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Gambling News Roundup: New Regulations, Big Wins, and More

Millions of people enjoy gambling, whether it is a spot on a horse race or the football results. But many of them are at risk of addiction and must be better protected. That’s why the government has announced plans to update gambling rules for the digital age. These include extra powers for the Gambling Commission, curbs on bonus offers, and affordability checks for online slots.
Legalization of sports betting
The legalization of sports betting in the United States has brought a host of new opportunities for gamblers. People can now place bets on a wide variety of games, and some have even made huge profits from their wagers. This has boosted the economy and helped casinos make money. It is expected to continue growing over the next few years.
Several states have legalized sports betting, and many others are attempting to do so. Previously, most people had to travel to Nevada to place bets on their favorite teams and players. But now, sports betting is available in most states and can be enjoyed by anyone with an internet connection.
In addition to boosting the economy, legalized sports gambling is also helping state governments collect revenue. Over the past two years, sports betting taxes have generated over $3 billion in revenues for local and state governments and over $570 million for federal authorities. Some states are putting all of the money they receive from sports betting into general funds, while others are using it to fund programs such as education and law enforcement.
As the demand for legal sports betting continues to grow, many lawmakers are working on legislation to regulate the industry. Some proposals call for a percentage of the revenue to go towards anti-corruption measures in professional sports leagues, while other states are creating categories of licenses with different fees and requirements. In Illinois, for example, the new laws allow sports books to pay a “master sports wagering license” fee of $10 million to be licensed, and they must use official league data to set odds.
Other states, such as Montana and Nebraska, have ballot initiatives to legalize sports betting. In Nebraska, Proposition 27 will ask voters to amend the state constitution and allow regulated sports wagering. The measure has received support from the governor but will require 2/3 of the legislature’s approval to be placed on the ballot.
In Florida, the legislature approved sports wagering via a tribal-state compact with the Seminole Tribe in May 2021. Once the federal Department of Interior approves the compact, retail and mobile sports betting could launch in late 2021.
Legalization of medical marijuana
In the United States, medical marijuana is legal on a state level in 29 states and Washington, DC. However, you can learn more about the same from Focus Gaming News. The Trump administration has signaled a tougher stance on drug enforcement, but limited Department of Justice resources and large marijuana tax revenues in some states may discourage federal interference. Physicians are able to prescribe cannabis to treat nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy and wasting (severe weight loss) associated with AIDS, as well as spasticity from multiple sclerosis. The FDA has also approved synthetic marijuana-derived compounds such as Dronabinol and Cesamet, as well as the oromucosal spray Sativex for multiple sclerosis and cancer pain.
Legalization of online gambling
The legalization of online gambling in the United States is a complex issue. While the activity is largely legal in most areas, it is still subject to state and federal laws that restrict or regulate different aspects of the industry. For example, states have passed laws that allow sports betting while limiting the types of online gambling platforms that can accept wagers. Some states have even banned online gambling entirely. The most recent development in the US has been an attempt to circumvent these state-by-state patchworks by legalizing online gaming at the federal level.
Initially, the movement to legalize online gambling in the US was focused on sports betting. The 2018 Supreme Court decision overturned PASPA, allowing individual states to legalize sports betting in their jurisdictions. In the wake of this ruling, several states enacted legislation to legalize online betting on various sporting events. The most popular sports to bet on are football, basketball, and baseball. However, there are other popular games that can be wagered on as well, including horse racing and video games.
Online casinos and poker rooms are also becoming more accessible in the US. Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware were among the first states to introduce legal online casino games and poker sites. Since then, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan have joined the party, and other states are considering legalization as well.
While some people may enjoy online gambling without any problem, others can be harmed by its consequences. These problems range from financial loss to addiction and even death. In the worst cases, gambling harm and addiction can lead to suicide. As a result, the industry has become more vigilant in its efforts to protect vulnerable players.
In 2022, California will vote on two competing proposals for the legalization of online sports betting. One is backed by FanDuel and DraftKings while the other is supported by California tribes. Both initiatives face an uphill battle. The state has a large Mormon population and many residents oppose the initiative due to religious beliefs. The other major holdout in the US is Hawaii, which has a similar climate and a lack of interest in expanding its gambling regulations.
Legalization of Video Poker
Amid the excitement over the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize sports betting, many states are considering new regulations that could further expand gambling. One example is a bill that would make it easier for gambling firms to monitor the habits of their customers and take steps to intervene when they exhibit problem behaviors. This bill would also allow casinos to sell betting apps and offer a range of responsible gambling products.
The state of South Carolina has a complicated relationship with gambling. Its laws ban most forms of gambling, but video poker is in a gray area because it is not specifically mentioned in the law. It was only able to survive in the state by hiding in a 1986 legislative favor. A tiny amendment in the back of a giant budget bill erased two words in a state statute, allowing video poker players to win jackpots. The state has never formally banned video poker, but it has used suits and lobbying to stymie efforts to pass a ban.
