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Regulatory action, tax changes, and market expansion shaped the iGaming industry this week. Governments tightened rules in key jurisdictions, while operators pursued new partnerships and launched innovative products to expand their global footprint. Responsible gambling initiatives also gained momentum through new collaborations and policy updates.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- Bangladesh adopted a zero-tolerance policy on online gambling.
- The Netherlands’ black market overtook the licensed sector for the first time.
- Kenya introduced a 5% tax on gambling withdrawals.
- Fanatics gained ground as New York betting handle reached $2.29B.
- MGM Resorts partnered with BetBlocker to expand responsible gambling tools.
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Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
Bangladesh Government Adopts Zero-Tolerance Policy on Online Gambling, Bangladesh Pratidin
Bangladesh has declared a strict zero-tolerance approach toward online gambling advertisements and content. Under its new Cyber Security Act, promoting online gambling through websites, apps, or social media can lead to fines, site blocks, or legal actions.
Media personalities, influencers, and tech platforms have been warned not to host or endorse gambling content or risk penalties.
Black Market Surpasses Licensed Sector in the Netherlands for the First Time, Yogonet
In the Netherlands, the KSA reports that during H1 2025, gross gaming revenue from licensed operators dropped by 14%, to about €600 million, while the black market was estimated at €617 million, overtaking the legal sector for the first time since legalization.
Kenya Imposes 5% Tax on Gambling Withdrawals, Yogonet
Kenya’s new Finance Act 2025 imposes a 5% withholding tax on all withdrawals from betting and gaming wallets, even if no bet was placed. Previously, only net winnings were taxed at 20%. The move is expected to nearly double revenue collections from the sector, but critics warn it may drive players toward unregulated platforms.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Entain Posts 6% Q3 NGR Growth Despite Weak Sports Margins, NEXT
Entain’s net gaming revenue (NGR) rose 6% year-on-year in Q3 2025, helped by strong performance from its U.S. joint venture, BetMGM, which posted a 23% jump in net revenue.
Excluding U.S. operations, group NGR grew 4% on a reported basis (5% in constant currency), with online NGR up 5% despite unfavorable sports results that trimmed performance by 1–2 percentage points.
Fanatics Gains Ground as New York Betting Handle Reaches $2.29B, Gambling Insider
In September, New York’s mobile sports betting handle reached $2.29 billion, marking one of the strongest months of 2025. Fanatics’ sportsbook recorded standout growth, climbing the state rankings as its market share continues to expand following its gradual rollout.
Analysts say this performance puts additional pressure on established operators like FanDuel and DraftKings to maintain their dominance in the nation’s largest betting market.
Danes Increase Gambling Spend Across Channels, European Gaming
Recent data shows that Denmark saw a rise in spending on online casinos, traditional betting, and land-based gambling. The increase reflects both higher player participation and larger average spend per user.
Regulators note that the growth has been concentrated in licensed operators, suggesting a stable, well-regulated market environment that continues to draw players away from unlicensed alternatives.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
Blueprint Gaming Signs Partnership With Finland’s Veikkaus, European Gaming
Blueprint Gaming has partnered with Veikkaus, Finland’s state-owned lottery operator, to bring its entire game portfolio, such as Rick and Morty: Strike Back, Ted Afterparty, King Kong, and Fishin’ Frenzy, into the Finnish market.
This agreement gives Veikkaus access to Blueprint’s content across lottery, casino, and sports betting segments, strengthening Blueprint’s European presence.
F12 Launches Pick’Em Product in Brazil Through WA.Technology, Gambling Insider
F12 has debuted Pick’Em in Brazil through a partnership with WA.Technology, integrating a fantasy-style, player-focused betting format into its offering. The product is localized for Brazil and blends elements of sports betting with fantasy engagement, targeting both acquisition and retention of users.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
Spain Opens Public Consultation on Gambling Regulations, SiGMA
Spain’s Directorate General of Gaming has opened a public consultation ahead of proposed updates to its gambling laws. The consultation covers issues like consumer protection, advertising limits, online casino rules, and regulatory oversight enhancements.
Stakeholders, including operators, NGOs, and the public, can submit feedback before revisions are finalized.
MGM Resorts International Partners With BetBlocker for Safer Gambling, Gambling Insider
MGM Resorts International has teamed up with BetBlocker, a self-exclusion and blocking tool, to provide its customers with enhanced control over gambling access. The partnership enables users at MGM to self-exclude across multiple platforms and devices using BetBlocker’s cross-operator blocklists, reinforcing responsible gambling features.
- Major Illegal Gambling Network Dismantled in Europe, iGamingToday.com on LinkedIn
- Americans gambled $150 Billion on online Sportbooks last year, Rolling Stone on X
- The Paradox of Online Casinos in Cyprus, George Kyprianou on LinkedIn
- Online gambling has turned into a public health crisis, Stop Predatory Gambling on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Gambling has it’s fun and relaxed side, Bitcoin Forum
- Beware of TOONIEBET.CA in Canada, Reddit
- Web3 games catching up with gambling and entertainment, Bitcoin Forum
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