Hot Copy: Monopoly money

Summary

By Conor Mulheir — 12 Sep 2025

This Hot Copy round-up highlights three quick developments that matter to the iGaming and gambling policy world: GambleAware warning that flashy prize-draws (think Omaze, McDonald’s Monopoly) can normalise gambling and are linked to rising problem-gambling rates; fresh US crypto regulation drama as Brian Quintenz accuses the Winklevoss twins of trying to block his CFTC confirmation over a Gemini settlement; and billionaire John Caudwell pushing radical tax ideas for Britain, including a new online gambling tax and other bold fiscal moves.

Key Points

GambleAware warns prize-draw promotions resemble gambling mechanics and may normalise gambling, particularly among younger people.
Problem-gambling rates in Great Britain rose from 2.4% (2020) to 3.8% (2024); help-seeking also climbed substantially in that period.
The charity calls for stronger protections: health warnings on ads, tighter digital marketing rules, bans on sports-sponsorship and closer oversight of prize-draws.
Omaze says it uses spending caps and behaviour monitoring and works on a voluntary industry code, arguing it prioritises consumer protection.
In the US, nominee Brian Quintenz alleges the Winklevoss twins lobbied against his CFTC confirmation over a $5m Gemini settlement — a flashpoint in broader crypto regulatory battles.
Quintenz says he won’t be swayed by pressure and that the CFTC may extend oversight to more crypto tokens if confirmed.
John Caudwell has proposed an online gambling tax (potentially up to £5bn), higher VAT and other fiscal measures as part of a radical Budget pitch to Labour.
Industry warns higher taxes could push customers to black markets; Caudwell pairs the gambling tax pitch with green-investment incentives and unusual ideas like a “carbohydrate tax”.

Why should I read this?

Short version: three quick items that could change the rules of the game. Prize draws are suddenly in the safer-gambling spotlight (think ad rules and teen exposure), US crypto fights could reshape regulator reach, and a potential UK online-gambling tax would hit revenues and marketing. If you work in iGaming, payments, compliance or marketing, this is the sort of short, sharp update that helps you spot risk and plan a response — no deep dive needed, but don’t ignore it.

Source

Source: https://next.io/news/features/hot-copy-12-september/