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Another dynamic week for the global gambling industry, with major lawsuits, market expansions, and regulatory developments taking center stage. Below are the key headlines shaping the conversation right now.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- Stake.us faces a major class-action lawsuit alleging unlawful gambling operations.
- Brazil sees a surge in online betting, intensifying regulatory scrutiny.
- Flutter Entertainment clears regulatory hurdles for €2.3 billion Snaitech acquisition.
- Hard Rock Bet debuts an innovative crash-style game in New Jersey.
- Michigan authorities shut down multiple illegal gambling websites.
😄 Missed last week’s updates? Catch up here!
😎 Want to find out what the online gambling community is saying? Stay tuned with Opinion Corner, where we share our expert opinions on trending stories shaping the iGaming conversation.
Here’s a detailed recap of this week’s biggest developments:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
Second U.S. State (Illinois) Files Lawsuit Against Stake.us, SBC Americas
Stake.us, a sweepstakes-style online casino, is facing a class-action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The plaintiff, Brayden Urdan, alleges that Stake.us operates as an unlicensed online casino under the guise of a ‘social casino.’ Urdan claims to have lost $15,000 on the platform since 2022. The lawsuit asserts that Stake.us is a ‘virtual clone‘ of its real-money counterpart, Stake.com, rebranded to evade U.S. gambling regulations.
This legal action follows a similar lawsuit in California and is led by the same law firm that recently secured a $25 million judgment against High 5 Games in Washington state.
Legislative efforts to restrict or ban social and sweepstakes games have failed in Arkansas, Maryland, and Mississippi. In Arkansas, House Bill 1861 was withdrawn by its author on April 7, while Maryland’s Senate Bill 860 failed to pass in the House before the state’s 2025 legislative session ended.
The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) celebrated the outcome, explaining that these platforms provide safe digital entertainment for millions of U.S. adults and support thousands of jobs and innovation.
Sweden Moves to Close Legal Loopholes in Online Gambling Regulation, Gambling Insider
The Swedish government has initiated a review of the Gambling Act to improve player protection and address unlicensed gambling activities. This initiative aims to close regulatory loopholes that allow unlicensed operators to target Swedish consumers.
The review will focus on strengthening the Swedish Gambling Authority’s authority to block payments to and from unlicensed operators and take action against unlicensed advertising. The government plans to present its findings and proposals by March 2026.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Brazil’s Online Betting Surge, Reuters
Brazil’s central bank reports that Brazilians are wagering up to 30 billion reais ($5.1 billion) per month on online gambling, an increase from the previous estimate of 20 billion reais. The surge is straining household finances, curbing consumption, and leading to bankruptcies.
A study found that five million recipients of the Bolsa Familia aid program transferred 3 billion reais to gambling sites via Pix payments in August 2024, equivalent to 20% of the program’s monthly budget. The government is considering regulatory measures to address the social and economic impacts of this surge in online betting.
Gambling.com Group Announces Board Changes, Investing.com
Gambling.com Group announced that Director Gregg Michaelson will resign on May 14, 2025, and will be succeeded by Jayme Mendal, CEO of EverQuote, Inc., starting May 15, 2025. Mendal brings extensive experience in leadership and online marketplaces to the board.
The company expressed confidence that Mendal’s expertise will contribute to its strategic growth initiatives and enhance shareholder value.
Flutter Entertainment Receives Regulatory Clearance for Snaitech Acquisition, Yogonet
Flutter Entertainment has secured all necessary antitrust, gaming, and regulatory approvals for its planned €2.3 billion acquisition of Italian gaming operator Snaitech. The acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of April 2025, bettering Flutter’s position in Italy, Europe’s largest regulated market.
This move aligns with Flutter’s strategy to achieve a greater proportion of its revenue from regulated markets and to diversify its product offerings across different jurisdictions.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
EveryMatrix Finalizes iGaming Content Deal with Caesars Entertainment, EveryMatrix
EveryMatrix has integrated its SlotMatrix platform with Caesars Entertainment, providing players with a wide selection of casino games. This partnership extends EveryMatrix’s reach in the regulated North American market.
The integration includes popular titles from EveryMatrix’s in-house studios, as well as content from third-party suppliers, enhancing Caesars’ online gaming portfolio and offering players a diverse gaming experience.
Hard Rock Bet Launches First Crash-Style Game in New Jersey, Gambling Insider
Hard Rock Bet has introduced ‘Take-Off!’, a crash-style game developed by IGT PlayDigital, marking the operator’s first foray into this genre in New Jersey. The game offers players an interactive and high-risk gaming alternative to traditional slots and table games.
‘Take-Off!’ features a multiplier that increases over time, with players needing to cash out before the multiplier crashes to secure their winnings, adding a layer of strategy and excitement to the gameplay.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
Michigan Gaming Control Board Shuts Down Illegal Gambling Websites, Michigan Gaming Control Board
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist letters to 13 offshore operators offering online gambling without a license in the state. The MGCB’s actions are part of ongoing efforts to protect Michigan residents from unregulated gambling activities.
The board explained that unlicensed operators do not offer the same consumer protections as licensed operators, posing risks to players’ funds and personal information. The MGCB continues to monitor and take action against illegal gambling operations to ensure a safe and fair gaming environment.
Crown Resorts Enhances Responsible Gambling Measures, The Australian
Crown Resorts has intensified its focus on responsible gambling through its PlaySafe program. The initiative includes the mandatory use of electronic gaming cards to track playtime and losses, aiming to establish some of the world’s safest gaming environments across its Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth properties.
Approximately 500,000 players are currently registered in the system, which also prompts regular reminders and mandatory breaks.
- Colombia’s new 19% VAT on online gambling deposits has already caused a 30% drop in GGR, Roman K. on LinkedIn
- Young men are the primary targets of the online sports gambling industry… why? Ryan James Girdusky on X
- Dutch gambling tax generates €1 billion for treasury in 2024, Startup Australia on LinkedIn
- The United States immediately needs to legislate a national gambling self-exclusion list, Alex Berenson on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Can you still consider yourself a smart bettor even when losing? Bitcoin Forum
- Betrivers refusing withdrawal update, Reddit
- Why do you feel is good for someone to use the gambling site you are using? Bitcoin Forum
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