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From tax hikes to billion-euro acquisitions, the global gambling industry didn’t take a summer break. Lawmakers are tightening the reins on regulation while tech firms and operators race to expand into new markets. Meanwhile, player protection continues to shape national agendas, and sponsorship deals keep flowing into European football.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- New Jersey bill bans sweepstakes casinos and raises iGaming taxes to 19.75%.
- UKGC fined Fafabet £170K for unfair promo terms and AML failures.
- FC Bayern signed Betano as Official Sponsor through 2028.
- Intralot to acquire Bally’s international assets in €2.7B deal.
- DigiPlus to launch a new iGaming platform in Brazil this September.
- New data shows strong public support for RG messaging on National Lottery products.
😄 Need to catch up on last week’s news? Check out our June 14-20 iGaming Recap!
😎 Want to hear some stories from LinkedIn, X, or Reddit? Our Opinion Corner covers what’s trending in the online gambling community.
Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
New Jersey Legislature Passes Bill to Outlaw Sweepstakes Casinos, Hike iGaming Tax Rate, NEXT.io
New Jersey lawmakers have passed legislation that would ban sweepstakes-style casino operations and increase taxes on online gambling. The bill, which received strong support in both legislative chambers, specifically targets sweepstakes casinos that operate with less regulatory oversight by using dual-currency systems.
If signed by Governor Phil Murphy, the law will classify sweepstakes-style wagering as illegal online gambling, with penalties reaching up to $100,000 for first offenses and $250,000 for repeat violations. Enforcement will be managed by the Division of Consumer Affairs and the Division of Gaming Enforcement.
In addition to the ban, the legislation raises the tax rate on both online sports betting and iGaming to 19.75%. The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) has voiced strong opposition, arguing that the ban could stifle innovation and drive operators out of state.
Fafabet Operator Fined £170K in UK for Misleading Casino Promotion Terms, iGB
The UK Gambling Commission has imposed a £170,000 fine on Taichi Tech Limited, the operator behind the Fafabet brand, for using unfair terms and conditions in its online casino promotions. As part of the regulatory response, Fafabet must undergo an independent audit to improve its anti-money laundering and safer gambling policies.
The investigation revealed that Fafabet’s promotional terms included a clause allowing the operator to close customer accounts or forfeit winnings at its discretion, without clear justification. The regulator determined that this breached the ‘fair and open’ licensing condition, as it lacked transparency and could lead to unfair outcomes for consumers.
Beyond the unfair terms, the Commission also identified failures in Fafabet’s anti-money laundering and social responsibility practices. The operator allowed customers to gamble large sums in short periods without adequate checks and failed to intervene when players showed signs of gambling harm.
Lithuania Unveils Sweeping Gambling Ad Restrictions Ahead of 2028 Ban, European Gaming
Lithuania has introduced strict new restrictions on gambling advertising as part of a phased plan to ban all such promotions by 2028. Effective July 1, 2025, the new rules ban all external gambling advertising except at operators’ headquarters and gambling venues.
Only betting-related ads are permitted on television, radio, and online platforms, and these are subject to tight limitations: ads must not exceed 15 seconds and are limited to three airings per hour during the day and two per hour in the evening. Online betting ads cannot link directly to gambling websites, and pop-up ads are banned.
The legislation also restricts the use of gambling company names in sports club or league titles, though sponsorship of events and athletes is still allowed. The government has allocated €4 million to compensate media outlets for lost advertising revenue.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
FC Bayern Signs Major Sponsorship Deal with Sportsbook Brand Betano, Gambling News
FC Bayern Munich has signed a landmark multi-year sponsorship agreement with Betano, the flagship sportsbook brand of Kaizen Gaming. The deal, which runs through the 2027/28 season, designates Betano as an Official Sponsor of the club. This partnership is one of the most high-profile commercial agreements in recent European football.
Under the agreement, Betano will receive exclusive marketing rights, including prominent signage at the Allianz Arena and the use of FC Bayern’s logos in brand campaigns. Both parties have highlighted the partnership’s focus on innovation and fan engagement, with plans for technology-driven experiences and responsible gaming initiatives.
Macau Gaming Revenue Jumps 19% in June Thanks to Entertainment Surge, iGB
Macau’s gaming sector reported a 19% year-on-year increase in gross gaming revenue for June, driven by a surge in entertainment offerings and a steady influx of international tourists. The city’s integrated resorts have expanded their non-gaming attractions, including concerts, shows, and family-friendly events, which have successfully drawn larger crowds and diversified revenue streams.
