May 10–16, 2025 iGaming Recap: Spain Fines Big, Flutter Execs Cash In, and AGCO Targets Bodog

From €77 million crackdowns in Spain to executive windfalls at Flutter, this week’s online gambling industry roundup spans heavy-handed regulation, soaring revenues, and fresh alliances in gaming tech.

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Here’s the full rundown:

Regulatory & Legal Updates

Spain Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling and Boosts Player Protection, Esports Insider

Spain’s gambling regulator, the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ), has intensified its efforts against unlicensed online gambling operators. In a significant enforcement action, the DGOJ imposed fines totaling €77 million ($85 million) on 14 operators found offering services without proper licensing. This move underscores Spain’s commitment to maintaining a regulated gambling environment and protecting consumers from unregulated platforms.

In addition to financial penalties, Spain is improving player protection measures. The government plans to implement stricter ID verification requirements to prevent minors from participating in gambling activities. These steps aim to ensure responsible gambling practices and safeguard vulnerable populations.

Horse Racing Leaders Advocate for Higher Taxes on Online Casinos, The Guardian

A significant division has emerged within the UK’s £11.5 billion gambling industry as key horse racing figures have distanced themselves from online casinos, advocating for higher taxes and stricter regulations on the latter. Traditionally united under the Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) to oppose increased regulation, racing leaders now argue that online casinos should bear higher tax burdens due to their minimal local economic contributions and high potential for harm.

This shift in stance is seen as a strategic move to redirect gambling revenue back to horse racing, which relies heavily on betting levies. However, this position has caused friction within the BGC, with some members accusing racing leaders of inconsistency and undermining collective advocacy efforts.

AGCO Urges Media Platforms to Cease Promotion of Unregulated Gambling Sites Like Bodog, Gambling Insider

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has called on media platforms to stop advertising unregulated online gambling sites, specifically naming offshore operator Bodog. The AGCO emphasized that promoting such unlicensed operators provides them with a veneer of legitimacy, potentially misleading consumers and undermining the regulated market.

The regulator has reached out to over a dozen traditional and digital media platforms, urging them to remove existing advertisements for unregulated sites and refrain from accepting new ones. This initiative is part of AGCO’s broader efforts to ensure a safe and fair gambling environment in Ontario by curbing the influence of grey-market operators.

Financial Performance & Business Moves

Gambling.com Group Reports First Quarter Results Including Record Revenue, Business Wire

Gambling.com Group has announced record-breaking financial results for the first quarter of 2025. The company reported revenue of $40.6 million, marking a significant increase driven by the acquisition of Odds Holdings, Inc. Adjusted EBITDA also saw substantial growth, reflecting the company’s strong operational performance.

Looking ahead, Gambling.com Group has reiterated its full-year guidance, expecting revenue between $170 million and $174 million and Adjusted EBITDA between $67 million and $69 million. These projections represent year-over-year growth of 35% and 40%, respectively, indicating continued confidence in the company’s growth trajectory.

US Commercial Gaming Revenue Sets Fourth Consecutive Record in 2024, iGB

The U.S. commercial gaming industry achieved a record $72 billion in revenue in 2024, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth. This 7.5% increase from the previous year was fueled by strong performances in iGaming and mobile sports betting.

Despite this positive trend, industry CEOs express cautious optimism for 2025. Concerns about potential economic headwinds, regulatory changes, and market saturation contribute to a slightly negative outlook. Leaders emphasize the need for strategic planning to sustain growth in a potentially challenging environment.

Bragg Gaming Group Reports 7.1% First Quarter 2025 Revenue Rise, Morningstar

Bragg Gaming Group reported a 7.1% increase in revenue for the first quarter of 2025, totaling EUR 25.5 million (USD 28.6 million). Excluding the Netherlands, where regulatory changes impacted operations, the company achieved a remarkable 27% revenue growth.

The company’s strong performance was driven by triple-digit revenue growth in the U.S. and a significant increase in profitability through an improved product mix. Bragg’s focus on proprietary content and strategic expansion into new markets positions it well for continued success in the evolving online gaming landscape.