Some states have a better relationship with gambling than others, but even the best-behaved states sometimes struggle to enforce their laws. For instance, the state of Kentucky took a hard line against online poker in recent years and attempted to seize 140 gambling domains. The effort was ultimately thwarted by the court, but the state still maintains a harsh anti-online poker policy. The Kentucky Supreme Court might eventually review the case, but it is unlikely that the state will legalize online poker anytime soon.
Another state with a good relationship with gambling is West Virginia, which has launched regulated sports betting sites. In 2023, the state is expected to roll out a broader set of iGaming offerings, including online slots and table games. It is likely that the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes will launch these sites in the state, though they may face some challenges.
The state of California has 78 land-based casinos and 60 poker clubs. It has also dozens of horse tracks, OTBs, casino cruises, and bingo halls. But it has never passed a legalized version of online poker, partly because of the industry’s unpopular image. A bill that would legalize a statewide poker network was defeated in February, but lawmakers are looking at other ways to boost gaming revenues. They are considering expanding land-based casino machines, allowing players to use their mobile devices, and adding a gambling ombudsman to help resolve disputes between punters and companies.
David Mann Chief Executive Officer at Swintt
Martina Muscat joins Swintt as new Marketing Manager

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In-demand software provider appoints experienced iGaming marketing specialist to strengthen brand consistency and ensure all communications really resonate
Swintt, the sought-after software provider celebrated in the industry for its innovative approach to game design and player engagement, has announced it has appointed Martina Muscat as Marketing Manager.
Having previously spent six-and-a-half years at Play ‘n GO as Online Marketing Coordinator before enjoying a more recent spell as Marketing Specialist at IGT, Martina arrives in the role with bags of industry experience that will help Swintt improve its communications across all channels.
Among the primary responsibilities of the new position, Martina will be tasked with ensuring that every upcoming game launch from Swintt tells a story that truly resonates with global audiences and that a consistent approach is taken in regards to all future messaging surrounding the brand.
Of course, given Swintt already boasts a packed product portfolio that includes Premium, Select and Elysium Studios – Driven by Swintt titles, Martina will have plenty of inspiration to work with and can use the studio’s previous successes as the blueprint to drive improvement going forward.
Martina Muscat, Marketing Manager at Swintt, said: “I’m really excited to be joining Swintt as the new Marketing Manager at what is an incredibly important time for the brand. With players these days wanting experiences, trust and something that feels tailored to them, I believe Swintt’s mix of in-house creativity and partnerships has put us in a great position to meet their demands.
“With a clear focus on regulated markets and a commitment to doing things the right way, Swintt’s huge portfolio of content means there’s so much variety and creativity to work with – and for someone like me, that’s marketing gold. Couple that with a great company culture that’s both ambitious and collaborative and it’s the exact type of environment where I can do my best work.”
David Mann, Chief Executive Officer at Swintt, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Martina to the Swintt team and believe her considerable experience in marketing will help us create an even more engaging and consistent brand persona as we continue to launch new games going forward.
“One of the things that really struck me about Martina was her passion and enthusiasm for the role. She recognises that with new markets opening, rising player expectations and ever-evolving regulations, the pace of change in our industry is relentless – but rather than being put off by the challenges, she’s sees the opportunities and is already thinking about how Swintt can capitalise.”
The post Martina Muscat joins Swintt as new Marketing Manager appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Affiliate Industry
Affilka by SOFTSWISS Partners with Voluum for Smarter Affiliate Campaign Tracking

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Affilka by SOFTSWISS has announced a strategic partnership with the Voluum ad tracking and optimisation platform. The integration provides iGaming affiliates and operators with advanced tools to monitor, analyse, and optimise traffic, turning data insights into higher revenue and efficiency.
Affilka’s API integration with Voluum’s advanced click-tracking system enables affiliates to manage traffic more efficiently and gain deeper insights to maximise campaign results. This collaboration unlocks powerful new features that support smarter decision-making:
- Fast and simple setup without postback creation, giving affiliates complete conversion data while eliminating unnecessary complexity and delays.
- Centralised traffic and player activity data in one place within the Voluum panel, making it easier to monitor performance and act on insights.
- Detailed tracking of campaigns and conversion events, enabling accurate ROI measurement and optimisation.
- Clear traffic funnel insights, helping affiliates understand player journeys and refine acquisition strategies by accessing data that was previously available only in Affilka.
- Automated campaign optimisation, reducing manual effort while maximising returns.
Gleb Bichan, Product Lead at Affilka by SOFTSWISS, shares: “Affiliate marketing success starts with data. By integrating Affilka with Voluum, we bring together two powerful platforms to give partners exclusive insights and a unified performance view in one place. This unique data enrichment creates new opportunities for smarter campaign optimisation, stronger decision-making, and ultimately, better business results.”
Operators relying on paid and affiliate traffic also benefit from this partnership with unified dashboards, centralised reporting, and role-based collaboration tools. They can analyse performance metrics such as sign-ups and first-time deposits in real time, gaining clearer insights to refine acquisition strategies.
