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Stake.us scored a big legal win in California, Brazil cracked down on sports betting ads with tough new restrictions, and Entain’s Bet Builder product soared to new heights. Plus, expansions from Cirsa and Bet20, regulatory fines in Sweden, and advertising scrutiny in India rounded out another significant week in the global online gambling industry.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- A California judge sent Stake.us’s legal dispute to arbitration.
- Macau authorities reported a 61.5% rise in gambling-linked crimes following stricter legislation.
- Entain saw unprecedented demand for Bet Builder products, especially in Brazil and Spain.
- Bet20 launched a crypto-focused casino offering instant withdrawals and heightened privacy.
- India’s ASCI flagged offshore betting ads as the leading cause of advertising complaints.
😄 Missed out last week? Check out our previous iGaming Recap to stay updated.
😎 Curious about what’s trending on LinkedIn, Reddit, and X? Dive into this week’s Opinion Corner for expert industry insights.
Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
CA Judge Sends Sweeps Case Involving Stake.us to Arbitration, SBC Americas
A federal judge in California has ruled that a lawsuit against Stake.us, a major sweepstakes casino operator, must be resolved through private arbitration rather than in court. The case was brought by Dennis Boyle, a California resident who alleged that Stake.us was effectively operating an illegal gambling website under the guise of a sweepstakes model.
However, the court sided with Stake.us’ parent company, Sweepsteaks Limited, which argued that Boyle had agreed to the platform’s terms of service, including a mandatory arbitration clause, when he created his account. The judge determined that because Boyle did not opt out of arbitration as allowed in the terms, the dispute must be handled outside the court system.
This decision is considered a significant procedural victory for Stake.us, allowing the company to continue its operations in California while similar legal challenges are pending in other states. The case will now proceed before an independent arbitrator, with the outcome potentially influencing ongoing lawsuits against Stake.us in other jurisdictions.
Brazil Senate to Vote on Restrictions on Sports Betting Advertising, YOGONET
The Brazilian Senate is set to vote on Bill PL 2.985/2023, introducing sweeping new restrictions on sports betting advertising across the country. Originally proposed as a total ban on gambling ads, the legislation was amended to specifically target fixed-odds betting promotions. The new rules prohibit betting advertisements during live sports broadcasts, the use of athletes, influencers, or celebrities in promotions, and the sponsorship of referees.
The bill also bans betting ads in print media, the use of mascots or characters appealing to children, and any content that objectifies individuals or perpetuates gender stereotypes. Additionally, unsolicited messages and notifications promoting betting are not allowed, and all ads must carry a warning about the risks of gambling addiction.
The Senate’s move comes amid growing concern over the influence of betting on sports and public health. While betting operators and sports clubs have warned that the restrictions could lead to significant financial losses, estimated at R$1.6 billion annually, lawmakers argue that the sector failed to self-regulate effectively.
Gambling-Linked Crimes Rise Sharply in Macau Following Legal Amendments, iGB
Macau has seen a dramatic surge in gambling-related crimes in early 2025, with authorities reporting a 61.5% increase in investigations compared to the previous year. In the first quarter alone, 567 cases were recorded, a rise attributed largely to new legislation criminalizing illegal currency exchange for gambling purposes.
The Law on Combating Unlawful Gambling Crimes, enacted in late October 2024, introduced specific offences targeting unlicensed money changers who facilitate gambling transactions. This new category accounted for 132 cases, making it the primary driver of the overall increase in gaming-related crime.
The amended law not only criminalizes illegal currency exchange but also increases penalties for related offences, including prison terms of up to five years and bans from casinos for up to a decade. Despite the spike in crime, enforcement agencies note that aside from fraud, most other major categories of gambling-linked offences have declined year-on-year.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Nevada Gaming Revenue Falls 0.5% in April as Las Vegas Strip Declines 2.9%, Gambling Insider
Nevada’s gaming sector experienced a slight downturn in April 2025, with statewide revenue falling 0.5% year-on-year to $1.2 billion. The Las Vegas Strip, a key driver of the state’s gaming economy, saw a more pronounced 2.9% decline, generating $646.9 million for the month.
Slot and table game revenues both dipped by 0.5%, while regional performance varied: Downtown Las Vegas and outlying areas like North Las Vegas and the Boulder Strip posted gains, but South Lake Tahoe and North Lake Tahoe suffered notable drops. Despite the overall decline, mobile sports betting surged, with revenue up 35.3% to $33.2 million, led by a 51.8% jump in basketball wagering.
The state collected $68 million in gaming percentage fees in April, a 3.2% decrease from the previous year, continuing a downward trend that began in March. While the Strip’s performance highlights ongoing pressures in Nevada’s flagship market, other regions such as Washoe County and Elko County reported revenue growth.