Flutter Executives Reap Rewards Following U.S. Listing, The Times

Flutter Entertainment, the parent company of Sky Bet, Paddy Power, and Betfair, has seen a significant increase in executive compensation following its decision to move its primary stock market listing from London to New York. CEO Peter Jackson’s remuneration nearly tripled in 2024 to $22.2 million, making him the highest-paid executive at the company. This move aligns with Flutter’s strategic focus on the expanding U.S. sports betting and iGaming markets, where its subsidiary FanDuel has established a leading position.

The shift to the New York Stock Exchange reflects a broader trend among FTSE 100 firms seeking higher valuations and more competitive remuneration packages in the U.S. market. Flutter’s share price rose nearly 50% in 2024, underscoring the company’s successful expansion strategy. The company views the U.S. listing as a pivotal step in becoming a global leader and attracting top talent through U.S.-style executive compensation.

Technology & Innovation in Gambling

AyeGaming Group Launches to Foster Industry Collaboration, European Gaming

AyeGaming Group, a new grassroots digital community, has been launched to bring together professionals from the gambling industry. Founded in Scotland by industry figures including Jennifer Innes, CEO of BettingJobs, and Elaine Gardiner, managing director of TAG Media, the group aims to create an inclusive and supportive space for operators, suppliers, affiliates, consultants, and creatives.

The initiative seeks to connect like-minded individuals across land-based and online gambling sectors, fostering honest dialogue and collaboration. By emphasizing community and shared values, AyeGaming Group aspires to shape a better future for the industry through collective engagement and support.

Zeal Partners with Gamomat to Expand Gaming Portfolio in Germany, Gambling Insider

German lottery provider Zeal Network has entered into a strategic partnership with Berlin-based slot game developer Gamomat. The collaboration will see Zeal integrate a growing selection of Gamomat’s certified online casino games into its platforms, including brands like Tipp24 and Lotto24, enhancing its gaming division and appealing to its target audience.

This partnership allows Gamomat to expand its reach within the regulated German market, leveraging Zeal’s established platforms to distribute its games to a wider audience. Both companies view this collaboration as a significant step in their growth strategies, aiming to provide high-quality gaming experiences to German players.

Responsible Gambling & Player Protection

Swedish Gambling Authority Bans Three Operators and Initiates Compliance Review, Gambling Insider

The Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) has banned three unlicensed operators: EOD Code SRL, Igloo Ventures SRL, and MIBS NV, from offering gambling services to Swedish players. These companies were found to be actively promoting their services within Sweden without holding the required licenses, using various forms of digital outreach, including affiliate links and social media promotions.

In a separate action, Spelinspektionen has initiated supervisory proceedings against More Tech Group, a licensed operator responsible for platforms such as lottoexperten.se and superlottoclub.com. The review will examine the company’s compliance with several provisions of the Swedish Gambling Act, including ensuring written consent in telephone sales and verifying customer identities against the self-exclusion register, Spelpaus.

Scientific Games’ iLottery Platform Receives iCAP Ready Accreditation, Scientific Games

Scientific Games has achieved the distinguished iCAP Ready supplier accreditation from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) for its iLottery platform. This accreditation confirms that the company’s platform meets the highest standards for consumer protection, including robust player protection processes, responsible gambling policies, and comprehensive employee training.

The iCAP Ready accreditation is a testament to Scientific Games’ commitment to responsible gaming and player protection. The company’s iLottery solutions are utilized by more than 30 lotteries globally, and this recognition underscores its leadership in promoting safe and enjoyable online lottery play.

Stories from Social Media Platforms

• Online Gambling Market to Reach $169.2 Billion by 2030, Panoptic Media SEO on LinkedIn
• The online gambling industry is facing its biggest threat ever, Mark Flippen on X
• Online slots are doing what once seemed impossible, Roman K. on LinkedIn
• The Betting Control and Licensing Board has warned against a growing number of unlicensed online gambling platforms targeting Kenyan users, Game Yetu on X

Stories from iGaming Forums

• Do gambler’s really need a reserve balance? Bitcoin Forum
• Blackjack, baccarat, roulette… and somehow the slot machine humbles me every time, Reddit
• Had anyone proven martingale strategy to work in sports betting? Bitcoin Forum

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