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The Impact of Regulatory Changes on Media Buying in iGaming
How legislative shifts influence media buying strategies and adaptation in a rapidly evolving industry
The iGaming industry is one of the most heavily regulated digital sectors, constantly adapting to new compliance frameworks worldwide. Regulatory changes affect not only operators but also media buyers, who must rethink their advertising strategies, creatives, and audience engagement approaches. While regulation enhances player safety, it also fosters challenges such as increased costs, creative limitations, and the rise of unlicensed operators.
Experts from the media buying agency RockApp have conducted an in-depth analysis of how regulatory changes impact the entire iGaming ecosystem.
How Regulations Shape Ad Creatives in iGaming
One of the most immediate effects of regulation is the restriction on advertising creatives. The UK, for instance, is one of the most tightly regulated markets, where media buyers must comply with strict guidelines:
- No mention of currency in ads: According to the UK Advertising Codes regulated by the ASA, there is no direct ban on the use of currency in gambling advertisements. However, advertisers must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure they do not mislead customers regarding potential winnings.
- No misleading claims or exaggerated expectations: Ads should not mislead users by exaggerating the chances of winning or implying that gambling can be a solution to financial concerns.
- No streamers or influencers with significant underage audiences: Featuring individuals who are, or appear to be, under 25 years old is prohibited. Additionally, using celebrities or influencers who have a strong appeal to under-18s is not allowed.
- Strict moderation of creatives before approval
- Social Responsibility: Advertisements must not portray gambling as indispensable or as a way to achieve financial security. They should not suggest that solitary gambling is preferable to social gambling.
These regulations necessitate careful consideration during the creation of advertising content. For instance, the prohibition on content that strongly appeals to under-18s means avoiding the use of animated characters, certain color schemes, or themes associated with youth culture. Additionally, the restriction on featuring individuals under 25 limits the selection of brand ambassadors and influencers, requiring brands to choose representatives who not only resonate with the target audience but also comply with age-related guidelines.
According to AppsFlyer’s “State of Gaming App Marketing – 2024 Edition,” global app user acquisition ad spend grew by 5% in 2024 to $65 billion, with a significant portion allocated to gaming apps. This increase underscores the importance of adhering to advertising regulations to ensure that marketing efforts are both effective and compliant.
In summary, the UK and other regulated countries’ stringent advertising regulations significantly influence the development of ad creatives in the iGaming industry. Advertisers must navigate these rules carefully to create content that is engaging yet compliant, ensuring that their marketing strategies uphold the principles of social responsibility and consumer protection.
Licensed media buying agencies can effectively adapt by integrating disclaimers and legal notices without compromising user engagement. While these additions reduce creative space, they don’t hinder performance significantly.
The Paradox: Regulation Enhances Safety but Fuels the Gray Market
Regulation is designed to protect players, but in some markets, it has also led to a surge in unlicensed casinos. For example, France, Poland, and the Netherlands have all experienced an influx of offshore operators who can acquire players at lower costs compared to licensed brands.
In Poland alone, nearly 50% of the gambling market operates in a gray zone, leading to an estimated annual tax loss of over $247 million. In 2023, transactions through unlicensed platforms reached $8.6 billion, prompting industry experts to call for urgent regulatory reforms by 2026 to curb further market deterioration.
Why does this happen? Strict regulations often limit marketing avenues for legal operators, making it difficult for them to compete with unlicensed platforms that operate without restrictions. As a result, players may turn to black-market casinos that offer more aggressive promotions, unrestricted gameplay, and fewer account verification hurdles.
For media buyers, this creates a complex landscape – navigating between compliance, profitability, and market demand.
The Value and Strategic Advantage of Media Buying in Regulated Markets
Operating under a license means adhering to an extensive list of requirements:
- Adhering to jurisdiction-specific advertising laws
- Complying with responsible gambling policies
- Avoiding blacklisted traffic sources
- Implementing strict user verification processes
While these regulations add complexity, they also bring long-term benefits. Running campaigns in a legally compliant manner allows for sustainable business growth, fostering trust among players and partners. Although user acquisition costs in regulated markets are higher, the quality of users significantly improves due to the absence of low-quality creatives with miss-promises, exaggerated expectations, and outright scams, which are prevalent in unregulated markets.
Advertisers appreciate this shift, as the traffic quality far exceeds expectations. This, in turn, improves lifetime value (LTV) and fosters long-term relationships between brands and agencies. Here’s a comment from a representative of HighRoller Casino, one of RockApp’s key clients:
“Stricter regulations in the iGaming industry have significantly increased operational demands and social responsibility for businesses. While compliance creates a more structured and reliable market, it also adds layers of complexity that companies must navigate. There are both advantages and challenges. On the one hand, licensed operators benefit from greater stability and credibility; on the other, the regulatory burden requires continuous adaptation. Finding the right balance is key to ensuring sustainable growth without restricting innovation.“– HighRoller Casino, CEO.