Bet Builders Boom: Entain Reports Record Growth in Customised Football Betting, Entain
Entain has reported record-breaking growth in its Bet Builder product, reflecting a surge in demand for personalized football betting experiences. The share of football bets placed via Bet Builder across Entain’s sportsbook brands has doubled in the first half of 2025, with total stakes more than doubling year-on-year in 2024.
This trend is being driven by major football events such as Euro 2024 and Copa América, and is expected to peak with the upcoming Champions League Final between Inter Milan and PSG, which is projected to become the most popular club-level Bet Builder event to date.
The popularity of Bet Builder is particularly strong in Spain and Brazil, where it accounts for up to 40% of stakes during key fixtures. Entain plans to further enhance the product by introducing in-play Bet Builder options across all its brands.
Cirsa Q1 2025 Revenue Tops €576.7m, Up 12.5%, Gambling Insider
Cirsa reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2025, with net operating revenues reaching €576.7 million, marking a 12.5% year-on-year increase. The company’s growth was driven by strong performances across its casino and slots business units, particularly in Spain and Italy, and was further boosted by successful CRM strategies that increased customer visits and engagement.
EBITDA for the quarter rose to €163.9 million, an 8.6% increase from the previous year, with an EBITDA margin of 32%. Cirsa’s casino business alone generated €237.4 million in revenue, up 8.3% year-on-year, reflecting continuous growth in customer numbers. While financial expenses increased due to higher EURIBOR rates and bond-related costs, the company’s operational performance remains strong, positioning Cirsa for continued expansion in its core markets.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
Bet20 has officially launched its new crypto casino platform, aiming to set a high standard in online gaming by offering over 10,000 titles, including slots, table games, live dealers, and exclusive in-house options. Operated by Platinum Technology NV and licensed by the Curacao Gaming Control Board, Bet20 emphasizes security, responsible gaming, and a user-friendly experience.
The platform partners with leading software providers such as Pragmatic Play, BGaming, Red Tiger, and Microgaming to ensure a diverse and elite gaming library. One of Bet20’s standout features is its instant crypto withdrawals, allowing players to access winnings within minutes and without transaction fees. The casino supports various cryptocurrencies, including SOL, USDT, Ethereum, and MATIC, and does not require KYC checks.
Neosurf Launches in Switzerland to Redefine Cash-to-Digital Payments, European Gaming
Neosurf, a leading provider of cash-to-digital payment solutions, has launched its services in Switzerland, targeting a market where 67% of iGaming transactions are still cash-based. The company’s entry comes after gaining regulatory approval and responding to demand from Swiss operators seeking better options for cash players. Neosurf’s products are now available through retail partners like SBB rail kiosks and the TWINT app.
Neosurf’s launch is designed to improve user satisfaction and support operators with compliance and safer gambling requirements. According to Neosurf’s CEO, the company’s expertise in handling cash for online deposits in a secure and traceable manner gives it a unique advantage, especially in markets with strong cash usage.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
Spelinspektionen Fines Political Associations for Lack of Control, iGB
Sweden’s gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, has fined several political and charitable organizations for failing to maintain adequate control over their lottery operations. The Swedish Social Democratic Workers’ Party, its youth and women’s leagues, and other associations were penalized following investigations into aggressive telemarketing tactics and marketing violations.
The fines, totaling millions of SEK, were issued after it was found that these organizations had outsourced lottery sales to external telemarketing firms without ensuring proper oversight or compliance with consumer protection laws. The regulator emphasized that licensees are fully responsible for the conduct of their contractors and must ensure all gambling activities are managed safely and transparently.
Offshore Betting Ads Top Complaints to ASCI in 2024–25, The Hindu
Offshore betting advertisements have emerged as the leading source of advertising complaints in India for 2024–25, according to the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI). Offshore betting accounted for 43% of all ad violations, far surpassing other sectors like real estate and personal care. The ASCI processed 9,599 complaints and reviewed 7,199 ads, requiring modifications in 98% of cases.
The spike in complaints follows the introduction of a special monitoring unit in collaboration with online gaming federations. The report highlighted that over 3,000 offshore betting ads appeared during the year, with 318 promoted by social media influencers, who themselves accounted for 14% of total violations.
- The legal landscape for online gambling in the U.S. is shifting fast, Evgeniy Dvoynev on LinkedIn
- A unified rate of 41% tax on remote gaming and betting has been proposed, Chris Fawcett on X
- Big news in the fight against illegal online gambling in Canada, Greg Moore on LinkedIn
- Millions of Indians are grappling with addiction, debt and fraud, IndiaToday on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Gambling is a never ending storm, Bitcoin Forum
- Withdrawal delays are the new silent scam and no one’s talking about it, Reddit
- Gambling ads become part of daily life, Bitcoin Forum
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