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Regulatory debates, financial restructuring, and responsible gambling research shaped the iGaming industry this week. It was a week of tighter oversight, major financial moves, and steady innovation reshaping global gambling markets.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- Brazil’s Arthur Lira called for a crackdown on illegal betting before new tax hikes.
- Entain issued $926 million in bonds to refinance debt and extend maturities.
- Super Group launched a stablecoin to improve transactions across African markets.
- The UK youth gambling rate held steady at 0.8%, with 26% reporting participation.
- A Norwegian study linked video gaming features to higher gambling risk.
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Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
Illegal Betting Ads Top ASCI’s Complaints List in H1, The Hindu Businessline
India’s Advertising Standards Council (ASCI) reported that illegal betting and gambling promotions accounted for 29% of all complaints it received in the first half of 2025, making it the most flagged advertising category.
The watchdog said most violations involved offshore betting platforms using surrogate branding or social media influencers to promote real-money gaming. ASCI has been coordinating with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to block non-compliant ads and issue public advisories targeting repeat offenders.
Brazil: Speaker Lira Calls for Crackdown on Illegal Betting Before Tax Increases, Gambling Insider
Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies President Arthur Lira has urged regulators and law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts against illegal betting operations before introducing new gambling tax measures. Speaking in Brasília, Lira said the government must “clean up the sector” to ensure compliance and fairness before adjusting tax rates.
The comments come as Congress debates amendments to Brazil’s sports betting and iGaming tax framework, which could see operator tax burdens rise amid concerns about offshore competition and regulatory enforcement gaps.
Bulgaria Brings Gambling Taxation Rates to a Tipping Point, iGaming Expert
Bulgaria’s government has proposed tax changes that analysts warn could push the local iGaming market to a breaking point. The new framework seeks to align with broader European Union trends, potentially raising tax rates for online operators from the current 15% to around 20% of gross gaming revenue.
Industry experts argue that such a move risks driving players to unlicensed markets, repeating challenges seen in other EU jurisdictions where aggressive tax hikes reduced channelisation.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Entain Launches $926 Million Bond Offer to Refinance Existing Debt, Yogonet
Entain has announced a $926 million (approximately £740 million) bond issue aimed at refinancing portions of its current debt. The proceeds will be used to redeem part of its outstanding term loans due in 2027, reducing the company’s leverage and improving its capital structure.
The new bonds will mature in 2031 and carry a fixed interest rate. The move is part of Entain’s ongoing financial optimisation strategy under its “Project Galaxy” framework, which focuses on strengthening liquidity, cutting debt costs, and supporting future growth initiatives across its global portfolio.
PrizePicks to Offer Polymarket Sports Contracts After Regulatory Approval, Yogonet
PrizePicks will begin offering sports prediction contracts powered by Polymarket’s decentralised trading technology, following approval from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The collaboration allows PrizePicks users to trade event-based sports contracts, such as win probabilities and player outcomes, within a regulated framework.
The rollout marks one of the first major integrations between a daily fantasy platform and a prediction market operator, reflecting growing convergence between fantasy gaming, retail trading, and blockchain-driven prediction ecosystems.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
Elantil Partners With Wazdan to Strengthen Marketplace Offering, iGB
Gaming marketplace Elantil has signed a new partnership with developer Wazdan to expand its digital casino content portfolio. The collaboration will bring Wazdan’s full suite of online slots, including popular titles like 9 Coins™, Power of Gods™: Hades, and Sizzling Eggs™, to Elantil’s operator network.
The integration leverages Wazdan’s Freedom of Choice™ features, such as adjustable volatility and ultra-fast modes, giving Elantil’s clients more flexibility and engagement tools. The move marks Elantil’s latest step in scaling its aggregator platform for faster market expansion.
Super Group Launches Stablecoin for African Market, NEXT
Super Group, the parent company of Betway and Spin, has introduced a proprietary stablecoin payment solution designed to improve transaction efficiency in African markets. The blockchain-based system allows users to deposit, wager, and withdraw funds using digital tokens pegged to the U.S. dollar.
The rollout begins in Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria, with plans for broader expansion in 2026. Executives said the move supports Super Group’s mission to improve financial inclusion and user accessibility through regulated fintech innovation.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
Gambling Commission: Youth Problem Gambling Rate ‘Stable’ but Not Falling, iGB
The UK Gambling Commission’s latest annual Young People and Gambling Survey found that problem gambling rates among 11- to 17-year-olds remain “statistically stable” at 0.8%, with an additional 3.5% identified as “at risk.” The regulator notes that the rate has not declined despite stricter advertising controls and school education programmes.
The report shows that 26% of minors have engaged in some form of gambling in the past year, often through informal bets among friends or family. The Commission said it will continue to focus on preventing exposure to gambling content via social media and gaming platforms.
Almost Half of UK Bettors Would Only Seek Help After Falling Into Debt, European Gaming
A new survey conducted by TalkBanStop and GamCare revealed that 46% of UK bettors said going into debt would be the only reason they would talk about their gambling problems. The study, based on responses from over 2,000 adults.
The data highlights a widespread reluctance to seek help early, with one in five admitting they have already hidden financial struggles caused by gambling. The findings underline the continued stigma around problem gambling and the need for improved awareness campaigns and early intervention measures.
Norwegian Study Finds Strong Link Between Video Gaming and Gambling Behaviours, NEXT
A study published by the University of Bergen has identified a significant correlation between video gaming habits and gambling activity among young adults in Norway. Researchers found that those who engage heavily in loot boxes, esports betting, and virtual item trading are more likely to develop gambling-related problems later on.
The study recommends stricter regulation of gambling-like mechanics within video games and greater parental awareness of how in-game features can mimic wagering behaviours.
- Online gambling has become a social crisis in South Africa, Kaitlin Byrne on LinkedIn
- Online gambling is everywhere. So are the risks, Daily Breeze on X
- Interesting potential changes to rules in online gambling as Ontario courts agree that gamblers can play with people outside of Canada, Breydon MacDonald on LinkedIn
- Sports betting isn’t “just for fun” anymore, Prescott House on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Winning the lottery does more harm than good, Bitcoin Forum
- Bar slot demos are redefining how we learn the art of online gambling, Reddit
- The real risk management in sports betting going for consistency, Bitcoin Forum
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