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This week, two tech giants find themselves under renewed legal pressure, the UK regulator tightens promotional rules, and Thailand takes significant steps toward legalizing its first casinos.
On the financial side, Bet365 makes a surprise exit from the Chinese market, and Europe’s gambling industry hits record revenue numbers.
Responsible gaming initiatives are still a thing, with campaigns continuing to gain traction around the globe.
😨 If you missed recent developments, feel free to catch up on last week’s coverage.
😎 Stay tuned with Opinion Corner, where we’ll dive deeper into the trending stories from social media platforms shaping the iGaming conversation.
Here’s a recap of the most significant developments in the global gambling world:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
Apple and Google Face Lawsuit Over Sweepstakes Casinos, iGB
A new federal class action in New Jersey targets Apple Inc., Apple Payments Inc., Google LLC, and Google Payment Corp. after a similar case was recently dropped at the state level.
The lawsuit alleges that sweepstakes casinos constitute illegal gambling and accuses the tech giants of facilitating these apps by listing them in their marketplaces and processing related payments. Unlike the earlier suit, none of the sweepstakes operators themselves are named as defendants.
UK Gambling Commission Implements New Promotional Rules, The Sun UK
The UK regulator has tightened restrictions on promotional bonuses after citing evidence that mixing multiple gambling products can heighten the risk to consumers.
The commission capped wagering requirements at ten times the bonus to help make bonus offers fairer and more transparent for consumers. It has also disallowed any offers that require players to engage in different gambling products to unlock rewards.
Thailand Moves Toward Legalizing Casinos, Reuters
Thailand’s cabinet has approved a draft law that will allow casinos to operate within “entertainment complexes.” The aim is to attract more tourists and boost the economy.
However, strict entry requirements for Thai nationals—a 5,000 baht entry fee and proof of at least 50 million baht in bank deposits—are set to bar much of the local population from participating. Additional measures limit the gaming floor to 10% of the total entertainment space.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Bet365 Exits Chinese Market, YOGONET
Bet365 is officially withdrawing from China’s grey online betting sphere after previously relying heavily on the region for revenue. The company plans to focus on “long-term sustainable revenue” in fully regulated markets such as the US and Brazil.
Industry observers note this as a major strategic shift that highlights a growing preference among large operators to leave unregulated territories behind.
Kalshi’s March Madness Prediction Market Activity, Barron’s
New York-based Kalshi reports it processed around $208 million in event contracts during the early rounds of March Madness.
Unlike traditional sports betting, Kalshi uses federally regulated “event contracts,” which means users across the US, including states like California and Texas that have not yet legalized sports wagering, were able to participate. This could prompt concerns about how states might protect or recoup the tax revenue they usually gain from regulated sportsbooks.
European Gambling Market Hits Record Highs, SBC News
The European Gaming and Betting Association reveals that gross gambling revenue across the EU-27 and UK reached €123 billion in 2024. Online gambling revenue accounted for €47.9 billion, up 2% year over year, signifying 39% of the continent’s overall revenue.
Meanwhile, the share of land-based gambling dipped to 61%, illustrating a continued shift in consumer preference toward online channels.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
Scientific Games Extends Partnership with Florida Lottery, Gambling Insider
Scientific Games has inked a three-year contract extension with the Florida Lottery, continuing a relationship that began in 1988.
The supplier provides analytic, portfolio management, and logistics solutions to support the Lottery’s scratch card offerings, with proceeds directed to public education programs. Both parties credit the collaboration for helping to send over one million Florida students to college through the Bright Futures Scholarship.
Hard Rock Bet Launches Exclusive Megaways Slot with Evolution & Red Tiger, Gambling Insider
Hard Rock Bet has introduced Hard Rock Highway Megaways, its first branded jackpot slot, now live in New Jersey.
Developed in partnership with Evolution and Red Tiger, the game combines the Megaways mechanic, a Daily Jackpot feature, and a Win Exchange option for trading large wins for additional free spins. This latest release expands the operator’s portfolio to over fifty exclusive online casino titles.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
Gordon Moody Announces International Gambling Harms Awareness Day 2025, The Sun UK
Scheduled for March 26, the #BehindTheBet campaign aims to destigmatize the emotional, financial, and social consequences of problem gambling.
Gordon Moody’s initiative encourages open dialogue and highlights the resources available to those impacted by gambling harm, stressing that the issue extends well beyond financial loss.
In partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool City Council is spearheading a comprehensive response to the city’s higher-than-average rates of gambling participation and risk. Recent research shows that nearly 12% of adults in Liverpool are at risk of harm—nearly double the national average in England.
To tackle this issue, a cross-sector group composed of healthcare providers, law enforcement, advocacy groups, and people with lived experience has convened to develop an evidence-based strategy.
- Italy is rolling out major gambling reforms, Roman K. on LinkedIn
- Sports betting is all about the stats, Taxpayers Protection Alliance
- India’s online betting and gambling industry is booming, but legal loopholes keep it in a gray zone, PrajaTantra Legal on LinkedIn
- Can Higher Taxes on High-Risk Gambling Protect Low-Income Players? Vivan Mandoliya on LinkedIn
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Desktop vs. Mobile: The Device Split in Online Gambling, GPWA Forum
- Are Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Casinos a Threat to Online Casinos? Bitcoin Forum
- Isn’t it kind of stupid to pay taxes on gambling winnings? 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.