And a perspective from Soft2Bet:
“Choosing the right traffic partner is crucial in today’s iGaming landscape. RockApp has proven to be a reliable partner, delivering high-quality traffic and seamlessly adapting to the regulated market with the right approach. They don’t just follow trends – they anticipate changes and optimize processes to ensure outstanding results. The strategies that worked in the past are no longer effective, but RockApp excels at evolving, refining, and elevating performance to an entirely new level.” – Soft2Bet, CEO.
In contrast, grey and black market operators often have lower operational costs since they bypass licensing fees and may evade taxes. This cost advantage allows them to offer more attractive odds or bonuses to players. However, these operators face significant risks, including legal actions, lack of access to reputable payment processors, and challenges in establishing trust with players due to the absence of regulatory oversight.
A 2024 report by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) highlighted concerns that overly stringent regulations in some European countries are inadvertently driving players towards black market operators.
This trend is further reflected in Sweden, where a report by AB Trav och Galopp (ATG) revealed that traffic to unlicensed gambling operators has increased tenfold since 2019. The study estimates that the gross gaming revenue (GGR) of illegal operators now reaches 13 billion SEK ($13.64 billion) annually, with users reportedly spending 10-20 times more in unlicensed online casinos. ATG’s CEO has criticized Sweden’s current gambling laws, stating that excessive restrictions on licensed operators are creating an unfair playing field and driving users toward unregulated alternatives.
While licensed operations bring stability and quality assurance, excessively restrictive regulations can inadvertently push players and advertisers toward unregulated markets. This paradox is evident in markets like Sweden and Poland, where overly stringent policies have led to a surge in black-market activity. Thus, the key lies in finding a balance – ensuring robust consumer protection without stifling the competitive landscape for licensed operators.
In summary, while operating in the white market entails higher compliance costs, it ensures legal security and fosters player trust. Conversely, grey and black market operations may offer short-term financial gains but come with significant legal and reputational risks.
For media buying agencies, working within legal frameworks unlocks significant advantages:
- Access to bigger clients: Major iGaming brands prefer licensed agencies.
- Better partnerships: Large ad networks and platforms favor advertisers that comply with regulations.
- Higher-quality traffic: Compliance reduces fraud, improving traffic efficiency.
Many traffic sources, including Google, Facebook, and premium programmatic platforms, enforce strict iGaming policies. This means agencies that operate in compliance gain preferential access, while black-market operators struggle with bans and restrictions.
In contrast, working with unlicensed brands often leads to short-term gains but long-term instability. Black-hat media buying comes with high risk, including frequent account shutdowns, payment delays, and loss of advertiser relationships.
The Impact of Regulations on Influencer and Streaming Marketing
Strict regulations have also affected influencer marketing. In countries with tight restrictions, streamers can no longer serve as direct brand ambassadors for casinos. For example, while streamers in Tier 3 markets (regions with lax regulations) aggressively promote gambling to younger audiences, this is strictly forbidden in Tier 1 markets like the UK and France.
To adapt, agencies have found creative solutions:
- Using AI and deepfake technology to modify streamer appearances
- Replacing copyrighted music with royalty-free alternatives
- Carefully curating influencer partnerships to avoid compliance risks
These strategies help agencies continue leveraging influencer marketing without violating legal guidelines.
Conclusion
Regulation is an unavoidable reality in iGaming media buying. While it presents challenges, it also creates opportunities for agencies that know how to navigate the landscape effectively.
For media buyers, working within legal frameworks is no longer an option – it’s a necessity. The future belongs to those who can play by the rules while still outperforming the competition. Recently, RockApp has secured licenses in all regulated states across the United States, further solidifying its commitment to compliance and long-term growth in the iGaming industry.
The post The Impact of Regulatory Changes on Media Buying in iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Fairspin Receives Nomination for “Best Crypto Casino 2025”
The blockchain gaming pioneer Fairspin has been shortlisted for “Best Crypto Casino 2025” at the SiGMA Central Europe B2C Awards.
This latest nomination follows Fairspin’s earlier victory at the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2025, where it earned the title “Crypto Casino of the Year.” Together, these honors confirm Fairspin’s reputation as a brand that delivers not just innovation but real value for every player — enjoy speed, transparency, and rewards at every step!
Millions of Spins. One Trusted Brand
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Fairspin earns trust the only way that matters — through proof. Every bet, win, and TFS reward is verified on-chain, setting the standard for integrity in modern gaming.
Fairspin continues to expand its VIP program, offering tailored features as part of its broader crypto gaming platform.
Redefining Fair Play with Blockchain Technology
For those who know value, Fairspin delivers it without compromise. With over 10,000 premium titles from the world’s top studios, the platform seamlessly blends entertainment and technology to create an elite gaming experience.
Powered by its native TFS token, Fairspin rewards loyalty through Play to Earn and Hold to Earn — programs designed for those who play smartly and stay consistent. The more you play, the greater your benefits.
What Sets Fairspin Apart:
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The SiGMA Central Europe B2C Awards celebrate innovation and excellence across the online gaming industry. Fairspin’s nomination further strengthens its reputation as one of the most forward-thinking brands shaping the future of crypto gaming.
