iGaming Daily

SBC Media
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Jul 14, 2025 • 25min

Ep 558: Brazil's Land-Based Standoff & LatAm's Image Crisis

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.
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Jul 11, 2025 • 27min

Ep 557: The "Beautiful Bill" That's Ugly for Gamblers, with Captain Jack Andrews

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.
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Jul 10, 2025 • 23min

Ep 556: Approvely’s CEO Destroys the Big Myths in US iGaming Payments

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.
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Jul 9, 2025 • 24min

Ep 555: Kemi Badenoch’s Bold Move - Saving UK Racing or Saving Face?

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.
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Jul 8, 2025 • 24min

Ep 554: Game Over for DFS in California?

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.
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Jul 7, 2025 • 22min

Ep 553: Beyond Google - Inside SpinFinn's Independent Casino Search Engine

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.
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Jul 4, 2025 • 21min

Ep 552: Analysing the Intralot-Bally's Deal

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.
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Jul 3, 2025 • 22min

Ep 551: Brazil's 'Toy Breaking' Tax Tug-of-War

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.
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Jul 2, 2025 • 15min

Ep 550: Spain's DGOJ rethinks gambling restrictions & Risk Algorithm dilemma

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.
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Jul 1, 2025 • 17min

Ep 549: New California Bill could disrupt Fantasy Sports in California

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.

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