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This week showed how quickly pressure is building across every layer of the iGaming ecosystem. Regulators are tightening rules, but at the same time they are struggling to keep up with how gambling is actually accessed, promoted, and monetized online. From enforcement gaps to shifting legal definitions, the direction is clear, but execution is getting more complicated.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- New Zealand moves closer to a regulated online casino market after final bill approval.
- New York sues Coinbase and Gemini over prediction markets.
- UKGC warns VPN use is making illegal gambling harder to track.
- Bet365 expands to Michigan, entering its 17th US state.
- UK gambling ads face pressure as unlicensed spend keeps rising.
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Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
New Zealand iGaming Bill Passes Final Parliament Reading, iGB
New Zealand’s Online Casino Gambling Bill passed its third and final reading in parliament and is now set to receive Royal Assent, expected in May. The law will create a regulated online casino market with up to 15 licensed operators, overseen by the Department of Internal Affairs.
The framework includes strict enforcement powers, including fines of up to NZ$5 million, as well as tools like take-down notices, formal warnings, and enforceable undertakings. The regulated market is expected to launch in 2027, replacing the current unregulated offshore environment.
New York AG Sues Coinbase, Gemini Over Prediction Markets, Gambling Insider
New York Attorney General Letitia James filed lawsuits against Coinbase and Gemini, alleging their prediction market offerings constitute illegal gambling under state law. The complaint argues that contracts tied to sports outcomes fall within the definition of wagering.
The lawsuits seek injunctions, financial penalties, and disgorgement of profits. The case is notable for also invoking the federal Wire Act, marking a rare attempt to apply traditional gambling laws to crypto-based prediction market platforms.
Tracking Illegal Gambling Is Harder With Rising VPN Use, iGB
The UK Gambling Commission said tracking illegal gambling activity has become more difficult due to increased VPN usage. Data covering a 21-month period showed fluctuating engagement with unlicensed sites, rather than a clear upward trend.
VPN usage surged following the rollout of the UK’s Online Safety Act in July 2025 and remains significantly elevated. The regulator said its current data is useful for identifying trends but does not provide a precise measurement of the size of the black market.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Bet365 Continues US Expansion With Michigan Launch, NEXT
Bet365 launched its online sportsbook and casino platform in Michigan, expanding its presence to 17 US states. The company entered a mature market that has been active since early 2021.
The launch was enabled by a partnership shift that followed PokerStars’ exit from its previous arrangement. Michigan is one of the more competitive US markets, with established operators already holding significant market share.
Unlicensed Operators Set to Overtake UK Regulated Gambling Ad Spend by 2028, BGC
Research cited by the Betting and Gaming Council found that unregulated operators are rapidly increasing their share of gambling advertising spend in the UK. They are projected to overtake licensed operators by 2028.
The analysis also indicated that overall gambling ad spend could reach nearly £1.9 billion by 2026. Growth is being driven largely by unlicensed brands, while regulated operators face tighter restrictions and rising costs.
Sportradar’s shares fell by 23% after short sellers Muddy Waters and Callisto Research released reports alleging the company has ties to illegal betting operators. The reports claimed a significant portion of its revenue may come from unlicensed markets.
Sportradar denied the allegations, stating the claims are inaccurate and based on a misunderstanding of its business model. The company said it maintains strict compliance standards and works only with approved partners.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
Ukraine Gambling Regulator Enters Partnership With YouTube to Block Illegal Gambling Ads, iGamingToday
Ukraine’s gambling regulator PlayCity announced a partnership with YouTube aimed at removing illegal gambling advertisements more quickly. The collaboration focuses on identifying and taking down content promoting unlicensed operators.
Initial enforcement actions have already resulted in the removal of channels and videos promoting illegal gambling. The regulator said the initiative is part of a broader effort to limit black-market exposure online.
Google Blocked 270 Million Gambling Ads in 2025, iGamingToday
Google reported that it blocked or removed approximately 270.7 million gambling-related ads in 2025, along with restricting an additional 123.9 million ads in the category. The figures highlight the scale of enforcement required on major online gambling platforms.
Despite these efforts, regulators continue to increase scrutiny of gambling advertising. The data suggests that large volumes of non-compliant ads are still being created and submitted across digital channels.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
Easier Self-Exclusion Mechanisms Introduced by Dutch Regulator, SBC News
The Dutch regulator Kansspelautoriteit introduced a simplified process for placing individuals into the national self-exclusion system, CRUKS. The change allows authorized third parties, including court-appointed representatives, to initiate exclusions more easily.
The updated system reduces the documentation required and shortens the maximum processing time to two weeks. The regulator said the goal is to improve access to protections for vulnerable players.
MPs and Lords Mount Combined Assault on UK Betting Advertising, SBC News
UK lawmakers from both the House of Commons and House of Lords called for stricter controls on gambling advertising. A new report argued that current regulations do not sufficiently protect children and vulnerable individuals.
The report acknowledged the growth of illegal operators but warned against using that as a reason to delay tighter rules on licensed companies. The push comes as debates intensify over the balance between player protection and black-market risks.
- Netherlands’ online gambling market fell nearly 20% in 2025, PMP Media on LinkedIn
- Visa Support initiative has been introduced to assist international visitors, iGB on X
- The French gambling market proved its resilience in 2025, Julia Panina on LinkedIn
- Oklahoma Senate rejects sports betting legalization bill, Yogonet on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Casinos makes more money not because of house edge, Bitcoin Forum
- Online gambling doesn’t feel like “real money” anymore, Reddit
- More exchanges have prediction market already, Bitcoin Forum
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