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Tax policy, betting formats, and enforcement priorities were in focus this week. Operators are facing clearer expectations around compliance and costs, while suppliers and platforms continue experimenting with new formats and technologies. Together, these developments set the context for the stories shaping this week’s market.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- Brazil approves a phased increase in sports betting taxes through 2028.
- New York lawmakers propose a ban on in-play sports betting.
- Crypto prediction platform Rocket raises $1.5M to fund expansion.
- Myanmar reports further demolition of illegal scam sites at KK Park.
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😎 Read up on our Opinion Corner to find out what the iGaming community is saying. We take trending social media posts and provide our expert commentary.
Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
Brazil Approves Gradual Tax Increase on Sports Betting Operators Through 2028, iGamingToday
Brazil approved a step-by-step increase in the betting tax rate on gross gaming revenue, rising incrementally each year through 2028, under legislation tied to the country’s newly regulated sports betting framework.
According to the report, the tax will climb from its initial level to a higher long-term rate rather than being imposed all at once. Lawmakers said the phased approach is meant to protect market channelisation and prevent licensed operators from being squeezed out during the early years of regulation.
New York Bill Seeks to End In-Play Sports Bets, Global Gambling News
A New York Assembly bill introduced by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal (A.7695) proposes banning all in-play (live) sports betting statewide. The bill argues that in-play wagering encourages impulsive and compulsive betting behaviour.
The bill cites research linking live betting to higher gambling harm risk. If passed, sportsbooks would be limited to pre-match betting only, while existing mobile betting licences would remain otherwise unchanged.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Crypto Platform Rocket Nets $1.5M Funding in Prediction Markets Push, NEXT
Crypto-based prediction markets platform Rocket has raised $1.5 million in funding to accelerate product development and market expansion.
According to the report, the round was backed by early-stage investors focused on Web3 and prediction markets, with funds earmarked for improving liquidity, user experience, and regulatory positioning.
Kambi Signs New Year Deal With Mexico’s Pickwin, SBC News
Kambi has signed a sportsbook partnership with Mexican operator Pickwin, marking another expansion move in Latin America. Under the agreement, Pickwin will migrate to Kambi’s turnkey sportsbook platform, including odds, trading services, and risk management tools.
Kambi said Mexico remains a strategic growth market as local operators invest in regulated, scalable sportsbook technology.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
South Korea’s Grand Korea Leisure (GKL) has entered a new partnership with Naver Cloud to deploy artificial intelligence technologies across its casino operations. According to the report, the collaboration focuses on AI-powered customer behaviour analysis and operational optimisation.
The goal of the partnership is to improve marketing efficiency and responsible gambling monitoring. The project aligns with GKL’s broader digital transformation strategy across its casino portfolio.
Crown Coins Casino Expands Slot Portfolio for U.S. Market, Gambling Insider
Crown Coins Casino has expanded its U.S.-focused slot portfolio, adding new titles aimed at increasing player engagement in the social casino segment. The update includes a mix of classic-style slots and newer game mechanics tailored to U.S. player preferences.
The company said the expansion supports its strategy to strengthen market presence and retention in a competitive social casino landscape.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
Myanmar Reports New Progress in Demolition of Illegal Scam Sites in KK Park, Gambling Insider
Myanmar authorities reported further progress in dismantling illegal scam operations at KK Park, a site linked to large-scale online fraud and illegal gambling activity. According to the update, multiple buildings have been demolished or sealed.
Authorities are also cutting utilities and blocking access to prevent operations from resuming. The crackdown forms part of a broader regional effort to disrupt scam networks operating along the Myanmar–Thai border.
Italy Gambling Surge Prompts Warning From Vatican, SBC News
The Vatican issued a warning over Italy’s rising gambling activity, with Pope Leo expressing concern about the social and ethical consequences of increased betting participation.
The comments followed data showing continued growth across Italy’s regulated gambling sector, including online channels. Vatican officials urged policymakers to place a stronger emphasis on player protection and the social costs of gambling expansion.
- Angola’s online betting market has plunged by 54%, iGamingToday on LinkedIn
- 12 per cent of British gamblers say that they use unlicensed betting providers, Chris Fawcett on X
- Finland is entering a new phase in the regulation of online gambling, Sebastian Warowny on LinkedIn
- The last gambling lawsuit of 2025 is a doozy, Daniel Wallach on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Brazilian lottery to pay out 1 billion reais today, Bitcoin Forum
- Spinfinite Casino Game Scam!! Reddit
- The Danger of online Crypto Gambling platforms, Bitcoin Forum
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