iGaming Daily

In this episode of iGaming Daily, SBC's Charlie Horner and Tom Nightingale dive into the far-reaching implications of the newly introduced “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, a sweeping US budget bill that has sparked major conversations in the gambling sector. While much of the media attention has focused on the bill’s controversial limitation on deducting gambling losses, the episode shines a light on a more overlooked, yet crucial, aspect: an update to the tax reporting threshold for slot machine jackpot wins. Tom, who was among the first to break the story, explains how the threshold, untouched since 1977, has finally been raised from $1,200 to $2,000, with future adjustments tied to inflation.This change addresses a long-standing pain point in casino operations, where a modest jackpot win could halt a machine for nearly an hour while a W2G tax form was processed. The industry has widely applauded the update, with the American Gaming Association calling it a "long overdue modernisation."  In the second half of the episode, SBC's Managing Editor, Jessica Welman, provides a report from her time at the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) summer conference in Louisville, Kentucky. From prediction markets to VGTs in rural communities, and the polarising "cannibalisation panel" examining iGaming’s impact on land-based casinos. Highlights include controversial remarks from former CFTC Counselor Josh Sterling, who downplayed responsible gambling protections, and a heated exchange between industry figures on the future of online gambling. Host: Charlie HornerGuest: Tom NightingaleProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James RossiGaming 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, brought to you by Optimove, Charlie Horner, SBC's Media Manager, takes the hosting seat as he's joined by SBC's "Two Teds" - Ted Menmuir and Ted Orme-Claye - as the three talk the global gambling industry's 2025 interim results. Leading gambling firms are under scrutiny as analysts and investors assess their performance amid mounting tax pressures across key markets like the UK, Netherlands, and France.The trio highlight the most important signals for investors and stakeholders in this high-stakes environment. With the post-COVID boom behind us, the focus has shifted sharply toward cost control, free cash flow, and bottom-line profitability. The "Two Teds" break down how ongoing legislative shifts, such as the UK Gambling Act review, and increasing market saturation are reshaping operator strategies. Looking ahead, thre three explore the industry’s uncertain future as increased taxation may lead to cost-cutting, reduced marketing spend, and potential workforce reductions. Could we see a wave of M&A activity as companies navigate this turbulent period? They also discuss the impact of these dynamics on global players like Entain and Flutter, and how newer markets such as Brazil are performing under pressure.Host: Charlie HornerGuests: Ted Menmuir & Ted Orme-ClayeProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James Ross & Martyn ElliottiGaming 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, in collaboration with the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL), Cristina Romero of Loyra Abogados, breaks down the complex, often-overlooked, world of fundraising in regulated iGaming markets.With nearly 15 years of experience advising on cross-border gaming finance and acquisitions, she explains why fresh capital is essential for driving innovation, market entry and long-term sustainability in an increasingly capital-intensive industry.From Spain and Sweden to Brazil and beyond, Cristina explores the investment landscape in both mature and emerging iGaming jurisdictions. She categorises the three dominant investor profiles, generalist private equity, gambling-savvy venture firms, and strategic industry players, unpacking what each seeks in a high-risk, high-reward environment.In the final segment, the conversation turns to the evolving relationship between traditional regulated operators and disruptive ‘adjacent’ tech firms in Web3, blockchain and AI-powered marketing. Cristina explains how unregulated innovators are setting new benchmarks for speed and agility, often providing vital tools that solve operational pain points for legacy brands.To read more on the topic discussed in today's episode, click on the following link:- https://www.imgl.org/publications/imgl-magazine-volume-3-no-1/raising-capital-in-regulated-gambling-and-betting-markets/Host: Ted MenmuirGuest: Cristina RomeroProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James RossiGaming 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, hosts Fernando Noodt, Anna Maria Menezes, and Elisa Marcante, breaks down the latest delay in the Senate’s vote, political opposition, and the contradictory positions from public figures like the Bolsonaro family. The conversation also examines the booming success of Brazil’s iGaming market, with sportsbooks attracting tens of millions of daily visits, second only to Google. However, not everything is rosy. The hosts discuss the case of a player who claims to have suffered major losses due to alleged misconduct by a major operator. Expanding beyond Brazil, the second half of the episode looks across Latin America at image challenges and regulatory moves. From influencer crackdowns in Argentina and tightening lottery controls in Colombia, the region is grappling with how to balance growth, public perception, and ethical concerns. Host: Fernando NoodtGuests: Lucia Gando, Elisa Marcante, Ana Maria Menezes & Damian MartinezProducer: James RossEditor: James RossiGaming 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.

