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From Capitol Hill clashes over responsible‑gaming rules to multimillion‑dollar wagers on fresh tech and talent, the gambling world hasn’t taken a breather. Here are the headlines rattling iGaming this week.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- U.S. sportsbooks pushed back hard against tighter consumer‑protection proposals, according to a new watchdog report.
- Australia’s NRL and AFL showered lawmakers with A$245,000 in VIP tickets while a nationwide gambling‑ad ban languished.
- Esports book Rivalry squeezed 400 percent more net revenue per marketing dollar in Q1 2025.
- AskGamblers resolved disputes worth nearly $7 million for players, while the UK Gambling Commission charged 15 people over election‑date bets.
😄 Missed last week’s rundown? Catch up here!
😎 Want the pulse of the gambling community? Don’t miss Opinion Corner, where we weigh in on the social‑media chatter shaping iGaming’s future.
Here’s a recap of this week’s biggest developments:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
U.S. Gambling Firms Resist Consumer Protection Measures, The Guardian
A report by the Campaign for Accountability reveals that major U.S. gambling companies have actively lobbied against consumer protection regulations intended to combat gambling addiction. Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision legalizing sports betting, the online gambling industry has boomed, with $150 billion in wagers placed in 2024.
The report indicates that major firms, including DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, and others, opposed rules aimed at minimizing harm, such as stricter advertising regulations, deposit limits, and game designs to encourage breaks. In several states, industry lobbying resulted in weakened or overturned regulations, such as in Arizona, Maine, and Virginia, while some states like Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont upheld consumer protections despite industry pushback.
North Carolina Proposes Doubling Sports Betting Tax, CBS Sports
North Carolina lawmakers have proposed increasing the state’s sports betting tax from 18% to 36%, aiming to boost revenue from the burgeoning industry. The proposed change is part of the state’s two-year budget plan and would take effect on October 1, 2025.
The move is intended to generate additional revenue from the burgeoning sports betting industry. During its first year of operation, the state collected approximately $128 million in tax revenue, outperforming most expectations prior to the March 2024 launch.
Australian Politicians Accept Gifts Amid Gambling Ad Ban Debate, Reuters
Between June 2023 and March 2025, Australian politicians received an estimated A$245,000 ($147,000) worth of free sports tickets as part of a lobbying campaign by major sporting bodies opposing a proposed ban on online gambling advertising. The tickets were provided primarily by the National Rugby League (NRL) and Australian Football League (AFL), targeting influential politicians with premium hospitality and direct access during games.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton were among the top recipients, with gifts worth A$29,000 and A$21,350 respectively. This lobbying coincided with the government’s delay in implementing a comprehensive advertising ban recommended by a 2023 parliamentary inquiry. Despite 75% of Australians backing the ban, legislation has been deferred for consideration by the next parliament.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Rivalry Reports Significant Efficiency Gains in Q1 2025, Gambling Insider
Toronto-based esports and sports betting operator Rivalry has released its Q1 2025 performance metrics, boasting a remarkable 400% increase in net revenue per user per dollar of operating expense compared to its average in 2023. This substantial growth is attributed to the company’s strategic pivot towards higher-margin products, including casino games and original content, which has enhanced customer engagement and profitability.
The company’s focus on proprietary offerings and efficient marketing strategies has led to a more sustainable business model. By optimizing operational expenses and concentrating on high-yield segments, Rivalry is positioning itself for continued growth in the competitive online gambling market.
Light & Wonder Invests in Bang Bang Games to Expand Global Reach, iGB
Light & Wonder has announced a strategic investment, acquiring a 20% equity stake in the UK-based slot studio Bang Bang Games. Known for its innovative game mechanics and standout content, Bang Bang has been gaining traction in the UK and European markets. This investment is part of Light & Wonder’s Spark partner programme, aimed at nurturing promising studios by providing them with the necessary tools, expertise, and market access to thrive.
