iGaming Daily

Last week brought significant challenges for unregulated sweepstakes gaming in the US. Tune into iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, as Managing Editor Jessica Welman and Media Manager Charlie Horner break down the latest wave of negative actions impacting sweepstakes operators and why suppliers should be very concerned.

Discover how the New York legislature passed an anti-sweepstakes gaming bill, making it illegal to supply sweepstakes casino operators with operations in the state, including affiliates, marketing teams, and payment processors. This move forces suppliers to choose between regulated and unregulated markets and could have "significant ramifications".

We also delve into Louisiana's complex situation, where Governor Jeff Landry vetoed an anti-sweepstakes bill, asserting existing laws are sufficient. However, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) subsequently sent out cease and desist letters to sweepstakes sites, demonstrating their enforcement capabilities.

Learn about the ongoing challenges in Mississippi, where despite cease and desist orders, some operators have remained active, raising questions about regulators' sway. Plus, hear insights on how Mississippi's retail-only sports betting market affects offshore operators' decisions.

Finally, we discuss the potentially "huge" development in California, where a bill largely replicating New York's supplier language is being proposed by a group of tribes, including CIGA. This could be a major blow to North American affiliates, whose "bread and butter" has recently become Texas, California, and Georgia sweeps.

Hosts: Jessica Welman & Charlie Horner
Producer: Anaya McDonald
Editor: James Ross

iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. 

Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.

In this special episode of the iGaming Daily Podcast, recorded live at the SBC Summit Americas, we explore the evolving landscape of responsible gaming with Lori Kalani, DraftKings’ first-ever Chief Responsible Gaming Officer. With 20 years of consumer protection law experience and personal ties to the gambling world from her upbringing in Las Vegas, Lori offers a unique, insider perspective on player safety, sustainable play, and the future of the gaming industry. Discover how DraftKings is using technology and education to make responsible gaming tools like "My Stat Sheet" part of everyday play—normalising healthy gambling habits and breaking the stigma around using them.

In this conversation, as part of the panel session 'It’s More Fun When It’s For Fun: In Conversation With...' Lori explains how DraftKings identifies at-risk player behaviour patterns using data analytics and large language models (LLMs) — not just tracking spending but also customer communications for early intervention.

We also dive into the work of the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) — a coalition of eight major operators committed to setting industry-wide responsible gaming standards. Learn about their proactive initiatives like the "Know Your Play" program for college students and plans for a national self-exclusion database, helping protect vulnerable players and keeping them safe from unregulated black market operators.

iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. 

Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.

In this special bonus episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, we're on the ground at SBC Summit Canada 2025 in Toronto (formerly the Canadian Gaming Summit). Hosts Jessica Wellman, Managing Editor of SBC Media, and Tom Nightingale, Editor of Canadian Gaming Business, break down key headlines and exclusive insights from day two of this premier gaming conference. This episode covers crucial updates on provincial gaming markets, regulatory shifts, and operator concerns shaping the future of iGaming and land-based casinos in Canada.

Discover major announcements including Alberta’s projected 2026 market entry as revealed by Minister Dale Nally, tax and advertising guidelines in development, and Ontario’s gaming system overhaul led by Minister Stan Cho. Learn about iGaming Ontario’s (IGO) transition into a standalone agency, a comprehensive review of both online and brick-and-mortar gaming operations, and new plans to enhance AML (Anti-Money Laundering) reporting standards with FINTRAC. This episode also dives into Ontario’s success in player channelisation, with over 85% of players on regulated platforms — vital data backed by Ipsos and H2 Gambling Capital research.

For full panel recaps, detailed articles, and exclusive interviews from SBC Summit Canada, visit CanadianGamingBusiness.com.

Host: Jessica Welman
Guest: Tom Nightingale
Producer: James Ross
Editor: James Ross

iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. 

Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.

In the latest episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, hosts Ted Orme-Claye, Editor of SBC News and Justin Byers of SBC Americas tackle the rising tide of online abuse directed at athletes, an alarming trend increasingly tied to the global expansion of sports betting markets.

The conversation spotlights the recent targeting of British tennis star Katie Boulter following her French Open loss—an incident that sparked strong reactions from governing bodies like the ITF and WTA. The hosts also examine how this troubling behaviour is gaining ground in the US since the 2018 PASPA repeal, with Justin offering an insider look at how college sports and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals have made student-athletes more vulnerable than ever to harassment linked to betting outcomes.

This in-depth discussion covers how leagues, operators, and organisations are fighting back—from the NCAA’s “Don’t Be a Loser” video campaign to action plans by Epic Global Solutions and FanDuel’s response to Olympian Gabby Thomas speaking out.

Ted and Justin explore the complex web of betting sponsorships, brand partnerships, and league collaborations that may unintentionally fuel fan suspicion and conspiracy theories about match integrity.