On this episode of iGaming Daily, Managing Editor, Jessica Welman, and Professional Gambler and Founder of Unabated.com, Jack Andrews, break down a major shift in gambling tax law that’s sending shockwaves through the betting world. Buried within the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the controversial change overhauls how gambling winnings and losses are reported, eliminating the long-standing ability to deduct losses dollar-for-dollar against winnings. This episode dives deep into what the change means for recreational bettors, high-volume players, and industry stakeholders navigating the financial consequences.At the heart of the issue is a new cap limiting gambling loss deductions to just 90% of winnings. This means that even players who walk away with a net loss could owe taxes on up to 10% of their gross wins. Jack Andrews lays out the math: if you win £100,000 but lose £105,000, you’d still owe taxes on £5,000. The implications are especially dire for high-net-worth bettors and VIPs who represent the lifeblood of casino revenue. With fears that the IRS could now more aggressively target these players, the hosts explore how this tax tweak could inadvertently push bettors toward offshore markets and unregulated platforms, threatening the stability of the legal gaming ecosystem.Jessica and Jack also scrutinise the mixed responses from key industry players. While the American Gaming Association initially applauded the legislation, it quickly reversed course after internal backlash. Meanwhile, the Sports Betting Alliance has stayed notably quiet. The episode uncovers growing speculation around how such a sweeping change made it into the bill unnoticed, even by members of the Senate Finance Committee. Host: Jessica WelmanGuest: Jack AndrewsProducer: James RossEditor: James RossiGaming 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, Jessica Welman, Managing Editor at SBC Media is joined by Chelsie Cooper, CEO of Approvely, for an eye-opening deep dive into the realities of the US online gaming ecosystem. Sponsored by Optimove, this episode challenges long-held assumptions about regulated verses unregulated verticals and the evolving role of digital currencies in gaming transactions. Chelsie breaks down how Approvely uses stablecoins, not as a player-facing crypto requirement, but as a backend utility to enable ultra-fast card transaction settlements. The conversation also explores self-regulation in unregulated verticals like sweeps and DFS, where operators are quietly maintaining rigorous KYC/KYB protocols, geo-fencing, and real-time compliance oversight, dispelling the outdated "Wild West" narrative.Finally, the two expose the often-overlooked cost burden of payment processing for online gaming operators, ranging from 7% to 14%. Chelsie shares how fraud models and tools to predict and prevent chargebacks before they occur, offering guaranteed settlements and boosting liquidity. Host: Jessica WelmanGuest: Chelsie CooperProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James RossiGaming 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.

