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Regulators throttled rogue operators, crypto casinos printed billions, and a century-old game found new life in the cloud—no one in iGaming got to coast this week.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- Australia’s communications watchdog ordered internet providers to block 61 outlaw sites.
- Bitcoin-fueled casinos raked in an eye-popping $81.4 billion in 2024 revenue.
- Entain investors rallied behind interim chief Stella David to steady the ship.
- Kenya’s operators rolled out tougher age checks and self-ban tools.
😄 Want to see the biggest headlines from last week? Catch up here!
😎 Interested in what the iGaming community had to say? Stay up to date with Opinion Corner, where we weigh in on the social‑media chatter shaping iGaming’s future.
Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has intensified its efforts to combat illegal online gambling by requesting internet service providers to block 61 unauthorized gambling websites. This action is part of ACMA’s ongoing strategy to protect Australian consumers from unregulated gambling services that often lack essential consumer protections and may be linked to fraudulent activities.
Since the inception of this initiative in 2017, ACMA has blocked over 900 illegal gambling websites, reflecting the authority’s commitment to enforcing the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. The authority encourages consumers to report suspicious websites and provides resources to help individuals identify and avoid illegal gambling services.
Macau’s Gaming Sector Undergoes Tighter Oversight Amid Diversification Efforts, Asia Gaming Brief
Macau is starting a significant transformation of its gaming industry, which is marked by increased regulatory oversight and a strategic push towards economic diversification. The newly appointed Secretary for Economy and Finance, Tai Kin Ip, is leading efforts to reduce the region’s heavy reliance on casino revenues, which currently account for approximately 80% of Macau’s tax income.
As part of this diversification strategy, Macau’s government is encouraging investment in sectors such as tourism, finance, technology, and traditional Chinese medicine. Casino operators have responded by committing to allocate a significant portion of their investments towards non-gaming ventures, including conventions, exhibitions, and cultural events.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Crypto Casinos Generate $81.4 Billion in Revenue Amid Regulatory Evasion, Financial Times
In 2024, crypto casinos amassed $81.4 billion in gross gaming revenue, marking a fivefold increase since 2022. Despite being banned in many countries, these platforms—such as Stake, Rollbit, and Roobet—operate from jurisdictions like Curaçao and Malta, allowing them to rival traditional gambling giants in scale. Gamblers often bypass restrictions using VPNs, mirror links, and peer-to-peer account purchases, raising concerns about the accessibility of these unregulated sites.
The lack of effective “know-your-customer” processes and spending limits makes these platforms particularly appealing to underage and problem gamblers. Additionally, aggressive marketing strategies, including influencer partnerships and sports sponsorships, further promote these sites, often teaching users how to circumvent geo-blocks.
Pennsylvania Reports Record $574.5 Million in Gaming Revenue for March, iGB
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board announced that the state’s gaming industry generated a record $574.5 million in revenue for March 2025, representing a 3.6% increase compared to the same month in the previous year. This growth was driven by strong performances across various sectors, including online casinos, sports betting, and retail gaming.
Online slot machines and table games contributed significantly to the revenue surge, reflecting the continued popularity of digital gaming platforms. Sports wagering also saw substantial growth, with total handle and revenue figures surpassing expectations. Industry stakeholders view these figures as a positive indicator of the market’s resilience and potential for sustained growth in the coming months.
Entain Investors Support Interim CEO Stella David for Permanent Role, Reuters
Investors in British gambling company Entain are advocating for interim CEO Stella David to be appointed permanently following the abrupt departure of Gavin Isaacs after just five months in the role. David, who previously served as the company’s chair, stepped in as interim chief executive in February 2025. Her leadership is seen as a stabilizing force amid a period marked by executive turnover and strategic challenges.
Entain, the owner of brands like Ladbrokes and Coral, has experienced a series of leadership changes, with David poised to become the fourth CEO in five years if confirmed permanently. The company is also in the process of searching for a new chair, indicating a broader effort to solidify its executive team.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
ProgressPlay and Playtech Partner to Elevate UK Online Bingo, European Gaming
ProgressPlay and Playtech have announced a strategic partnership to launch a new online bingo platform in the United Kingdom, covering over 120 gambling websites. This collaboration designates Playtech as ProgressPlay’s primary bingo provider, integrating its robust bingo network with ProgressPlay’s white-label technology. The joint platform aims to improve user experience, scalability, and profitability for operators, offering customizable branding and seamless multi-device support.
The UK online bingo market, attracting approximately 3.5 million players weekly and generating over $800 million annually, is poised for significant growth through this alliance. By combining their strengths, ProgressPlay and Playtech seek to deliver next-generation bingo experiences that cater to evolving player preferences and operator needs. This partnership underscores a commitment to innovation and excellence in the rapidly expanding online bingo sector.
SkillOnNet Expands Mexican Market with Light & Wonder and ELK Studios, Gambling Insider
SkillOnNet has strengthened its presence in the Mexican online gaming market by integrating content from Light & Wonder (L&W) and ELK Studios into its Spanish-language platforms. This expansion provides Mexican players with access to a diverse range of high-quality games, including popular slots and innovative gaming experiences, enhancing the overall user offering.
The inclusion of L&W and ELK Studios’ portfolios aligns with SkillOnNet’s strategy to deliver localized and engaging content tailored to regional preferences. By partnering with these renowned developers, SkillOnNet aims to solidify its position in the competitive Mexican market, offering players a richer and more varied gaming experience.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
Kenyan Gaming Operators Introduce New Responsible Betting Tools, Capital News
The Association of Gaming Operators – Kenya (AGOK) has announced a suite of responsible gambling tools aimed at promoting ethical gaming practices and safeguarding vulnerable populations, particularly the youth. These tools include time-out features, betting and deposit limits, real-time alerts, self-exclusion options, advanced age-verification systems, and 24/7 toll-free support lines for individuals facing mental health or addiction challenges.
In addition to these measures, AGOK is supporting the proposed Gambling Control Bill, which seeks to tighten consumer protections and establish a national self-exclusion register. The association is also collaborating with regulators, civil society, and other stakeholders to launch nationwide awareness campaigns and host forums aimed at shaping progressive gaming policies.
Surge in Online Gambling Among U.S. High School Students Raises Alarms, New York Post
Online gambling, particularly online poker, is rapidly gaining popularity among high school students across the United States, raising concerns among educators and health professionals. A report highlights instances where students have lost significant amounts of money in high-stakes online poker games, with some accruing debts exceeding $1,500. The accessibility of online casinos and weak age verification mechanisms are contributing factors to this troubling trend.
Studies indicate that early exposure to gambling significantly increases the risk of developing gambling addictions later in life. Neurological research confirms that underdeveloped adolescent brains are more susceptible to risky behaviors and addiction due to immature decision-making regions. Despite the growing prevalence of gambling among teens, there is a lack of comprehensive gambling education in schools, highlighting the need for proactive measures to address this emerging public health concern.
- How Maltese foundations operate at the end of the corporate chain, Malta Media on LinkedIn
- The Ministry of Health has warned of rising online gambling addiction in Kenya, The Friday Bulletin on X
- Gambling harm is a societal issue that can affect anyone, even children, GambleAware on LinkedIn
- How Scammers are Exploiting Addicted Aviator Players with Fake Bot Schemes, Cyprian, Is Nyakundi on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- How to play without taking too much risk? Bitcoin Forum
- The casino detected that I opened multiple accounts, Reddit
- Changing games showed me a different thing, 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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