Kamila Łuksza-Szpyt, Managing Director at Voluum, comments: “In an era of tightening regulation and heightened transparency, the Affilka and Voluum integration revolutionises iGaming acquisition strategies. With centralised player information and no need for individual postbacks, operators can effortlessly optimise their campaigns and focus on what truly matters – acquiring quality players with ease.”
By integrating with Affilka, Voluum performance tracker gives affiliates sharper data and easier collaboration, while equipping operators with the automation and tracking they need to scale efficiently.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 35,000 casino games, Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
About Voluum
Voluum is an all-in-one ad tracking, optimization, and automation platform that helps iGaming operators and affiliates acquire high-quality players. With over 10 years of experience in performance marketing, Voluum integrates with top traffic sources, affiliate networks, and iGaming operators via s2s postback, pixel, or API. This delivers real-time data insights, simplifies campaign management, and prevents wasted budgets.
The post Affilka by SOFTSWISS Partners with Voluum for Smarter Affiliate Campaign Tracking appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
3 Pigs of Olympus
Movers and Shakers: The Power of Visual Storytelling in iGaming

Reading Time: 3 minutes
“Movers and Shakers” is a dynamic monthly column dedicated to exploring the latest trends, developments, and influential voices in the iGaming industry. Powered by GameOn and supported by HIPTHER, this op-ed series delves into the key players, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes shaping the future of online gaming. Each month, industry experts offer their insights and perspectives, providing readers with in-depth analysis and thought-provoking commentary on what’s driving the iGaming world forward. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the scene, “Movers and Shakers” is your go-to source for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving iGaming landscape.
By Qianqian Liu, Head of Art and Animation at Gaming Corps
In iGaming, attention is fleeting. Players scroll through lobbies packed with hundreds of titles, and their decision to click on a game often happens in the space of a second or two. While mechanics and math models keep players engaged over time, it’s usually the artwork that determines whether they choose to play in the first place.
Over the course of my career in game art, I have seen how critical those first impressions are. High-quality visuals instantly communicate professionalism, entertainment value, and trustworthiness. They set the stage for the entire player experience. A game that looks polished and approachable has a far greater chance of being tried, while a title that looks confusing or underdeveloped risks being ignored entirely.
A clear example of this philosophy in action is Gaming Corps’ hugely popular title 3 Pigs of Olympus. The game takes familiar Greek mythology and reimagines it through the lens of humour and charm, with Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades brought to life as playful piggy banks. The reinterpretation not only provides an immediate hook in the lobby but also creates a warm, entertaining atmosphere that resonates once the reels begin to spin.
Artwork as the emotional bridge
Artwork does more than simply attract attention; it acts as the emotional bridge between mechanics and the player. Even the most innovative math model will fall flat if it is not supported by visuals that spark curiosity, delight, or connection. In 3 Pigs of Olympus, what could have been a straightforward “three pots” mechanic is transformed into something more memorable through character-driven design. The piggy gods inject humour and personality, transforming a familiar structure into an engaging journey.
When players feel amused, intrigued, or invested in the visual world, they are more likely to keep playing. That emotional response extends gameplay beyond outcomes, making the process enjoyable in itself.
Collaboration from concept to delivery
At Gaming Corps, this philosophy is embedded in the creative process. Artists, designers, and developers work together from the very beginning of a project to ensure that visuals are not only beautiful but functional and aligned with gameplay.
During concept development, sketches and ideas are exchanged with constant input from design and development teams. This ensures clarity in symbols, smooth performance across devices, and readability in fast-paced play. By working as one unit, the final product achieves balance: artwork that is aesthetically striking while seamlessly supporting the game loop.
In a space where milliseconds of attention matter, this alignment makes a huge difference.
The measurable impact of artwork
The impact of quality artwork can be seen in tangible performance metrics. Games with clear, polished, and charming visuals tend to perform better in lobbies, as players are naturally drawn to them. Over time, strong visuals also influence retention, as players enjoy not only the mechanics but the personality and atmosphere of the game.
Clarity plays an important role in this. When symbols are instantly understandable, players can grasp the rules quickly, without unnecessary cognitive effort. This lowers friction and allows them to focus on enjoyment.
In the case of 3 Pigs of Olympus, this combination of charm and clarity translated into strong lobby performance and improved long-term engagement. These results reaffirm what I have long believed: visuals are not just surface-level appeal, but an integral driver of success.
Elevating visual design
For studios and artists looking to elevate their visual design, several principles can make a significant impact. Clarity should always come first: every symbol and element must be instantly readable, no matter the screen size. Personality, however, is what makes clarity memorable. A symbol that is both clear and charming creates a lasting impression.
Drawing from familiar themes can also be powerful, but the key lies in reinterpreting them in unexpected ways. Myths, stories, and cultural motifs are instantly recognisable, but when paired with humour or novelty, they stand out from the crowd. Consistency across all elements, from background art to UI, reinforces trust and gives the game a polished identity.
Most importantly, artists should not work in isolation. Visuals must be part of the game loop, enhancing the mechanics rather than sitting apart from them. When art is integrated into the full development process, it becomes more than decoration; it becomes a core driver of readability, emotion, and excitement.
The post Movers and Shakers: The Power of Visual Storytelling in iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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