To read more about the topics discussed in today's episode, click on the following links:

https://sbcnews.co.uk/sportsbook/2025/06/18/tennis-online-hate-signify/
https://sbcamericas.com/2025/06/10/matt-wein-athlete-harassment-analysis/
https://sbcamericas.com/2025/06/10/ncaa-signify-gambling-abuse-data/?s=09

Host: Ted Orme-Claye
Guest: Justin Byers
Producer: Anaya McDonald
Editor: James Ross

iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. 

Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.

In this episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, host Damian Martinez sits down with Ricardo Assis, Editor of SBC Noticias Brazil and Lucia Gando, Editor of SBC Noticias, as the three zero in on Brazil’s recent regulatory overhaul, where the government has increased the Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) tax rate from 12% to 18%.

This controversial measure, championed by Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, aims to plug the country's fiscal gap but has ignited industry-wide resistance and political backlash from lawmakers determined to curb unsustainable public spending.

The episode also shines a spotlight on the growing tension between Brazil's legal and illegal betting markets. With six major gaming associations warning that higher taxes may drive operators underground, the stakes are high. A revealing study shows that up to 51% of the Brazilian market remains unregulated, with 73% of players expected to gamble on illegal sites in 2025—costing the government billions in lost revenue. This paradox—where efforts to regulate and tax the industry may inadvertently fuel black-market growth—is central to the podcast's timely and critical analysis.

Expanding beyond Brazil, the conversation covers regulatory milestones in Peru and Paraguay that are shaping the future of LatAm sports betting. Peru’s move to criminalise match-fixing and ease tax burdens on operators signals progress toward a fairer, safer market, while Paraguay’s push to dismantle its state monopoly promises new licensing opportunities and increased tax revenue.

Host: Damian Martinez
Guest: Ricardo Assis & Lucia Gando
Producer: Anaya McDonald
Editor: James Ross

iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. 

Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.

In today’s episode of iGaming Daily, supported by Optimove, Joe Streeter sits down with, Jeremy Stein, CEO and Co-Founder at SportsGrid, break down SportsGrid’s major push into the iGaming space as the network leverages its dominance in free ad-supported sports television to capture the growing online casino market.

With an audience of over 240 million unique viewers annually and more than 30% market share, SportsGrid is now expanding its content strategy to include casino gaming — responding directly to overwhelming viewer demand for retail, online, and sweepstakes casino experiences.

Listeners will hear how SportsGrid is reshaping its programming to meet this demand, including new shows like the Spin Invitational with influencer Paige Spiranac and upcoming game-show-style formats such as Slot Wheels and America’s Slot Talent featuring Brian Christopher. These moves signal a significant shift in how sports and casino content are being blended to attract a wider audience, including those interested in both betting and iGaming.

The two also cover how this strategy aligns with industry giants like FanDuel and DraftKings, which operate across both sportsbooks and online casinos.

The episode also explores what this expansion means for the future of sports media, betting content, and streaming. With responsible gaming practices at its core and a growing portfolio of sports betting coverage tied to major global events like the Olympics and World Cup, Sports Grid’s evolution signals larger trends in how media platforms are adapting to serve both sports and casino gaming communities.

Host: Joe Streeter
Guest: Jeremy Stein
Producer: Anaya McDonald
Editor: James Ross

iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. 

Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.

In today's episode of iGaming Daily, sponsored by Optimove, Ted Orme-Claye, Viktor Kayed, and Ted Menmuir break down the recent removal of Gibraltar and the UAE from the EU’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) watch list. Viktor, who originally broke the story for SBC News, details why this delisting marks a crucial turning point for these markets. Gibraltar, long regarded as a premier hub for European gaming operators and B2B technology providers, has worked swiftly to address shortcomings flagged by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)—strengthening its AML controls, asset seizure processes, and gambling oversight to restore its market reputation and access to EU business channels.

The discussion then shifts to the United Arab Emirates, a fast-emerging player in the global iGaming scene. The UAE’s removal from the AML list follows its creation of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), a step towards a legalised and regulated gaming environment in the region. With Wynn Resorts' Ras Al Khaimah project on the horizon, the UAE is positioning itself not just as a potential destination for high-end land-based gaming but also as a future hub for game development, technology platforms, and iGaming investment—serving as a bridge to key Asian markets. However, the three caution against overestimating its immediate impact on broader online gambling in Asia, pointing to the unique complexities of neighboring countries such as China, India, and Japan.

This episode highlights why these regulatory shifts are a game-changer for investors, gaming operators, and tech innovators alike. The removal from the EU and FATF “gray lists” reduces financial risk, removes regulatory barriers, and sends a strong signal of market credibility—opening doors for partnerships, funding, and new ventures in both Gibraltar and the UAE.

