Looking back at 2025: The year in review Summary 2025 was a whirlwind for the gambling and iGaming sector — rapid consolidation, big-ticket M&A, sharper regulation and a single theme that never left the headlines: prediction markets. From blockbuster acquisitions and IPOs to tax hikes and legal revelations, the industry saw transformations that will shape […]
Five Sportsbooks Could Shut Down Chicago Sports Betting Over Budget Language Summary Chicago’s proposed budget contains language that would insert “an online sports wagering operator” into the city code and create city-level sports betting licences, alongside a proposed 10.25% city tax on adjusted revenue for bets placed within city limits. Major operators — bet365, BetMGM, […]
In Brazil, the main shop window for the underground market is digital platforms and influencers Summary Andre Gelfi, board member and co‑founder of the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR), assesses Brazil’s first year of online betting regulation. He says the new rules have improved consumer protection, traceability and professionalisation of licenced operators, and generated […]
2025 was a defining year for the Merkur Group – a year of transformation that has set the tone for the decade ahead Summary 2025 was a landmark year for the Merkur Group, marked by a major internal restructure, a generational leadership shift and strategic moves that broaden the company’s international reach. Dominik Raasch, Management […]
NIGC: “Cybersecurity remains the most immediate threat to tribal operations” Summary The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), represented by Shawn Pensoneau (Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs), says FY2024 saw record gross gaming revenue (GGR) of $43.9 billion, reflecting tribal resilience and sound regulatory practice. At G2E the NIGC identified a “triple threat” to tribal gaming — […]
“In 2026, we will continue the fight to protect the legal, state-regulated, and tribal gaming markets from illegal gambling” Summary Tres York, Vice President of Government Relations at the American Gaming Association (AGA), reflects on 2025 and outlines the AGA’s priorities for 2026. The legal, state-regulated and tribal gaming markets remained strong in 2025, with […]
The combination of product launches and a million+ meetings makes ICE Barcelona the most important gaming event anywhere in the world | Yogonet International Summary ICE’s first Barcelona edition rewrote industry records in 2025: 59,101 unique attendees across ICE and iGB Affiliate, with ICE alone reaching 50,019 (an 11% uplift) and iGB Affiliate 9,082 (up […]
“iGaming is becoming more regulated, more responsible, and more connected to the global tech landscape” | Yogonet International Summary SOFTSWISS spent 2025 focusing on certified market entries, compliance-driven product development and geographic expansion into regulated jurisdictions. In an exclusive year-end interview, Max Trafimovich, International Non-Executive Director at SOFTSWISS, reflects on key milestones — notably LATAM […]
The biggest lesson of 2025 is that speed and reinvestment matter Summary Soft2Bet’s General Counsel, David Yatom Hay, reflects on a fast-growth 2025 in which product innovation, modern technology and regulated-market focus fuelled major commercial gains. The company nearly doubled year-on-year—EBITDA up 96% and revenue up 88%—while proving its MEGA gamification layer can materially lift […]
Blask x NEXT.io: Which enforcement approaches actually curb offshore gambling? Summary Seven European gambling regulators (Germany, Austria, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Portugal and Spain) agreed coordinated action in November 2025 to tackle offshore gambling. The pact focuses on shared intelligence about illegal operators, coordinated complaints to digital platforms to curb advertising, and the exchange […]