The partnership is expected to accelerate Bang Bang’s expansion into North America, leveraging Light & Wonder’s extensive distribution network. Both companies express optimism about the collaboration, with Bang Bang highlighting the opportunities to deliver bold, engaging content to a broader audience.
Playtech to Appoint John Gleasure as Chairman Amid Strategic Shift, Sky News
British gambling technology company Playtech is reportedly set to appoint John Gleasure, a former executive from DAZN and co-founder of Perform, as its new chairman. Gleasure will succeed Brian Mattingley, who is stepping down after four years with the company. This leadership change comes shortly after Playtech received regulatory approvals to sell its Italian unit, Snaitech, to Flutter for €2.3 billion ($2.59 billion).
Gleasure’s extensive experience in digital sports media is expected to guide Playtech through its transition, focusing on enhancing its B2B offerings and expanding its global footprint. The company has not officially commented on the appointment, but industry analysts view this move as a significant step in Playtech’s evolution in the rapidly changing online gambling landscape.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
BetMakers Partners with Hollywoodbets for Fixed-Odds Racing Product, European Gaming
BetMakers Technology Group has partnered with Hollywoodbets to deliver its RaceOdds fixed-odds racing product in South Africa, significantly expanding Hollywoodbets’ sports betting offering. The RaceOdds solution provides price management, automated trading strategies, and access to official data services from multiple rightsholders. This allows Hollywoodbets to offer over 335,000 races annually across all three racing codes.
Both companies stressed the importance of high-quality partnerships as Hollywoodbets continues to expand its global reach, with BetMakers’ technology expected to elevate Hollywoodbets’ racing product to new heights.
LT Game Expands Manufacturing in Macau, Gambling Insider
LT Game has improved its manufacturing capabilities by launching a new production line in Macau. This is a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the region’s gaming equipment sector. The expansion comes as Macau’s gaming industry rebounds post-pandemic, with companies like LT Game and others in the sector aiming to meet renewed demand for electronic gaming equipment and table games.
The new production line is expected to support LT Game’s growth ambitions in Macau and Southeast Asia, positioning the company to capitalize on emerging opportunities as the market continues to recover.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
AskGamblers Complaint Service Returns Nearly $7M to Players in 2024, MarketWatch
AskGamblers’ Complaint Service has achieved a major milestone in 2024, returning $6,890,547.11 to players after processing a record-breaking 10,000+ complaints. Over 7,259 players sought assistance from the service, which handled complaints against 1,114 casino brands and achieved a 68% resolution success rate.
The service also recovered a record $87,103.20 in affiliate program complaints, reflecting a 90% year-over-year increase. AskGamblers General Manager Dijana Radunović highlighted the continued trust placed in the platform by players and celebrated the team’s ability to help users recover funds and resolve disputes with operators.
UK Gambling Commission Charges 15 over Election Betting Allegations, Gambling Insider
The UK Gambling Commission has charged 15 individuals following an investigation into alleged insider betting on the date of the July 2024 general election. Among those charged are former Conservative MP Craig Williams and Conservative candidate Laura Saunders, both previously named in the probe.
The investigation was launched after reports surfaced of individuals with access to confidential information placing bets before the election date was publicly announced. Those charged are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court in June 2025, facing potential fines or imprisonment under Section 42 of the Gambling Act if found guilty of cheating.
- Esports is no longer niche—it’s a strategic opportunity for operators looking to grow, Oddin.gg on LinkedIn
- Soaring numbers of teenagers are getting hooked on gambling and ending up in crippling debt, Good Morning Britain on X
- Croatia’s 2026 gambling reforms may be blocked by the EU over legal violations — echoing a recent case in Lithuania, Roman K. on LinkedIn
- EGF is stepping up to push for stricter ad regulations and support responsible gaming, E-Gaming Federation on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Do you know your rights as a gambler? Bitcoin Forum
- Shuffle casino will not process my withdrawal worth $20,000 in BTC and USDC, Reddit
- Is it normal to play responsibly and feel disappointed when losing? 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.
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