stay compliant with changing gambling affiliate regulations? GPWA Forum
- Cash-out is just an awesome thing to have! Bitcoin Forum
Keep up with news and trends in the iGaming industry. Gambling ‘N Go provides a recap each week. Join our spam-free newsletter to stay ahead. We are a GPWA-approved portal that supports responsible gambling. Check out our guides for beginners and experts to find trusted and reliable games, avoid scams, and responsible gambling practices.
