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Regulation and consumer protection were at the forefront of the iGaming industry this week. Governments advanced new policies, regulators explored tighter oversight, and fresh research shed light on growing risks for players. Industry leaders also outlined new strategies to strengthen responsible gambling and improve long-term market stability.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- Latvia moves up gambling tax hike to January 2026.
- Thailand’s Senate rejects casino legalization bill.
- Gambling participation and harm rise sharply in Australia.
- New Gamstop Chair prioritizes self-exclusion tools.
- KSA plans stricter rules on player analytics.
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😎 Interested in what the online community is saying? Visit our Opinion Corner, where we cover the top social media posts, and provide expert commentary.
Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
Latvia Moves Up Gambling Tax Increase to January 2026, iGB
Latvia’s parliament has approved plans to accelerate a major gambling tax increase, moving the implementation date forward by six months to 1 January 2026. Lawmakers said the early introduction is intended to boost state revenue and fund social programs linked to gambling-related harm.
The new framework will raise the tax on interactive gambling from 12% to 15% of gross gaming revenue and increase telephone-based betting tax from 15% to 18%. Annual levies on slot machines will climb from €6,204 to €7,440 per unit, while table games will face a new annual tax of €40,440, up from about €33,696.
Thai Senate Rejects Casino Legalization Bill, Bangkok Post
Thailand’s Senate has rejected a landmark bill that would have legalized integrated resort casinos, halting one of the country’s most ambitious gambling reform efforts to date. Lawmakers cited concerns over social impacts, regulatory readiness, and insufficient public consultation as reasons for the bill’s failure.
The decision deals a major blow to government efforts to capture regional gaming revenue and compete with neighboring countries like Singapore and the Philippines.
Gambling Participation and Harm Rising in Australia, Study Finds, ABC NEWS
A major new national study has revealed a sharp increase in gambling participation and related harm across Australia. The report shows that nearly half of all adults now gamble regularly, with problem gambling rates rising significantly since the pandemic.
Researchers warn that current regulations and responsible gambling measures are failing to keep pace with the growth of online betting, calling for stronger consumer protections and tighter industry oversight.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Irish Gambling Industry Shows Signs of Recovery, Gambling Insider
New statistics indicate that Ireland’s gambling industry may be entering a recovery phase after several years of volatility. Data shows a rebound in player participation and spending, driven by a growing online segment and stabilizing retail operations.
Analysts say the figures suggest a return to pre-pandemic levels of activity, though regulatory uncertainty and upcoming reforms could still impact growth in the coming year.
Raketech Sells Casumba Assets in €12 Million Deal, NEXT
Affiliate group Raketech has agreed to sell its Casumba business for €12 million, marking a strategic divestment as the company refocuses on higher-margin verticals. The deal includes a mix of cash and deferred consideration.
The deal should strengthen Raketech’s balance sheet and free up resources for investment in growth areas such as sports media and U.S. market expansion.
Buzz Bingo Reports 5% Revenue Growth to £217.2 Million, Gambling Insider
Buzz Bingo reported £217.2 million in net gaming revenue (NGR) for its 2024 financial year, a 5% year-on-year increase fueled by a strong digital performance and resilient retail operations.
The company highlighted ongoing investment in its omnichannel offering and technology platforms, as well as progress in expanding its customer base. Management said the results demonstrate steady growth despite a challenging economic backdrop.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
BurraPay Signs Payment Integration Deal With Bragg Gaming, FOX4
Payment solutions provider BurraPay has signed an integration agreement with Bragg Gaming Group to bring its payment processing technology to Bragg’s global iGaming platform. BurraPay says the integration will enhance the user experience and support Bragg’s expansion into new regulated markets.
The partnership aims to streamline transactions for operators and players by offering faster, more secure, and compliant payment options.
SCCG Partners With Galaxsys for Content Distribution, Gambling Insider
SCCG Management has entered into a partnership with Galaxsys to support the distribution of its gaming content across new markets. The deal will focus on expanding Galaxsys’s reach to more operators and enhancing its global footprint, particularly in fast-growing regions.
SCCG says the partnership aligns with its mission to deliver innovative iGaming products and strengthen relationships between developers and operators.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
New Gamstop Chair to Make Self-Exclusion Central to Harm Prevention, Gambling Insider
The newly appointed Chair of Gamstop has pledged to make self-exclusion tools the cornerstone of the UK’s gambling harm prevention strategy. The chair emphasized plans to expand awareness, improve accessibility, and integrate self-exclusion options more seamlessly across online platforms.
The move comes amid growing pressure on operators and regulators to strengthen consumer protections and address rising gambling-related harm.
KSA Plans Stricter Rules on Player Analytics, SBC News
The Netherlands’ gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), is preparing stricter regulations on the use of player choice analytics by licensed operators. Regulators say current practices may exploit player vulnerabilities and increase gambling-related risks.
The proposed changes would require operators to demonstrate how analytics tools support safer gambling and avoid manipulative targeting, signaling a broader shift toward more consumer-focused oversight.
- Sweden is moving to tighten its grip on unlicensed online gambling, iGamingBusiness on LinkedIn
- Please remember to always gamble responsibly, Football Bet Club on X
- Offshore gambling platforms like Rainbet and others have gone viral on TikTok, Matt AkibaMatt Akiba on LinkedIn
- The curve of the online gambling industry bends upward like a quiet tide that no one can stop, Rei on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Gambling in a Responsible Way is Beneficial, Bitcoin Forum
- Jackbit Casino Withdrawal Rejected, Reddit
- Slots or Casino are designed for people to lose, Bitcoin Forum
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