This growth marks one of the strongest monthly performances since the easing of pandemic-related travel restrictions, signaling renewed confidence in Macau’s position as Asia’s premier gaming and entertainment hub. Industry analysts attribute the positive momentum to both pent-up demand and strategic investments by casino operators in entertainment and hospitality.
Intralot to Acquire Bally’s Global Operations in €2.7 Billion Expansion Deal, SBC News
Greek gaming technology company Intralot has announced a landmark agreement to acquire control of Bally’s international assets in a deal valued at €2.7 billion. The transaction will see Intralot expand its global footprint by integrating Bally’s operations outside the United States, including established businesses in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
The deal is set to deliver significant synergies, leveraging Intralot’s technological expertise and Bally’s established market presence. Both companies have highlighted the potential for innovation and cross-market expansion, with plans to invest in new digital platforms and enhance customer experiences.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
Philippines-Based DigiPlus to Launch iGaming Platform in Brazil This September, Gambling Insider
DigiPlus, a leading technology company based in the Philippines, has revealed plans to launch a new iGaming platform in Brazil this September. The move marks DigiPlus’s first major foray into the Latin American market, capitalizing on Brazil’s recent regulatory reforms and growing appetite for online gaming.
The platform will offer a comprehensive suite of casino games, sports betting, and localized content tailored to Brazilian players, aiming to capture a significant share of the region’s expanding digital gaming market. The company’s entry into Brazil is part of a broader international expansion strategy, with DigiPlus leveraging its experience in regulated Asian markets to ensure compliance and responsible gaming standards.
AvatarUX Slots Go Live on Elantil Marketplace for Global Distribution, Gambling Insider
AvatarUX, a prominent developer of innovative slot games, has announced the integration of its content into the Elantil Marketplace, a leading aggregation platform for online casino operators. This partnership will make AvatarUX’s popular titles, including its signature PopWins™ series, accessible to a wider network of operators and players across multiple jurisdictions.
The addition of AvatarUX’s portfolio is expected to enhance the diversity and appeal of the Elantil Marketplace’s game offerings. AvatarUX’s games are known for their engaging mechanics and distinctive visual style, which have garnered a strong following among players.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
GambleAware Report Highlights Success of Community Fund in Combating Gambling Harm, GambleAware
GambleAware has published its second independent evaluation of the Community Resilience Fund (CRF), highlighting the initiative’s significant impact on tackling gambling harm in marginalized and underserved communities. Since its launch in 2022, the CRF has distributed £2.2 million to grassroots organizations, with a particular focus on those affected by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
The fund’s open approach allowed groups outside the traditional gambling harms sector to participate, resulting in 12-month grants to 12 community organizations and further support for 11 projects showing high impact and long-term potential.
The latest report, prepared by Ipsos, reveals that nearly 14,000 people have benefited from awareness campaigns and early intervention efforts funded by the CRF. Many recipients were first-time grantees, using the funds to address stigma, language barriers, and provide both individual and family support.
GambleAware Urges National Lottery to Promote Responsible Gambling in All Ads, NEXT.io
GambleAware has issued a renewed call for the National Lottery to include clear signposting to responsible gambling (RG) support services in its advertising and on its products. This follows new research showing that 74% of the public believe National Lottery tickets, scratchcards, and online games should direct players to help services, and 69% think its advertising should carry such signposting, standards already met by other charity lotteries.
The research, based on a nationally representative survey of nearly 18,000 adults, also found that 84% of people recognize the National Lottery as a form of gambling, with almost half disagreeing that its products are harmless. GambleAware argues that the National Lottery’s wide reach and public trust place it in a unique position to help prevent gambling-related harm, especially as up to 600,000 players may be experiencing problem gambling through the Lottery.
- The African online gambling sector is experiencing explosive growth, Kristijan Kajtazi on LinkedIn
- High Roller announces content partnership with Gaming Realms, High Roller on X
- France blocked 1,335 illegal gambling sites. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg, Roman K. on LinkedIn
- Evolution shakes up Rhode Island’s iGaming scene, WhisperTick on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Streamer promotes unregistered gambling platform, Bitcoin Forum
- Rich Palms Casino is a joke, Reddit
- How AI has ruined poker, Bitcoin Forum
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