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31Casino tracks regulation, enforcement, market openings, operator movement, and responsible-gambling developments with an editorial lens. The goal is not volume. The goal is context.
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Online Poker Rocked by Malware Cheating Scandal Exposing High-Stakes Hole Cards
A sophisticated malware attack has compromised top online poker players by exposing their hole cards in real time, triggering security concerns and prompting calls for urgent player protection measures. The cheating scheme underscores serious vulnerabilities in third-party software used by professional poker communities.
More reporting
The broader feed, with room for regulatory, industry, and responsible-gambling developments.
Real-Time Regulation and AI Transform iGaming Landscape, SOFTSWISS Report Reveals
The latest SOFTSWISS iGaming Trends Report finds the industry entering an era of real-time regulation and practical AI deployment, changing the competitive and compliance environment for operators worldwide.
Entain Faces Sponsorship Ban Pressure, 500 Layoffs and 37% Stock Drop Amid UK Scrutiny
UK-listed Entain confronts mounting regulatory pressure as a government-backed sponsorship ban looms, 500 jobs are slashed, and shares plunge 37%. The operator's challenges reflect wider industry strains linked to unlicensed gambling advertising in Premier League football and stalling market growth.
UK Gambling Yield Reaches £17.5bn as Machine Revenue Climbs 10.7%
The UK’s gambling market generated £17.5bn in gross gambling yield (GGY) last year, driven by a 10.7% rise in gaming machine activity, notably from adult gaming centres. The latest regulator data highlights key shifts in retail gambling trends across Britain.
UK Gambling GGY Reaches £17.5bn as Online Casino Expansion Offsets Declining Betting Revenue
The UK gambling sector generated £17.5 billion in gross gambling yield for the latest reported year, with significant growth in online casino revenue compensating for declines in betting, according to new industry statistics. This shift highlights changing consumer preferences and regulatory challenges for operators in the UK market.
Europe’s Illegal Online Gambling Market Hits €12bn, Euromat Study Reveals Rapid Surge
A new Euromat study finds that Europe’s illegal online gambling market has tripled to €12bn, accounting for 25% of the continent’s online sector. The surge raises urgent regulatory questions and highlights the role of crypto and affiliates in driving unlicensed play.
European Online Gambling Reaches 39% Market Share Amid Shifting Regulatory Landscape
Online gambling now accounts for 39% of Europe’s total gambling revenue, reflecting rapid digital growth and complex regulatory shifts across major jurisdictions. This in-depth analysis breaks down the market size, country-by-country dynamics, and the significance for operators and policymakers.
Entain Delisted from FTSE 100 as Lottomatica–CIRSA Merger and Hungary Regulatory Review Reshape EU iGaming
Entain will exit the FTSE 100 on 21 September, coinciding with Lottomatica's planned CIRSA merger and a government-ordered review of Hungary's gambling regulator. These developments signal significant shifts in Europe’s online gambling landscape across the UK, Italy, Spain, and Hungary.
Paddy Power Puts 100 UK and Ireland Betting Shops Under Review Amid Retail Restructuring
Paddy Power is reviewing up to 100 betting shops, nearly a fifth of its UK and Ireland retail estate, putting 400 jobs at risk. The move highlights changing consumer habits and broader structural pressures in the UK retail betting sector.
Flutter Eyes Up to 100 Paddy Power Shop Closures Amid UK Retail Betting Challenges
Flutter Entertainment is considering closing up to 100 Paddy Power betting shops in the UK, a move the Betting and Gaming Council warns could impact racing revenues and jobs. This reflects wider shifts and pressures in the UK retail betting sector.
Lottomatica, Cirsa Merger to Form World's Second Largest Gambling Operator by EBITDA
Lottomatica and Cirsa have agreed to merge, creating the globe's second largest listed gambling operator by EBITDA. The landmark move, impacting Italy and Spain, underscores accelerating consolidation in regulated gaming markets.
UK BGC Flags £800m in Illegal Premier League Bets as Entain Faces FTSE Demotion
The Betting and Gaming Council projects £800 million staked via illegal operators on Premier League matches in the UK this season, while Entain faces removal from the FTSE 100 and Curaçao sets out new onboarding rules for iGaming licensees. Read the latest from European iGaming regulators and industry players.
