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This week’s developments point to a clear change in how regulators and major platforms are tightening control over market access, advertising, and compliance. Expanded enforcement powers in Europe, changing tax signals in Latin America, and product withdrawals in the U.S. underline rising expectations for licensed operators.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- Belgium granted its regulator full authority to block illegal gambling domains.
- New Jersey gaming revenue rose to $636.2M in November.
- Crypto.com withdrew sports event contracts across nine U.S. states.
- ITV confirmed plans to launch real-money online slots and bingo in the UK.
- InsightPlay achieved ISO 27001 and SOC 2 compliance milestones.
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Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
Belgian Regulator Granted Full Powers to Block Illegal Domains, SBC News
Belgium’s federal government has approved legislation allowing the Gambling Commission to order ISPs to block illegal gambling websites directly, without first going through the courts. The new powers also allow the regulator to block mirror and copycat domains.
This closes a loophole that offshore operators have used to quickly reappear after enforcement actions. Authorities said the measure is intended to speed up enforcement and improve channelisation in the Belgian market.
Colombia Rejects Efforts to Make 19% Gambling VAT Permanent, iGB
Colombia’s Congress has rejected proposals to make the 19% VAT on online gambling deposits a permanent tax. The levy was introduced as a temporary fiscal measure, and lawmakers agreed it should expire rather than become a long-term burden on licensed operators.
Industry groups warned that keeping the VAT would damage channelisation and push players toward illegal platforms.
Paddy Power Betfair to Pay $2.7M Settlement After UKGC Investigation, Yogonet
Paddy Power Betfair agreed to a £2.2 million ($2.7 million) regulatory settlement after a UK Gambling Commission investigation identified serious social responsibility failings.
The UKGC found that customers showing clear indicators of harm were allowed to continue gambling without sufficient intervention. The settlement funds will be directed toward socially responsible causes in line with UKGC enforcement policy.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
EKG Analysis Projects $1T in Annual U.S. Prediction Market Trading Volume, NEXT
A new analysis from Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG) projects that U.S. prediction markets could generate up to $1 trillion in annual trading volume under an expanded regulatory framework.
The report notes that prediction markets operate more like financial exchanges than sportsbooks, allowing significantly higher turnover per user. EKG also highlighted that growth is currently constrained by state-level opposition and unresolved jurisdictional conflicts between gaming regulators and the CFTC.
New Jersey Gaming Revenue Rises to $636.2 Million in November, iGB
New Jersey reported $636.2 million in total gaming revenue for November, representing a 9.1% year-on-year increase, according to state figures.
Online gaming revenue rose to $195.1 million, while sports betting generated $90.2 million, offsetting slower growth in land-based casino revenue. Sports wagering handle reached $1.61 billion, with operators benefiting from stronger hold compared to earlier months.
Crypto.com Withdraws Sports Event Contracts Across Nine U.S. States, Yogonet
Crypto.com has withdrawn its sports event contracts in nine states, including Arizona, California, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Ohio.
The company confirmed the move followed discussions with state regulators questioning whether the contracts constituted unlicensed sports betting. Crypto.com said it will continue working with regulators while keeping the products available in other jurisdictions where permitted.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
ITV to Launch Real-Money Online Slots and Bingo, NEXT
ITV confirmed plans to launch real-money online slots and bingo in the UK through a newly formed gambling business, operating under a UK Gambling Commission licence. According to the report, the products will be restricted to casino-style games only, with no sportsbook offering.
The slots will be marketed via ITV’s digital platforms, including ITVX, using age-gated access. ITV said the move is intended to diversify revenues as advertising growth slows, while keeping the offering within existing UK regulatory limits.
InsightPlay Achieves ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Milestones, iGamingToday
InsightPlay announced it has achieved ISO/IEC 27001 certification and SOC 2 Type I compliance, covering its AI-driven iGaming engagement and personalisation platform. The certifications apply to the company’s information security management systems, data processing controls, and AI model governance, according to the statement.
InsightPlay said the milestones are aimed at meeting regulatory and operator requirements around data protection, auditability, and AI transparency in regulated gambling markets.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
Ireland to Consider “Targeted Protections” for Youth and Online Gambling, SBC News
Ireland’s Department of Justice confirmed it is examining targeted regulatory protections for young people, following research showing rising exposure to online gambling among teenagers.
The proposals focus on stricter advertising controls, stronger age-verification standards, and limits on youth exposure to gambling-style content online. The review forms part of Ireland’s wider gambling reform agenda ahead of the full rollout of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI).
Macau Awards Responsible Gambling Certificates, Gambling Insider
Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) awarded Responsible Gambling Certification to casino concessionaires and gaming-related organisations that met enhanced player-protection standards.
The programme assessed operators on staff training, responsible gambling promotion, self-exclusion support, and referral procedures. Authorities said the initiative is aimed at embedding responsible gambling practices across Macau’s casino sector as part of ongoing regulatory modernization.
- Poland Targets Payments and Influencers, Marek Plota on LinkedIn
- Online gambling has metastasized across the United States, Stop Predatory Gambling on X
- Gambling has moved from the margins to the mainstream, Philip Waibel on LinkedIn
- Play971 UAE’s first regulated online gaming website begins operations, GABY ELIAS KANJ on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Gambling for fun, a slippery road to gambling addiction, Bitcoin Forum
- Curaçao Online Casinos are INSANE, Reddit
- Is it the responsibility of casinos to provide a rehabilitation center? Bitcoin Forum
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