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Several jurisdictions moved forward with structural gambling reforms this week, while operators reported strong financial performance and pursued new partnerships to expand reach. New Zealand’s licensing plans and Minnesota’s latest betting proposal show how markets continue to open under tighter regulatory frameworks.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- New Zealand prepares to launch its online casino licensing process in July.
- Ukraine’s Supreme Court bans outdoor gambling brand displays.
- Betway becomes Formula 1’s first official global betting partner.
- DraftKings introduces a multi-product “super app” strategy.
- Massachusetts proposes rules protecting both sharp bettors and at-risk players.
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Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
New Zealand iGaming Licensing Process to Begin in July, iGB
New Zealand will open applications for its new online casino licensing regime in July 2026, marking the first step in replacing the country’s current grey-market environment with a regulated framework.
The Department of Internal Affairs plans to issue up to 15 licences to private operators, allowing them to legally offer online casino games to New Zealand players. The system is expected to come fully into force in 2027, with operators required to meet strict consumer protection, harm prevention, and advertising rules.
Ukraine Supreme Court Bans Outdoor Gambling Brand Displays, iGamingToday
Ukraine’s Supreme Court has ruled that outdoor displays of gambling brand names and signage violate national advertising restrictions, siding with regulators in a case involving prominent casino branding.
The court clarified that public-facing signage promoting gambling brands counts as advertising even if it only displays a company name. The ruling strengthens the authority of Ukraine’s gambling regulator and sets a precedent limiting how operators can promote their brands in physical spaces.
Minnesota Senate Introduces Mobile Sports Betting Bill, NEXT
Minnesota lawmakers have introduced a bill that would legalise statewide mobile sports betting, with the state’s 11 tribal nations granted exclusive control over licences. Supporters argue the structure respects existing tribal gaming compacts while bringing currently unregulated betting activity into a taxed framework.
The proposal would allow tribes to partner with sportsbook operators to run mobile platforms. Racetracks would receive a share of tax revenue through a separate funding mechanism.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Cirsa Online Revenue Up 26% in FY25, iGB
Cirsa reported that online revenue rose 26% year-on-year in FY2025, supported by growth across Spain and Latin America.
The company credited its omnichannel strategy, which links digital products with its land-based casino network, for driving customer engagement and cross-channel play. Cirsa said digital now represents a growing share of group revenue as it continues expanding its regulated online operations.
Betway Becomes First Official Betting Partner of Formula 1, SBC News
Betway has signed a multi-year agreement with Formula 1, becoming the sport’s first official global betting partner. The partnership will see Betway branding appear across race broadcasts, digital platforms, and selected trackside placements.
Both parties said the deal aims to tap into F1’s rapidly growing global fanbase and integrate betting-related engagement opportunities around major race weekends.
Entain FY2025 Results Outperform, Gambling Insider
Entain reported stronger-than-expected FY2025 financial results, helped by improved profitability from its BetMGM joint venture in the U.S. and internal cost-reduction measures.
Management highlighted BetMGM’s contribution to earnings and progress on operational efficiency across the wider group. The company said the results demonstrate the benefits of tighter cost control alongside continued growth in regulated markets.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
DraftKings Unveils All-in-One Super App, Gambling Insider
DraftKings has introduced an updated “super app” strategy designed to combine sports betting, iGaming, fantasy sports, and media features into a single platform. The company says the goal is to deepen engagement by allowing users to move seamlessly between betting, casino games, and sports content without leaving the ecosystem.
Executives framed the launch as a response to intensifying competition and slowing expansion in the U.S. sports betting market, where operators are increasingly focused on retention and cross-product play.
Entain Brand Boost Casino Partners ZingBrain AI for Personalised Player Recommendations, European Gaming
Boost Casino, an Entain-owned brand, has partnered with ZingBrain AI to deploy a recommendation engine designed to personalise game suggestions and content for players.
The system analyses user behaviour and gameplay patterns to deliver tailored recommendations directly within the casino interface. Entain said the collaboration is aimed at improving player engagement while using AI-driven tools to refine content discovery across its digital casino offering.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
Massachusetts Rule Sets Path Toward Safer Play for Losers, Gambling Insider
Massachusetts regulators are advancing rules aimed at addressing two long-standing industry issues: limiting restrictions on winning bettors while strengthening protections for players showing signs of harm.
The proposal would prevent operators from arbitrarily limiting or banning so-called “sharp” bettors who consistently win, a practice widely criticised by professional gamblers. At the same time, the framework would introduce stronger responsible gambling requirements, including enhanced monitoring and intervention for customers experiencing heavy losses.
Nationwide Data Raises Alarms About Minority of UK Gamblers, SBC News
New UK spending data suggests that a small minority of gamblers account for a disproportionate share of total gambling expenditure, raising concerns among policymakers and public health groups.
The analysis indicates that the highest-spending segment contributes a large share of industry revenue, intensifying debate about affordability checks and consumer protections. Researchers argue the findings highlight the need for targeted interventions focused on high-risk gamblers rather than broad restrictions across the entire market.
- Unlicensed online gambling ads don’t just undermine regulation, Hermann Pamminger on LinkedIn
- Nearly one in six Swedes played online casino games in 2025, iGB on X
- Asia’s regulators are tightening oversight of payment channels, Jenny Ortiz-Bolivar on LinkedIn
- Online gambling ring exploited Ukrainian women in betting fraud, CybSecWorld on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Small multipliers doesn’t guarantee win, Bitcoin Forum
- Some matches are suspicious in my eyes and the bookies know it, Reddit
- Should a casino allow registration via VPN? Bitcoin Forum
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