Welcome to iGaming Daily, sponsored by Optimove, where hosts Ted Orme-Claye and Ted Menmuir explore the ever-evolving intersection of UK politics and the gambling industry. In this episode, the two dive into the political strategies shaping the future of betting and gaming, focusing on how major parties are leveraging gambling policy for influence. From the Conservative Party's stance on tax policy to the Liberal Democrats' involvement in football broadcasting rights.Our discussion centres on Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s vocal support for the “axe the racing tax” campaign and her resistance to proposed gambling tax increases. With the UK racing sector facing an estimated £60m-80m annual impact from tax consolidation proposals, Badenoch’s alignment with rural and racing interests raises questions about political strategy versus genuine advocacy. We explore the broader implications for the Conservative Party's rural base and its historical ties to the UK racing industry during a challenging time in the polls.The two Teds also take a closer look at the Liberal Democrats’ amendments to the football governance bill, including their push for free-to-air Premier League broadcasts and tighter restrictions on gambling-related advertising. As football remains the most bet-on market in the UK, it has become a central battleground for political messaging. Host: Ted Orme-ClayeGuest: Ted MenmuirProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James RossiGaming 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, brought to you by Optimove, SBC's Managing Editor, Jessica Welman and Senior Journalist, Tom Nightingale, unpack the seismic opinion from California Attorney General Rob Bonta's office that has turned the entire Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) industry on its head. This isn't just a regulatory update; it's a deep dive into the skill vs chance debate that defines the core of fantasy sports betting and its complex legal standing in California.Both Jessica and Tom unwind the origins of this long-bubbling issue, from Senator Scott Wilk's 2023 request for a legal opinion to the Attorney General's office. The duo delve into the details of the AG's opinion, authoured by Deputy Attorney General, Karim J. Kentfield, which states that no version of DFS complies with state law, broadly interpreting "result of a sporting event" and viewing pick'em fantasy as parlays. Learn about the immediate and varied reactions to the non-binding advisory opinion, including Governor Gavin Newsom's swift disagreement which offers a "glimmer of hope" for operators. The episode highlights how major players like FanDuel and DraftKings are navigating this uncertainty, with DraftKings notably respectfully disagreeing and affirming its intent to continue offering peer-to-peer fantasy contests, including salary cap, Pick Six, and best ball formats, which it believes are legal games of skill. To find out more about the topic discussed in today's episode, click on the following link:- https://sbcamericas.com/2025/07/03/dfs-opinion-california-breakdown/Host: Jessica WelmanGuest: Tom NightingaleProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James RossiGaming 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.

Join Ivana Flynn and special guest Vadim Aidlin, CEO of Mamuta Media, as they unpack the rapidly shifting landscape of SEO and PPC in the current iGaming world.The two start where AI is rewriting the rules almost daily. While SEO is far from dead, it's evolving at lightning speed - with user experience at the core. Meanwhile, PPC is entering an “AI-only” era, where human involvement is nearly obsolete. But what happens when traditional PPC becomes impossible - especially in highly regulated or black/grey markets? The episode also navigates the unpredictable marketing landscape of iGaming. Whether you're a digital marketer, casino operator, or SEO specialist, Ivana and Vadim discuss insights into what’s next - and how to prepare for it.Host: Ivana FlynnGuest: Vadim AidlinProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James RossiGaming 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.

This week on iGaming Daily, hosts Ted Orme-Claye and Ted Menmuir explore a game-changing merger and acquisition that’s making waves across the gaming industry. Greek multinational tech firm Intralot has acquired Bally’s Interactive International, the iCasino division of Bally’s Corporation. The hosts break down the strategic significance of this move, which marks a major shift for Introlot as it expands from its traditional B2B lottery systems into the competitive B2C iGaming and iCasino space. The episode takes a deep dive into Introlot’s ambitious plans for growth, particularly in the US market. With this acquisition, Introlot is positioning itself to deliver cutting-edge iGaming and iCasino solutions to US state lotteries, enhancing their digital competitiveness amid increasing pressure from new operators. The conversation also covers how Gamesys content aligns more naturally with Introlot’s digital-first approach compared to Bally’s legacy focus on brick-and-mortar operations. This strategic alignment could signal a turning point in how legacy casino companies and tech-driven firms approach digital gaming innovation.Finally, Ted and Ted discuss Bally’s motivations for the divestiture, citing mounting debt and recent financial losses as driving forces behind the move. They also look ahead to the future of gaming industry M&A, predicting sustained momentum into 2025 fueled by market saturation, regulatory shifts, and the ongoing digital transformation of the sector. Host: Ted Orme-ClayeGuest: Ted MenmuirProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James RossiGaming 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.