Aug 16–22, 2025 iGaming Recap: Asia’s Tough Crackdowns, U.S. Revenue Surges, and New Tech Deals

It’s been another turbulent week for the global iGaming sector. Regulators in Asia are moving aggressively against online gambling and financial apps, while U.S. markets continue to set new revenue records. From financial shakeups to regulatory fines, the week’s developments show just how quickly the gaming industry is progressing.

😄 Want to see how the story unfolded last week? Visit our Aug 9-15 iGaming Recap.

😎 Curious about what the iGaming community is saying? Check out our Opinion Corner, where we break down trending community posts and share expert takes.

Here’s the full rundown:

Regulatory & Legal Updates

Philippines Sees 50% Drop in Online Gambling Transactions After BSP E-Wallet Ban, YOGONET

Philippine online gambling transactions dropped by about 50% from August 17 to 19 following an order from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) directing e-wallet companies to remove links and icons connecting users to gambling sites.

The directive, aimed at curbing easy access to online gambling, has also led to an increase in users shifting to illegal gaming platforms, many of which operate offshore outside the BSP’s regulatory reach.

India Passes Bill Banning All Real-Money Online Games, Industry Faces Crisis, Reuters

India’s parliament passed a bill in August 2025 banning all money-based online games, including those that involve skill. The bill awaits the president’s signature to become law, but signals a sharp shift from regulation to outright prohibition.

The legislation prohibits real-money gaming services, advertisements, and financial transactions linked to such games, a move intended to address concerns about financial harm and addiction. Industry groups are seeking legal recourse, arguing that some games classified under the ban involve skill and should be exempted.0

Pakistan Cracks Down on Illegal Apps Targeting Betting and Forex Trading, The Express Tribune

Pakistan has issued a list of illegal apps targeting activities such as betting, forex trading, and binary options trading, part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on unlawful financial activities conducted via mobile applications.

This measure aligns with broader regional trends of governments taking stringent actions against unauthorized gambling and financial trading platforms. The government’s intent is to protect consumers from fraudulent schemes and illegal operations proliferating through digital channels.

Financial Performance & Business Moves

New Jersey July Gaming Revenue Hits $606.2M as iGaming Soars, Sports Betting Falls, Gambling Insider

New Jersey’s gaming industry posted a standout July, with total revenue reaching $606.2 million, an impressive 10.7% increase year‑over‑year from July 2024’s $547.8 million. That total was driven by a record-breaking iGaming haul of $247.3 million, a 26.6% surge compared to July 2024.

The breakdown of iGaming revealed that slots and table games accounted for $244.6 million of the total, while online poker added $2.7 million. In contrast, sports betting revenue declined 6.6%, falling to $74.8 million from $80 million in July 2024. Total wagering handle for the month reached approximately $664 million, producing a hold rate of about 11.27%

Better Collective Q2 2025 Revenue Drops 18%, European Gaming

Better Collective released its Q2 2025 interim results: total revenue dropped approximately 18% year-over-year to €82 million, while recurring revenue accounted for €52 million (64% of total) EBITDA before special items stood at €23 million (approximately a 28% margin), and the company has realized annualized cost savings of €50 million.

Management emphasized that results aligned with expectations and reaffirmed full-year guidance; they also announced plans for a new €20 million share buyback after completing the current programme.

Pennsylvania July Gaming Revenue Climbs 11.4% on 30.9% iGaming Growth, Gambling Insider

Pennsylvania’s total gaming revenue for July 2025 reached $557.7 million, up 11.4% year-over-year. iGaming was a standout performer, soaring 30.9% to roughly $228.2 million, with Hollywood Casino notably driving the gains.

The state’s Gaming Control Board also confirmed the combined July revenue figure of $557,666,142, marking an 11.36% increase compared to July 2024.

Technology & Innovation in Gambling

FanDuel Partners With CME to Launch Event-Based Prediction Markets in 2025, iGB

FanDuel has entered into a strategic partnership with the CME Group to create a new prediction‑markets product featuring “yes/no” contracts based on financial or economic events. These include the S&P 500, Nasdaq‑100, oil, gold, GDP, and CPI, priced as low as $1 per contract.

Industry commentary suggests this move could reshape the regulated wagering landscape. Analysts view it as a bold expansion beyond traditional betting, with one calling it “enticing” and another warning that it “opens the floodgates.”

Esportes Gaming Brasil Expands With Launch of New LOTTU Betting Platform, Gambling Insider

Esportes Gaming Brasil has unveiled LOTTU, its latest digital betting platform, now live in the Brazilian market. Positioned as a cutting-edge upgrade within its portfolio, which includes Esportes da Sorte and OnaBet, LOTTU is built from the ground up on proprietary architecture designed for speed, customization, and enhanced user experience.

The platform features real-time promotions, dynamic layouts, and personalization tailored to different bettor profiles. Importantly, LOTTU includes built-in risk monitoring tools that detect potentially harmful behavior early and redirect users to supportive resources.

Responsible Gambling & Player Protection

GambleAware Research Finds Industry ‘Safer Gambling’ Ads May Fuel More Play, GambleAware

New research commissioned by GambleAware, conducted by Thinks Insight & Strategy alongside Professor Elliot Ludvig, reveals that many “safer gambling” video adverts created by operators may be counterproductive, actually encouraging more gambling rather than promoting moderation.

Some industry-produced videos, intended to promote safer play, were found to reinforce the notion that gambling is “harmless fun,” granting viewers a false sense of security; notably, 45% of respondents exposed to an operator’s advert felt it implied that gambling is risk-free.

UKGC Fines ProgressPlay £1M for Repeat AML and Responsible Gambling Failures, NEXT

The UK’s Gambling Commission has imposed a £1 million fine on white-label operator ProgressPlay following widespread failures in anti-money laundering (AML) and social responsibility controls across its 134 operator sites, spanning August 2021 to August 2024.

The Commission also issued a formal warning and mandated an independent third-party audit of ProgressPlay’s AML and safer gambling measures. UKGC director of enforcement John Pierce underscored the seriousness of these compliance failures, stating that repeated regulatory lapses invite increasingly stringent penalties and urging industry peers to heed this case as a wake-up call.

Stories from Social Media Platforms

• Stake under pressure as bans in India and the Philippines take hold! Michael Schmitt on LinkedIn
• Disappointed with the ban on online real money gaming apps, Ravi Handa on X
• Online gambling is expanding rapidly, but so are the scams, The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas on LinkedIn
• Poker is a mind sport, not gambling, Areyann on X

Stories from iGaming Forums

• Why some countries gamble more than the others? Bitcoin Forum
• BetUS Payout Refusal, Reddit
• The Impacts of sports betting on the Sports industry, Bitcoin Forum

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