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Regulatory crackdowns, enforcement activity, and responsible gambling initiatives took center stage in the iGaming industry this week. The week also reflected how operators, governments, and tech firms are adapting to shifting laws and consumer trends across global markets.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- The Philippines permanently banned offshore gaming operators, ending the POGO era.
- The UK Gambling Commission suspended Spribe’s licence pending investigation.
- New Zealand raised its online gambling tax to 16% to support community programs.
- Allwyn detailed financing for its $1.6 billion acquisition of PrizePicks.
- Trump’s media company announced a prediction-betting marketplace on Truth Social.
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Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
Spribe Suspended by UK Gambling Commission, SBC News
The UK Gambling Commission has suspended casino games supplier Spribe’s licence, halting its ability to offer products to licensed UK operators. The regulator cited concerns related to social responsibility and compliance failures pending a full investigation. Spribe, best known for its hit crash game Aviator, said it is cooperating fully with the regulator to resolve the issues and restore operations.
Philippines Enacts Law Permanently Banning Offshore Gaming Operators, Yogonet
The Philippines has officially enacted a law that permanently bans offshore gaming operators (formerly known as POGOs) after years of controversy surrounding tax evasion and alleged criminal activity. The legislation requires the immediate cessation of all offshore gambling operations and revokes existing licences.
New Zealand Raises Online Gambling Tax to 16% to Support Local Communities, NEXT
New Zealand has increased its offshore gambling duty from 12% to 16%, with the additional 4% earmarked for community and sports funding. The reform ensures online gambling revenue benefits local organisations while maintaining strict harm-prevention standards. It also mandates licensing for offshore operators and introduces spending limits, self-exclusion options, and enhanced player protection measures.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Allwyn International Details Financing Plan for $1.6 B Acquisition of PrizePicks, iGB
Allwyn International has agreed to acquire a 62.3% stake in PrizePicks at an upfront cash consideration of US $1.6 billion, valuing the U.S. daily fantasy sports operator at US $2.5 billion initially and potentially up to US $4.15 billion, subject to performance-based earn-outs over the next three years.
Ernst & Young Report Projects Multi-Billion Pound Impact From Higher Gambling Taxes, Gambling Insider
A report by EY estimates that aligning General Betting Duty and Remote Gaming Duty at 21% in the U.K. would raise Treasury revenue by about £250 million but warns of significant risks: higher tax rates could lead to a fall in gross value added (GVA) of £240 million, loss of around 3,000 jobs, and a shift of illegal activity into the black market if extreme tax changes, up to 50%, are applied.
Betsson AB Reports 5.6% Q3 Growth Driven by Italy and Latin America, Yogonet
Betsson AB posted group revenue of EUR 295.8 million in Q3 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 6%. The growth was spearheaded by strong performance in Italy and Latin American markets, with Western Europe revenue up 27.3% driven by Italy’s casino and sportsbook segments.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) announced it will introduce a prediction-betting marketplace on its platform Truth Social in partnership with Crypto.com. The marketplace will allow users to place bets on the outcomes of political, economic, entertainment, and sports events, marking a significant step into event-driven betting for the company.
Playson Unveils New Game Mechanic in Paddy Star: Smash and Win, Gambling Insider
Playson has introduced a new game mechanic in its slot title Paddy Star: Smash and Win, where a leprechaun Wild symbol colliding with a Bonus or Jackpot icon activates a “Smash & Win” sequence. This sequence unlocks enhanced features, including randomly triggered special mechanics like Jackpot Nudge and Wild Nudge.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
Unimontes to Offer Free Assistance for Gambling Addiction, Gaming America
Brazil’s State University of Montes Claros (Unimontes) has launched a new program providing free support services for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. The initiative includes counselling, referral to treatment, and educational outreach, aiming to reach underserved populations in Minas Gerais and expand to other regions as the programme develops.
Svenska Spel Conference Addresses Match-Fixing and Youth Gambling Challenges, Gambling Insider
Sweden’s state-owned operator Svenska Spel and the national sports federation convened a major conference in Solna focusing on the twin issues of match-fixing and gambling harm among young people. Topics discussed ranged from data misuse in unlicensed markets to youth exposure to gambling mechanics embedded in gaming and social media.
- Estonia is under the parliamentary discussion to push new/updated gambling bill, Karolis Dula on LinkedIn
- Drake, Adin Ross And Stake Online Casino Sued For ‘Deceptive’ Online Gambling Practices, SANTINO on X
- The online gambling market is opening in Finland, Minna Ripatti on LinkedIn
- South Africa’s gambling revenue surges in 2025, Openbox Gaming on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- The real risk management in sports betting going for consistency, Bitcoin Forum
- TrueLuck Casino – Withdrawal Pending Over 72 Hours, Reddit
- Why do gambling influencers always seem to win? Bitcoin Forum
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