Host: Ted Orme-Claye
Guests: Ted Menmuir & Viktor Kayed
Producer: Anaya McDonald
Editor: James Ross

iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. 

Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.

Hosted by Joe Streeter, today's episode of iGaming Daily returns to conference room floor of SBC Summit Malta, as he is joined by Dennis Algreen, Senior Marketing Director, the discussion focused on the summit and how it emphasised the importance of broadening its focus.

A standout theme from the event was the industry’s candid conversation around the black market—a topic that has often remained in the shadows. The three openly debated whether this segment should be eradicated or carefully integrated into the regulated sphere, ensuring the discussion didn't spiral into an echo chamber.

Responsible gambling also took centre stage with an interactive workshop moderated by Craig Davies, where the importance of lived experience—highlighted by personal stories from leaders like Craig Kore of Epic Global Solutions—added a human dimension to policy and compliance talks. Other sessions delved into topics such as slot game innovation and the rise of new markets like the UAE, sparking fresh ideas across the floor.

Looking ahead, the SBC Summit Malta served as the ideal precursor to the highly anticipated SBC Summit Lisbon this September. Lisbon is set to offer an even larger stage, featuring major global voices like Gary Vaynerchuk and expanded content tracks focused on crypto regulation, market leadership, and regional growth opportunities from Asia to Europe.

Host: Joe Streeter
Guests: Dennis Algreen & Craig Davies
Producer: Anaya McDonald
Editor: James Ross

iGaming Daily is the official podcast of SBC Summit Malta. Taking place from 10-12 June at the Intercontinental in Malta, SBC Summit Malta is the definitive casino and betting event where European companies and professionals converge to explore cutting-edge insights, gain transformative skills, and forge impactful connections with senior decision-makers. Get your tickets now at sbcevents.com.

iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. 

Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.

In this special bonus episode recorded at the close of SBC Summit Malta 2025, join our host, Ted Orme-Claye, who led the Affiliation and Marketing Stage, and Ted Menmuir, the moderator of the AI, Innovation, and Customer Realities track, as they share exclusive insights straight from the operational heart of the iGaming world. 

Together, they unpack the biggest trends, pressures, and predictions shaping the global betting and iGaming industry, offering listeners an insider’s perspective on what’s coming next for operators, affiliates, and suppliers navigating this rapidly evolving sector.

One of the summit’s most talked-about themes—the "new tax dawn"—signals a game-changing economic shift for B2C operators in regulated markets. With tax burdens now exceeding 50% in key regions like France, the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK, operators are feeling the squeeze more than ever. Germany’s severe taxation and game restrictions have pushed channelisation to the black market beyond 55%, prompting many to write off the country as a viable market altogether. 

Alongside the tax pressure, operators must now contend with fragmented advertising bans and tightening regulations across Europe, making 2025 a year of strategic cost-saving, operational pivoting, and regulatory navigation.

Despite these challenges, the future holds promise. Optimism surrounds Finland’s upcoming regulated market launch in 2027, with stakeholders preparing early to avoid the missteps seen in markets like the Netherlands. Italy shows renewed energy too, albeit now catering mostly to top-tier operators due to its £7 million licensing cost. The rise of AI remains another pivotal opportunity—and risk—with summit discussions exploring its potential to transform customer service, content creation, and competitive dynamics across the industry.

On this episode of iGaming Daily, the discussion begins in Malta with the highly debated Bill 55 — a legislative move designed to shield Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)-licensed operators from foreign claims, reinforcing the island's position as Europe’s premier iGaming hub. However, this law has sparked legal scrutiny across the EU, with opponents arguing it contradicts European Single Market rules and raises significant competition law concerns under Article 56 of the EU Treaty.

Host Charlie Horner is joined by iGaming Experts Editor Joe Streeter and SBC’s Media Director Martyn Elliott, reporting live from SBC Summit Malta. Together, they delve into why Bill 55 could face escalation to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) following Austrian legal challenges — and what this means for operators contributing over 11% to Malta’s GDP. Shifting focus to the UK market, the trio unpacks the implications of proposed gambling tax hikes, including potential increases to 21% or even 41% as suggested by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

In this episode, discover why experts warn that aggressive tax changes could unintentionally fuel black market gambling, erode KYC safeguards, and put players at risk. While some regulators dismiss these fears as overstated, industry insiders argue the risk of unlicensed, poorly regulated operations is real.

Host: Charlie Horner
Guests: Martyn Elliott & Joe Streeter
Producer: Anaya McDonald
Editor: James Ross

iGaming Daily is the official podcast of SBC Summit Malta. Taking place from 10-12 June at the Intercontinental in Malta, SBC Summit Malta is the definitive casino and betting event where European companies and professionals converge to explore cutting-edge insights, gain transformative skills, and forge impactful connections with senior decision-makers. Get your tickets now at sbcevents.com.

iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. 

Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.