iGaming Daily

On Wednesday's episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, host Fernando Noodt sits down with the SBC Noticias Brasil team to dissect the Lula administration’s controversial plan to sharply increase taxes on the newly regulated iGaming sector. Despite being legalised only months ago, Brazil’s digital betting market now faces significant pressure under the government’s “BBB” campaign —targeting Billionaires, Banks, and Betting Companies—as part of a broader push for “tax justice.” Critics warn that this strategy could “break the toy,” jeopardising a booming industry that generated over 3 billion reais in revenue in just the first five months of 2025.The episode also explores mounting opposition in Congress, warnings from industry leaders, and the growing fear that overly aggressive taxation—potentially exceeding 60%—could drive operators underground. The conversation broadens to include viable alternatives for government revenue, such as the long-debated legalisation of land-based casinos, bingo halls, and horse racing venues, which could inject up to 20 billion reais annually into the economy. With key updates on the development of SINAPO (Brazil’s National Betting System) and new data from the regulated market, this episode offers essential context for understanding the political and economic forces shaping Brazil’s iGaming future. Host: Fernando NoodtGuests: Ricardo Assis & Ana Maria Menezes Producer: 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, SBC's Editor-at-Large, Ted Menmuir and iGaming Expert's Business Journalist, Christian Lee, recap key insights from the recent Gaming in Spain conference in Madrid. A highlight was the DGOJ’s much-anticipated regulatory update, covering proposed changes to deposit limits, advertising rules, and a new mandatory risky behaviour algorithm for identifying problem gamblers.The DGOJ is pushing for a cross-platform approach to deposit limits and revisiting previously repealed advertising restrictions, though progress is slow — partly due to a shift in oversight from the Ministry of Justice to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. Frustration among operators is mounting, with delays and limited communication creating uncertainty.Despite regulatory hurdles, Spain’s online gambling market—currently just 24% of total gambling—is seen as a major growth area, especially for diversified sports betting. The conference also emphasised the need to balance consumer protection with player experience to avoid pushing users to unregulated markets.Host: Ted MenmuirGuest: Christian LeeProducer: 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, host Jessica Welman rides solo today as she dives into the evolving landscape of California's gaming legislation. With a spotlight on a newly proposed sweepstakes bill and the long-awaited Attorney General's opinion on fantasy sports, this episode unpacks what these developments could mean for the future of legal gaming in the Golden State. From potential regulation changes to industry disruption, Jessica provides expert analysis on the critical issues shaping California’s gaming market.Listeners will gain insight into how this legislation could affect key stakeholders, including operators, policymakers, and everyday consumers. The discussion explores the fine line between games of skill and games of chance, a crucial factor in the legal status of fantasy sports in California. With mounting pressure from both sides of the debate, this episode presents a comprehensive look at how legal clarity could reshape the competitive landscape.Host: Jessica WelmanProducer: 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, host Joe Streeter is joined by Chris Elliott, Commercial and Regulatory Lawyer at Wiggins, to dive into the dynamic intersection of the UK gambling market and the rapidly evolving crypto sector. As digital currencies continue to gain traction, the pair examines how recent financial decisions—such as Barclaycard’s move to block credit card purchases of cryptocurrencies—are shaping the future of crypto use within regulated gambling environments.The episode provides a deep analysis of regulatory implications, including how existing frameworks might adapt to accommodate crypto betting while managing inherent risks. Streeter and Elliott discuss the growing influence of public figures and social media influencers in promoting crypto-related gambling, as well as the potential for frameworks like the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation to provide much-needed clarity and consumer protection.Listeners will gain insights into the challenges facing the industry, including the volatility of digital assets, compliance concerns, and the tension between innovation and regulation. Host: Joe StreeterGuest: Chris ElliottProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: James RossIMGL is a not for profit association comprising over 300 members globally. Its members are recognised as the leading experts in their jurisdictions and are involved in most material gambling sector developments and issues worldwide.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.

On today's episode of iGaming Daily, sponsored by Optimove, James Ross is back in the host's chair to discuss a couple of controversial topics, one from the UK and one from Colombia. Firstly in the UK, where an undercover BBC reporter reportedly accessed adult gaming centres (AGCs) in South England while on a self-exclusion list, raising concerns about player safety. The guys discuss the response from John Bollum, BACTA President who called for "unity within the sector" to quickly address any mistakes and emphasised the industry's commitment to "the highest standards in the UK". James and Vik also cover common criticisms levelled at AGCs, such as their location in poverty-stricken areas and late operating hours, and explore the significant pushback from 39 local governments, who co-signed a letter to the DCMS Secretary calling for increased controls, particularly regarding planning applications.In the second part of the pod, the guys delve into the sensational controversy surrounding the state-run Medellin lottery, where a £3 million jackpot winner was revealed to be Louisa Jamo, the wife of the lottery's deputy boss. They clue you in on the fallout, including the investigation into the scandal by Coljuegos, and even Colombian President Gustavo Petro sharing the story on social media, highlighting the critical nature and integrity concerns surrounding the situation.Host: James RossGuests: Viktor KayedProducer: 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.

It's all about Latin America and Brazil in today's episode of iGaming Daily, as the Noticias and Noticias Brasil team, dive headfirst into Brazil’s evolving enforcement landscape. While new regulations signal progress, serious challenges remain — from tackling illegal platforms to the staggering fact that nearly 50% of the market is still dominated by unlicensed operators.But there’s also a bright spot: Google is now allowing sports betting and online gaming apps in Brazil’s Play Store — a major step forward. Backed by both government and industry advocates, this change requires proof of licensing and is designed to steer users toward legitimate platforms, improve safety, and strengthen Brazil’s legal iGaming ecosystem.We’ll also zoom out to the broader Latam region. In the Dominican Republic, lawmakers are pushing for a new bill aimed at improving transparency and tax collection in gaming. Meanwhile in Chile, a lack of clear iGaming regulation has opened the door to over 3,800 unregulated platforms, leaving state-run Polla Chilena struggling to compete.From enforcement gaps to major policy shifts, this episode unpacks the complex regulatory landscape shaping the future of iGaming in Latin America.Host: Fernando NoodtGuests: Ricardo Assis, Lucia Gando, Elisa Marcante & Damian MartinezProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: 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.

On this episode of iGaming Daily, the iGaming Expert team, Editor Joe Streeter and Business Journalist, Christian Lee, takes a closer look at three key markets making headlines in the global gambling industry. First up is Kenya, where a recent tax reduction on gambling activity is expected to drive greater player engagement and deliver new growth opportunities for operators in the region.Attention then shifts to Thailand, as political uncertainty continues to cast doubt over plans to legalise land-based casinos and integrated resorts. The hosts discuss what these delays could mean for potential market entry and the broader Southeast Asian gambling landscape.Rounding off the episode, the conversation moves to Azerbaijan, where ambitious proposals to develop casinos on artificial islands are starting to take shape. Could this bold strategy position the country as a new gaming destination? All this and more on today’s edition of iGaming Daily.To read more on the topics discussed in today's episode, click on the following links:https://igamingexpert.com/news/regulation/kenya-slashes-betting-excise-duty/https://igamingexpert.com/regions/asia/casino-waiting-game-in-thailand-continues/https://igamingexpert.com/regions/europe/azerbaijan-reintroduce-casinos/Host: James RossGuests: Joe Streeter & Christian LeeProducer: 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.

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 HornerProducer: 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 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 WelmanGuest: Tom NightingaleProducer: 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.