Ontario iGaming Market Surges to CAD$9.88B in Wagers as Casino Play Drives Growth
Ontario’s regulated iGaming market reported a record CAD$9.88 billion in wagers in July 2024, fuelled by a 6% increase in online casino activity and strong World Cup betting. The latest data highlights Ontario’s status as a leading North American regulated iGaming jurisdiction amid rising competition and evolving market dynamics.
Brazil Betting Tax Revenues Top £1.2 Billion in 2026 Despite Political Turmoil
Brazil’s betting sector delivered £1.2 billion in tax revenue so far in 2026, even as political tensions threaten its future. This financial windfall highlights the growing importance of the regulated betting industry in Brazil’s fiscal landscape amid mounting political opposition.
PokerStars to Become Core Poker Product Across Betfair, Sky Bet, and Paddy Power in UK Integration
Flutter Entertainment will make PokerStars the main poker platform across its major UK brands—Betfair first, with Sky Bet and Paddy Power to follow—marking a key shift in operator integration and product strategy within the UK gambling market.
IG Group Acquires Underdog for $1.3 Billion as Austria Advances Gambling Reform
IG Group has agreed to acquire Underdog in a $1.3 billion deal, marking a major milestone in the European prediction markets sector. Meanwhile, Austria is moving forward on comprehensive gambling reform measures, as mixed Q2 financial results underscore the industry's divergent fortunes.
Non-Slot Casino Games Emerge as Key Player Engagement Driver, Infingame Reports
New data from iGaming aggregator Infingame highlights a significant shift in online casino portfolios, with non-slot games emerging as vital for player engagement and revenue. The findings reflect broader changes in player preferences and content strategies across global markets.
Betsson Finalises $74M Acquisition to Rejoin Ontario iGaming Market
Betsson has completed a $74 million acquisition of Rhino Entertainment's Canadian operations, marking its direct consumer return to the Ontario iGaming market. This move strengthens Betsson's presence in Canada and highlights ongoing industry consolidation amid Ontario’s competitive regulated landscape.
Betfred Considers Closing 132 UK Betting Shops Amid Gambling Tax Increase
Betfred may close up to 132 UK betting shops following recent gambling tax hikes, according to CEO Fred Done. The move highlights mounting pressure on high street betting operators and the shifting landscape of UK retail gambling regulation and taxation in 2024.
Betfred Shop Closures Signal UK Gambling Tax Impact as FDJ UNITED Posts H1 Loss
Betfred confirms high street shop closures after the UK online gambling tax rise, while the Gambling Commission delays its financial risk assessment and FDJ UNITED reports a first-half loss, highlighting major shifts in the European iGaming market.
UK Betting Industry Faces Over 1,100 Job Losses as Betfred and Entain Respond to Rising Taxes
Betfred will cut 600 jobs and close 132 shops across the UK, closely following Entain's announcement of 500 redundancies. Both operators cite increased gambling duties and higher operational costs, reflecting mounting pressure on the retail betting sector as regulatory and tax changes reshape the market.
Evolution Faces Takeover Bid as Kenneth Dart Surpasses 30% Stake
Evolution, the leading live casino supplier, confronts potential ownership upheaval after billionaire Kenneth Dart increased his shareholding above 30%, triggering a mandatory takeover bid under Swedish law. The development could reshape the European B2B casino landscape and raises questions about Evolution's future strategy and governance.
Banijay-Driven JOA Acquisition Raises Stakes in French Online Casino Legalisation Debate
Banijay Gaming’s acquisition of JOA Groupe, France’s second largest land-based casino operator, highlights renewed momentum in the country’s contentious debate over regulated online casinos, as one of Europe’s entertainment giants signals a deeper ambition to shape the future of French gambling policy.
Alberta iGaming Market Set for July 13 Launch as Major Operators Prepare Entry
Alberta’s regulated online casino and betting market will officially launch on July 13, with leading operators such as FanDuel announcing their entry. The move signals a major shift for Canada’s iGaming landscape and could reshape competition and consumer protection in the province.
Regulators
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Countries
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Licensing and player protection
A useful companion when news stories hinge on licensing and player-safety claims.