About Fairspin
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BEON
QTech Games adds more creative content from BEON
Reading Time: 2 minutes
QTech Games, the leading game aggregator across all emerging markets, has continued to maintain the momentum in its premium pipeline, as evidenced by its latest deal with BEON, an emerging force in the slots space, whose first raft of games is crash games-focussed.
Integrating a progressive portfolio from one of the most productive and innovative developers in the sector adds more muscle to QTech Games’ proprietary platform, which is leading the way across growth markets like LatAm and Africa. In a progressive production line that will span different slots genres, BEON is also committed to launching games tailored to specific partner requests, while simultaneously growing its portfolio with a new wave of titles in development.
As a result BEON is building a reputation for creating high-quality, immersive games with standout features that set them apart in any igaming domain, thanks to a smooth performance running off agile mechanics which are dedicated to gameplay precision and optimal retention. Its first five games to be released comprise Skydot, Fury Flight, Redy, Nomad and Orizon, while BEON’s unique Crash Game Generator tool allows operator partners to launch customised content inside 24 hours.
This collaboration delivers a targeted range of localized content, enabling QTech Games to continue to meet the varied preferences of players across emerging markets, while supporting both companies’ ambitions for global growth.
Philip Doftvik, QTech Games’ CEO, said: “BEON’s initial rollout of eye-catching crash games is premised on clever mechanics, easily intelligible gameplay, high payouts and colourful graphics, which are breaking up an often-copycat environment. This kind of content is well-suited to LatAm and African markets, which directly tracks our ongoing expansion throughout these territories. These games are robust, scalable, and future-ready – so, we look forward to seeing what’s next. ”
Saba Chkheidze, Managing Partner at BEON, added: “Partnering with QTech Games constitutes the perfect opportunity for us to bolster our product distribution across emerging markets and deliver our fantastic crash games to more and more top-tier operators.
“It’s a collaboration which marks a step-change in BEON’s growth strategy across untapped markets like Latin America and Africa, where we hope our games will connect with many new players. Aside from crash games, our roadmap is packed with fresh concepts and slots titles that aim to combine engaging gameplay with solid technical performance, ensuring that our partners and players always have something new to look forward to.”
The post QTech Games adds more creative content from BEON appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Behind the Gloves
GR8 Tech Brings Behind The Gloves Boxing Experience to SiGMA Central Europe 2025
Reading Time: 2 minutes
GR8 Tech is adding a knockout dimension to its SiGMA Central Europe presence with Behind the Gloves. On November 3–6 in Rome, booth 5028-2 visitors can take up a challenge and train like a champion with Lee McFarland, iGaming veteran and founder of the Behind The Glove initiative.
Step Into the Ring
Each day at GR8 Tech’s booth 5028-2, Lee McFarland will lead 15-minute boxing training sessions on specialized pads, giving participants a taste of the discipline, focus, and resilience that define both elite athletes and elite operators. Sessions run:
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Morning knockout slot
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Afternoon power rounds
With a limited capacity of 12 slots per day, pre-registration is required at this LINK. Slots are available for individuals or pairs looking to share the experience.
Champions Train Together
The collaboration between GR8 Tech and Behind the Gloves is a natural fit. Lee McFarland, a British military veteran turned iGaming consultant, created the initiative to combine boxing with corporate wellness and social responsibility, proving that strong businesses are built on strong people and stronger communities.
“At Behind The Gloves, we’ve always believed in the power of sport to connect people, energize communities, and tell authentic stories. Partnering with GR8 Tech at SiGMA Central Europe is a natural fit; they’re known as the ‘heavyweight of iGaming,’ and our activations are built around that same spirit of strength, discipline, and drive. Together, we’re creating more than just a stand experience—we’re building a moment that unites delegates through energy, fun, and purpose”, said Lee McFarland.
The activation reinforces GR8 Tech’s Platform for Champions positioning and the elite Heavyweight Club community of operators who are ready to lead, not follow. The company’s boxing-themed booth and partnership with Ready to Fight by Oleksandr Usyk embody the same champion’s mindset: resilience, high performance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
“Champions don’t talk about performance—they live it,” said Yevhen Krazhan, CSO at GR8 Tech. “Bringing Behind The Gloves to our booth embodies the discipline and drive we build into our technology. If you want to compete at the highest level, you have to train like it.”
Where Business Meets the Ring
The Behind The Gloves sessions complement GR8 Tech’s showcase of the ULTIM8 Sportsbook and The Heavyweight Rulebook—a collection of Champions’ Rules gathered from iGaming’s top performers. Together, they create an immersive experience where attendees don’t just learn about championship-level technology—they feel first-hand what it takes to be a champion.
Visit GR8 Tech at booth 5028-2, SiGMA Central Europe 2025 in Rome, November 3–6.
The post GR8 Tech Brings Behind The Gloves Boxing Experience to SiGMA Central Europe 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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